A LAST-WICKET partnership of 13 denied Wiltshire what would have been a thrilling win over Herefordshire in their latest Unicorns Championship Western Division clash.

After 23 wickets fell on the game’s opening day, Herefordshire were eventually set 206 to win the penultimate three-day fixture of the season.

After putting on 71 for the first wicket, Herefordshire were pegged back by Joseph King and Jacob Lintott’s accurate bowling and lost six wickets for just 62 runs as a result.

Herefordshire’s Hinkley and Morgan put together a partnership of 40 runs for the seventh wicket – meaning the hosts needed 34 runs with four wickets in hand.

But another collapse left Herefordshire needing 13 runs with one wicket in hand. Unfortunately for Wiltshire, tailenders Bullock and Conway teamed up to knock off the required runs – and secure a thrilling one-wicket victory.

Wiltshire skipper Ed Young said it was great to be part of such an entertaining game of cricket, despite being on the losing team.

He added: “It was a great game, and an even battle throughout.

“The wicket was wet when we turned up, so we thought it’d be a hard pitch to bat on – Herefordshire understandably bowled first.

“I don’t think the pitch warranted 23 wickets on the first day, it was more a case of both teams bowling really well.

“There were some great catches too – that was the main thing.

“It keeps things interesting when you know you’re going to create enough chances to bowl the opposition out.”

Young’s side now have one more Championship fixture to fulfill when Shropshire visit at the start of September.

Next month’s visitors have won only one of their five three-day fixtures this season.

But Young insists the county cannot be underestimated.

He added: “The last game is very important to us. We want to finish in the top five so we’re in good shape for next year.

“We had a blip at Wales, and that has halted our charge slightly. The batting lost us that game against Wales, and it affected us at Herefordshire too.

“Batting is therefore the main thing we want to address. But, in all, the season has been really positive and lots of good cricket has been played.

“Shropshire can’t be underestimated – they’ve still got lots to play for.

“We’ll control what we can control and hopefully score some heavy runs.”