That means, after the second Sunday had the venues reversed to the original draw, they now revert back. So holders Woodhouse Grange got home advantage back, against England captain now cricket writer, Michael Atherton's first club, Woodhouses, from Failsworth, near Manchester.

And in the other tie, Surrey club Valley End must prepare again to host Carew from Pembrokeshire, in west Wales. Originally, 350 people had turned up at the Valley End ground, near Chobham, only to find the game washed off.

Below, for your information, in case you missed it, we retain our article that looked forward to the games . . .




FINDON'S conquerors at Lord's in the Village Cup Final are one match away from reaching this year's final.

Woodhouse Grange, the holders, from the York Senior League, who play at Sutton on Derwent, came through a remarkable quarter-final day on which Essex club High Roding, whom Findon visited in the first national round last season, went out.

Both Woodhouse Grange and Failsworth Lancashire club Woodhouses (it's confusing already) won their semi-finals after the scores were tied and will meet this Sunday for a place at Lord's.

Grange thought they were on their way out after dismissal for 165 away to County Durham team Castle Eden. But they took two wickets in the last over of the Castle Eden 40-over reply.

Paul Grewer (who had none for 50 off his nine overs against Findon) took the second with the final delivery, when a 16-year-old No 11 batsman, who needed only a dot ball, came down the wicket and gave a return catch.

Both sides having been bowled out for 165 meant the tie-break penetrated to deliveries received. And suddenly, Woodhouse Grange were rejoicing for having failed to use up all their batting overs and being bowled out insde the distance. They went through having made their 165 off fewer balls (37.3 overs).

Meanwhile, Woodhouses and visitors Shipley Hall, from Derbyshire, identically posted 181 for six off their 40, so their tiebreak searched even further and found Woodhouses had the more runs after 20 overs.

Failsworth could be a distracting place for the holders Woodhouse Grange to have to hold onto their money, let alone their title. One of the matchday attractions appears to be the raffle ticket sellers. In the previous round at home to Fillongley, they were The Scarlet Women. Against Shipley Hall, the Delightful Dolly Dealers. What this time?

On quarter-final day, two teams were in action whose membership includes brothers of former England captains. Woodhouses have Michael Atherton's brother, Chris, while Mel Hussain captains High Roding.

In the top half of the draw, High Roding were set for a home run to the final but their 227 for seven at The Meadow was passed for the loss of six wickets by a young and talented Valley End team from near Chobham, Surrey. Their leading runmaker, with 79, was dropped by High Roding before he had scored.

Valley End now host a Welsh team from Dyfed, Carew (165-6), who won by four wickets at home to Marshfield from Gloucestershire.

And this clash, in pleasant Surrey surroundings, could assuage Worthing's Village Cup-starved Sunday cricket addicts, following the demise of the Findon glory side back in the Sussex semis. It could be worth the drive up there, just to ease the withdrawal symptoms.

The Lord's Final is on a Monday this year, September 8. Unlike last year's free event on a Sunday, there will be tickets at £6 (£3 concessions). gates open at 10am for first delivery at 11. Sounds like a recipe for a pretty quiet day on the turnstiles.

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