HEMEL HEMPSTEAD TOWN moved to within one match of lifting The Watford Observer Linden Homes Cricket Knockout Trophy for the second time in three years with an ultimately comfortable 23-run victory over Bushey on Tuesday, July 1.

After making a slow start to their innings in the Semi-Final at Watford Town, Hemel posted a competitive 129-4, thanks largely to an unbeaten 55 from Mike Dale.

Bushey were on course to eclipse this total until the 10th over when Tony Lynch - who finished with four wickets - claimed two scalps. This swung the game firmly Hemel's way as Bushey closed on 106-7.

Hemel will now meet the winners of tomorrow's (Thursday, July 3) second Semi-Final between Watford Town and Moor Park. The Final will played at West Herts on Thursday, July 17.

Meanwhile, Chiltern will take on Aldenham and Bricket Wood will face Langleybury B in the Semi-Finals of the new Plate competition at Langleybury tonight (Wednesday, July 2).

For full reports on the matches that matter in the area's premier limited overs competition, don't miss this week's edition of The Watford Observer.