SCOTT Carmichael bludgeoned Exhall & Wixford to a breathtaking victory in the regional quarter-finals of National Village Knockout Cup.

And the win means skipper Simon Hollands must rally his troops again this weekend when they take on visitors Stockton for a place in the regional final.

Exhall were set a daunting task by their Warwickshire One hosts after Fillongley posted a score of 255 all out.

It could have been a lot worse as the home side had been 229-3 before a late slump saw them lose their final seven wickets for just 26 runs.

John Simpson was the pick of the bowlers with 5-52.

But Exhall never panicked in reply and after losing opener Scooter Wickes for 10, Hollands joined vice captain Matt Gwynn (86) at the crease in a 153-run partnership.

When Carmichael came out to bat, for his first competitive knock of the season, the visitors still required 60 to win from just five overs.

The drama continued with Exhall needing 40 off just 3 overs before Carmichael let loose with a six.

A further 25 was still needed off the final 12 balls but the inspired Carmichael took just five balls to reach the total, four 6s and a two leaving him unbeaten on 44 off just 17 balls. Hollands also played his part with an unbeaten 84.

On Saturday Exhall marched to an emphatic victory on Saturday as they comfortably defeated Tanworth by nine wickets to go six points clear at the top of the Cotswold Hills Premier Division.

After putting the opposition into bat, not for the first time this season, a fine opening spell from Steve Kerby (4-24) and Syd Keen (1-15) put the home side on the rack immediately. Fine support bowling from Andy Marsh, John Park and Simpson reduced Tanworth to 117 all out.

Exhall took little time in setting about their target, losing only Gwynn (15) on the way. Wickes (35 no) and Kerby (39 no) saw the visitors home.

Undefeated Exhall travel to Shipston on Saturday without skipper Simon Hollands or Brett Green. With Aussie all rounder Leon Gates still unavailable, the visit to old foes Shipston could prove to be Exhall's toughest test yet.