HIMBLETON moved to the summit of Worcestershire County League Division Three with a hard-fought victory over a competitive Astwood Bank Thirds.
The Meadow Boys had Richard Sugden (96 not out) and Rob Perrins (37no) to thank for a match winning partnership of 81 as the hosts reached their adjusted target with two balls to spare.
Coming together at 141-6 the due used all their experience to rebuild the innings and time the chase to perfection.
Sugden, having opened the innings, watched on as the top order came and went with only Ali Pretty (35) providing any support.
When Perrins joined him the game looked out of reach with only 14 overs left and the bowlers left to bat.
With 25 needed from three overs, Sugden stuck a six and a four to reduce the pressure.
The final over came with seven needed to win and a massive cheer went up from the big crowd as Sugden hit a boundary to secure a close victory.
Earlier, Jim Prescott (61no) had starred for the vBank with a belligerent innings.
Only Sugden (0-32) and Jon Critchlow (2-28) were able to restrict the visitors as they wheeled away in tandem in the middle overs, restricting them to just 60 in a crucial 18-over period.
Himbleton visit local rivals Avoncroft onSaturday hoping to maintain pole position and a gap of 61 points to Bartestree & Lugwardine in third.
