Fives & Heronians Cricket Club will be looking forward to playing in the Essex final of the National Indoor Cup next month.

They booked their place at the county finals on January 12 with a hard-fought victory over Ardleigh Green.

Batting first Fives got off to the worst possible start with Gary Edwards run out off the first ball of the innings.

Enter Ben Britton who attacked the bowling from the offset, retiring with a quick-fire 25.

Glenn Jackson went second ball and, when Ed Buxton soon followed, Fives were stuttering.

However, Terry Ballard played a quality innings, well supported by Jon Kay, as Fives reached a par 120 off their 12 allotted overs.

Ben Britton and Terry Ballard both finished with scores of over 30.

In reply, Ardleigh Green started like a runaway train, scoring 62 off four overs, manipulating the bowling with ease.

However, a brilliant one-handed catch by Ben Britton gave Fives hope. Fives then picked up three run outs including the dangerous Roy Smith as Ardleigh pressed the panic button.

Seventeen runs were required from the final over bowled by Ed Buxton but another run out off the fourth ball ensured Fives went through.

Fives will be looking to be crowned Essex Indoor champions for the second year in succession.