GLOUCESTERSHIRE Over 60s scrambled a bye from the final ball of the match to seal an exciting one-wicket win away to Dorset in their opening ECB Championship group game of the summer.
The last wicket pair of Matt Cannon and Nic Hayward came together with 15 still needed for victory at Shillingstone from the final four overs before reducing the target to seven from the last six balls.
An all-ran four to cover by Cannon and two singles then tied the scores, setting up the dramatic ending which saw the visitors edge the spoils, sparking great scenes of celebration.
Earlier, Dorset reached 191-5 from their 45 after losing the toss, Razi Ahmed the pick of the attack with a return of 3-40 from nine overs of spin.
Opener Rob Austen (42) steered Gloucestershire through some early troubles while Ahmed (34 off 25, including three sixes), Nick Marment (32) and Steve Witcomb (22) kept the visitors in the chase before a flurry of wickets fell.
But just as Dorset appeared set to produce a decisive strike, Cannon and Hayward stood firm to clinch the tightest of wins.
It was a tougher day for the 60s 2nds who succumbed by 119 runs against Oxfordshire at Stowell Park.
But Gloucestershire 60s 4ths emerged three-wicket winners at home to Wales, Neil Wilson shining with a tremendous 131 as his side chased down a target of 269 with more than an over to spare.
THIS WEEK’S FIXTURES
TUESDAY MAY 6
Over 60s v Cornwall, at Thornbury CC, 11.30am
Over 60s 2nds v Devon, Shobrooke Park
Over 60s 3rds v Worcestershire, Pershore
Over 60s 4ths v Sussex, at Birdlip CC, 1pm
THURSDAY MAY 8
Over 70s v Worcestershire, Harrington