ASTON Ingham are through to the last 32 of the Voneus Village Cup for the first time thanks to a superb regional final 35-run victory away to Brockhampton.
The hero once again was Anthony James. The all-rounder took six wickets in the Herefordshire & Powys group semi-final victory at home to Colwall, and he followed up here with an unbeaten 99 from only 65 (13 fours, four sixes) and a burst of 3-13 from seven overs of seam.
But this was far from a one-man effort with Toby O’Neill claiming 3-33 from seven and Dan Smith 2-33 from eight while earlier there were also crucial contributions with the bat from opener Ollie Henson (44) and Alex Gooding (26).
Victory means Aston Ingham, who are only one point off top place in Division One of the Gloucestershire County League, are now preparing for a trip to West Midlands victors Pelsall on June 23.
Delighted captain James Wagstaff said: “It was such a great day, and our supporters were out in force again to cheer us over the line.
“AJ (Anthony James) was our spearhead but lots of people contributed, including Toby whose second spell changed the game. Brockhampton were starting to rally but he managed to take a couple of quick wickets to bring us back into it.”
Also through are Dumbleton who dispatched Astwood Bank by 54 runs. Opener Lewis Rollinson top scored on 80 for the WEPL club who won the toss while Ollie Horne (above, image courtesy Philip Wilcox Photography) added an unbeaten 44 from just 21 (three fours, three sixes) to give the innings late momentum and help his side reach 220-7.
Spinner Aaron Tomson then led the visitors’ charge with the ball, finishing with 5-26 from 6.2 overs while there were also two wickets apiece for Dan Hammond and Tom Green while Ross Martin sent down eight overs for only 25 runs.
Dumbleton will now be away to Dyfed champions Dafen Welfare, of Llanelli.
GOLDEN Hill will host Penzance on Sunday (1pm) in a group final in the ECB National Club Championship with the winners progressing through to the last 16.