Aston Rowant’s dreams of a trip to the Caribbean were dashed as they fell to an agonising six-run home defeat against Reigate Priory in the Barbados & Smile Group Travel Cup semi-final.

Reigate, who won the Ryman Surrey Championship the previous day, were firm favourites for the tie in a competition where the winners go on to represent organisers, the Club Cricket Conference, in a tournament in Barbados.

However, Rowant started well with two run outs after the visitors decided to bat first.

Spinners Tahir Kazmi (3-17) and Adam Muttitt (3-14) then asserted a stranglehold on the Reigate batsmen, who lost regular wickets.

Only Will Irving, with 53 off 72 balls, which contained four boundaries and one six, looked to be in control as Reigate were eventually bowled out for 167 in the 43rd over.

But Rowant then also found runs hard to come by despite the efforts of Richard Cook (37) as left-arm spinner Luke Beavan took 4-9 off his six overs.

Skipper Wesley Morrick took Rowant close, but he was left unbeaten on 36 as the hosts fell short on 161-9, with ex-Kent and Surrey all-rounder Neil Saker taking 3-43.

Scores: Reigate Priory 167 (42.2 ovs,W Irving 53, R Stevens 30, A Muttitt 3-14, T Kazmi 3-17), Aston Rowant 161-9 (45 ovs, R Cook 37, W Morrick 36no, L Beaven 4-9, N Saker 3-43).

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