Hemel land Knockout Shield

9:18pm Tuesday 15th July 2008

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Hemel Hempstead defeated defending champions West Herts by two runs this evening to lift the Watford Observer Knockout Cricket Shield.

The Heath Park outfit batted first and posted a total of 122 for four thanks to a fluent 46 not out by James Potton.

Hemel then performed wonders to claw their way back into the match after West Herts raced to 59 without loss after five and a half overs.

The turning point came when Kiwi star Neal Parlane was caught brilliantly by Nick Hodgins at deep mid on.

Craig Sanders, who blasted an impressive 48, was run out two balls later and then captain Matt Smith perished in the next over.

Led impressively by skipper Alex Collman, whose three wickets won him the man of the match award, Hemel turned the screw thereafter and left West Herts needing an improbable 23 off the last over.

They got within three of victory thanks to some sweet shots from Steve Clark, who finished unbeaten on 31, but it came too little, too late.

For a full report, pictures and all the reaction from the finals day at Met Police Bushey Sports Club, see this week's Watford Observer.