Skipper Dave Pearce could not believe his eyes as Kingston Bagpuize collapsed in sight of victory and had to settle for a tie in The Oxford Times Cherwell League on Satuday.

Pearce had returned the amazing figures of 7-19 to shoot out Division 3 opponents Dinton 2nd for just 55.

"I thought at the time, if we don't win this match, I'd better hang up my boots," said Pearce, whose team had yet to win this season.

All seemed well when Kingston moved to within sight of victory at 53-5 and 55-6. But then disaster struck, Kelvin Ripley taking 4-0 as the teams ended all square.