CHESELBOURNE 162-8 (7pts) lost to SYMENE 165-6 (19pts) by 3 runs

SYMENE pulled off one of their most dramatic victories of recent seasons with a nerve-shredding three-run victory over Cheselbourne with just one ball to spare in this Dorset Sunday League Division Four encounter.

Chasing 163 to win, Symene were reduced to a 22-5 in the 13th over following some tight opening bowling from Crocker (2-15) and Nicholls (3-25).

But the hero of the day was wicketkeeper Phil Hawkins who used all his experience and determination to compile an outstanding unbeaten 78.

Hawkins found excellent support from Liam Toohill, whose invaluable 52 containing just three boundaries always kept the scoreboard ticking over.

Earlier, Cheselbourne were indebted to a classy 59 from opener Nicholls, while Kellaway and House added a vital 40 for the ninth wicket to help post a competitive total.

Graham Bartlett, back to his 2012 form, bagged 3-26 and Toohill an impressive 2-15 in what was a good Symene bowling display.

But the memory of this game will be the celebrations of the Symene players when, fittingly, the popular Hawkins relieved the tension by hitting a boundary from the penultimate ball to seal the narrowest of wins.