Belmont and Edgware 1sts overcame the challenge of South Manchester in a pulsating affair to book their place in the final of the Maccabi National Knockout Cup Final.
The Londoners made just 97 with Oli Simons hitting a top score of 48 as the home side’s bowlers gave their visitors a rude awakening.
Mike Filson grabbed 5-13 and Dan Paul took 3-33 but the hosts were unable to chase down their victory target, finishing 37 runs short thanks to some impressive bowling from Stuart Davis and Richie Wienburg.
“We knew it would take something special to defend that total,” said victorious captain Ashley Connick,
“Thanks to Stuart and Richie, we did it. They were backed up in the field by everyone.
“Oli had a great game - no-one else got even close to timing the ball as consistently as he did. It was a fantastic recovery from a below-par score. I am a proud and delighted captain!”
Having lost the toss, BECC were wobbling on 18-4 after just nine overs, but a determined innings by Simon got the visitors out of jail.
Simons managed to hit a huge six through a car window as BECC fought back to give their bowlers something to aim at.
Stuart Davis removed for of the top five South Manchester batsmen, while off-spinner Wienburg piled on the pressure as the hosts began to crumble.
David Kaplan wrapped up the win with two late wickets to leave captain Connick dreaming of success against London Maccabi Vale Seconds in a mouthwatering final clash.
“As regards Vale in the final, it'll be interesting to see what sort of side they play,” he said.
“It would be harsh, with their second team having played so brilliantly to get them to the final, to drop the entire semi-final team to bring in first team players.
“We're looking forward to the occasion and we know that we can do it.”
See pictures from the match here
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