Young Dons through to finals day

Hambledon under-15s have made history and booked their spot at the national t20 finals day.

They made it through to the semi-finals - for the first time in the club's history - with victory over Finchampstead in the last 16 and then a defeat of Guildford in the quarter-finals.

In the clash with Berkshire outfit Finchampstead, they restricted the opposition to 120 for seven - with Rory Prentice, Hew Richards, George Harding, JJ Brown and Tim Coleman all impressing with the ball.

In reply, Jack Dyer top scored with 24 but with wickets falling at an alarming rate the Ridge Meadow side were left needing 31 off the final four overs.

Smart running from Ollie Atkinson ensured that total was reduced to eight off the last over, which began with a bye.

Harding smacked the next ball down the ground only for the bowler to deflect it onto the stumps at the non-striker's end for an incredible run out.

With the help of James Toogood, Harding then reduced the runs required to two from the final ball and - as the midwicket fielder panicked - the duo managed to run an unlikely two to claim the win.

Guildford were waiting for the Dons in the last eight and Hambledon, this time batting first, posted 133 for eight.

Brown (28) and Prentice (33) made good contributions before Tom Gwyther added some crucial late impetus with a quickfire 33.

Superb fielding, including an excellent stumping from Eddie Lewis and direct hit from Joseph Farrell, put Hambledon in control after the break.

But three dropped catches in five balls gave Guildford hope.

A fine catch from Toogood then calmed the nerves and tight bowling saw Guildford fall 12 runs short of victory.

Harding (three for 22) and Brown (two for 24) were the pick of the bowlers, as the young Dons booked their place at finals day on Wednesday, August 22 at Kibworth CC.