Dinton Cricket Club are two games away from a dream day out at Lord’s after they eased into the quarter-finals of the National Village Cup.
Up against Crowhurst Park from Sussex in the last 16, Dinton won the toss and chose to field first – and they made a dream start when Nheem Amin struck with the first ball of the match as his perfect outswinger clean bowled the opening batsman.
A rampant Amin then doubled Dinton’s delight just three balls later with a superb delivery that clipped the top of off-stump to remove the visiting skipper for a duck.
Kelvin Burrows also picked up two early wickets as Dinton assumed total control with Crowhurst precariously-placed at 27-4.
The home side continued to turn the screw and the introduction of 15-year-old Will Fisher kept Dinton firmly on the front foot. Having come through the club’s academy system and recently broken into the first team, the young left-arm spinner showcased his talent by taking 2-11 in an outstanding nine-over spell on his cup debut.
Alan Massey chipped in with two late wickets as Crowhurst were restricted to a well below par total of 106 from their 40 overs.
Despite the loss of two early wickets, Dinton reached the target from only 17 overs with relative ease. Henry Woodward lead from the front with a classy 42 not out, ably supported by Massey who scored 34. Kelvin Burrows finished the match in style with a boundary to take Dinton into the quarter-finals for the second year running.
Dinton will face Reed CC of Hertfordshire in the quarters on Sunday, July 20. The club will be putting on a coach for supporters wishing to travel to the game. If you would like to book a place, contact Peter Ludlow on 07525 672336.
Meanwhile, in Division Two of the Home Counties Premier League, Dinton remain fourth despite a defeat to Reading on Saturday.
Batting first, Will Ebsworth made 53 as Dinton posted a competitive 232 all out from 52 overs, but Reading chased down the total with four wickets to spare.