Bashley's dreams of the double go down to final over decider

T20 Cup final: Alton CC 146-6 v Bashley (Rydal) CC 140-5 (Alton win by six runs)

BASHLEY RYDAL CC fell six runs short of a league and cup double against Alton at the Ageas Bowl on Sunday.

The Southern Premier champions won the toss and elected to field against a strong Alton side. Sammy Laurent and Sam Stroud took a wicket each early on to remove both Alton openers and restrict them to 34-2.

Michael Heffernan (32) and captain Scott Myers (51) provided the bulk of the Alton runs with a 90-run third-wicket partnership. With the innings winding to a close, Alex Turner grabbed two wickets while Sam Stroud and Timothy Taylor picked up a wicket apiece as Alton closed on 146-6.

With the trophy in sight, openers Michael Porter and Tom Friend looked to pile on the runs like they had all season. However, disaster struck when Friend was caught for one to get Bashley off to a terrible start.

Ben Walker and Porter rebuilt the Bashley innings before Michael Salmon bowled Walker for 20. Captain Tom Jacques (5) was then run out after an excellent piece of fielding from Alex Hammond as Bashley waned to 77-3. However, Porter remained at the crease to give Bashley a chance and set up a nail-biting finish.

Bashley needed 12 runs off six balls and with Porter and Timothy Taylor at the crease, they looked to have the upper hand.

However, Taylor was run out for 24 early in the over to leave Porter needing nine runs off three balls.

Porter was also run out with a ball to spare for a brilliant 77 off 67 balls which included seven fours, but it was not enough for Bashley as they finished six runs shy of their target.