A FINE victory for Eastnor Thirds against local rivals Brockhampton Thirds by six wickets in this Hereford Times H&DCL Division Two match should keep them in second spot.

EASTNOR III v BROCKHAMPTON III

On an extremely hot day, Brockhampton won the toss and batted with Austwick (28) and Apperley putting on 32 runs before a fine return from Sam Beale had the latter run out.

Dash (21) and Brotherwood (28) continued after Grundy had caught the other opener, and runs were flowing quickly. Martin Loveridge (3-32) and Nick Haggar (5-21) slowed the run rate down and with the help of a good spell from Josh Emery, whittled away at the wickets.

Shepard and Williams defiantly putting on 30 runs for the ninth wicket before Haggar took both scalps. The final total 150.

Eastnor's reply was started with Haggar hitting Dash for six first ball, only to be bowled two balls later.

Cliff Tipton, relishing in his role as opener, than went to town and he smashed the ball to all points of the ground.

Hamish Grundy (12) kept Tipton company for six overs before he was well bowled by Austwick. The same bowler took out the stumps of Loveridge next over.

Martin Lane began also with a big six into the football ground, but his last match as a bachelor ended shortly after.

Adam McTear (29no including seven fours) and Tipton then ended the game in style, putting on 50 runs in just four overs, Tipton remained unbeaten on 86 (three sixes, 13 fours), his highest score for the club.

The match was finished in just 17 overs.