Whitehurst is the hero to help Bagnall Norton to tense win

BAGNALL Norton spinner Andrew Whitehurst kept his cool in dramatic circumstances to secure his side a one-run win at Hem Heath in NSSCL Premier A.

- By Chris Travers

The defending champions required 10 to win off the final over as they looked to chase down Bagnall Norton's 231-3 from their 45 overs.

And it looked like the points would be remaining on home turf at Trentham Lakes when Hem Heath skipper Greg Prime hit both of Whitehurst's first two deliveries for four.

That left the hosts requiring two for victory off the remaining four balls but the match concluded in remarkable fashion.

Whitehurst bowled two dot balls to Prime before having him stumped by wicketkeeper Charles Worthington off the penultimate delivery.

And new batsman Ej Laverty couldn't score off the final ball as Hem Heath closed on 230-7.

The defeat was even more frustrating for Hem Heath considering Matt Hodson was stood at the non-striker's end for the final over unbeaten on 111 having batted throughout the chase.

Earlier in the day, Anuj Tiwari's 75 not out, which included 10 fours and one six, plus 56 from Josh Cartledge, helped Bagnall Norton to their tally.