Cleeve Cricket Club 1sts edged a two wicket win with three balls to spare over Whitchurch 1sts to confirm their relegation.

It was marked by a stellar performance from skipper Sam Williams.

The match on September 23 was delayed due to rain and reduced to a 40 overs per side contest, starting at 1pm.

Despite missing their opening bowling pair, Barnsley and Lewin, Cleeve saw a step up in form from substitutes Nat Pinkney and Jack Spiers.

This paid off as Pinkney struck his first ball, a catch by Want at point, putting the score at 5-1.

Tom Birt's one-handed slip catch removed Bowen for 3, taking the score to 20-2.

A stunning partnership of 83 was broken as more Cleeve success ensued, with Tom Baughan ousting Williams for 36.

Whitchurch stalwart, Ben Jefferies, reached half a century before Sam Williams caught him LBW, concluding his innings on 56 at 135-5 in the 31st over.

Responding to Whitchurch's total of 179, Cleeve rang the batting changes.

Brothers Nat and Ben Pinkney were the opening pair, with Nat leaving early, caught for no score off Jefferies at 10-1 in the 3rd over.

Transfers continued as James Ball was bowled for 13, paving the way for Williams at the crease in the 13th over.

As Cleeve's run rate began to rise, Williams attributed a half-century and partnered with Mitch Want to take the score to 129-5 at the end of the 32nd over.

The situation intensified with 30 runs needed off the last three overs.

Despite losing Spiers at the beginning of the final over, a four-struck by Baughan off his second delivery confirmed the two-wicket victory for Cleeve, allowing them to finish with three balls to spare.

This left Sam Williams on a fine 67 not out.

The win leaves Cleeve in 6th place as 5th placed Downend also won and just one game to play away to Winterbourne next Saturday.

It secures Cleeve's position in the Senior Division, relegating Whitchurch 1sts and making a hero of Williams after a dramatic day of cricket.