England were not the only team celebrating an historic victory on Sunday afternoon.

While Michael Vaughan and his men were dancing around the Edgbaston pitch following their dramatic Ashes win over Australia there were similar scenes of jubilation at a slightly lower key venue.

Horsham's victory over Havant in the semi-final of the Cockspur National Cup might not have been as dramatic as England's two-run triumph over the Aussies but it meant just as much to Luke Marshall and his side.

The reigning Sussex League premier division champions now get the opportunity to play at Lord's in the final of the prestigious competition.

If they become the second Sussex side to lift the trophy after Eastbourne's triumph in 1997 they will collect a cheque for £6,000, an all expenses paid trip to the Caribbean and a year's supply of rum.

Skipper Marshall said: "It was a pretty emotional moment and when we got the winning runs there was a pitch invasion. Everyone was jumping around hugging each other because getting to Lord's means so much.

"Right from the start of the competition it is always in the back of your mind that you might get to play at headquarters but you never really believe it. So when it actually becomes a reality it is an amazing feeling.

"I'm so proud of the boys because it has been a long journey to get to Lord's. We have played seven games but they have been brilliant throughout and deserve their day in the spotlight.

"It is going to be an amazing experience. We stay in a hotel opposite Lord's the night before where there will be a huge banquet and then the next day we get to walk out on the hallowed turf.

"Five of our players (Chris Nash, William Howard, Phillip Hudson, Chris Baker and Howard Kasey) have played at Lord's before but for myself and the other five players it will be a totally new experience and one we are never likely to forget."

Horsham started their march on Lord's back in May when they beat Dulwich in the group stages. Victories against East Molesey and Beckenham saw them top the group to set up a final against Walton on Thames.

After cruising to victory by eight wickets they went on to beat Teddington in the sixth round and Sunbury in the quarter-final to book their meeting with Havant on Sunday.

Tight bowling and sharp fielding saw them restrict the Hampshire outfit to 188-6 from their 45 overs which Horsham reached with 14 balls and five wickets to spare.

Marshall believes Horsham's prowess in the field could hold the key to success again when they come up against Birmingham League side Barnt Green, who feature former England spinner Richard Illingworth on Tuesday August 23.

"Chris Nash has been the star of the competition for us because he has scored a load of runs and Mark Nash has performed well with the ball but it is in the field where we have really shone," said Marshall.

"We field as well as any first-class side. The average age in our team is just 24 and all the boys have played a good standard of cricket so they are no mugs in the field.

"We are great at cutting off quick singles and always get a run out in every game. We rarely put down any catches and in this competition it is generally the side who fields the best who comes out on top."