Worcestershire Royals V Metro BBS Primary Club National Knockout Cup Semi-Final

Saturday 1st July 2006

by Dave Townley

As many had predicted, this was a straightforward affair, with Metro cruising to an 8 wicket victory, which takes them to their fourth consecutive Lords final.

Royals won the toss and elected to bat, but, with the exception of Sam Murray, were no match for Metros bowling and fielding. Murray (24) hit some lusty blows before being caught close in. Richard Claridge (12), and N. Frempong (10 no) were the only other batsmen to reach double figures.

Metro ‘rang the changes’, using eight bowlers to dismiss Royals for 103 in 21 overs. Heindrich Swanepoel starred, taking 3 wickets for just 7 runs. Rory Field (2 for 23), Roy Smith (1 for 8), Rob Kershaw (1 for 10), Gavin Dean (1 for 12), were the other wicket-takers.

Metro powered their way to the target, with Field in the vanguard, blazing an unbeaten 50. Field was well supported by Kershaw (14), and Matt Dean (13no) as Metro reached 106 for the loss of 2 wickets in 9.1 overs. Murray (1 for 2), was the pick of the Royals bowlers and capped a fine all-round performance with a good catch off his own bowling to dismiss Kershaw. But it is Metro who move smoothly on to Lords