A stunning century and last over drama helped Belmont and Edgware (BECC) register a last ball win to start the 2026 season in style.
Away at Uxbridge Casuals, the hosts batted first and finished on 278-5, with Josh Reynolds and Zak Shipman bowling well, picking up two wickets each.
In reply, BECC kept on top of the rate, being 42-1 after 10, 92-3 at drinks, and then jumping to 144-3 after 25, thanks to some lusty blows from all-rounder Scott Gerard.
The game went right down to the wire at 217-5 off 35 overs with Gerard bringing up a splendid six-filled century.
Needing 31 off 15 and then 17 off the final over, while Gerard was unbeaten, it was another batsman who would get them over the line as teenager Alfie Davis smashed two sixes in the final over to bring home a dramatic victory.
Club Captain Adam Morris said: “It was very much the result we wanted. 278 was a hard first innings total but we bowled and fielded pretty well across the board, particularly given we had to field for 10 overs with 10 men.
“Then to chase it down was just an awesome effort. Obviously led by Scott’s century, which was a mixture of power hitting, excellent timing and placement and really good partnership batting.
“He was well supported with contributions from Joel Sager, Dan Humphrey, Fred Nathan, Josh Reynolds, before the king of all cameos from Alfie to get us over the line.
“A real team performance with everyone contributing towards a final ball thriller at one of the best grounds and the nicest oppos we play is just about the perfect day, it was a pleasure to be a part of and we’re very excited to get the league season underway next week.”
Meanwhile, the second eleven travelled to Enfield to take on Botany Bay. Rafi Kelion was pick of the bowlers with four wickets, while vice-captain, teenager Emanuel Latchman, nabbed three.
Finishing on 269 off their 40 overs, in reply, the top order built several partnerships, but a flurry of wickets put the innings on the rocks, going from 43/1 to 86/5. Young Harry Lewis steadied the innings through an obdurate knock full of solid defence and when he was joined by Joel Azulay, the innings got some momentum too, the latter top scoring with 30-odd.
Both then fell with about eight overs to go leaving debutant Avi Brayam to smash a lovely 25* to bring the score over 200, a respectable reply against a decent opposition.
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