Valkyres are through to the final of the Standard Bank Blincoe Cup after the closest semi-final on record.

After 567 runs were scored in their epic battle with Castletown B, Ali Shah’s team emerged victors by just one run.

In this two-innings-per-side clash, the Town batted first and Seb Hopkins led the way with 62 and Dave Griffiths made 39 as the side ended on 155 for 5.

After losing three quick wickets, Shah rallied Valkyres with a well struck 44, but the team ended on 132 for 7.

Valkyres rallied in their second batting spell with 152 for 8 as Shahzaib Raja cracked a classic 39, but Greg Tomlinson’s 3 for 18 restricted their lead.

Starting their second innings, the Town needed to overcome a deficit of 129. Seb Hopkins again hit out with a dashing 44, but when he was dismissed by Andy Coulson the southerners faltered.

In a thrilling finish Coulson took two more wickets, Castletown finished on 128 for 8 and Valkyres had won by just one run.