Somerset CC 187

Southampton 188-8

Southampton Rangers managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in this Premier Division match on Sunday.

They eventually limped off with a two-wicket win after a nail-biting encounter that had swung either way - just as the ball had done for the most part on a lively, grassy strip.

With Southampton in deep trouble at 148 for eight in reply to Somerset's 187, veteran batsman Ricky Brangman (81 not out) and number nine bat Quinton Sherlock Jr. (five not out) came up big when it mattered most. The pair featured in an unbroken 30-run partnership to steer their side home, leaving Somerset to ponder some wayward bowling from Shannon Warner and Dwayne Basden who conceded far too many wides at a crucial time of the match.

Rangers batsmen had struggled from the outset with opener Keith Wainwright falling to the very first delivery he faced, superbly bowled by David Gibbs.

Seven runs later number two bat Stevie Lightbourne (four) was also heading back to the pavilion, bringing Brangman to the crease.

Kwame Tucker (16) and Brangman set about repairing the damage until Tucker was caught behind by wicketkeeper Reid Jones who held three good catches on the day.

Rangers player/coach Clevie Wade went for a duck, lofting a catch to Somerset skipper Shawn Roberts at extra cover and this brought Rangers skipper Janeiro Tucker to the crease.

Tucker (24) and Brangman added 37 to the total before Wendell White struck a telling blow - literally.

First he hit Tucker on the cheek with a nasty delivery that lifted off a good length and on the following ball, Tucker attempted to hook the ball out of the park but could only find Devon Wade at deep square leg.

Incoming bat Kenny Phillips rapidly added 12 to the total before he was caught out by Roberts at mid-wicket.

Ryan Belboda (six) and young Ramen Wijerwardena (five) both made brief appearances at the crease and when the latter was out with the score reading 148 for eight, Somerset appeared to be closing in for the kill.

But with Brangman in full command and young Sherlock holding his nerve, together the pair safely guided Southampton to victory.

Brangman managed four fours and two sixes during his unbeaten knock. White emerged as Somerset's best bowler, taking three for 24, while Gibbs had two for 38.

Earlier, Devon Wade stroked 35 for Somerset and was ably assisted by White who contributed 31.

Basden, who took a nasty knock on the hand from a rising Phillips' delivery, returned to the crease later down the order to add a valuable 20 runs to his team's total with Jones chipping in with 18. Robinson, coming in at number ten, then smashed a brisk 28, ensuring that his team posted a challenging total.

Wade struck four fours and a six and White five fours, while Robinson erupted for three fours and a towering six.

David Saltus continued to impress with the ball, the spinner capturing four for 39 while Wainwright also came good with three for 36 and Phillips two for 35.