SHIPLEY HALL are into the last 16 of the Npower Village Cup after a gripping victory away at Colwall in Worcestershire.

The Derbyshire County League side edged home by one wicket after looking to be dead and buried to keep their hopes of a trip to Lord's alive.

The home side won the toss and decided to bat on a used wicket which looked like it would take some spin – encouragingly for Shipley, who were fielding three spinners.

And they took wickets at regular intervals, also tying down the Colwall batting with some outstanding ground fielding.

Josh Buckley, the lone seamer, played his part, taking three wickets and two terrific catches.

Graham Farnsworth and Mark Starr both bowled tight spells of spin and although one home batsman reached 50, Colwall were bowled out for 124 by the 30th over.

It left Shipley aware that if they could bat at a steady rate and not lose wickets, they would be through.

And they started well, with Wes Essex racing to 16, but, after he was out, they began to lose wickets at an alarming rate.

At drinks, Shipley were staring down the barrel at 64-5 and the situation only got worse, until Mark Starr, who had held firm for 32, was the eighth man out on 70.

A mini-revival by John Buckley and Martin Starr ended with Starr's departure at 97 in the 29th over and a long way to go.

At this point, Farnsworth decided that attack was the best form of sdefence, starting his innings with two boundaries.

Gradually, he and Josh Buckley edged towards the target and when the total was boosted by twi wides and a four in the 35th over, Shipley needed only three more.

Josh Buckley took a single and then Farnsworth drove the fifth ball of the over through extra cover for four to complete an exceptional victory.

“At 84-8, I didn't think we had a chance,” said captain James Cokayne.

“It the end, it was a completely unexpected – but very welcome – victory.”

Shipley, who reached the semi-finals of the national competition two years ago, are now only three wins away from a Lord's final and travel next to Quat, in Shropshire, on Sunday, July 13.