METHODISTS gained a thrilling five-run victory over Pucklechurch 2nd XI in their latest match which produced a tense finish.

Asked to bat first, the Methodists were restricted early on by great bowling from Neil Carthy and Gary Brown (2-25), carefully creeping to 32-2 after ten overs. Lee Griffiths picked up 3-18 in a terrific spell, including debutant Richard Brand for an attacking 25.

Now 62-5, the home team desperately needed a partnership, and fortunately the hugely experienced pairing of Stuart Green (44) and David Baker (47*) were able to oblige. Their vital stand of 96 runs transformed the innings and helped post a handy total of 161-8 at tea.

At the resumption Daniel Shearn and James Green kept the brakes on the away team's scoring rate - Pucklechurch managing just 15 from the opening eleven overs.

Charlie Walker and the tenacious Mark Pratten injected some impetus with 60 runs in 12 overs, before Charlotte Hazell broke through, bowling Walker (51).

With the game still in the balance, Griffiths (40) took up the anchor role while the excellent Hazell (3-37) claimed a further two scalps. Wickets tumbled, however, and a great final over from Stuart Green saw the home team clinch an epic match.

Methodists 161-8, Pucklechurch 2nds 156-8