POTTERNE all-rounder Ed Young underlined just why Wiltshire wanted to include him within their ranks this season as his display with bat and ball inspired the county into the semi-finals of the Unicorns Knockout Trophy.

Young, released by Gloucestershire last season, took three Oxfordshire wickets for 26 runs as the visitors were dismissed cheaply in Sunday’s semi-final at Corsham before chipping in with a vital unbeaten 28 to get his side across the line in the reply.

County skipper Mike Coles said: “Ed bowled and batted really well and it’s probably the first time this season that he’s done that for the county.

“It’s one of the reasons why we got him into the squad and it’s what you want from your ex-pro players.’’ Coles added: “It could have been a bit more comfortable, but there was nothing wrong with the pitch. Both sides’ bowling attacks did really well and there were a few loose shots from both teams.

“We were going at a quicker run rate and that put them under a bit of pressure and even when they took wickets, we were ahead of the runs, as it were.

“There’s a good buzz around at the moment. Someone said it was the biggest crowd they have had at Corsham for a match.’’ Wiltshire, three-time runners-up in this competition, were beaten by Norfolk in the final in 2005 but, after the visitors had won the toss and batted, dismissed them for just 144 in 41.1 overs.

Young led the way, while clubmate Jake Roberts also took three wickets (3-46) and Corsham's Ashur Morrison (2-15) and Tom Foley also snared victims.

Skipper Chris Brown top-scored for Norfolk, who were 84-8 at one stage before staging a minor recovery, with an unbeaten 36, Harry Bush also scoring 36.

Wiltshire were reduced to 92-6 in the reply at one stage as Aaron Watson (3-22) and Ben France (2-56) got among the batting order.

Joe Breet and skipper Coles made useful knocks in the 20s, but a partnership of 35 between Young and Adam Miles (18) nudged Wiltshire close to their target before Young and Tahir Afridi (13 not out) finished the job.

Wiltshire host Dorset at Corsham in their second three-day Minor Counties Championship Western Division match of the season, starting on Sunday (11am).

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