By OLLIE SMITH

HATHERLEIGH­ play host to the Tidball Insurance Cup’s Finals Day on Sunday with North Molton, Cornwood 3rd XI, Kenn, and the Devon Medics all taking part.

North Molton are making their first last four appearance since reforming, and captain Lewis Hough is confident they can make it a season to remember.

“We’re really looking forward to Finals Day, we’ve had a great season so far,” said Hough, who’s side sit top of the F Division Central. “The T20 competition has been another we have really enjoyed, and getting to the last four gives us an opportunity to hopefully turn what’s already been a strong season into something special.”

A first-round five-wicket victory away to Barnstaple & Pilton 2nd XI set North Molton on their way, Hough scored 54 to steer his side to the next round.

A forfeiture by Teignmouth & Shaldon 2nd XI set up a quarter-final clash with Alphington & Countess Wear 2nd XI. Toby Lochead, standing in for Hough, top scored in a chase of 161 with a quick 60. 

Hough understands the next month defines his side’s season, but is focussing on what his players can do, not the opposition’s.

“We know there’ll be some good sides there and anything can happen on Finals Day, so we won’t be taking anyone lightly. We’ll just concentrate on playing the cricket that’s got us here.”

“We’re obviously in a great position in the league and we’d love to make it a double. There’s still plenty of cricket to be played, but bringing some silverware back to North Molton would mean a lot to everyone at the club.”

Cornwood 3rd XI are the other side making up the first semi-final.

The ‘Wood have made their way to the last four playing against their equivalents, and were beneficiaries of a forfeit by Plymouth in round one.

They then travelled to face local rivals Ivybridge 3rd XI. In a low-scoring affair, Rocky Travers slammed four sixes in his 53, he was supported by Aviral Srivastava who scored 34. Charlie Cawardine and Jack Lane both took two Ivybridge wickets as they managed to defend 137.

A relatively routine chase against Paignton 3rd XI, spearheaded by Luke Temple-Smith’s 57, booked their place in the semi-finals.

Adam Whiting, who was the captain when they reached the same stage 12 months ago, believes his side have found the right balance in their play.

“We are looking forward to our 2nd finals day in consecutive years, hoping we can go one better than last year's runner up spot and bring home the trophy.”

“We have a good balance of youth and experience in our team with some new faces this year who can hopefully make an impact.”

“We are the only team from last year in the finals so all opponents are an unknown entity for us, but we will give it our all on Sunday."

The later semi-final is made up by Kenn and the Devon Medics & Cranbrook.

Kenn, who are involved in their own promotion push in the E Division West, received a bye in the first round, they then defended 147 against H Division Royal Devon. James Mason’s miserly spell saw him take four wickets for just five runs in his allotted overs.

Against Seaton in the quarter-final, Hugh Stronge was the standout bowler, taking two for 11. Alfie Mason led the chase of 118 with 40 before Charlie Francis hit the winning runs.

Kenn’s opponents, Devon Medics & Cranbrook, come into the last four as the highest scorers left. 

They easily beat Topsham St James 2nd XI by seven wickets, the target of 130 was brought up at the end of the 15th over. 

They then posted 174 against Heathcoat 3rd XI, Prince Thomas was the standout with 49, before bowling them out for 151. Filleigh were on the receiving end of a Sanjay Panghal blitz, he crashed five sixes in his 33 ball 74. Jibu Varghese then took four wickets to secure victory.