Lee Dixon hailed his Chester Boughton Hall side after they lifted the National Club T20 Cup at Wantage Road. 

Captain Dixon’s 52 helped the Chester outfit defeat Great Ayton by 42 runs in their semi-final, with 19-year-old bowler Jack Williams claiming stunning figures of 5-13 off his four overs. 

Lee’s brother, Ross, was also in the wickets, chipping in with 3-19. 

In the final, opening batsman Dixon smashed 87 off just 47 balls as Ashtead’s bowling attack was pulled to pieces, Hall reaching 178-7 off their 20 overs.

After the turnaround, Mark Rowland claimed an impressive 4-11 to skittle their opponents for just 80 and give Hall a 90-run victory. 

“Both performances were fantastic in different ways,” Dixon said. 

“In the semi-final we batted well for 10 overs but then fell away, but we’ve executed our bowling plans to perfection. 

“In T20 you’ve got to be able to adapt and change to suit the game, and before the final we’ve made some alterations which have come to fruition. 

“We certainly celebrated the win, there’s a few who will be worse for wear! 

“It’s the first national competition the club has ever won and it was an emotional occasion, especially for some of the senior members. 

“It puts Chester cricket firmly on the map. 

“From a personal perspective, it was nice to contribute with runs, and at my age a day like that is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Young bowler Williams impressed the Northants’ hierachy sufficiently to secure himself a place in their 2nd XI for a three-day trial match, which began yesterday against Durham. 

“It’s been on the cards with Jack for the past few weeks,” Dixon said. “He found out in between games that he would be involved with Northants’ seconds, and what an achievement that is. 

“It’s great to have lads in the county set up, it shows we’re doing something right.” 

Hall had been left disappointment when Sky announced last week they would not broadcast Final’s Day live on Sky Sports, as was originally planned. Dixon said it did not detract from the enjoyment of the occasion. 

“To be fair to Sky, they were very apologetic and the crew who were there still treated it like a live game,” he added. 

“It had the feel of a live broadcast and the highlights are going to be shown. 

“I’ve always thought the pro’s aren’t great when they’re being interviewed, but I take it all back because it’s nerve-wracking!”