CITY FC A team set themselves up for the chance of a hat-trick of Ridley league Guinness Fours titles as they made the final again.

They won two years ago and defended their crown last year playing under the Globe’s name.

Skipper Barry Devenish’s number one line-up went out in the first round to host club Little Waltham SC, who underlined their trophy claims by surviving another tough-looking challenge from Mill Green Cricketers in their semi-final.

City A’s second string – Sue Cove, with sons George and Harry, backed up by Rose Mallord – wobbled when Mel Hook’s double six finish gave lowly Bird in Hand hope of a first-round upset, but they stayed cool to come through and then put out Chequers B to earn their finals night ticket. There were 180s for Wayne Goodwin (Chequers B) and Jenny Kochan (Lt Waltham).

GUINNESS FOURS – Prelim Rd: Chequers B 2, Dog & Partridge 1. 1st Rd: Chequers B 2, Compasses 1; CCFC A II 2, Bird in Hand 1; Lt Waltham SC 2, CCFC A I 0; Cricketers 2, CCFC B 0. Semi-finals: CCFC A II 2, Chequers B 0; Lt Waltham SC 2, Cricketers 1. FIXTURES (Nov 10): Bird in Hand v Dog & Partridge, CCFC B v Black Bull, Chequers A v CCFC A, Compasses v Chequers B, Cricketers v Red Beret.