CHRISTCHURCH fell agonisingly short of their victory target after a pulsating four-run defeat to Dorset Premier League leaders Poole Town.
Joe Wormington was the pick of the Poole bowlers with five for 46, as the visitors held their nerve in the final over at Hurn Bridge.
Poole managed to bowl out Christchurch for 193 with just two balls of their innings remaining - as they chased 198 for victory.
Having won the toss and elected to bat first, the visitors reached 197 for six from their 50 overs, mainly thanks to Badrul Alam (52) Wormington (35no) and Lewis Marais (27).
Thomas Hughes (2-42) did the most damage with the ball for Christchurch.
In reply, opener Ben Francis (49) and number three Ben Rayner (55) looked to have put the hosts in the box seat.
But Wormington ripped through the middle order to swing the contest in Poole’s favour and earn them their third victory in four league games.
Four of the Christchurch lower order fell without scoring.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here