Crowder pilots Sheriff Hutton Bridge to Lord's glory

Sheriff Hutton Bridge, from North Yorkshire, won the National Village Cup final at Lord's, beating Eynsford (Kent) by four wickets with eight balls to spare.

A good-sized crowd basked in glorious sunshine, although their attention sometimes wandered as events unfolded at Trent Bridge. Chasing 202 to win, Sheriff Hutton Bridge, who were beaten semi-finalists in 2004, reached 203 for 6 off 38.4 overs.

Eynsford, who won the toss, were bowled out for 201 in their 40 overs. Jamie Wise, one of three brothers in the side, top-scored with 59 before holing out to long-off.

Sheriff Hutton Bridge got off to a flying start in reply, racing to 108 for 2 in 20 overs before being pegged back. Steve 'Stiggy' Crowder emerged as the hero with an unbeaten 76, including nine fours, after crucially being dropped at long-off when he had made 56.

Crowder, who was named Man of the Match, hit the winning runs when he pulled spinner Ian Playfoot for four over mid-on to finish with 76 not out.