“A great day for the village” is how Foxton manager Matt Gray hailed his side’s advancement to the Davidstow National Village Cup Final, to be staged at Lord’s on Sunday, September 13.

In a nail-biting climax to their home semi-final with Goatacre on Sunday, the result was decided on the very last ball, with the visitors unable to grab the six required to book their place in the final.

That futile pursuit was after Foxton had posted 245-8 from their 40 overs.

Cei Sanderson has thrown his hat in the ring for player of the competition after notching a third century in as many games.

After a knock of 123 against Langleybury and 112 at Sibton Park, the opener struck 103 in this one before lofting a ball to Alan Griffin, off the bowling of Kevin Iles, to leave the hosts dangling on 187-4. A 280 plus total had looked achievable on a flat batting track before then.

Nevertheless, the Wiltshire side could not quite usurp Foxton, who take on last year’s winners Woodhouse Grange next month.

Gray told the Crow: “We always said the prize was getting to Lord’s so now that we’ve done it we can concentrate on taking the trophy away from Woodhouse Grange.

“It couldn’t have been more dramatic at the end. We thought our total was strong but it was a really good pitch for making runs, and with their captain hitting a century, we thought our chance might have gone.

“But when he knocked one up in the air for some reason with them on the cusp of victory, Akbar Akhter did well to hang onto the catch and we managed to grind out the win.

“It is a great day for the village and the community and something we can all be proud of.”

Having booked their spot at the home of cricket, the planning for the big day has already begun.

The Foxes have been listed as the “home” side for the competition finale, meaning they are likely to operate out of the regular England dressing room, an honour after a momentous Ashes summer for the national side.

He continued: “It would be amazing to have the home dressing room and would make the day even more special.

“We have already booked a few coaches but there are some other bits and pieces to sort before then.

“Above all we just want to do ourselves proud and give our supporters a day to remember.”