EVERSLEY began their preparations for the Thames Valley League Division 2a season with a nerve-jangling two-wicket win at Kidmore End on Saturday.

Joe Howorth (3-29) was the pick of the Boars’ bowling attack, although he received good support from opening pair Nick Rigg (2-26) and Gus Cloete (2-45).

Left-arm spinner Sam Glaze (2-42) also impressed, while debutant Stuart Lipo bowled an economical spell of 0-26 from his eight overs as Kidmore were bowled out for 193.

Paul Ager (26) and Byron Hickman (23) made starts at the top of Eversley’s reply, but they still slipped to 95-5 before captain Tom Howorth (53 from 48 balls) wrested the initiative back.

A couple more wickets fell, but Joe Howorth (17no) held his nerve to see the visitors home with 15 balls to spare.