GALLANT Hursley Park went down by six runs to Totton & Eling in a desperately brave bid to stave off finishing bottom of cricket's ECB Southern Electric Premier League.

They were eventually dismissed for 240 chasing Totton's 246-9 at The Quarters.

Theoretically, Hursley Park are relegated, but with neither of the leading Division 2 clubs, Ventnor nor Rowledge accredited for promotion, their playing future remains in the balance.

The Premier League holds its accreditation meeting in late October.

They may - or may not - decide to promote Lymington, who finished third in Premier Division 2.

If Hursley had played all season with the spirit and endeavour they showed against Totton, they might not have been in this predicament.

Led by teenager Philip Hughes (56) and former Sri Lanka Under-19 spinner Thara Perera, who struck a superb 77 not out, they fought Totton all the way - only to fall six runs short.

Rob Franklin's 4-65 had a telling effect for Totton, whose own innings was built around Ricky Rawlins (53) and Derek Kenway (45).

Totton dropped to 151-6, but Matt Metcalfe blazed 69 to put the visitors in the driving seat.

Hursley Park certainly gave it their best shot after that, but just dipped out.

Local cricket round-up in this week's Romsey Advertiser.