Andover IV 143 tied with Compton & Chandler's Ford 143

You can wait all your life to play in a tied match and then two come along, writes John Baxter.

After tying with Shrewton II a fortnight ago, the 4th XI maintained their unbeaten record by the skin of their teeth on Saturday when a Compton & Chandler's Ford side decided to self-destruct -- giving Pat Littlehales a six-wicket haul, including the vital last wicket, a caught and bowled, when the scores were level.

Andover's score of 143 was due in no uncertain terms again to a good opening partnership of 76 between John Copleston and John Baxter.

Once again the later batsmen didn't capitalise on this start as there was a clatter of wickets to reduce the score to 99-5. There was a recovery of sorts between Littlehales and Tim Smith, and then Terry Neale and Smith took Andover to 143.

In reply Compton had Lawman superbly caught by Phil Knight off Terry Neale in the first over. However, at 103-4 the home side were well and truly on top, before they pressed the self-destruct button and wickets began to tumble. Littlehales then switched ends and he straight away grabbed the vital wicket of opener Julian Crocker, well caught by Tim Smith for 42.

There were only 12 needed for victory when the seventh wicket fell, and Andover could sense some sort of salvation as two more went down for just four runs, leaving the last pair to eke out eight runs. That they managed to score seven, with Andover closing in like wolves around them, was to their credit.

A great game ended with the sides locked together, proving that in cricket nothing is certain until the final ball has been bowled.