Theakston Player of the Round: Ross Martin (Dumbleton)

Martin scored 43 runs off 29 balls before picking up 3 for 17 in the second innings

Photo: Philip Wilcox [@philipw65]

Ross Martin was Dumbleton's standout player on their run to the Voneus Village Cup semi-finals.

In four appearances, he scored four half-centuries, including a top-score of 70 not out (44 balls) against Himley in the regional final. As an opening bowler, he chipped in with five wickets and overall figures for 5 for 101 from his 26 overs.

So it's no surprise that he stepped up once again in their last four clash with Rainford, delivering a match-winning all-round performance to steer Dumbleton to a commanding 70-run victory and, more importantly, to Lord's.

In the first innings, he blasted 43 runs from 29 balls as part of a 69-run opening stand with Daniel Holland. Though he fell just short of his fifth half-century, his knock would prove invaluable as a fightback from Rainford's bowlers restricted Dumbleton to 166 for 9.

He derailed Rainford's chase with his second over of the afternoon, removing skipper John Dotters for four, and later removed Mark Potter (27 off 52) and Mark Brook on his way to match figures of 3 for 17 from 6.1 overs.

^{Jimmy Davies (Rainford) won the award in the quarter-finals}

And for these reasons, he is the latest recipient of the Theakston Player of the Round award.

"The win still hasn't quite sunk in as it's a childhood dream to play at Lord's," Martin said. "Sunday was a brilliant game, and I am so proud of how the team came together and put on a great performance.

"The Village Cup not only means so much for the players, but the supporters, committee and past players too. It's so nice to contribute in games like this and do my part to secure a win. We have a fantastic squad and an amazing club. It would be great to go on and win the final – not just for the boys but for all of the supporters on the sidelines."

Captain Rupert Salmon added: "Ross made an extremely valuable contribution to the team with bat and ball on Sunday. Both him and Dan Holland got us off to a good start which was no mean feat on such a difficult wicket.

"This enabled us to get to a competitive total of 166 which we were successfully able to defend with some tight bowling and fielding. I would also like to mention the contribution of Ollie Horne whose opening spell set the tone for the rest of the innings."

Ross Martin will receive a case of Theakston beer for being named the Player of the Round during the Voneus Village Cup. For more information about Theakston visit https://www.theakstons.co.uk/. Visit https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/ for the facts.