Astwood Bank's dream of winning the National Village Championship at Lord's was burst by Shipton-under-Wychwood in a crushing 67-run defeat - but they still gave their army of travelling fans a day to remember at the home of cricket.

Brave Bank reached the final at the home of cricket in style but failed at the final hurdle against a strong Shipton side who won the competition last year.

After winning the toss, Bank elected to field first - something captain Alex Robinson would later regret.

And Shipton got off to a stunning start, thanks to confident batting from Steve Bates and Jason Constable and the openers had made an easy 60 before bowling from Jon Summers and Dan Sealey got them into any kind of trouble.

The breakthrough came thanks to Summers after Bates nicked a wide ball straight to keeper Robinson.

And a mini collapse from the Shipton team ensued. Good tight bowling from Summers, Sealey and Paul Boycott took the wickets of Stuart Gillett, Constable and Chris Panter, leaving the holders on 93 for 5.

Shipton's tailenders held on and a sprightly 23 from Ian Lewis took the Oxfordshire side to a respectable but, never the less, reachable target of 146 for nine after their 40 overs.

The Bank boys could almost taste success as they went in for lunch, knowing a solid batting performance would make sure of victory.

And the army of Bank supporters were already celebrating after openers Andy Clayton and Dan Sealey got the Sambourne Lane side off to a solid enough start.

But then came the collapse and the start of a Shipton bowling revival. Clayton was caught off the bowling of Panter for 13 and the Shipton fastbowler was on target again taking the wickets of Sealey (16), Jagielski (3) and Sam Churchley for a duck.

Bank found themselves at 52 for 4 and facing a defeat. Shipton continued their attack and after skipper Robinson made his way back to the pavilion making 16 runs and Steve Clarke was adjudged lbw off the bowling of Paul Snell for 17 it was down to the tail.

Bank needed another 67 runs with just three wickets remaining. The task was too much and the next three batsmen succumbed to more fast bowling from Paul Snell who finished off taking five wickets for just 24 runs off 6.5 overs.

The dream died but the day will live long in the memories of those there.