THEY did it – somehow!

Super Shipton-under-Wychwood kept their heads as Rowledge lost theirs to secure the most dramatic of semi-final victories yesterday.

Paul Hemming’s men will go for a third national title against Sessay at Lord’s on September 12 after winning a match they looked all set to lose.

Chasing 156, Rowledge needed just 51 off 12 overs with six wickets in hand.

But pressure can do funny things to you and some accurate, containing bowling was enough for Shipton to turn it around for a 22-run win.

Surrey’s Rowledge collapsed from 109-4 to 133 all out, while veterans Shaun Miller and Paul Hemming proved Shipton’s bowling heroes.

Both spinners claimed three wickets apiece as the tension grew and an unlikely Shipton victory became a reality.

This was by no means the traditional ‘road’ wicket at Shipton where the damp surface and outfield made scoring harder than usual.

But the hosts still elected to bat after winning the toss.

Rowledge bowled tightly and Shipton were never able to cut loose.

Steve Bates top-scored with 38, while Paul Hemming added 25 and Chris Panter 20 not out in Shipton’s 155-8.

Rob Smith was Rowledge’s most successful bowler with three wickets and his side must have felt confident at the interval.

Opener Gary Clapham got Rowledge off to a strong start, but Shipton gave themselves hope with three wickets.

Craig Lambert bowled Darren Mitchell and fellow seamer Panter had Chris Yates trapped lbw the next over.

Some controlled bowling kept the run rate under four an over and then Jason Hunt secured another breakthrough.

Captain David Lloyd had just swept him for six, but Hunt hit back as he mistimed a second attempt.

Rowledge had slowed to 60-3 at drinks, but left-hander Clapham resumed with a four and six off Hunt as they made 24 off two overs.

Shipton never gave up and Miller bowled Clapham five short of a half-century.

There was little hint of the collapse that followed later – largely due to panic.

This was typified when Smith was run out by Tom King going for a needless second.

Jubilant scenes followed when Paul Hemming bowled Richard Forbes for the final wicket, but many home supporters must have feared the worst just 20 minutes before.