Calmore Sports made it three wins from five matches and stayed in touch with the Southern Premier Cricket League (SPCL) Division One pace-setters after holding their nerve to beat Old Tauntonians & Romsey by 12 runs in a tense last-over finish at Loperwood Park.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Calmore were in trouble early on as they slipped to 38-4. James Trodd was the chief destroyer, taking 3-29, while Hakim Peruzi's disciplined spell of 2-22 from nine overs further restricted the hosts.

The innings was rescued by an outstanding knock from Evan Allaway, who struck an unbeaten 84 from 82 balls. Despite only hitting one four, Allaway cleared the ropes six times and shared key partnerships with Ben Johns (32) and Liam Longland (20) to guide Calmore to 186-9. Extras also proved significant, with Old Tauntonians conceding 14 wides.

Old Tauntonians' reply got off to a disastrous start. Liam Poolman fell for a duck, while Joseph Vaughan, James Trodd and Alec Davidson-Soler were all dismissed cheaply as the visitors slumped to 23-5. Joe Butcher produced a decisive spell, taking 3-13 from five overs, while Allaway chipped in with two early wickets.

Charlie King then mounted a superb resistance effort. The opener carried his bat for 73 from 147 deliveries, hitting seven fours and two sixes, while Alex Mills added a brisk 27 and Peruzi contributed 28 to keep the chase alive.

A partnership between King and Peruzi helped Old Tauntonians recover to 134-8, and with King still at the crease, the game remained in the balance. However, Calmore's bowlers maintained their discipline. Mark Lavelle claimed 2-20 from 10 overs, while Longland returned excellent figures of 2-25 from 9.5 overs.

The turning point came in the closing stages when Peruzi was caught by Johns off Lavelle, leaving King with too much to do. Old Tauntonians entered the final over still needing 13 runs, but Longland removed King for 73 with just one ball remaining before dismissing Matt Bampton for a duck on the final delivery to seal victory.

Calmore Sports travel to bottom-of-the-table Havant on Saturday, with play starting at 12.30pm.