Cleeve CC under-19s secured a place in the quarter-finals of the Somerset Cricket Foundation Cup after a thriller with a last ball one-run victory over Uphill Castle last Thursday.

The win saw the teenagers top their North West Division group and secure a draw to Bath CC in the last eight, which is likely to be played on Friday, August 3 at home.

Cleeve came into the game having pipped Cheddar by just two runs, two days preciously, and captain, Alfie P elected to bat first.

He was run out second ball by Will with fellow opener Tom B (1) out caught as was Freddie P (15) with Cleeve off to a shaky start at 25-3 at the start of the third over.

Joe P and Alex S steadied the ship before departing run out 50 and caught for 23 respectively. Jack S was caught for seven as Freddie B (6) and Ben C (13) were both bowled, Ed W (2) run out, Luca M caught and bowled (1), leaving wicketkeeper Stanley R not out with three, as Cleeve posted 129 all out with one ball to spare of their allotted 20 overs.

The Castle started strongly adding 27 for the first wicket before seamer Jack removed Tommi (29) and Bruce (0), at 34-2.

Freddie P then secured the next three scalps, bowling Will (16) and Toby (6) with Charlie dismissed LBW for no score at 88-5. Whilst Luca kept Uphill’s hopes alive, ending up 42 not out, wickets tumbled fast at the other end. Freddie B (3-18) and Joe (3-16) bowled well without success, as Alfie (2-1-10) nabbed Gerrard (2) caught and bowled at 96-6.

Elliot was Tom’s only victim (4-1-29) at 119-7 at the end of the 18th over. Jack (4-3-26) secured his third wicket Dylan (0) mid-way through the 19th at 120-8.

As the last over was bowled by Freddie with Uphill needing 10 runs to win but a run out of Ethan midway through the over, Uphill ended on 128-9, agonisingly just short.

Cleeve can be very proud of their first season at this level with such a young side, most will be available to represent the club next year and the year after.