BUCKS qualified for the Unicorns Counties T20 finals day with two overwhelming victories in their double-header against Shropshire at Gerrards Cross on Sunday.

The hosts needed to win one of the games to top the group table but secured big victories by seven wickets and 70 runs to make it seven out of eight.

They will now join other group winners Hertfordshire, Lincolnshire and Dorset on the finals day at Wormsley near Stokenchurch on Sunday 25th August.

After a short delay for rain,

Bucks

put Shropshire into bat in the first game and restricted them to just 110-7 in their 20 overs, with tight bowling and an outstanding fielding display.

Saif Zaib was the main beneficiary, taking 4-25 in his four overs.

Bucks knocked off the runs in just 14.1 overs thanks to a sparkling 65 not out from 48 balls by Conrad Louth, who hit three sixes and seven fours.

Two of the three wickets fell to run-outs.

With top place secure, Bucks made changes for the second game and rejigged the batting order after choosing to bat first.

Shelvin Gumbs, with few opportunities to shine in this competition, smashed 82 from just 47 balls, with six sixes, one of which entered the pavilion bar.

Bucks rattled up 171-6 in their 20 overs.

Shropshire never got remotely close after another slick fielding display, highlighted by Charlie Macdonell’s direct hit to run out Simon Gregory, restricted them to 100-7.

Afterwards, Bucks’ director of cricket Jason Harrison said the side had signs of ‘real growth’ since

Tom Hampton

had taken over as captain last year.

“The side has grown in confidence and this gives the players the freedom to play aggressive cricket,” he said.

“We’ve got a squad, which covers all bases, depending on the conditions.

“The players are also fit. When you’re fit and hungry, it’s amazing what you can achieve.

“I feel we are a match for any team in the competition.”

Bucks will be hoping to take this form and confidence into their their three-day Unicorns Counties Championship programme which starts against Hertfordshire at Bishops Stortford on Sunday.

Bucks squad: Mas Khan (Clevedon), AJ Woodland (Tring Park), Dan Marles (High Wycombe), Charlie Macdonell (Tring Park), Mike Payne (Tring Park), Garry Park (Wickersley Old Village), Robin Pritchard (Chesham), Cam Parsons (High Wycombe), Stephen Croft (Harefield), Jon Burden (High Wycombe), Tom Hampton (High Wycombe) and Mo Choudhry (Tring Park).