Jon Evans bats for St John at the FB Fields last night, while Rathbone Old Victorians’ wicketkeeper Michael Michael Harvey waits for a chance Picture: ROB CURRIE (00985890)

ASHBURTON put out reigning champions Beeches to move into the semi-final of this year’s JEP Brighter Cricket Knockout Cup last night.

Will Falle’s bowling, finishing on three for 15, helped curb Beeches to 122 for eight wickets in the 15 overs. Then in reply a 59 from Richard Robinson and an unbeaten 42 from Ed Bellow steered Ashburton to a nine-wicket victory in 9.5 overs.

Ashburton now face InfrasoftTech Walkovers in the final four after they surfaced from a gripping encounter with St Ouen to win with two balls to spare.

A strong partnership between Anthony Kay, 51, and Joe Bevis, 39 not out, helped St Ouen to 126 for six wickets. The Walkovers response included 25, from 17 deliveries, from Sam Dewhurst and 23, from 13 balls, from Bradley Vautier which helped them inch to 127 for a one wicket triumph.

St Helier RFC posted another convincing win despite opponents Jersey Post setting the chase at 149, with Nigel Crocker hitting an unbeaten 103, as Dean Morrison and Tony Carlyon notched up the winning runs, 78 not out and 55 not out respectively, in 12 overs.

St Helier go on to meet Rathbone OVs in the semi-final on Thursday after they overcame St John by six wickets.

A devastating spell from Tom Minty, who forced the first three batsmen out, and finished on 3 for 13, reduced Saints to 96 for eight. With Sam de la Haye’s opening of 26 St Helier were able to book their place in the next round after 8.5 overs.

Semi-finals, to be played on Thursday 24 June, 6 pm: Rathbone OVs v St Helier RFC (Grainville); InfrasoftTech Walkovers v Ashburton (FB1).
Scorecards on page 82.