FOURTH placed Dinton played host to Hungerford in their final game of the season on Saturday going into the game any of the top four in the league could either win the title or gain a promotion spot.

Dinton won the toss and as per standard practice decided to bat first.

Openers Ben Coombes (28) and Tom Patrick (24) made a solid start passing the 50 mark in the 12th over.

But when Coombes had his stumps rearranged by Oscar Reeves (2-24) this sparked a mini collapse as the home side slipped from 55 with out loss to 64-3.

The Andy’s Nuttall and O’Neill started to redress the balance adding 26 for the fourth wicket. There task was not help as a heavy shower sending the player running for the pavilion where they would stay for the next 25 minutes.

On a now damp track batting did not get any easier, and when Nuttall was dismissed by Lewis Clarke-Eyles (2-36) the score had not reached the 100 mark and the game had swung back towards Hungerford.

However, O’Neill was now joined by Simon Rawlins and the pair started what would be become a match defining partnership.

They batted smartly taking singles if the boundaries were not there keeping the score board moving.

Then once set they were about to play more aggressively as the pitch dried.

When O’Neill took the 35th over for 21 the game had swung back towards the home side.

Both were dismissed just before the end O’Neill for 78 and Rawlins 44 but their work was done. They had added 97 together, Dinton’s innings closing on 205-6.

The earlier rain meant that this score had to be re worked and Hungerford now only had 33 overs to get their new target of 183.

This was always going to be a tall order it was made then almost impossible as opening bowlers Rich Cridge (2-17) and James Nuttall (2-22) reduced the visitors to 4-13 in the sixth over.

Hungerford woes were further compounded when Alfie Cridge and wicket keeper Tom Patrick combined to affect a run out leaving Hungerford reeling at 18-5

To their credit Hungerford kept playing their shots but only Tom Kelly got into double figures as he struck a hard hitting 25.

Sean Howell was introduced at the pavilion end and from here the game was soon over as he took 3-16 bowling Hungerford out for a mere 68.

With other results going their way and this maximum points victory Dinton completed the 2019 season in second place.

Although they were a little disappointed not to make it a hat-trick of titles a second place is not to be sniffed at and is fair reflection of season.