FIFTEEN-year-old Nathan Birks produced a batting master class for Amport II as he led his side to a thrilling home win over Stockbridge.

The talented teen top scored with an astonishing 139 not out to push Amport just one run above their target with just a wicket to spare.

The home side lost the toss and were put out to field with Brandon Smith giving Amport a dream start, bowling Ewens in the first over.

Smith bowled exceptionally well ending up with well deserved figures of 4-34 from his 10 overs.

With a fast outfield and bowling many wides and no balls (53 extras in total) Amport saw the run rate rise.

They were grateful to Smith for providing another breakthrough by removing the dangerous Burton.

Neil Rose, who hit 67, continued his fine form of the season with a succession of boundaries.

Darren Goacher brought himself into the attack and produced a good spell, picking up one wicket with a perfect doosra, and ending with fine figures.

Runs still came at a good rate with all batsman getting in and contributing but further wickets fell to Nathan Birks and Tom Startup as the innings finally closed at 227-8.

Amport looked down and out after the top order failed again leaving them 20-3. Young guns Birks and Smith then batted nicely compiling a 60 run partnership for the 4 wicket at a decent rate.

It was a surprise when Smith holed out for a pleasing 29 and Mike Graham went without troubling the scorers before drinks were taken.

Birks was then joined by his brother Sam Birks as they put on another 50 run stand posted as Nathan passed his fifty, however, Sam was well caught at slip for 16.

Tom Startup came in and offered support in a 49 run stand, contributing 3, but then a tumble of wickets saw him, Rory Griffin and Darren Goacher depart.

The game looked lost with Amport 181-9 but Nathan and Sam Goacher had other ideas.

In a last wicket stand of 47 the youngsters won the game with some fine hitting, rapid running and mostly sound judgement.

Birks reached his hundred with a lofted straight drive for four and as they neared their target a succession of hard run twos bought it down to just three for the win.

Aclip to midwicket and straight drive later and Birks and Goacher had secured a famous victory.