ANDREW Hall is hoping to conjure up another magical match-winning performance when Worcestershire meet Gloucestershire in the showpiece final of the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy at Lord's on Saturday, August 30.

The star South African all-rounder was the County's hero when they booked their first Lord's final for nine years by beating Lancashire by six runs in a New Road thriller on Saturday.

Delighted Hall was released from his country's Test squad to play in the semi-final and has now been given the go-ahead by the South African Cricket Board to perform against Gloucestershire.

And, after his triumphant last over double wicket maiden on Saturday, he can't wait to take part in the final which will be staged between the fourth and fifth Tests against England.

He said: "I've been given the green light by the South African Board and the management to play in the final. I'm looking forward to a Lord's final, it will be terrific.

"You dream as a youngster of playing at Lord's and I've been fortunate to do that twice this season in the NatWest Series final and the Lord's Test. To go there and play in the big county final will be tremendous.

"We're going to go there, give it all and we are determined to bring the trophy back to Worcester.

"It's been a great time for me and a lot of thanks must go to Worcestershire for the amount of work they have done with me.

"They've helped me get to the stage where I've been selected for my country and a lot of credit must go to Worcestershire and I hope I can help bring the trophy back."

New Road director of cricket Tom Moody said: "I spoke to the South African management on Thursday and they indicated that all being well injury-wise they would be sympathetic to Hally being released for the final because it's in a period between Tests.

"Hopefully, he plays as well as he did on Saturday!"

The County, who are in action today in a floodlit National League Division One match against Kent Spitfires at Canterbury (4.10pm), have not figured in a Lord's final since 1994 when they lifted the Trophy for the first and only occasion by beating Warwickshire by eight wickets.