ST MARTIN’S were just inches – and a miniscule percentage of a run – away from clinching this season’s Barclays Wealth Division Two Evening League title.

Needing just a single to beat title rivals Corinthians B, win the league and secure promotion to the top flight, Simon Geall could only push the ball to short mid-on and, despite a dive, lost the race to the crease to tie the game.

With both sides finishing on 107 for seven, Corinthians kept the 0.02 run rate advantage they held going into the game to claim a second title in three years.

It was tough on Geall, who produced an inspired four-wicket burst with the ball to peg Corinthians back after a 67-run opening partnership dominated by 14-year-old Harry Player, who smashed 43, including a scorching cover drive which rattled the fence before a fielder could move, and an easy loft for six over mid-on.

Corinthians then lost their way and were incredibly grateful, in the end, for young Ollie Nightingale’s six from the last ball of the innings, indeed, the only ball he faced.

Jonny Orme struck first ball of the St Martin’s reply to remove Darren Le Tissier, but Chris Mauger was the dominant figure he has been all season for his side and they eased past 50 with no alarms.

Then Oliver Newey was needlessly run out, Mauger hit Max Ellis over mid-wicket for a huge six and was then bowled trying to repeat the trick, and the three young Corinthians spinners tied down the St Martin’s batting, to leave nine required from Nightingale’s final over.

Geall, who made 17, all-but sealed it with an audacious scoop over fine leg for four from the third ball, but Nightingale stayed remarkably cool and with fielders all round the bat, the last ball was as dramatic a season’s end as you could get.