DEFENDING Davidstow Village Cup champions Woodhouse Grange are through to the national stages of the competition - but they needed all their determination to come through a testing area final against Sheriff Hutton Bridge.

The leading stalwarts in the Hunters York & District Senior Cricket League premier division were separated by just four runs as the North Yorkshire South group came to an end.

Put into bat by Sheriff, Grange made 220-7 in their 40 overs and were indebted to brothers Andrew and Chris Bilton, along with a late show from David Suddaby, for helping them set a competitive target for Bridge to chase.

Woodhouse club secretary David Farmer said: "The Bilton brothers did us proud. Andrew opened and got 49, while Chris was at number three and played a really good innings of 61. A bit lower down the order Mike Burdett and Tom Young played short innings but hit out at a run a ball.

"Right at the death, David Suddaby, who is not known as a batsman, hit two big sixes in a knock of 26 not out and that helped us to get from under 200 to 220. In the end, that proved crucial."

Bridge sent in Mark Fisher to open and, operating as a pinch-hitter, he blasted Grange's bowlers around the park in the first few overs as he crashed a quick-fire 36. Adam Fisher and Ed Barnes also scored 47 and 46 respectively as the Sheriff Hutton outfit looked like they were heading for victory.

"Skipper Nick Hadfield had to take the quick bowlers off early on and put some slower bowlers on and that helped," Farmer added: "Adam Fisher and Ed Barnes, the Yorkshire Academy player, batted well and it looked as though they might be getting on top. They both went in the space of three runs, though."

Alex Ibbotson ended on 25 not out for Sheriff who, needing 13 to win from the last over, could only score eight.

Woodhouse Grange will now play Wolviston in the first national round on June 28. With the club set to join the new Yorkshire premier division next season, they are determined to try and retain their village crown as they play in the latter stages for what could be the last time.