Woodmansterne 2nd XI settled for a winning draw in a game they should have won at Lingfield 2nd XI on Saturday.

A lost toss saw Woods inserted on another belter of a track at the Park against bottom side Lingfield.

The flourishing opening pair of Hiren Patel and Graham Wilson started steadily and soon dominated the bowlers, reaching 79 without loss before Wilson (30) played-on to his stumps.

Hiren (49) soon followed, flicking one straight to mid wicket only one ball after controversially not walking after an alleged snick behind.

Ronak Patel went cheaply and the familiar collapse beckoned but a useful partnership from Wells (31) and Mistry (21) kept the run rate ticking.

All of the middle order played useful knocks including a well made 29 not out from Tom Meadowcroft before skipper Hiren Patel declared at 217, giving Woods 48 overs to take 10 wickets.

Birthday-boy Mannering was thrown the old ball and despite some economical bowling a wicket didn't look likely, nor at the other end where Ralph Patel had another poor spell by his standards.

Neil Patel soon grabbed a wicket with the new ball, as did Graham Newland, who consistently found the edge only for the ball to fall short of the slip cordon.

Phil Wells (5-30) bowled a superb spell from the Pavillion end giving Woods a real chance with Lingfield nine down and with six overs remaining.

Despite bowling changes and the comical encouragement from mascot Neil 'Oz' Fraser on the sidelines, the final wicket just wouldn't come and Woods settled for a winning draw in a game that they once again should have won.