Wells 223-9 beat Ashbrittle 222 all out by 1 wicket

Wells played host to Ashbrittle on Saturday in what was another nail-biting victory for the city side over last season's top-of-the-table rivals.

Wells opted to field first on a soft track and looked to make early inroads with the new ball. But Ashbrittle openers Williams and Sheppard, while not looking comfortable, weathered the early storm from last week's destroyer Leigh Payne and Nick Gerrish.

A change of attack eventually brought the first wicket, Ali Barrowman proving too quick for Sheppard. This brought A Hill to the crease, but, after a few silky shots, he edged one behind off Barrowman.

This was to prove the vital wicket as Williams and Bradbury, although increasing the run-rate from a steady three an over, were forced to go aerial and this accounted for Williams for 58.

Bradbury looked impressive before missing a straight one from Carl Thompson for 51, and this was the start of a collapse Wells were looking for.

Wells were extremely clinical in the last 10 overs, with Howard Thompson joining his brother Carl to mop up the Ashbrittle tail, both taking four wickets, with the help of lightning glovework from Kiwi Chris Worts, as Wells were left to chase 223 for victory.

Wells' reply got off to a worrying start as A Hill found pace and bounce in the wicket to account for C Thompson and Worts. However, this brought James Barrowman (50) and brother Ali (57) to the crease, to not only steady the ship, but take Wells to the brink of victory.

James combined classy nudges with penetrating drives, while Ali was quick to pounce on anything short, and the pair racked up a century partnership.

But both fell in quick succession and Wells were made to build again. Howard Thompson made an impressive 32 while others were faltering. Although only four an over was needed from the last 10 overs, Ashbrittle, and in particular A Hill (3-42) and J Bradbury (2-24), were exerting tremendous pressure, and this told as Wells lost four wickets in the last six overs.

It was left to Matt Dearlove and Craig Churches, nursing a dislocated finger, to see Wells home in difficult circumstances with only five balls remaining to secure a second straight maximum-point victory.

Wells host Burnham on Saturday as the side look to continue their climb up the Division Two table.