The Hampshire Academy came within four runs of overhauling a St Cross Symondians total of 275-8 on the Utilita Bowl Nursery Ground, finishing with 272-7 having been in the driving seat for much of the second session.

Teen Dorset talent Finn Gordon, with a maiden ECB Southern Premier League 105, and England U19 all-rounder Dom Kelly (84) eased the county youngsters 221-2.

But with ten overs remaining and a potential victory in sight, the Academy lost three wickets in the space of 21 deliveries and their prospects ebbed away.

Gordon, a Clayesmore product, hit 13 boundaries and Kelly ten, the pair adding 159 for the third wicket before the Dorset youngster became the first of three victims for Charlie Gwynn (3-88).
Ethan Martin and Abdullah Abid tried their best to keep the scoreboard ticking, but found Gwynn and South African Kyle Pluke difficult opponents.

Gwynn earlier top scored with 80 for St Cross, who were given a typical head start by Gregor McKenzie, whose 46 off 29 balls contained a six and eight fours. 38 in boundaries, no need to run!
Opener James Overy (30) and Wilf La Fontaine Jackson (20) scored at a more conservative rate.  Gwynn hit 13 fours, while Jack Bransgrove peppered a lively 41 not out.

Leggie Zack Basey, another Dorset product, celebrated a maiden 5-54 and took the last five Symondians wickets to fall.