ST EDMUND’S School are into the final of the Kent Under-19 competition, the Lemon Cup, for the first time after a thrilling victory over Leigh City Technology College last Thursday.

With their own ground unavailable St Edmund’s switched the semi-final tie to Sheldwich and secured victory, by three wickets, with just five balls to spare.

Batting first Leigh, from Dartford, were reduced to 100-7 by the 22nd over, but their hopes were raised by an unbeaten eighth wicket stand of 80 in just eight overs to reach 180-7.

The two Bens, Easter and Kemp, each picked up two wickets economically, but the Leigh number three Birring completed a century and frequently found the shorter legside boundary, with six sixes and 11 fours.

St Edmund’s made a stuttering start in reply, losing two early wickets, but Pape and Clarke laid the foundations for a recovery with a stand of 54.

Callaway came and went before Clarke and David van Rooyen put together a partnership that won the match.

Scoring at the required rate of eight an over, they brought victory within touching distance before both fell, Clarke for 64, and van Rooyen for 33,

Some nerve-wracking moments followed, before George Smith hit his first ball for six, and Oli Perry his second, for four, to seal victory.

St Edmund’s now face either Norton Knatchbull or Harvey Grammar at Wye on Wednesday, July 16 at Wye.