OLD Tauntonians & Romsey snatched defeat from the jaws of victory at Loperwood Lane on Saturday.

Things began well after winning the toss, skipper Mike Trodd (22) and Charles Forward (137no) starting positively.

The unfortunate run out of Trodd led to the loss of another quick wicket but Jodey Brown (24) steadied the ship and OTR were nicely placed at 102 for 2.

After drinks the fireworks began with Forward dominating the proceedings, smashing the ball to all parts of the ground. His hundred came in 128 balls with 6 sixes and 13 fours. He was helped by a Calmore side who put down nine catches!

It was in the 44th over that things started to go wrong. Azeem Hamed, a debutant from Langley Manor, dislocated his knee attempting a big hit.

After half an hour delay the opening bowler was taken by ambulance to hospital where he was operated on that night, his season finished without a ball being bowled.

Play resumed with Steve Caldecott (18no) replacing Hamed, and with Forward he took OTR onto what looked like a match winning total of 276 for 5. There were 50 extras. M Bostin (2-65) was the pick and unluckiest of the bowlers.

Calmore started positively, M Bostin (36) pouncing on anything loose, and the momentum was set. Every over the OTR bowlers seemed to bowl one bad ball, which was put away for a boundary, and the run rate was kept at the required rate.

Tom Pegler (78) was the dominant force and once Bostin was out and he was supported by the Calmore middle order, who all contributed. J Rose (22) D Brandes (23) and J Winters (52no) led Calmore to victory in what was a very well paced run chase.

For the bowling side Max Smith picked up three wickets and Jon Dowling two. Calmore finished on 279 for 7 and won by 3 wickets.