A great all-round performance from Cleeve Cricket’s 2nd team saw them nudge victory over Bristol CC 4ths by three runs as they held them just shy of the 170 runs needed.

Cleeve opened the batting, and it looked like it might be a short trip for visitors Bristol as they reduced the home side to 110-8, but a late game stand from tail enders Ben Morris and Freddie Basnett took Cleeve to a total that proved to be just enough.

Third batsman Will Grubb also contributed hugely and hit a team high 43 runs to add to Morris’ 21 and Basnett’s 39, after the rest of the team could only manage single digits.

Bristol managed 25 runs until Basnett claimed the first wicket.

The visitors then methodically added to their run total until Stuart Williams pulled off a catch and bowl and, just a few balls later, skittled Rich Hobbs to reduce Bristol to 93-4.

Williams then completed his hat-trick through a Robbie Wilsher catch and Grubb added a quick brace, before running out Bristol ninth batsman at 147-9.

Bristol’s final pairing tried to reach the final mark, but Cleeve’s bowlers kept them to 167 in the remainder of the 40 overs as they won by three runs.

Cleeve are still unbeaten in this division and next week travel to Bedminster 5ths where better club availability will provide confidence for the fixture.