ASTWOOD Bank brought their dream of playing at Lords’ a step closer with a stunning 38-run victory over Birmingham League outfit Water Orton on Sunday.

The Worcestershire League club outplayed their rivals from two levels higher to power into the last eight and set up a quarter-final clash at Derbyshire club Rolleston on Sunday, July 28.

The match was watched by a 400 strong crowd, who enjoyed the summer sun and an impressive display by the home side.

Bank had recovered from 11-3 to record 208-9, with Andy Williams top-scoring on 66 not out and Andy Alexander making 45.

Orton, who are riding high in the Birmingham and District League Division Two, were were bowled out for 170, with Jon Summers (3-17) and Mike Desmond (3-13) in good form.

Twice Astwood have reached the final of the competition in 1972 and 2003 but on the back of their fine win over Water Orton, captain Steve Adshead believes they can go one better this time and win the competition out right.

He said: “The weather was incredible and brought out a big crowd and it was just a fantastic day.

“Water Orton took the game seriously and they put out the same side they play in the Birmingham League but we played really well and deserved to win.

“We’ve been to the final before and while there is a long way to go, if we got to it again we’d like to win it.”

But the Sambourne Lane club will have to find their form in the league after they were knocked off the top spot by Hagley after Saturday’s disappointing nine-wicket defeat to fellow title-challengers Pershore.

Despite a defiant 37 not out by Alexander, Astwood were blown away by Brendam Adams (4-9), Tom Pilling (3-41) and Luke Davey (2-32) as they were bowled out for 109 in 31 overs.

Chris Ayliffe (55no) and David White (24) then guided Pershore to 110-1 to seal Bank’s loss. They have endured a miserable July which has seen a 50 point lead at the top turn into a six-point deficit.

Adshead said: “Teams are taking points off each other and we’ll have a home game against Hagley later in the season which will be a crunch game.

“I am sure if we can find the same intensity we had earlier in the season we can end our poor run.”

Astwood will be looking for a response at improving Burghill and Tillington in the league on Saturday (1.30pm start).