ASTWOOD BANK are just one victory from a Lord’s appearance after Tom Underhill’s brilliant 71 set up a convincing 99-run win over Staffordshire hosts Milford Hall.
Sunday’s victory in the National Village Cup quarter-final has set up a home semi-final against West/South Yorkshire & Humberside group winners Houghton Main on Sunday, August 4.
Bank’s players and supporters enjoyed a raucous trip home and attentions will now turn to securing a third trip to Lord’s having twice previously reached the final at cricket HQ, most recently in 2003.
Underhill hit nine fours and two sixes in his 61-ball knock to propel his side to a score of 202-6 from their 40 overs.
Openers Tom Pedley (43) and Rob West (23) got the visitors off to a fine start with a stand of 68 as the score passed 50 in the 12th over.
Sam Jeavons took 3-35 off eight overs to keep Bank within reach but it transpired the visitors had posted a score which proved well beyond the hosts.
Milford Hall were soon in trouble in their reply at 35-3 after opener Tom Webb edged Jake Price behind to Liam Smith before Josh Baker struck to remove Joe Staite and Dan Taylor (3-43) bowled Alex Stenson.
Kevin Royce (36) and Stuart Phazey (24) made 41 together until Taylor trapped the latter leg before and Milford’s slim chances were then extinguished when Royce was caught by Taylor off Baker to leave his side 94-6.
Dan Thomas (2-11) and Baker (3-11) then cleaned up the tail as Bank dismissed their hosts inside 30 overs.
