HARTFORD CC kept their bandwagon rolling with a dramatic, last-ball victory at home to struggling Norbury on Saturday.

After being asked to bat first by the visitors, Hartford made quick progress but also lost wickets at regular intervals.

Gaz Stokes held the innings together with a solid 50 but the bastmen around him all contrived ridiculous dismissals after getting a start - five batsmen were out in the teens.

At 145-8 in only the 35th over, Norbury were looking at wrapping up the Hartford innings well short of a decent score, and also having a good number of extra overs in which to achieve their task.

But then 14-year-old Dean Kendrick joined Mick Edge, and with real grit and determination they saw off a few overs and also got the scoreboard ticking.

Hartford eventually gained maximum batting points as they reached 178 all out, but Norbury's reply was brisk from the outset.

Nick Passey (2-37) and Gaz Stokes (2-34) finally got the ball rolling for Hartford, but at 145-5 with 12 overs remaining, Norbury seemed home and dry.

As the last over approached, Norbury needed 11 runs to win with the last pair at the crease.

Dave Codd comfortably played back the first five balls of the over, but off the last ball he spooned a simple catch to the grinning Rob Whittle at silly mid-on to give Hartford victory.

Mick Edge finished with excellent figures of 6-34 from 13 overs.

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