IN scorching temperatures, Temple Cloud recorded a convincing seven-wicket win against Hampshire champions Sparsholt in the National Village Cup.

The visitors batted first and were soon in trouble at 36-3 which included a superb run out followed by another calamitous one where both batters ended at the same end.

Sparsholt’s 40-over innings eventually ended at 171-8. In reply Temple lost Nolan and Hassan early but Reece Croker smashed a superb 85 including seven sixes. Mortimer and Ward then saw Temple home with fourteen overs to spare and now look forward to a last sixteen match, Lord’s a little closer!