THRIPLOW held their nerve to inflict a first defeat of the season on league leaders St Ives in a thrilling finish at the Cricket Meadow. Nathan Sugden (8-2-28-0) and Nigel Morris (7-2-30-0) kept the scoring under control, though a dropped catch by Chris V

THRIPLOW held their nerve to inflict a first defeat of the season on league leaders St Ives in a thrilling finish at the Cricket Meadow.

Nathan Sugden (8-2-28-0) and Nigel Morris (7-2-30-0) kept the scoring under control, though a dropped catch by Chris Viner at long off gave St Ives an early lifeline.

At 74 in the 20th over St Ives looked set for a big score.

But in Matt Ayre's second over things swung Thriplow's way.

Beale quickly flicked an Ayre (7-1-22-3) delivery straight to short cover and then Srivavindara did the same to Dickon Turner. Cooke was then given out by the umpire, but sportingly recalled by Thriplow captain Chris Neild.

Cooke did go, however, when Turner (9-0-37-3) bowled him for 43, with Neild (7.4-0-35-3) finishing off the remaining to leave St Ives 172 all out in the 43rd over.

Ayre and Martin Craze launched the Thriplow reply, with Ayre frustrating the attack with his ability to pick the right ball to hit and with just enough power to evade the diving fielders.

Eventually the fun ended, but Ayre's brisk 37 with two sixes and five fours had launched the innings in exactly the right way. The Thriplow middle order found things harder.

Russell (11) flicked a six off Gilders' left arm spin but was then promptly bowled. Martin Craze (13) was unlucky to go lbw, with Smith going to a brilliantly- held catch.

Paul Staley had been mixing stout defence with the occasional boundary, but at 99-5 the game was very much in the balance.

Andy Craze (16) joined Staley and the duo looked in complete control as they took the score to 139, before Craze edged a ball on to his stumps.

Sugden then provided steady support to Staley as the score progressed to 157, before Staley was bowled for an excellent 49.

Neild and Sugden (9) added a further 13 runs leaving just three needed off 12 balls before Sugden was caught.

Moments later the Thriplow captain went for four and once again St Ives sensed victory.

However, Nigel Morris calmly pushed the last ball back confident he could leave the securing of the final two runs in the hands of Dickon Turner.

Asplin bowled four balls, but his fifth was short and leg side and Turner gleefully lifted it high to leave Thriplow winners by one wicket and a ball to spare.