Sessay v Shipton-under-Wychwood: Lord's triumph gives Sessay stars 'lifelong memories'

THE cricket team representing the tiny hamlet of Sessay outside Thirsk last night celebrated the greatest moment in their history after they won the National Village Cup at Lord's.

The York Senior League team beat Shipton-under-Wychwood of Oxfordshide by seven wickets in front of a crowd of 1,000 at the home of cricket.

"We're absolutely over the moon," gushed their captain Stephen Langstaff. "Lord's was everything we hoped it would be, and the day has provided the players and fans of the club with lifelong memories."

Sessay were beaten on their one and only previous appearance in the final 34 years ago but a club rooted in family principles at last have their hands on the trophy thanks largely to the platform their opening bastman gave them.

Chasing a competitive total of 227-5 set by Shipton, a target Langstaff later conceded had him 'worried at the interval', Mark Wilkie and Matthew Till put on an opening stand of 127 at a rate of a run-a-ball to put them within touching distance of victory.

Fittingly, 55-year-old John Flintoff – who had helped Sessay reach the 1976 final only to miss out on a Lord's appearance due to injury – was at the opposite end when partner Nick Harrison stroked the winning four to send the Yorkshire contingent wild.

Sessay won the toss and inserted an experienced Shipton team boasting seven of the side that won the competition in 2003. A combination of a green-tinged wicket and some tight, stifling bowling forced Shipton into a cautious start. Scoring at just under three an over in the first 10 overs, and despite accelerating the rate their total of

227-5 – Andy Hemming 59 – was always attainable.

In reply, Sessay set off at a run-a-ball, making the most of the favourable batting conditions.

Chris Panter tied up the Pavillion End, but openers Wilkie and Till were finding joy – and frequent boundaries – at the Nursery End.

Shipton captain Paul Hemming rotated his bowlers, searching for a winning formula, but couldn't prevent the left-hand/right-hand combination bringing up their 50s.

Till fell for 56, but the opening partnership of 127 had placed Sessay in a dominant position. Man-of-the-match Wilkie was caught sweeping for 78 and departed to hearty applause. Nick Thorne continued the good work of the openers, ushering Sessay past 200 and towards their first npower Village Cup win with minimum fuss.

Thorne fell for 42 off 38 with his side 19 short of their target bringing Flintoff and Harrison to the crease for the decisive and memorable winning stand.

"The celebrations have already started," said Langstaff from an overjoyed team bus last night, "and will go on for a very long time."