Cuckney now just two games from Lord's in Cawston Press Village Cup

Cuckney Cricket Club are now just two wins from Lord’s after making the last eight of the Cawston Press Village Cup quarter-final for the second consecutive year.

Cuckney overcame Shropshire’s Quatt after setting almost 300 at home for the second round in a row, led by Joe Hayes’ 151 not out.

Former Nottinghamshire youth player Hayes, who has also turned out for MCC in the past, hit 14 fours and 9 sixes in his unbeaten 93-ball innings to see his side towards 291 for 4 from their 40 overs.

“Joe’s innings was outstanding and probably one of the best I’ve seen at Cuckney,” said captain Richard Bostock, who hit 24 not out off 11 balls.

“To score 151 not out in a National Village Cup last 16 tie was pretty special, and Leighton Ambrick’s 76 gave us the platform to post a score we were really happy with.

“I managed to get in towards the end and have a few swings myself, which is always nice.

“The biggest thing for me, though, is this group of players. We’ve got a really nice mix of lads I’ve played cricket with for over 20 years, alongside some brilliant young Cuckney players coming through.

“Tom Bush, Harry Ballard and Leighton Ambrick are all only 16, while Oscar Butcher is 17. They’re all local lads and to see them stepping up in games like this is fantastic for the club.”

In the reply, Bush took 4 for 21 as Quatt were bowled out for 141 all out.

“I don’t think the scorecard really does Quatt justice,” added Bostock.

"They were a good side with plenty of experienced players and we knew we’d have to play well to get through. We did that with both bat and ball.

“We reached this stage of the competition last year, so we’d obviously love to go one better this time. At this stage of the competition you don’t really know much about the opposition, and home advantage becomes really important.

“Hopefully we can get another big crowd down to Cuckney on the 19 July and make it another great occasion for everyone involved.”

Cuckney will now welcome Herefordshire’s Brockhampton in the last eight after they beat Derbyshire club South Wingfield with a ball to spare.

Brockhampton allrounder Adam Hewlett is looking forward to the trip to Cuckney.

He said: “We’re really excited and quite a few of our followers have booked hotels.

“It’s something out of the ordinary and it’s great to go and play in other places.”

The winners of the game will play in a semi-final at their home ground on Sunday 2 August.

The final will be held at Lord’s, in London, on Sunday 6 September.