CHIPPENHAM captain Lee Ward was thrilled to see his side snatch a dramatic tie against Burbage & Easton Royal last weekend.

It was squeaky-bum-time at Hardenhuish Park as Saturday’s clash between two county rivals went to the wire, with hosts Chippenham forced to chase down a total of 212-7.

Things looked perilous for the home side when they stood at 84-7 but a stirring partnership between Owen Alsop and Richard Bates helped Chippenham reach their target in dramatic fashion, with Ward’s men reaching 212-8 with eight runs from the final two balls of the contest.

“I don’t think that I’ve ever been involved in a tie before – it was definitely an exciting game,” said the Chippenham skipper.

“In the end, it was very good to get the result. From where we were earlier in the game, it did feel like a win.

“Burbage have got a good side and they got the upper hand on us early on. They got off to a good start with the bat and we didn’t.

“Things didn’t look good when we were at 84-7 but Owen and Rich came in and batted really well – Rich has only just come back into the team.

“Heading into the last over, we needed 15 to get the tie and 16 to win.

“Then, off the last two balls, it was eight runs to tie and nine runs to win.

“John Rumble, our number 10, hit a six off the first ball.

“Then we ran off the two runs we needed and got the draw.”

Tom Wallbridge’s Burbage batted first after winning the toss and got off to a positive start through Jon Chandler (24), David Cope (34) and Sourish Mukherjee (34).

The visitors’ Luke Woodcock weighed in with an unbeaten knock of 69, whilst Ward, Bates and George Reed all took two wickets apiece as the target was set.

Chippenham wickets fell at regular intervals, with James Lavis claiming 4-26, but Owen Alsop ended the afternoon unbeaten on 74.

His innings was supplemented by Bates’ 58, whilst tail-ender John Rumble contributed to the result at the death.

Chippenham, who have just one victory to their name so far this season, host Swindon next weekend, whilst Burbage make the trip to Rockhampton, who condemned Biddestone to a second successive defeat last weekend.

The Gloucestershire hosts won the toss and opted to bat first, with openers William Tyler (32) and Jamie Wakefield (55) setting the tone.

That set up centurion Michael Beard to come in and anchor the innings with a storming 108 and as Andy Flynn’s side toiled with the ball, Rockhampton’s Jack Spence added a run-a-ball 31 to help his side post 261-5.

Biddestone’s run-chase then never really got off the ground, Dwaine Perry offered up the most resistance as he chalked up 34, whilst Naeem Khan (13), Luke Panes (12) and Chris Baker (10) were the only other visiting batsmen to reach double-figures.

Dave McCabe was the star turn in the Rockhampton bowling attack with figures of 4-23, whilst Joe Maiden took 3-26 and Christopher Perry claimed 2-15.

Biddestone were left to reflect on a heavy loss as they were skittled for just 100 after 32 overs, 116 short of their target.

Flynn’s men, who are currently second-from-bottom in the Glos/Wilts Division table, make the trip to Frenchay, who have won three and lost one of their opening four games, next Saturday.