Clergy from the Diocese of Lichfield are continuing their recent sporting revival after they booked their third semi-final spot in the Church Times Cricket Cup in as many years.
The remarkable turn around comes after the side made up of priests and bishops endured a 57-year wait to book a last four berth in the competition.
The on-form team made the semi-finals for the first time in 2009. Last year they went one better, making it through to final where they lifted the cup for the first time in its 60 year history.
And they booked their spot in a third successive final with a victory over Chester.
Chester batted first but made a poor start – 44 all out after 38.5 overs. In response Lichfield clinched victory through a spectacular six by the Revd Paul Darlington, Vicar of Holy Trinity in Oswestry, to finish the game 48-1 after nine overs.
Lichfield will now play a semi-final match on July 4 against the winners of the quarter final match between Salisbury and Southwell.
