BASINGSTOKE and North Hants captain Andy Giles praised the spirit shown by his side as they fought back from a difficult position to earn a draw at Wokingham.

Having seen the home team make 276-9 from their 52 overs, the Bountymen looked set to lose as they slumped to 44-5 inside 20 overs. Giles decided to promote experienced campaigner Nigel Williamson (23) up the order in an attempt to stop the rot and this paid dividends as he put on 47 with Matt Thankachan (29), another older head in the side.

Despite this and several key contributions from the lower order, final pair Andy Fulton (10 not out) and Chris Chandler (0 not out) were required to bat out the final 27 balls.

They succeeded, ensuring a frustrated Wokingham remain below them in the Thames Valley division one table and extending their own unbeaten run to five games.

A relieved Giles, standing in as captain for injured Russell Droy, paid tribute to his last-wicket pairing. “It was nervous counting down the balls but credit must go to Andy and Chris,” he said.

“They both left the ball well and made the bowlers come to them, which was what we needed.

“We showed guts to earn a draw and have also kept Wokingham from getting a full 25 points, which would have put them above us. In the past, we might have lost games like that.”

See The Monday Gazette for a full report