Tilford earned a winning draw against Grayswood in Division One of the I’Anson Cricket League on Saturday.

The home side won the toss and put Tilford into bat first. They lost an early wicket but captain George Ellis and James Litherland, making his debut, put on 48 runs as the score advanced to 77 before Ellis was bowled for 37.

Thereafter Litherland proved to be the kingpin as he shared partnerships of 75 with Matthew Cook, 39 with Daniel Wrenn and 31 with Matt Bozier. Cook batted aggressively and hit 50 off just 36 balls, which included four fours and four sixes, before holing out.

Litherland was finally run out on the last ball of the innings for a fine innings of 77, made off 119 balls, as Tilford declared on 234 for seven after 45 overs. Grayswood skipper Iain Jackson and Alastair Gloak both took two wickets.

The Grayswood reply began well as Ben Jeffrey and James Perrin put on 44 for the first wicket, but both fell to first change bowler Bozier. Bozier then took a third wicket to leave the score at 50 for three.

Top scorer Eric Anand (32) and Gloak added another 42, but four wickets fell for only 13 more runs – including two for off spinner Litherland. The home side were left hanging on with six overs to spare, but Tilford could not prise out the ninth wicket pair and the innings ended on 128 for eight after 45 overs.

Tilford will host Elstead at the Green on Saturday in what promises to be a mouthwatering top of the table clash between the top two sides in the league that could go a long way towards deciding which side lifts the league title at the end of the season.