COLWALL chairman Kim Berry had to pinch himself after his side pulled off the dream performance and won The Cricketer Village Cup at Lord's.

After electing to bat first Colwall put on a score of 229 off their 40 overs thanks to half centuries by Richard Howitt (58) and Ben Wheeler (72).

Their Hertfordshire opponents looked set for victory after opener Edward Hales hit 119 off 83 balls.

However, following some conservative bowling and wickets continuing for fall Colwall ran out victors by six runs.

"It was absolutely unbelievable and I had to pinch myself and ask if it really happened," said Berry who was lucky enough to be at Lord's.

"Everything was perfect and the result was sensational.

"It really ticked every box. When you win as well it always makes the occasion better.

"It was indescribable to win the cup after trying so many times and we had a magnificent homecoming where every player walked onto the pitch and had a standing ovation.

"It was brilliant to celebrate with the whole club like our groundsman who has been doing the job for 43 years and dreamed of winning that cup.

"I didn't think we'd get any cricket played this year and the team has been magnificent beating some top level sides."

Berry highlighted some stand-out performances from his side including an unbeaten knock of 72 from 33 balls from batsman Ben Wheeler to close their innings.

"Ben's last two balls went for six and flew out of the ground," added Berry.

"We always had a chance getting 229 and Richard Howitt was the glue behind our innings as his 58 came after we lost two early wickets.

"My heart was racing as the game developed, we put a good score on the board but when they were 60-0 after five overs you start to doubt yourself.

"They had Eddy who hit a magnificent 119, the guy batted well all around the wicket but didn't have the quality at the other end.

"Once he was out their heads went down and our bowlers stepped up, that was the difference.

"It was the depth of our squad that probably won it.

"We had more people who contributed on the bowling front, despite not bowling as well as we have done it was a real team effort."

A pulsating ending to the game left Redbourn needing 10 runs off the last six balls for victory.

However, the Herefordshire side kept their nerve to run out victors.

Bowling figures of 2-33 came from Luke Dalley and 2-40 for Ben Febery.

"They needed 10 off the last over and I'd rather be defending 10 than needing to get it," added Berry

"Bowler Andrew Robertson showed his experience at a good standard of cricket to defend the score.

"Next year will be the 50th year of the competition and it will be hugely difficult to defend but it will be our desire and passion to try and do that."