THE sound of nerves jangling reached a crescendo at Bolton Percy when the home side failed by just two runs to match a first innings total of 231-4 posted by division five rivals Thirsk.

The ever-reliable Jim McKendry hit 86 for Thirsk and received impressive support from Mark Wainwright who made 69 and young Liam McKendry, who proved to be a chip off the old block in making 32.

Bolton's challenging response was spearheaded by Howard Hall who made 80 while John Rossington with 41 and Martin Pears 31 kept the scorers occupied.

Another of Thirsk's talented youngsters, Mark Nursey, took 4-62 to peg Bolton's reply to 229-8.

Updated: 09:49 Monday, July 18, 2005