Hornsey’s last-wicket pair clung on to deny Highgate a much-needed victory and close the gap on league leaders Finchley.

Conor Goodwin-Tindall (3 not out) and Tom Lytle (0no) secured a winning draw at 141-9 after Highgate’s bowlers had threatened to snatch maximum points.

Hornsey won the toss at Tivoli Road, sending the visitors in, and Jack Bruce (2-23) gained early rewards as he got rid of Chris Arul (11) and Sandun Dias (2).

Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, with Joe Emanuel (2-17) and Johnny Fawcett (3-37) applying pressure as Highgate slumped to 56-5.

But Robin Glassberg (21) and Phil Knott (19) led a recovery before Matt Holly, who struck 38 at almost a run a ball, began to accelerate the scoring rate – and Ed Foster followed up by bludgeoning an unbeaten 28 from only 11 deliveries, including three sixes, as Highgate raised their total to 177-9 from 55 overs.

Hornsey made a dreadful start to their reply as prolific openers Jamie Harris (4) and Paul Weekes (3) both fell cheaply to Dias, who also dismissed Emanuel (1).

Glassberg (4-56) soon got in on the action by pinning Steve Atkinson (1) lbw and bowling Bruce (4) to leave the home side in dire straits at 49-5.

Sean Solia revived them with an excellent knock of 82 and, with the support of Jack Goldberg (23) and Fawcett (13), Hornsey began to sniff victory.

However, Glassberg picked up the crucial wicket of Solia with 44 required and Craig Gourlay (2-29) chipped in to leave them nine down – but Highgate could not find a way past the last pair.