CRICKET: Poulton lose in last over at Oldlands despite the outstanding James Newman

On a wet and patchy Oldlands wicket the toss was an important one to win and when stand-in skipper Poulton Jon Maunder lost it he was not surprised when his side were asked to bat.

Batting proved as tough as anticipated with Poulton losing opening batsmen Scott Meredith and Mark Burton early on.

The ball was doing plenty but Calum Higginson, called up from the seconds, made a great start and put on a quick 15 runs before skying the ball for a catch when attacking spinner Steve Pennington.

Maunder (10), Graham Clarke (5), John Watson (4) and Liam James (1) all lost their wickets for less then 20 runs combined as the scoreboard read 61-6.

Impressive youngster James Newman (46) coming to the crease at number nine gave Poulton some hope with a series of superb cover drives and big sixes.

Robbie James (18) also kept the scoreboard ticking, while Charlie Buse (3*) played defensively to keep Newman on strike.

The outstanding Newman fell just short of his 50, caught on the boundary, and Poulton were all out for 149 with the help of 20 plus extras.

With a small total to chase and the wicket drying out in their favour, Oldlands started off well with the first 10 overs going for 40 runs.

Nick Grove had been dropped before eventually falling LBW to Buse for 40.

The next 10 overs saw Poulton's bowling and fielding improve enormously and in that period they conceded only 13 runs.

Liam James took a wicket with a hideous full toss but it was a better ball from him which got Doug Walton (16) shortly after.

Even tighter bowling from man of the match Newman meant Oldlands were not scoring runs quick enough. After 30 overs they were on just 81.

Liam James took another two wickets for figures of 4-18. Jack Morris took the wicket of Dave Brookes to a fine one-handed diving catch from John Watson.

Going into the final over Poulton had given themselves a chance with the hosts needing two runs but they got them with four balls to spare.