It’s the final countdown for Heath Park Cup finalists

Hemel Hempstead Town CC are looking to defend their Heath Park Cup title. Picture (c) Alastair Cowe

Hemel are looking to make it back-to-back titles, having triumphed against Kings Langley in the final of last year’s competition – which was formerly known as The Gazette Cup.

Hemel beat Ivinghoe & Pitstone in their semi at Pitstone as the visitors made 153 for three, with Brett Penny hitting 66 not out and Tom Elborn adding 51.

That proved to be more than enough as they then bowled out their hosts for 134, with the imperious Brad Finch taking a superb haul of five wickets for five runs in 11 balls.

Meanwhile, Watford stuffed Abbots Langley in their semi-final on Friday to book their place in the last two of the hotly-contested tournament.

Watford made 210 for seven, mainly thanks to an excellent knock of 67 not out from Tahir Afridi and 41 from Pavan Kumar.

Langley were never in the hunt in reply and closed on 112 for nine despite 41 from Aiden Byrne. For Watford, Afridi took three for 12 and Kumar three for 20.

The final takes place at Hemel Town CC’s Heath Park ground, and spectators are invited to watch the drama unfold. For further information on the club, including directions to the ground, please visit www.hhtcc.co.uk