Harsh Tataria snatched the final wicket in the Ridge Bears Division 3 clash with Oxford III with just 2 balls to play in the match to secure the Ridge's third victory and 25 points. Earlier, Martin Middleton carried his bat for a fantastic 118 not out.
The Ridge has lost the toss and we're inserted which was not what they'd have chosen had they won. However, the Bears set about their task of setting a big target with Steve Bird and Martin Middleton forming a solid opening stand. When Steve was bowled for 16, Russ Turner took control and with Midds took the Ridge into the 190's before falling for 67. Jamie Stevens was moved up from 6 to 4 in order to secure quick runs and an early declaration. He didn't disappoint and notched 27 from 10 balls while Midds continued to pillage runs from the other end. The declaration came at 4pm and was crucial as the game went to the wire at 7.30pm.
Oxford III started their reply brightly looking to score quickly although Brezza removed the opener when the score was only 15. However the Skipper Ali was on his way to a quick fire 47 while the No. 3 nurdled away to 3'rd Man. The game was getting away from the Ridge before Dave Bird took a screamer at extra cover to remove Ali and soon Oxford were 4 down. However Biel came in at 6 and began to accumulate runs and at 167-4 with an hour and 10 to play the match was in the balance. At that point Keeping came in to the attack and picked up two wickets in two balls to break the partnership and put the Ridge back in charge. Two further wickets followed in Keeping's 4-33 and it was left to overseas spinner Harsh Tataria to remove Biel and (after having the No.11 dropped at slip) finally take the last wicket in the nick of time to finish with 4-73.
Meanwhile over at Great Tew, the second XI struggled to chase down a 200+ score but held on for a draw with Underwood in situ and collect the 3 extra points that a draw provides. The two's remain above the relegation zone but could do with a couple of results. The 1's are 3rd, 10 points of the top, but remain the only unbeaten side in the Division.
