Matt Journeaux hit a century as Sarisbury Athletic opening their British Gas Southern League Division 1 challenge with a dramatic penultimate ball victory over Tichborne Park.

Sarisbury, defending 247-8, clung on to win by one run, Tichborne captain Will Allam being run out off the fifth ball of the last over.

“It was a fantastic finish, with two run outs in Phil Jewell’s last over – Will having clouted his first ball for six,” Journeaux explained.

“We showed some real character and probably won the game through our ground fielding, which was excellent throughout the session.”

Journeaux’s 105 scored in a 136-run partnership with Sam Floyd (61) underpinned Sarisbury’s 247-8 (Tom Allam 3-58).

Tichborne gave chase, with Henry Don (71), Martin Cheyney (40) and Prad Gunaratne (30) leading the way.

Wickets were lost in the run chase – Jewell taking 3-46, and Shayne Freemantle and debutant Jordan Wright two each – to set up that dramatic finale.

Liphook & Ripsley got home by 11 runs defending 277-6against Portsmouth, for whom Jack Marston hit an unbeaten 129 only to finish on the losing side.

Calmore Sports celebrated their Premier 1 return with a creditable 45-run win over last year’s runners-up Hook & Newnham Basics at Loperwood Park.

Young Victorian import Jack Rutter hit 45 as Calmore defied Anik Divecha (5-35) to post and then successfully defend 189 (Tamlyn Goodrich 45).

Mark Lavelle (3-18), Mike West (3-18) and left-arm spinner Rutter (3-39) dismissed HNB for 144 (Kieron Thomson 38).

Mark Belcher (86 and Dean Nurse (62) led the way as Basingstoke piled up 307-7 before dismissing Ventnor for 154.