Tilford earned a winning draw against Elstead in an exciting top-of-the-table clash in Division One of the I’Anson League on Saturday.

The match see-sawed throughout and was watched by a good crowd at Tilford Green. The visitors hung on with their last pair at the wicket for four overs with the fielders close in and the shadows lengthening.

Elstead captain Paddy Murphy won the toss and asked Tilford to bat first. The visitors struck an early blow with George Ellis caught and bowled in the second over. Joe Lincoln provided further success, and Tilford were reduced to 50 for four at the end of the 11th over.

Charlie Barrow joined Ciaran Rooney and they started to repair the innings. The stand was worth 71 before Barrow departed for 43 and Rooney followed for 42 as the innings faltered at 129 for seven.

Huw Town-Jones (31 not out) and Mike Braans (24 not out) added late impetus and added 55 as Tilford finished on 184 for seven after 48 overs. Lincoln took three for 29 and Bruce Forbes one for 22 off their maximum ten overs.

Elstead lost Lincoln in their reply, but Sam Holland and Luke Huard added 53 before the aggressive Huard was caught behind having hit six fours and two sixes in his 39.

At 92 for two after 22 overs the visitors were well placed, but immediately after the drinks break Town-Jones struck twice in the same over to dismiss Sam and Max Holland.

From there Tilford’s skipper Ellis took three quick wickets as well as two excellent catches in the deep off Braans to stop Elstead from reaching the winning draw target of 162. Elstead ended on 141 for nine after 42 overs, with Ellis taking three for 22 and Town-Jones and Braans two wickets each.