PRESCOT and Odyssey conjured an amazing victory out of nothing in their Merseyside Competition match at Bromborough & Eastham on Saturday.

P&O were asked to bat first and produced another non-descript batting performance on a muddy wicket, to grind out a total of 130 all out. Barrie Keeble (26) and Alan McComb (22) produced the only performances of any note.

Tony Bonner took an early wicket but there then followed a rapid partnership that propelled Bromborough to 78-1, with the final 20 overs having just started, and almost certain victory. Bowlers Bonner and Paul Dagnall were tending to over-pitch their deliveries and the Bromborough batters were taking full advantage. It looked all over when Bonner replaced himself with Alan Jolliffe.

The move paid immediate dividends when the second opener - having just secured an impressive half-century - was adjudged LBW. This was one of a number of dubious umpiring decisions that affected both sides in equal measure and ultimately marred the game. Two balls later the middle wicket was sent flying and suddenly the pattern of the game was changed in the space of one over. Bromborough had two new players at the wicket and Prescot scented the slim chance of a collapse. From a team that appeared to be resigned to defeat, Prescot were now in for the kill and their fielding and bowling was transformed. Jolliffe continued to lead the resurgence and took further wickets. Tony Bonner took two fine catches at slip off his bowling. Ian Wilkinson's pick-up-and-throw led to a fantastic run-out at the other end. John Jinks took a fine stumping off the pace of Jolliffe and spinner Alan McComb took a quick wicket following his introduction into the fray.

It was now 108-8 and suddenly P&O seemed certain to win. Yet 12 runs by veteran Ray Digman from Jolliffe's next over saw Bromborough right back in it.

Jolliffe got his revenge in his next over when a superb delivery sent Digman's wickets flying. Bromborough continued for the win, and their final pair continued to edge ever nearer their target. Jangling nerves were exposed when Barrie Keeble dropped a difficult chance at close range from McComb. His next over saw Steve Edwards drop another chance on the boundary. The resulting single meant that Bromborough required just two runs to win with two overs remaining and it seemed that - once again - P&O's fightback had come too late.

However, McComb's next delivery saw the Bromborough batsman inexplicably dance down the track in an effort to win the game in style. He missed. John Jinks completed the stumping and finished P&O's amazing comeback with a victory by a single run.

Alan Jolliffe had transformed the attack and finished with an excellent six-wicket haul.

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