Cann (pictured) hits a ton for Kilmington in slender seven-run win over Cullompton | 'A superb knock from Josh Cann, which was great to see' – skipper Oli Reed

CULLOMPTON couldn’t quite make it back-to-back wins chasing 300 or more to win when they ran into Kilmington.

Cully successively chased 300 to win against Thorverton seven day earlier – and were in familiar territory when Kilmington posted 303 for six.

Eighteen to win from a the final over, bowled by Josh Cann, proved just a few too many. Cullompton ran out of time on 296 for six and lost by seven runs. And that was despite skipper Brendon Parr making 91 not out.

“It was a great game of cricket – again – if disappointing not come out on top, but credit to Kilmington,” said Dan King, the Cullompton vice-captain.

“On balance the game was probably won in the field, where we were a little less tidy than we have been in past weeks. 

“A great innings from Brendon, supported by some late hitting by Jason Parr, nearly carried us over the line.”

Kilmington opener Tom Gooding moved within 20 of reaching 500 league runs for the season with 49 of the first 62 on the board.

Cann and Sam Cuconits had the scoreboard flashing like strobe light during a stand of 166 that followed for the third wicket.

Cann hurtled to 102 off 98 deliveries – 13 fours, two sixes – as the score advanced to 228 for three.

Cuconits went on to reach 87 off 99 deliveries. Matt Pile with 32 off 21 balls was not out when the overs expired.

Bowling proved a costly business at times for the likes of Akshay Bharadwaj (1-61), Jason Parr (3-65) and others, although Parr did have the compensation of three wickets. 

Opener Bharadwaj gave the Kilmington bowlers a taste of the same medicine with a quickfire 35, almost entirely in boundaries!

Surviving opener Dinesh Raheja (78) got the chase up to 181 for four with more than a helping hand from skipper Brendon Parr (91no).

A partnership of 71 for the sixth wicket between the Parr brothers – Jason made 36 – took Cully tantalisingly close to another memorable win.

The turning point was probably Jason Parr’s dismissal in the penultimate over by Kilmington captain Oli Reed. which slowed the momentum by Cann going for 14 runs in the one before.

Reed acknowledged Cann’s role in the win, but felt there was more to it than just one man.

“A brilliant team performance and everyone played a part with the win,” said Reed.

“A superb knock from Josh Cann, which was great to see, and an honourable mention to Matt Pile for bowling for the first time this season.

“I'm glad we have retained our A division status with two games remaining. Hopefully we can win the last two games and finish on a high.”