Welshmen stand in way of victorious village campaign (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Welshmen stand in way of victorious village campaign

THERE were tears, texts and tumultuous celebrations after Exhall had booked a date at Lord's on Sunday, August 22 when they will face Welsh outfit Sully Centurions.

Man of the match Matt Gwynn could hardly utter a word after being mobbed by teammates, family and fans but acknowledged the support of his colleagues.

"I couldn't have done it without Tom (Heneghan), Martin (Park) and Leon (Gates)," he admitted. "They all hit the ball hard and I knew that if I just stuck in there then we would get there.

"They bowled ever so well and Smith was difficult to get away but I was always confident even at 49-4."

Skipper Simon Hollands wasn't so sure as he sat back and watched his opening partner steer a path to glory.

"We fielded and bowled ever so well but they came back at us and it was so hard watching from the sidelines." he recalled.

"We've had several tight calls this summer but the spirit within the side has pulled us through every time and none more so than today."

Hollands revealed that a visit to the bar was the only way to ease the nerves - a journey he made several times during the frantic climax.

"It was our final today," he admitted. "We've gone out and done the job and we now intend to enjoy ourselves at Lord's."

Club chairman John Canning was close to tears after the match and was fullsome in his praise for the players.

"What can you say? It's just fantastic," he exclaimed. "They keep doing this to us but they come up with the goods."

Gates and Wickes were quick to do an impression of ET and "phone home" and tell their "folks" of the club's triumph.

"It's been a fantastic day and a brilliant competition for us this season," said Gates. "I've only ever been to Lord's once before and it rained all day, so to have the chance to play there is something really special."

Perhaps, the occasion was best summed up by "Sid" Keen, who spent the final hour with his pads on waiting to get to the crease.

"I've never been so nervous, I just felt like throwing up," he honestly admitted.

Sunday's winners will have losing semi-finalists Findon on their side in London after the Sussex outfit were dismissed for 212 in reply to Sully's 251-4.

"We will be rooting for Exhall in the final," said chairman Iain Swalwell earlier this week. "Sully are a very aggressive and feisty side and it wasn't a particularly nice place to visit. They've put a side together to win the competition and they will take some beating.

"It's good to know that Exhall are a side that has been around for some time and I know that our lads will be hoping they can win at Lord's."

The final gets under way at 11am, admission to the ground is free and anyone interested in finding out more details can ring Justin Tose on 07775 831831.