Bessborough took a huge stride in their push for the Middlesex Championship title on Saturday by beating rivals Osterley by one wicket.

Having won the toss and elected to field, Bessborough restricted Osterley to 208 for nine from 50 overs.

Osterley bowled with intent and thanks to the pace of Kamran Abbasi, the game was left finely poised at the break with Bessborough at 76 for two.

Ramesh Gunalan was bowled out with 49 runs and his wicket sparked a massive collapse – with Ian Barrie and Amrit Ryatt departing to leave the side on 152 for seven.

However, the game turned thanks to Sherrick Chavda and Karkhanis, who hit 41 runs in eight overs.

Karkhanis was eventually run out, leaving Andy Carr – suffering from a suspected broken finger – entering the fray with a target of four.

Carr, along with partner Sherrick Chavda, held his nerve to reach Bessborough’s target of 209 with a wicket remaining.