RF Royals weather Hurricane to move into national competition

Royals chose to bat and, after they were reduced to 46-5, an excellent 85-run partnership between M Shembhey (58) and S Jhala (29) helped them reach a respectable 141-8.

Hurricane lost two early wickets in reply, but Ur Rehman and Sohail steadied the ship putting on 31. However, when Ur Rehman fell off the excellent bowling of Jhala for 19, the game was in the balance with Hurricane 53-3.

M Essa struck some huge sixes, and with the steady Sohail in situ, the game was slipping away from the Royals until a series of quick wickets ensured a thrilling finish.

The game went down to the last over with Hurricane needing 12 runs and Royals needing 1 wicket to claim the title, but it was the Royals who claimed the spoils with J Singh bowling I Bashir as Hurricane were all out for 130.

RF Royals will represent Luton in the national competition and will play the winners from the Leicestershire final on Monday, August 26, at Wardown Park.