WOODHOUSE Grange's bid to win back-to-back Davidstow Village Cup titles is still going strong after a seven-wicket win at Egerton booked a spot in the quarter-finals.

The Sutton-on-Derwent-based outfit strangled their Lancashire-based opponents, employing their spinners effectively to reduce the home side to 169-8 from their 40 overs.

Openers Andrew Bilton (47) and captain Nick Hadfield (62 not out) then batted sensibly as Grange reached their target after 33.5 overs for the loss of just three wickets.

It looked a comfortable result for Woodhouse, who will now visit Stockport outfit Hawk Green in the last eight on Sunday, but secretary David Farmer revealed they had to dig in early on.

"They got off to quite a good start," he said. "They were 60-odd after 13 overs and had only lost one wicket. Then our spinners came on and tightened everything up.

"Josh Jackson took a couple of wickets and the run rate was restricted. Tom Quinn came on late and, with Egerton trying to accelerate, he got 3-15 but the spinners did the job in reducing the run rate after Egerton had started quickly."

On a reasonable dry wicket, Grange then made use of their talented batting line-up. Farmer added: "There was a first wicket stand of 105 between Andrew and Nick. That virtually won the game for us. Chris Bilton came on late and played a little cameo - with 26 - before Tom Young finished it very quickly.

"From seven balls, he hit three fours and a six and the game ended with six overs to go. It was the opening partnership that knocked off the majority of the runs, though.

"Andrew Bilton tends to play more shots than Nick, but the skipper is very difficult to get out and can bat for long periods."

On Hawk Green, Farmer said: "We don't know a great deal about them. They play in the Derbyshire and Cheshire League - which is not a county league - and they are about third."

Farmer said the club was hoping to run a spectator bus to the game. Anyone interested in booking a spot should contact club treasurer Martin Smith on 01904 608947.