Captain Dan Sherlock hailed his Needingworth stars after they captured Cambs Walker Cup Twenty20 success last Sunday.

The villagers lifted the trophy for the first time after a pair of terrific performances during the finals day held at Sawston – two years after being runners-up in the same competition.

Needingworth saw off Cambridge NCI by 7 runs in a gripping semi-final showdown before beating Abington by six runs in the showpiece clash.

Lee Smith starred with a super 61 as Needingworth amassed 163-6 against NCI before 3-20 from Scott Walton helped to remove their opponents for 156.

Needingworth again set a stiff target in the final after reaching 166-5 against Abington. Lee Smith (46) and George Smith (43) provided the bulk of the runs.

Man-of-the-match George Smith then took command with a brilliant 4-17 return as Abington finished on 160-8. Skipper Sherlock also bagged a valuable 2-24.

“It’s a fantastic achievement to win it for the first time,” said Sherlock. “Players from the second team stepped up and made great contributions.

“George was brilliant in both games and I have to give a special mention to Jamie Neve for a couple of great chance in the final to remove set batsmen.”

Bluntisham are also closing in on silverware after booking their place in the final of the Cambs Junior Cup.

The local lads saw off Linton Village by 42 runs in a low-scoring semi-final last Sunday.

Steve Merry was a key figure with bat (38) and ball (3-21) as Bluntisham posted 121 before dismissing the visitors for just 79.

Harvey Bullin (3-12) also starred in a fine bowling display while Nigel Slack and Alex Merry claimed two wickets apiece.

Bluntisham, who will now meet Coton in the final, are on course for an honours double as they lead the way in Division One North of the Cambs Junior League.

Steve Merry also excelled last Saturday when following up three wickets with an unbeaten 57 as they beat Burwell & Exning 3rds by four wickets.

James Harris (55) added a half-century of his own as Bluntisham eclipsed the away side’s effort of 193-8.

A career-best display from Kevin Gilder helped St Ives 2nds to success at that level.

The left-arm spinner swooped for 6-18 as his side triumphed by 57 runs at Cambridge Granta 3rds – dismissing their hosts for 101.

It was Gilder’s second six-wicket haul of the summer and arrived only three weeks after he bagged 6-21 in a victory against Terrington St Clement.