HAGLEY have become regional champions in this season's National Village Cup after knocking out last season's semi-finalists Astwood Bank by an impressive seven wicket margin.

Playing in front of a bumper shirt-sleeved Astwood Bank crowd, Hagley chased down Astwood Bank's total of 181 for nine to win with 11 balls to spare.

Skipper Mike Stead led from the front by mopping up Astwood Bank's lower order to claim four for 31 with his off-spin and then guided his side home at the death with a well timed 47 not out.

Stead said: "It was a great performance when you consider I didn't even have eleven players until Saturday morning.

"I must have sent out 40 text messages to players asking them to play and finished up with one from the seconds and four from the thirds.

"But to go and beat a Birmingham League side was a great effort and to keep a vocal crowd quiet as well was particularly pleasing."

The Bank had began well with opener Tom Pedley and Sam Thomas both scoring 40, putting on 83 for the second wicket in the process.

A further 38 from Pete Alexander set the Bank up to reach 181 for nine from their allotted 40 overs.

Hagley responded with James Trinham 35 and Dan Giles 22 laying a solid platform before Jon McDonnell with 43 and skipper Stead setting up a prized victory.

Stead added: "In the first round against Cookley, we could only raise nine players, so to get 11 out is definitely an improvement."

Hagley now visit Warwickshire champions Fillongley on June 24 in the next stage of the competition.