A thrilling finale wound up with the Muddies Third Grade team snatching a last-gasp victory with nine wickets down at home against Mulgrave on Saturday.

Number 11 batsman and captain Adrian Bannerman nearly took out the square leg umpire as he dispatched a full toss to the boundary to hit the winning runs.

But his stirring last-wicket partnership of 14 with Cam Williams was almost cut short earlier in the innings when Bannerman skied an easy catch forward of square leg.

A nervous-looking Mulgrave fielder, however, missed his chance to win the game for his side by shelling the catch.

After Bannerman lost the toss, the Muddies’ strong bowling line-up went to work, dismissing Mulgrave for 76 in the 30th over.

Best with the ball was spinner Cam Adam with 4/13 from seven overs, and the fielders also held onto their catches this week.

Early wickets, however, put the Muddies’ batting order on the back foot, and the chase was looking precarious at 6/30.

Williams and Pete Gilmour then steadied the ship, but when Gilmour chipped one to point, Williams was left to hold the innings together, finishing on 21 not out.

At 9/64, onlookers were on the edge of their seats as Bannerman strode to the crease, and a strong LBW shout did not help their nerves.

But a boundary to win the match caused a mixture of joy and relief among the crowd, with the defeat by the fourth-placed Muddies of fifth-placed Mulgrave helping put a bit of breathing space between them and the chasing pack.

This Saturday, the Thirds face Rovers at Endeavour Park in Cairns from 1pm.

The Muddies Fourth Grade side continues to knock on the door of a much-needed victory, falling short by 13 runs to the Cyclones on Sunday.

The Cyclones posted 9/145 in their 35 overs, with several Muddies bowlers snaring two wickets.

In reply, the Muddies made 7/132, with Doug Barnes top scoring on 47 from 49 balls.

The Fourths take on Atherton at home this Sunday from 12.30pm.