MATTHEW Lovick was the star of the show as he carried Hales through a poor performance to narrowly beat leaders Hillington by one wicket.In a reduced overs game of 40 overs per side Hales were off to a flyer as they had the home side on the back foot, reducing them to 76-6 off 17 overs.

MATTHEW Lovick was the star of the show as he carried Hales through a poor performance to narrowly beat leaders Hillington by one wicket.

In a reduced overs game of 40 overs per side Hales were off to a flyer as they had the home side on the back foot, reducing them to 76-6 off 17 overs.

Cornish claimed another run-out in the first over of the game after a tidy pick up and throw from point. Rowe, Lovick, Andersen and Squire all bowled excellent opening spells to rip apart a very good Hillington top order.

In a bizarre turn of events Hales let Hillington of the hook as they added 70 for the seventh wicket. With a wet ball it was a tough day for fielding, but no excuses can be made as Hales spilled catch after catch.

Catches went down on the boundary, there were mix-ups between two people going for the same catch, catches went down in the slips - at one point two in three balls to the same person in the slips.

Eventually Robin Andersen mopped up the tail and Hillington were bowled out for 146 in 33 overs. Andersen and Squire claimed two wickets apiece and Rowe (3-46) was unlucky not to claim five wickets as the chances went down.

Hales started very carefully as they had the added bonus of 47 overs to chase the 147 target as they claimed some first innings overs. Hales were then on the receiving end of what they felt were some unfortunate umpiring decisions.

The middle order then threw away their wickets as Hales tumbled towards a second defeat of the season.

With the score on 86-8 in the 37th over Lovick strode to the crease determined to make amends for his first-innings clanger.

Powerhouse Lovick played the innings of his life as he single-handedly blasted Hales to the 147 target in seven overs to seal an incredible win.

His innings of 52 not out contained four fours and four enormous sixes.

Lovick was simply awesome as he sealed an emphatic victory for Hales to beat the league leaders and move up to third position in the league.

Credit must also go to Phil Squire for holding the innings together with a very patient 46 which gave Lovick the opportunity to finish the game.

Bobs Builders Ltd MoM: Lovick.