Somerset League Division 3
Long Sutton 204-7 beat Burnham 202-6 by two runs

BURNHAM lost by two runs in a thrilling finish at Long Sutton.

Set 205 to win, the visitors, led by Robbie Driver (84no) got so close to maintaining their unbeaten start to the season but, needing 27 from the last three overs, could only manage 24.

Fielding first, Mike Green took a wicket with the first ball of the match to get Burnham off to the best possible start, before Brian Brogden chipped in with 4-37.

In reply, Burnham lost Brad House (9) at 19 but Jim Bloodworth and Andy Ashfold (12) added 29 for the second wicket until Ashfold fell with the score at 48.

Driver and Bloodworth warily took the score to 80 when Bloodworth mistimed a cover drive and was caught for 33.

This was followed by a stand of 68 which kept Burnham up to the required rate and ended in the 38th over at 156.

Here, the returning Saunders took three wickets in six balls to get his side back in the game.

He first broke the partnership of Driver and Scott Dalrymple, when the latter was caught behind for 22.

By this time, Driver had passed his half-century from 51 balls.

When Andy Smith came to the wicket at 154, 51 runs were still needed but a valiant effort just failed by those two runs, Driver finishing on 84 with seven boundaries as Burnham collected 17 points.

On Saturday (June 1), Burnham are at home to Uphill Castle 2nd XI.