THERE was a close finish at Fladbury on Sunday to the annual match against Block-ley for the Reg Brimmell Memorial Trophy.

Batting first, Fladbury lost two quick wickets but an aggr-essive innings from Nic Martin of 74, including five 6s, got the score moving quickly.

Michael Martin followed his example with a hard-hit 80 not out as the innings closed on 236-6.

Young Blockley openers Knight (38) and Gilbert (51) raced to an opening partnership of 86 in 13 overs and the mom-entum of the innings was continued by the later batsmen.

With five overs remaining 37 runs were required with six wickets left but two tight overs by Philip Cheetham meant that four were needed off the final ball. Only a single was scored and Fladbury reclaimed the trophy.

On Saturday, the villagers went down to Worcester Cou-nty League Division Six leaders Cleobury Mortimer by four wickets.

A poor batting show saw Fladbury dismissed for 116 of which Prudden (33) and Leo-nard (34) contributed the bulk of the runs.

Cleobury opener Griffiths showed how to bat in making a fine half century but the rest of the batsmen struggled against Leonard who finished with 4-25.