Umpires John Maher and Hugh Thomas made a decision during a schools match that would have cricket lawyers arguing.

Hurstpierpoint College batsman Joe Andrews required a six off the final ball against Ardingly College to win his side their Langdale Cup match.

The 16-year-old No.9 took three firm strides down the pitch, caught a low half-volley firmly on the middle of the bat and the ball soared over wide mid-on towards the far boundary and scoreboard, Players and spectators alike held their breath as Joe's drive curved towards the ground and at last bounced.

But the question was where?

"It was a good shot," confirmed Hurstpierpoint headmaster Stephen Meek. "The ball was keeping low but it kept going. Some people nearby said categorically that it hit the rope. While others believed it bounced just inside. But the umpires did not see where themselves."

The umpires consulted more widely and after a suggestion from the Hurstpierpoint headmaster pronounced a judgement of Solomon.

They found themselves unable to make a judgement and so the outcome of the match could not be determined.

Hugh Thomas, one of the umpires, admitted: "We could not see from where we were standing and there was no clearcut view from those beyond the boundary where the ball had bounced.

"The Hurstpierpoint master suggested that perhaps it would be fair to replay the match.

"Ardingly were happy with that and it allowed us not to make a decision favouring one side over the other."

Joe, the youngest player in the Hurstpierpoint team and despite his tale-end position a specialist batsman, agreed the outcome was fair.

He said: "I was a little disappointed. But I was disappointed I didn't hit it a bit higher so the decision could have been easier.

"Because it wasn't completely clear where the ball bounced I think the decision was correct."

It is refreshing that schools cricket continues to be played in a good spirit.

Hurstpierpoint master Derek Bostridge said: "It was a genuine reflection of the spirit of cricket played at both our school and Ardingly."

Owzat! is pleased to commend everyone involved in the game, and reward the umpires with a case of London Pride.

The match was replayed last night and a full report will appear in next week's edition.