THE depth in Thriplow s batting order was once again put to the test as they held on for their second one-wicket win of the season – this time against a frustrated Stapleford. Barnes and Critoph got Stapleford off to a good start and quickly ran up an op

THE depth in Thriplow's batting order was once again put to the test as they held on for their second one-wicket win of the season - this time against a frustrated Stapleford.

Barnes and Critoph got Stapleford off to a good start and quickly ran up an opening stand of 70, before Barnes (39) was expertly caught by wicket keeper Staley in Chris Viner's first over.

Dickon Turner then dismissed Critoph (37) with Jess Tuck taking a catch off a top-edged sweep.

However, Stapleford still looked good and at 132-2 looked set for a big score.

Thriplow's spin twins Turner and Chris Neild then turned the game back in their favour, and reeled in the rest of the Stapleford order.

Milton (31) and Day went lbw, and Mingay lofted to Andy Morris at long off. Crick, Halifax and Blake were all bowled, and skipper Oakes was stumped by Staley.

Neild (11-3-44-4) denied Turner (12-2-25-4) his now customary star turn, and the captain also caught Mallows at cover in the final over to leave Stapleford all out for 179.

Thriplow looked for a solid start, but quickly found themselves on 14-3 as Turner (9), Ayre (1) and Staley (2) all were caught on what had become a slow wicket.

This left the innings in the hands of Chris Viner and 14-year-old Ally Cliffe, who was making his first team debut.

Viner was his usual confident self and stroked the ball to all parts of the field, while Cliffe showed a cool head and an eye for a quick single to keep the score ticking over.

Viner had reached an excellent 47 before he was sharply stumped, before Cliffe was dismissed shortly afterwards.

Andy Craze (16) and Jes Tuck (4) added a few more runs, but both were caught and at 115-7 Stapleford thought they were home and dry.

Neild (22) then went lbw, with Andy Morris being yorked by Stapleford's Day.

Nigel Morris pushed Thriplow on to leave his side needing 13 for victory.

Scully then took a single, before Stapleford's Critoph bowled two wides and Morris added a few more.

With seven required to win, the field closed in for the last over.

But Scully rose to the occasion and launched the ball high and long for six.

Moments later, Scully pulled a Smith delivery through midwicket to seal a Thriplow win with 10 balls to spare.

Chris Neild said: "Scully's 33 runs were vital, but the runs contributed down the order once again made the difference for Thriplow, and we have now moved up to third in our debut season in Senior League 1.