Tilford won their opening I’Anson Cricket League Division One match of the season by one wicket at newly-promoted Frimley on Saturday in a nail-biting finish.

Having won the toss, Tilford put Frimley into bat and soon claimed the important wicket of John Hebditch, who had hit a six in the first over. The score advanced to 41 before the introduction of Nigel Martyn, who ripped through the upper order and bowled nine consecutive overs to claim figures of four for 11. Huw Town-Jones took three wickets, Matt Bozier took two wickets and 15-year-old Ben Stearn took the final wicket on his first-team debut as Frimley were bowled out for 90 in the 33rd over. The total was boosted by 26 extras.

Tilford began their innings brightly with Ed Carlile and captain George Ellis putting on 43 runs before falling in consecutive overs. The change bowlers made inroads, and five wickets fell for 15 runs as the score stuttered to 68 for seven with Luke Burrows taking two for ten off his nine overs. Ben Matthews pulled a big six before he was bowled by Frimley skipper David Carroll with Tilford needing two runs to win with last pair Stearn and Martyn at the crease. The youngster showed great composure as he stroked the winning runs past the covers as the visitors reached 91 for nine in the 39th over. The total was boosted by 24 extras. Carroll took three for 15 and Foster Collins impressed with figures of two for 12.