Rivals rain on Rottingdean's parade in Village Cup final at Lord's

Rottingdean CC were thwarted in the final of the National Village Cup today (Sunday 4 September) by a bold innings from a 17-year-old Lancastrian.

Teenager Nick Doyle struck 63 runs from 31 balls to help Woodhouses to victory at Lord’s in a rain-affected fixture.

Bowler Ashley Prescott made certain of the result, with a phenomenal hat-trick taking the heart out of the gallant Brighton XI.

The 40-over format was set aside after 13 overs of Rottingdean’s innings which saw them pegged back at 43-3.

So the final ended up being settled by a ten-over dash, with Woodhouses winning by 58 runs.

Rottingdean won the toss and chose to bowl, only for Woodhouses to rack up a rapid 112-1, losing only Josh Tolley – the tournament’s top scorer this season – for 36.

Although Alex Potter took Tolley’s wicket, he suffered in the final over as young Doyle cracked three sixes and left the Sussex side with what turned out to be an impossible task.

Rottingdean opener Najmus Jamil went in the first over to the bowling of Luke Swards whose diving catch also claimed the scalp of skipper Henry Ledden.

But Prescott’s three wickets put a halt to any faint remaining hopes as he dismissed George Ledden, Mark Grantham and Sam Shepherd in successive balls.

Simon Clarke was run out and Callum Megram took the wickets of Tim Bickmore and Mark Smith to restrict Rottingdean’s total to just 54-8.

Although unable to match their youthful rivals, Rottingdean could bask with pride in the sunshine which brightened the close of play.

Theirs was a spirited performance to conclude a memorable run ended by opponents who proved to be worthy winners on the day.