THE drama of the 2009 Ashes in Cardiff was mirrored at Newport Fugitives CC on Tuesday as Wales Over-50s enjoyed a tense victory over their Australian counterparts.
While Jimmy Anderson and Monty Panesar blocked their way to a draw at the Swalec Stadium eight years ago, the Welsh seniors took the spoils thanks to some big scoring at the death.
They chased down a target of 202 to win by one wicket, scoring 15 runs from the last over with Steve Powell hitting a boundary off the final ball to edge out the tourists.
The Aussies batted first and scored a total of 201-9, number four Warwick Hayes hitting 54 from 82 balls until he was run out.
Wales looked in good shape when they moved onto 79-1 in the 22nd over but a clatter of wickets meant the tourists were in charge at 90-5 in the 24th.
However, a fine knock by Lee Williams ensured a tense finish. When he was trapped leg before for 62 off 76 balls it looked like the hosts, who were 176-9 after 46 overs, were beaten.
But the last pair of Powell and John Berry kept their cool to edge to a dramatic victory with the former hitting a boundary when three were needed from the last ball.
Wales Over-60s take on their Australian counterparts in Abergavenny on Friday (11.30am start).
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