REDDITCH Entaco let Birmingham League Division Three rivals Lichfield off the hook as they lost out on the very last ball of the game.

That was after Redditch had posted a target of 211 for seven to chase and then had Lichfield on the ropes at 187 for nine in reply.

But the last wicket partnership of Tom Swift and Graham Wilson held their nerve to snatch an unlikely victory.

Swift struck a prized 28 not out while Wilson finished unbeaten on 11 not out.

The pair picked off the final 24 runs required for a memorable success as Redditch strived in vain to remove them.

Redditch had made a rousing start with the bat as openers Tom Field with 51 and Rizwan Chaundhry on 55 put on 91 for the first wicket.

Yassar Altaf kept the scoreboard ticking over with a further 39 as Redditch set a testing target to chase.

Lichfield made a lively start in reply themselves as Tom Stone struck 74 before Redditch responded by bringing skipper Waqas Ali back into the attack for a second spell.

The move appeared to work a treat as Waqas Ali claimed four for 49 while Ghulam Moyhuddin captured three for 44 to leave Lichfield stuttering to 187 for nine.

Dismayed Waqas Ali admitted: "We didn't kill off Lichfield when we had the chance. Their last pair held firm and we just couldn't get them out no matter how we tried. In fact they both played very well with Tom Stone hitting the winning run off the last ball.

"It was very disappointing not to get the final wicket, especially as we have such a strong bowling attack this season. It was definitely one that got away from us.

"I only hope the players can learn from this experience."

Redditch slip back down the league table as a result of this loss but look to bounce back when they entertain Shropshire side Newport this Saturday.