Himley 234-8 Barnt Green 237-7

Barnt Green win by three wickets

BARNT Green CC took another step towards glory by defeating Himley to reach the regional semi-finals of the Cockspur National Knockout Cup on Sunday.

Last season's finalists edged closer to repeating the feat after a swash-buckling performance with the bat.

Green had been reduced to 140-4 with 20 overs to go but fine batting by Richard Wilkinson, Gavin Shephard and teenager Nathan Newport saw them win the game with three balls to spare.

Captain Simon Froggatt said: "We slumped in the middle but ended really strongly. Gavin played aggressively and he was scoring a run a ball at one stage."

Green had restricted their opponents to 234-8 in 45 overs but faded after a fine start to 140-4 with the clock ticking.

A 65-run partnership by Simon Froggatt (29) and Richard Wilkinson (who hit a fine 68 not out) got Green back on track.

Newport, aged 17, kept the runs coming by smashing 25 off just 15 balls.

With three overs left Green needed 60 runs to win the match but Shephard's 62 steered is side into the next round and a to Shropshire side Whitchurch on Sunday, June 18.

Froggatt admitted he was delighted his side had progressed in a competition he is desperate to win.

He said: "It was a brilliant performance because we were in some trouble at the half way stage.

"But Nathan, Gavin and Richard all played well to get us out of it.

"I really want to win this competition. It has always been the one that has somehow avoided us.

"Now we've got ourselves into the regional semi-finals we've given ourselves a great chance of making it into the national stages."

The captain is also hoping victory can lift the team in the Birmingham and District Premier Division after losing to Moseley last Saturday.

Barnt Green go to division pace-setters Walsall this Saturday, aiming to get their title defence back on track.

Froggatt said: "I am sure that we are getting back to our best after such a good performance in the cup on Sunday.

"We took a lot of confidence from the game and are determined to get some wins under our belt."

The captain was full of praise for teenager Newport, who produced mature performances with the bat against Moseley and Himley.

Froggatt said: "Nathan has good technique and has fitted in straight away.

"He's finished university now so we've got him all summer, which is a huge boost for the team.

l All rounder Roger Sillence is set to miss Barnt Green's game away at Walsall away this Saturday 1pm start).

Sillence is expected to be playing for Worcestershire over the weekend.