RECORD-BREAKING Sheriff Hutton Bridge skipper Paul Scaling was on cloud nine today after his side's amazing Lord's triumph.

"It is brilliant, just brilliant. I can't quite believe it," said

23-year-old Scaling after his side became the first team to successfully chase down a 200-plus score in the npower National Village Cup final.

Scaling, who only took over as team leader last month said: "It is a dream come true."

Eynsford captain Ben Wise opted to bat but that did not faze Scaling and his troops.

"I would have batted last anyway, so we did not mind. We got their dangerman

out quite early and managed to keep the pressure on by picking up wickets."

Eynsford's total of 201 was testing but did not overawe the York and District Senior League side who got off to a great start and despite the

loss of middle order wickets were carried home by man-of-the-match Steve Crowder, whose 76 not out earned him a bottle of champagne.

Crowder said: "It was great too play on the best cricket ground in the world. It has been an awesome day."

Bridge club secretary Colin Mole said: "It was a great game of cricket. The

organisers said it was the best village final ever. We are very, very happy

and very excited."

The team stayed overnight at the Marriott Hotel in Regent Park before the

final and celebrated their success at the Tavern Bar just a short single

away from the Grace Gates, capping a great day by watching the end of

England's victory over Australia on television.

Bridge now have to concentrate on their battle for survival in the premier

division starting today at Woodhouse Grange.

Bridge were planning to take the trophy to today's game for supporters who

were unable to make the 6am start from Haxby down to Lord's yesterday.

Bridge have become the first York League side to win it since Grange won it

ten years ago.

The presentations at the end of the match were led by cricket journalist Robin Marlar, who praised both sides for a providing a superb final.

Updated: 10:53 Monday, August 29, 2005