SANDRIDGE almost completed what would have been an amazing win in their first game back in Division Five.

New skipper Lennie Peters lost his first toss and Datchworth elected to bat first on a dry and flat looking track. Despite losing an early wicket to John Murphy’s clever opening spell they looked comfortable at 80-2.

Peters’ introduced himself and Duncan Ferguson (1-19) and they both immediately had an impact curtailing runs and picking up wickets. Peters (5-53) bowled with guile but a ninth wicket partnership of 92 set Sandridge back.

Sandridge started their response well and at 60-1 looked well set to pass the target. Rothery’s (20) dismissal slowed the run rate but Adam Temple (39) continued to play his shots until he was caught at first slip.

Wickets remained in hand but 90 from 10 overs was a daunting proposition. Andy Norman and Ferguson hit the boundary regularly but it was Dan Williams, on his SHL debut for Sandridge, who changed the game.

He hit 35 not out in double quick time supported by Lawrence White (15) and Rick Panting.

It came down to needing three runs off the last ball, but it was too much to ask as the game ended in a draw.

Final score: Datchworth (211-9) drew with Sandridge (209-8)

SHL Division 10

Sandridge 2s (216-5) beat Datchworth (212-9) by five wickets

A brilliant century from Matt Scott saw Sandridge chase down Datchworth’s total in a five-wicket victory.

The opener survived a middle order collapse to record his maiden ton for the club, before his was run out for 112 runs. Scott’s opening partner Dave Camm (43) put Sandridge well above the required run-rate before he was dismissed.

After Scott’s match-winning innings fell just short of the target, Colin Winton and Andy Roe saw Sandridge over the line with a four off the final ball.

Earlier in the day, Skipper Dave Muskett won the toss and put Datchworth into bat.

After a 50-run opening partnership, the pressure told as Datchworth slipped to 130-6. A late rally, however, saw them post 212-9. Tom Price (4-63) was the pick of the bowlers.

Final score: Sandridge 2s (216-5) beat Datchworth (212-9) by five wickets