THERE was a nail biting finish at Canon Frome on Sunday as Monmouth Cricket Club's under 9 squad were beaten off the last ball of the game.

Skipper Catrin Watkin was brilliantly run out going for the single which would have won her the match, bringing a scintillating end to an excellent game between two evenly matched teams.

Coach Liam Stubbs praised both sets of players for their performances and the spirit in which the game was played.

Monmouth won the toss and asked their opponents to bat on a damp wicket, after which Canon Frome made a steady start, with Monmouth's bowlers backed up by some superb fielding.

Skipper Watkin led from the front with an early wicket and two run outs before Patrick Stubbs snapped up a superb catch.

Wickets from Hattie and Sam Brennan pegged the home side to a total of 300, which always looked manageable with very short boundaries.

An excellent start from openers Sam Brennan and Vena Rose Saunders was built on by William Wilton, who peppered the boundaries.

Bea Jones batted capably on her debut before brothers William and JP Tatham consolidated.

Everything came down to the last pair of Raphael Cackett and captain Watkin, but the home bowlers kept their heads as Monmouth searched in vain for the winning run.

Monmouth under-9s, sponsored by Ancre Hill Vineyards, complete their league programme at home to Eastnor on Sunday (26th July), but have friendly games lined up throughout the summer holidays.