FERGUS Haycock struck a superb 97 not out to guide St Cross Symondians II to a thrilling four-wicket win after being set a hefty 245 by Premier 3 rivals Trojans.

The Stoneham club were optimistic of their own victory chances when Simon Williams (72) and Nigel le Bas (70) eased them to 245-5 (Dan Babidge 34).

But skipper Haycock guided his side to a last over win with his best-yet SPL score.

Graham Barrett (30) provided initial support, while Tom Adams - teenager brother of Hampshire vice-captain Jimmy Adams - struck a crucial 43 not out in a near century match clinching stand with Haycock.

There was high drama at Bath Lane, where Fareham & Crofton - newly promoted alongside St Cross - tied with Easton & Martyr Worthy.

Kevin Light (6-22) restricted EMW to 183 (John Sparkes 49) despite the home side gifting more than 40 wides in extras, before the reply went in fits and starts, with Light (35), Tom Moy (32) and Dan Reader (26) playing positive roles.

Nicely placed at 120-4, Fareham stumbled to 143-7 before Greg Archer (24) and Danny Durant (20) took them to within six runs of victory.

But Richard Butcher (3-38) nailed Fareham's last two wickets at 183 to leave the scores tied.

Gosport Borough made short work of Hursley Park II, with Brendan Regan (4-35) and Richard Edwards (3-14) dismissing the visitors for 99.

Craig Stares (30) and Chris Lynn (28) guided Gosport home.

Relegated Tichborne Park suffered a second consecutive defeat, losing by two wickets at Bashley (Rydal).

Tichborne made 153 (Martin Cheyney 45, Nick Gerrard 30) but were defied by Ben Nolan-Stone (34) and Sean Lilley (30 not out), who lifted Bashley from 48-5 to within striking distance of victory.

Teenager Tom Allam's 4-24 return was a best yet for Tichborne, while Nolan- Stone took 4-40 for Bashley.

Sparsholt's lower order battled furiously, but United Services' 233 all out (Andy Galliers 71, Dave Henderson 48) proved just beyond them in the run chase.

Tim Vokes took 5-33 for Sparsholt, but was among five early wickets to fall as the visitors slipped to 71-5 (Alan Lilley 3-30).

Former Hampshire player James Schofield (40) kept Sparsholt in the hunt, but it was Carl Nicolls (42) and Dave Brown (42) who almost pulled the side round at 135-7.

Sparsholt closed 224 all out.