KINGSWOOD hosted its President`s XI in an eight-per-side 30-over match.

Batting first, Kingswood scored rapidly. Skipper Virat-bin-Fohli retired on 50, and like his Indian Test skipper namesake, he was adept at running out his partners.

Most batsmen reached double figures - Mark Bryant (11), Henry Pritchard (12), Fin McCubbin (20) and Callum Niddrie (12).

At 121-6 and with the last pair featuring 10-year-old Charlie Emms and 20-year-old Alex Gordon-Eales at the creases, a high score did not look likely.

However, their unbeaten 69-run partnership changed the game, with Charlie scoring a dogged 11* and Alex boasting a flamboyant 44*. 191 to win in 30 overs would be a test for the President's XI.

Stu Emms (17) and Mark Thomas (36) started well but their dismissals by students Fin McCubbin and Callum Niddrie - followed by Guy Lendon and Vince Taylor by Charlie Emms for ducks - needed resolute rescue. This came from the experienced Kevin Morgan and Angus McCubbin.

When Kevin was trapped lbw by 74-year-old former Chairman and President David Hatton for 23 and Angus retired on 53, the President`s XI`s hopes looked dashed.

With the last pair at the crease, getting 35 runs in six overs looked unlikely.

Tailender Steve Hardman had not given up, however.

Aided by a few extras, he nursed his 75-year-old partner (Chairman Rod Alexander) and flayed a belligerent 29* to take his side to victory with two balls to spare.