ROPLEY remain second in the Hampshire League County One, but it was another nail-biter as they edged home by two wickets against New Milton II.

It proved a tricky wicket at New Milton and the hosts, electing to bat, were quickly reduced to 15-3 by Ed Stennett and James Hawkings. Number 4 Josh Arnold looked the most settled batsman of the day and his 55 pushed Milton to a defendable score.

When Arnold finally departed in the 34th over, stumped by Alex Spencer off Seb Newens, New Milton were 94-7, but skipper Matt Baker and Dave Crossley contributed valuable late runs and the home side reached 135.

Memories of previous batting collapses at New Milton flooded back as Ropley slumped to 14-3, Josh Arnold taking 3-5 in his first three overs.

Jack Ireland and Spencer rebuilt the innings. Spencer played a controlled and patient innings, almost seeing his side through to victory with support from Alex Stogdon and Stennett before being bowled round his legs for 41.

Spencer’s dismissal prompted a nerve-racking end to the game and the last seven runs did not come easily. Newens was caught behind, leaving 14-year-old Joe Austin and Hawkings to finish the job.