by Nick Pullen OLD Hill held their nerve to bag a last gasp victory over bottom side Brewood to pull clear of the Birmingham League Division One drop zone.

The Haden Hill side chased down a testing target of 269, scraping home with just one ball to spare.

Delighted Old Hill skipper Danny Cox said: “I was really impressed with the way we chased the total down. “In previous games, we’d got ourselves into a good position, but then lost quick wickets and found ourselves hanging on for the draw.

“This time we batted sensibly and pulled off what could prove to be a big win for us.”

Old Hill had Brewood on the ropes early on, reducing them to 18-2 at one stage. But they were rocked back on their heels by Brewood batsman Bruce Thomason as he smashed 137 not out.

Cox added: “We had Brewood well tied down at one stage, then Thomason started whacking it all over the place. They scored 140 in the last 10 overs!

“It’s only the second time this season that Thomason has made a decent score - and both times it’s been against us.”

Old Hill made a positive start in reply as Mike Hingley and Nitesh Patel shared an opening partnership of 111.

Hingley perished on 46 but Patel went onto reach a priceless 109.

Cox kept his company with 46 before Jared Daniels delivered the knockout blow, blasted 20 not out that included three fours.

Old Hill play host to Wellington this Saturday at Haden Hill.