FORDHAM were denied victory by just a single wicket as a gutsy Eaton Socon side held on for a draw. Put in to bat first, Fordham laboured through the first 15 overs, scoring at little more than two an over against a sustained period of relentlessly accura

FORDHAM were denied victory by just a single wicket as a gutsy Eaton Socon side held on for a draw.

Put in to bat first, Fordham laboured through the first 15 overs, scoring at little more than two an over against a sustained period of relentlessly accurate attack.

With Mark Abbott at the crease however, the home side's fortunes reversed, and the able batsmen smashed his way to a masterful 94, hauling the score to 212-6 at the end of the 48 overs.

Fordham's turn with the ball proved almost as fruitful as they nipped out a number of wickets early on through the good work of Cornwell and Hardings. The breakthroughs ultimately worked against the home side though, as the visitors bid a hasty retreat, holing up in their batting crease in a desperate bid to earn the draw.

Though the prospect of victory still looked good with just three balls to go, Socon held firm and secured a frustrating draw.

Fordham 2nd XI meanwhile, registered a crushing 102 run victory over league leaders Wimblington.

Batting first, Fordham piled on the runs in double quick time, notching up 241-9 from their 40 overs to really put the pressure on the visitors. Scott Blaber (61) and Craig Theobold (38) both scored freely to put Fordham in the driving seat.

The visitors also scored with little trouble early on, but the required run-rate began to creep up and bowling duo Theobold (3-32) and Ryan Houghton (3-36) took full advantage, polishing off the last of the Wimblington line-up with little fuss.

There wasn't such good news for the Fordham 3rd XI meanwhile as they came up 19 runs short of their target against a useful Waterbeach team.