FOXTON claimed the Tucker Gardner Division Two title on Saturday with a last-gasp 74-run victory over Cambridge NCI. With title rivals Waresley clinching 25 points from their win against Eaton Socon, news reached Foxton with three overs to play that they

FOXTON claimed the Tucker Gardner Division Two title on Saturday with a last-gasp 74-run victory over Cambridge NCI.

With title rivals Waresley clinching 25 points from their win against Eaton Socon, news reached Foxton with three overs to play that they needed to bowl their opponents out or finish the season as runners-up.

With that, coach Matt Gray and captain Sid Sabey threw Max Bowen back into the mix, and he proved to be Foxton's hero as the youngster finished with 5 for 8 with just three balls to spare.

Gray said: "With news filtering through regarding the Waresley result, it then went right to the wire.

"Having declared we gave it a good shot, but all of a sudden NCI shut up shop and it looked like things may not go our way.

"But then Max came back into the attack and turned the game around - it was a fantastic spell of bowling. There were certainly a few nerves, but full credit for pulling through."

Lawrence Farnum had given the visitors the perfect platform with a brilliant 89, and alongside Sabey and Antonnel Atwell had seen Gray's side to 202 for 6 - at which point they declared.

In reply, Tom Griffiths smashed 72 as NCI made life difficult for the title chasers. However, courtesy of Bowen's heroics, the hosts were all out for 128.

Gray added: "It was a difficult situation to be in. In having two games rained off, Waresley were given the chance to overtake us. But we're over-the-moon at how things turned out.

"It's our second successive league title and that is absolutely brilliant. I think we thoroughly deserved it, especially in having led the way from day one. Despite suffering a brief blip, over the course of the season we played some very good, attacking cricket and I would say that the best team won.

"And what a way to win it. The atmosphere was incredible and it was a great experience for all that were involved. We had a five year plan to get out of Senior League cricket and into the Tucker League, and having done that within four years we've now come to the end of that target starting next season in Division One of the Tucker League.

"We're looking forward to the challenge and I'm sure we will give it a good shot. I'm confident that we can carry our momentum forward.