THE Mathews brothers played crucial roles as Hanley Castle and Upton snatched a rare draw off the penultimate ball against promotion-chasing Bromsgrove thirds in Worcestershire League Division Four.

After being put into bat, Hanley’s Rory Mathews (95), Grant Mathews (32) and Ollie Price (23 not out) helped post a competitive total of 245-9, with Bromsgrove’s Josh Searle (4-51) the pick of the bowlers.

In reply, Bromsgrove’s Michael Bennison (89) and Henry Dwyer (57) batted well to place their team in a strong position going into the last 20 overs.

But strong wicketkeeping from Charlie Tippell and intelligent bowling from Rory Mathews (3-41) broke the partnership to set up a grandstand finish.

With pressure increasing through tight bowling from Barton Mathews (1-59), youngest brother Todd Mathews’ off-spin snared four of the middle order to leave Bromsgrove needing eight runs from the final over with two wickets in hand.

A quick single and a run-out later, captain Paul Husbands blasted a six over long-off to level the scores.

With all Hanley fielders crowded tight to stop a single, Todd Mathews (5-60) ripped a ball from outside-off to knock off the bails and conclude one of the most exciting, good-spirited matches of the season.

Barnards Green thirds took advantage to replace Bromsgrove in second spot with a 64-run win over Martley at Newland.

Opener Andy Wheeler (98) and Tom Clack (52) helped fire the Malvern side to 255 all out from 46.3 overs.

Martley were bowled out for 191 inside 37 overs in reply, with Tim Williams claiming 3-31 and Lewis Hooper 3-66.

The games for Hanley Castle and Barnards Green on Monday were washed out by the rain.

West Malvern finished their Division Five campaign with a 90-run home defeat to champions Astwood Bank thirds.

After restricting Bank to 191-6 from 50 overs, West collapsed to 101 all out, with only Steve Wright (28) and Will Lloyd (22) making much impact.