Express & Star

Pelsall's Lord's dream falls at last hurdle

Pelsall's Lord's dream died at the final hurdle as they were soundly beaten by reigning champions Woodhouse Grange in the semi-final of the National Village Cup.

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Yorkshire side Woodhouse arrived at Pelsall Cricket and Sports Club as favourites and batted first aiming to set an imposing total.

However, some excellent bowling from the hosts, playing at this stage of the competition for the first time, saw Woodhouse four wickets down, albeit for 90 runs, from 16 overs.

Half-centuries from Steve Burdett and Nick Hadfield though took the visitors to a total of 209-9, with a flurry of late boundaries adding crucial runs in the final overs.

In reply, Birmingham & District League Division Three outfit Pelsall struggled to get going, losing a wicket in the first over and reaching just 1-1 after four overs.

They mounted a spirited recovery and, with 11 overs to go, were 98-5. But they were eventually bowled out for 149, some 61 runs shy of the victory target.

Woodhouse Grange duly reached their seventh Lord's final in the National Village Cup and will aim for a fourth victory when they play Cambridge-based Foxton at the home of cricket next month.

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