EVERSLEY pulled off a sensational last-ball victory to keep their Thames Valley League Division One survival bid alive with a five-run win at Beaconsfield, writes Richard Ashton.

The Boars chose to bat but found the going tough as they slumped to 130-7, only for a fine partnership between captain Scott Dyer (52) and coach Aftab Habib to take them to 201-8.

Beaconsfield made an appalling start as they fell to 7-4 and then 130-8, but an excellent innings from Chris Thomas (64no) gave his side hope.

He was well supported by Jason Harrison, and in wet and gloomy conditions, Beaconsfield required 13 from the final over.

Dyer threw the ball to Mesh Sayed, and the part-time spinner conceded five off his first two balls.

However, he then had Harrison superbly caught on the boundary by Dyer, before bowling a dot ball.

With eight needed from two balls, Sayed clean bowled the Beaconsfield number 11, only for it to be called a no ball.

With the drama heightening, another dot ball was followed by a no ball, leaving six required off the last delivery, but Sayed kept his nerve to castle the batsman and send the Boars wild.

Eversley are now just two points behind Stoke Green, and host Yateley in their final game of the season on Saturday (12.30pm).

In Division 2b, Hurst improved their chances of sealing a top-three finish by having the better of a draw at home to High Wycombe 2nds.

Greg Smith (53) again led the way as the hosts scored 177-9, and High Wycombe could only reach 167-6 in reply.

Hurst are one point behind their opponents and visit Wargrave this coming Saturday (12.30pm).

Division 3a table-toppers Royal Ascot blew a golden chance to all but seal the title as they lost by five wickets at Newbury.

Jack Kendall (46) and Andy Murray (38no) helped the visitors to 169 all out, with Alex Townsend (4-51) and Charlie Anstey (3-37) the destroyers-in-chief with the ball.

Will Ellison (2-21) and Kevin May (2-28) gave their side hope as Newbury took on 122-4 when Josh Harris fell for 68, but the home side held their nerve to win.

Royal Ascot are two points clear of Thatcham Town and host in-form Purley-on-Thames on Saturday (12.30pm).

In Division 4b, Shane Green scored a fabulous unbeaten 115 to help Eversley 2nds crush Bracknell by 162 runs.

Alex Davidson (66no) was also in form as the Boars declared on 274-2 after 41 overs, and they rolled over the basement boys for 112 to push themselves five points clear of Theale & Tilehurst in second.

Division 6b champions Royal Ascot 2nds hammered Hurst 2nds by seven wickets.

Jason Carr took 5-5 as the visitors made 140, and Howard Green (54) and Tharindu Denipityage (52no) eased their side home.

British Airways 2nds cruised past Eversley 3rds’ total of 166 to earn an eight-wicket win in Division 7a, while Bracknell 2nds moved nearer to the Division 8a title after chasing 106 to beat Theale & Tilehurst 3rds by eight wickets.