Clacton suffered a nail-biting one-wicket defeat against Cambridge Granta.

The Seasiders were left reeling after the visitors hit four runs from the last ball of the day.

Clacton, batting first, looked handily placed at 45 for two but lost their edge in mid-innings and could only muster 58 runs from 29 overs.

Hitting out - Sean McKiernan drives the ball towards the boundary Picture: STEVE ARGENT

A late flurry from Sean McKiernan - who plundered an unbeaten 100 - and Ian Morton (53 not out) saw the hosts post a reasonable 222 from the maximum 66 overs.

In reply, Granta looked on course for a comfortable win and were coasting at 181 for three.

However, inspired bowling saw Granta slip to 219 for eight with only two overs remaining.

A wicket from the first ball of the last over raised hopes of a home win and, with only two singles from the next four balls, any of three results were possible.

However, Adrian Westley hit McKiernan's yorker to the boundary for the winning runs as Granta finished on 225 for nine.

Elsewhere, Maldon won a thrilling encounter with Mildenhall to maintain their challenge at the top of the table.

Published Wednesday, June 11, 2003

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