EASTNOR Cricket Club's dreams of a Lord's final in the National Village Championship were dashed by a nine-run defeat by Astwood Bank on Sunday.

The Herefordshire side's impressive run, that had seen them defeat county rivals Colwall in the previous round, came to an end at the ground of their fellow Worcestershire County League division one opponents.

Batting first, Astwood Bank compiled 172-9 from their allotted 40 overs with a much-needed 70 runs coming from the final ten.

In reply, some superb batting by Adeel, who made 70 runs, kept the visiting side well in contention but the crucial run-out of Shahid Ahmed, with a direct hit from the boundary edge, turned the game in the home side's favour.

Eastnor wanted 12 runs off the final over but lost their last wicket with nine runs still required.

ROMSLEY & HUNNINGTON v

EASTNOR

EASTNOR gained little reward for their visit to Romsley on Saturday in the Worcestershire County League division one, being defeated by four wickets.

Eastnor were dismissed for just 109 with C Bray doing most of the damage and finishing with figures of 5-46.

In reply, the home side appeared to be coasting when they reached 95-1 but a flurry of wickets, instigated by Arshad Hussain, who took three wickets for four runs, suddenly saw them reduced to 100-6.

Romsley settled again and reached 113-6 to collect 24 points with Eastnor picking up just two points.