Belvedere lose to fellow strugglers in an exciting encounter.

BELVEDERE entertained fellow strugglers Ashbrittle in what turned out to be a thrilling encounter.

Having lost the toss, the hosts were asked to bat on a wet track. Their innings began poorly as both Chadwick and Ashfield were soon out. Ashbrittle’s opening bowlers Hill and Bradbury troubled the home batsman as runs became hard to come by.

Watts (12) and Gadd (27) started to rebuild the innings, but both were victims to the accurate Bradbury leaving Belvedere struggling on 46-4.

Crockett and Jones were soon to display their talents putting on a partnership of 113. Jones raced to his first league 50 before being caught and bowled for an entertaining 54.

Crockett scored a well compiled 44 not out and Sam McCrea scored a quick 11 as the Belvedere finished on 175-6.

The Ashbrittle innings began slowly as Hosey and Ashfield bowled accurately. Ashbrittle began to up the scoring rate as Hill and Summerfield put on 95 for the first wicket.

The drinks break seemed to galvanise the hosts as Taylor induced Summerfield to drive to Chadwick at extra cover for 50. Fellow opener Hill soon followed as Chadwick had him caught behind for 43.

The pressure seemed to get to the visitors as Bradbury chipped tamely to Chadwick off Taylor (2-44). With Belvedere needing inspiration, they turned to Watts who soon bowled Franks for 17. In the same over Parr was well caught by McCrea.

A partnership between A Hill (22) and C Hill (14) seemed to be leading the visitors to victory, but Hosey removed A Hill. Watts (5-20) soon produced more magic having Williams and C Hill caught in the covers by Hancock and McCrea and bowling Embleton.

With 10 needed off the final over, Franks smashed two boundaries leaving the home side narrow losers in what was a terrific game of cricket.

In a great game Jermaine Jones and Kev Crockett batted superbly for the home side and Dave Taylor continued his fine bowling form. However, Builbase man of the match went to Rob Watts.