Despite a two-hour rain delay, Westcliff and South Woodford engaged in a thrilling match at Chalkwell Park which was only settled off the last ball.

To the rescue - Vince Bird's innings brought Westcliff back from 100-5 Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

The hold-up followed torrential rain and a thunderstorm hitting the Southend area at lunchtime which meant that play in this Premier clash didn't get going until 2.30pm.

Westcliff won the toss and batted, but looked as though they might be left ruing that when they stood at 100-5.

But Vince Bird came to the rescue with a superb knock of 65 in only 58 balls and he got good support from John Edwards (23 not out) and Kamran Khan (26) and Westcliff completed their reduced total of 51 overs at 220 all out.

Star South Woodford bowler was Lakhtar with 5-63.

With South Woodford still needing 16 off the last over with four wickets remaining a draw looked the likeliest result.

But Westcliff, despite removing one batsman, missed a run out chance and the visitors got the winning runs off the last ball.

Westcliff finished with six points against the 18 collected by South Woodford and skipper John Pratt admitted: "We probably threw it away in the end and we should have got a draw out of the game."

Published Monday July 19, 2004

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