Underwood and Andy Renshaw began proceedings at the top of the order, although the partnership lasted just 4 balls, with Renshaw bowled for 0 off a delivery that cut back sharply off the surface from opening bowler Mike Yarney. Sam Dando joined Underwood, although in the very next over, the former was trapped LBW by Dean Malley also for 0 to leave Amesbury in trouble at 2/2. Further disaster was to strike in the same over, with Jayden Atkinson looping a simple opportunity to the fielder at short cover to become the third batsman to depart without troubling the scorers, with Amesbury now reeling at 2/3.

2/3 soon became 8/5, with Mark Ayres departing for 2 and in making his first appearance of the season, Jacob Berry caught comfortably for just 1. After seeing the carnage unfold at the other end, Underwood was the next to go, his poor form continuing, missing a full delivery off Malley to depart LBW for 4 and leave Amesbury in tatters at 11/6.

Macauley Atkinson and Kian Smith attempted to rebuild, although after accumulating a 7 run partnership, Smith departed for 0 off Malley to claim his fifth wicket and leave Amesbury 18/7.

Atkinson and the introduced Gareth Dobson used their experience to good effect, seeing off Malley and Yarney to build a desired but ultimately vital partnership. The score moved to 41, when after looking in comfortable touch, Atkinson was bowled off the introduced Ian Smith for a dogged 6.

Dobson continued to battle at the opposite end and played intelligently to take the score past 50. After arguably playing his best knock of the season, Dobson was the 9th wicket to fall, bowled by Smith for a valuable 28. Gavin Burkwood and David Carpenito added a further run before Carpenito departed for 0 to close the innings on a paltry 54 all out.

The pick of Stockbridge's bowlers were Malley (5/26), Smith (3/8) and Yarney (2/13).

After tea, Amesbury knew the task required and the ever reliable opening pair of Dobson and Jayden Atkinson tore through the Stockbridge batting order to bring Amesbury back into contention.

Unable to cope with the pace and movement off the surface, Dobson accounted for the wickets of openers, Lovegrove and Cugujra for 1 and 0 respectively. Opposition captain, Aaron Burton was then run out for 2 after attempting a suicidal second run, after a piece of good fielding by Jayden Atkinson and wicketkeeper, Andy Renshaw.

7/3 became 7/4, with Atkinson's spell being rewarded with the wicket of Rothwell for 2. After having the dangerous Viljoen dropped on a couple of occasions, the score advanced to 24/4 with the game now firmly in the balance. However, momentum shifted back into Amesbury's favour through the bowling performance displayed by Dobson.

Firstly, he trapped Jonty Cooke plumb in front for 0 and followed up just 2 balls later, removing Malley also for 0, after a superb leg side catch behind the wicket by Renshaw. Quite brilliantly, he then removed Donilley in his very next delivery with Kian Smith claiming a superb catch positioned at mid-on to register a triple wicket maiden and leave Stockbridge 35/8. This resulted in Dobson's sixth wicket of the day.

After bowling his initial maximum permitted spell, Jayden Atkinson was replaced by brother, Macauley and after initially struggling to find his rhythm, he removed dangerman Viljoen LBW for a rather fortunate 25. At 45/9, a further 10 runs were required and with Yarney and Smith seeing off Dobson, Atkinson and Underwood attempted to claim the final wicket. Unfortunately, there proved to be no fairytale, with Smith and Yarney using their vast experience to see Stockbridge home by the finest of margins. Despite obvious disappointment, Amesbury can take great heart from the performance given in the field.

A truly remarkable game of cricket, in which a total of just 109 runs were scored for the loss of 19 wickets, highlighting difficulties for both teams on a troublesome batting surface.

Special mention to opening bowlers, Jayden Atkinson and Dobson (as well as Macauley Atkinson) showing magnificent character, spirit and determination in bringing Amesbury so close to victory.

The wickets were shared as follows: Dobson (6/12), J Atkinson (1/12) and M Atkinson (1/20).

Amesbury travel to the 'picturesque' surroundings of Southampton Travellers in their final 2017 league fixture next Saturday.