White Coppice’s dreams of winning the Crabtree Cup for the first time ended in a semi-final defeat at Norcross on Sunday.

After posting 142-8 from their 40 overs, Norcross raced to their victory target inside 24 overs to complete a comprehensive seven-wicket win and book their place in the final against Charnock St James.

A total of 28 teams entered the Crabtree Cup and reaching the last four was a sign of the progress Coppice have made this season.

Before the game, captain Jake Smalley called on his players to put their bodies on the line.

After winning the toss, Smalley decided to bat first, but he was soon left doubled up in pain after missing a sweep and being hit in the box.

Smalley was dismissed moments later trying to take the attack to Norcross’ economical opening bowlers.

Coppice struggled to find the boundary, managing only seven in their entire innings.

Ryan Adderley provided the main innings of substance with an unbeaten 63 from 118 balls.

He shared a partnership of 71 with Tom Sandells (23) and brought up his first half-century of the season with a cut over point for four.

Spare a thought for Jordan Halliday, who had to catch an Uber to the ground after his car wouldn’t start and was then brilliantly caught by veteran Ian Davies for a three-ball duck in pursuit of quick runs.

Coppice needed early wickets in the chase and made the perfect start when Sahil Mhaisane was brilliantly caught by Smalley at first slip off the bowling of Matt Tinsley.

Aneesh Thomas took the attack to Coppice and survived a couple of chances to club a match-winning 69 not out from 62 balls, including seven fours and two sixes.

Norcross’ aggressive approach saw them smash 17 fours and three sixes in fewer than 24 overs.

Jeff Smith did take a wicket with his first ball, courtesy of another great catch by Smalley at first slip, but 51-2 was as good as it got for the visitors.

Thomas and Rahul Sharma (47) added an 86-run partnership to take their side to the brink of victory before Adderley trapped Sharma lbw.

Coppice were left to rue a number of dropped chances and Haris Pervaiz, who had scored a century the previous day, struck the winning boundary to secure a well-deserved victory.

As disappointing as the defeat was, White Coppice remain second in the league with eight matches to go.