Blaydon set to defend crown

The Blaydon squad are back

Blaydon will travel to Lord's on Sunday with their sights firmly set on defending their 2007 title when the indoor six-a-side club cricket championship reaches its climax with finals day.

Last year, the Durham side completed a comprehensive five-wicket win over runners up Broadstairs to give their large band of loyal supporters, who had travelled down from the north-east for the weekend, something to celebrate.

2007 man of the match Paul Underwood who formed a match-winning opening partnership with captain Mark Drake will be returning in a bid to repeat Blaydon's triumphant exploits.

By the time, they take on Worcester Park in the second semi-final of the day in MCC's indoor school, the first finalist will already be decided as Hampshire side Havant take on Sandyford CC from Staffordshire in a clash that should prove highly competitive.

Buoyed by their football team's bravery in the FA Cup, the members of Havant CC will be desperate to come away with their names on some silverware, making it third time lucky after two valiant but unsuccessful attempts in the indoor finals in the mid-1990s.

For Sandyford, this will be their second visit to the national finals but their first to Lord's after previously appearing in the 2004 final at Loughborough and going out in the semis.

Like Havant, the club has a flourishing youth section and will proudly be fielding a side of seven players in the finals squad who have all come through the successful youth set-up.

Worcester Park will also be relying on its youngsters for a slice of glory with five of the finals squad coming up through the colts system.

Worcester Park have dominated the Surrey Indoor League in the four years they have participated, losing only three times and getting to the regional finals on every occasion.

In 2005, their debut season, they reached the finals at Lord’s but were beaten by a single run in the semi-finals so the sense of revenge will be sweet for the players, including Gary Marshall, who scored a brilliant 51 in 2005 to bring Park within sight of the title.

The first semi-final starts at 12pm with the grand final slated for 3pm. The presentation of the 2008 cup and awards will be followed by a players and officials reception in the indoor school bar.

Click here National Indoor Championship - 2008 Finals - Programme (258 KB) for more details.