Devonshire 181 Cup holders Police advanced to the final of the Central Counties on Saturday, though there was a scare at Police Field as Devonshire made a late push for victory.

The challengers kept the game in the balance in the closing overs when Dennis Williams (10) and Lyle Millett (22 not out) added 40 for the last wicket.

Police clinched a 22-run victory with 2.3 overs remaining when Ferdinand Thorne took a return catch from Williams.

The victory moves Police into the final against Western Stars on June 19.

The champions built their winning total on Nyon Steede's 54 and 35 from opener Dennis Archer.

Dave Greenidge contributed 25 and Ferdinand Thorne 21, but once the top order was removed, Devonshire snatched the last seven wickets in the final 14 overs after Winston Trott removed Steede and Thorne in the 36th over to make it 176-5. Steede, the brother of Stars' Albert Steede, stroked eight fours while Archer hit six fours.

Dennis Williams, chiefly responsible for the late collapse, finished with four for 15 from 7.2 overs while Trott took three for 50 off 10 and JaJa Millett two for 55 from 10.

Cal Grimes was the highest scorer for Devonshire with 62 while opener Donald Norford scored 30. After Freston Hurdle claimed two wickets in the third over with only six on the board, Norford and Grimes put on 58 for the third wicket in 14 overs.

Ferdinand Thorne claimed three for 24, Hurdle two for 22 and Terry Thomas two for 45.