CLEOBURY Mortimer came within one wicket of claiming the unlikeliest of victories against Old Vigornians in a low-scoring encounter.

They may have struggled for players at times this season resulting in the second team folding and a 115-point penalty which has left them adrift at the foot of the table but there is no doubting Cleobury’s tenacity after a thrilling game which could have gone either way.

The home side looked destined for defeat when they were bowled out for 83 by the team currently lying third in Division Three of the Worcestershire County League.

Ed Kemp’s 23 was second-top-score to extras (34) as they struggled against the bowling of Charles Lamb (3-17) and Max Richardson (3-25).

But the visitors also struggled for runs as skipper Dave Shorter dismissed two of the top order – Rob Landsbury-Thomas and Chris Drew – without scoring.

Shorter would finish with 3-24 from 10 overs while James Manley came into the attack second change taking 4-15.

In the end they were denied as George Painter with 24 got Vigornians within sight of their target leaving the tail to crawl over the line, Lamb unbeaten at the end with five and number 11 David Cole making an invaluable four not out.