A YOUNG Oldlands side progressed to the final of the SDCA Plate by the slenderest of margins against a battling Kings Stanley in another gripping encounter at Abwell.

Batting first, the home side lost wickets at regular intervals.

Once again, it was Bobby Woolams (40) who led the way with the bat, showing both delightful placement in accumulation and formidable power in the hoisting of two enormous sixes.

Well supported by Nathan Freeman, Mike Colborn, George Pennington, Chris Davis and Tony Waterer, this saw Oldlands through to 113-8 from 20 overs. Stanley’s reply started in steady fashion and it was Colborn who made the initial breakthrough, ably supported by a good catch from Davis, with Dave Brookes also claiming two wickets in quick succession.

The home side needed to keep things tight in the field and Freeman took two outstanding catches, with Brookes taking a difficult chance on the square leg boundary as the match was very evenly balanced.

Moving into the final three overs, the required scoring rate was at a very manageable five per over before a quite superb piece of work in the field from Davis led to two run outs, the second following good work from wicketkeeper Waterer to keep the home side in the hunt.

Colborn began the final over with five needed and showed enormous character in bowling a full, fast and straight line.

It went to the final ball where the visitors were left with two for victory. A shot out to long-on saw Brookes keep his cool and with his return beating the despairing dive of the batsman, the O’s took a tied match by virtue of losing fewer wickets.

Oldlands face Frocester in the final to be played tomorrow (Friday) at Pounds Close, Frocester. Stumps at 6.15pm.