Horsham 220-9 Barnt Green 219-8

Barnt Green lost by one run

Cockspur National Knockout Cup final

BARNT Green CC suffered the agony of defeat at Lord's, as they lost a thrilling encounter in the Cockspur National Cup final on Tuesday evening.

The Green produced a dogged batting display at Lord's, but it was not enough, as the Sussex side took the plaudits.

Two wickets in the final over swung the game to Green's Sussex opponents.

Before that Barnt Green had worked hard to chase their opponent's total.

Defeat ended the Birmingham and District Premier Division leader's hopes of a double.

Team manager Paul Clark said: "We battled hard, but it wasn't to be.

"It was a thrilling game of cricket and a great advert for our level of the sport."

Green bowled first and used Lord's wicket to good effect.

Captain Richard Illingworth led by example, taking 3-27.

Richard Hall also took 2-85, but Horsham managed to score a formidable score of 220.

Opener Matt Dallaway made a powerful return to form when he hit 64, while the inexperienced James Samworth made 60.

The Green went into the final over just a few runs away from victory and with Simon Froggatt and Gareth Williams at the crease.

Froggatt, who overcame a hand injury sustained in the victory over Leamington on Saturday, though was dismissed lbw.

Gareth Williams was then run out to leave the club's dreams of lifting the cup over for another year.

Clark said: "We gave it our all and that's all we could do. Horsham were excellent throughout, but they know they have been in an incredibly tough match."

Yesterday's defeat at Lord's means Barnt Green missed out on the cup for the second time in four years.

In 2002 they lost the final to Saffron Walden at Edgbaston.

The defeat was a sad end for Illingworth's illustrious career, who is set to retire from playing cricket at the end of the season to umpire full time.

This is the second time the former England spinner has suffered defeat in a final at the home of cricket.

In 1987 Illingworth was part of a Worcestershire side that lost to Middlesex in the Natwest Trophy.

l Barnt Green turn their attentions to clinching the Premier Division title, with two difficult fixtures over the Bank Holiday weekend. The leaders will be looking to bounce back from their cup disappointment when they take on Walsall on Saturday, August 27, and West Bromwich Dartmouth two days later (both matches 12.30pm start).