Biggleswade's hopes of winning the 2008 Heritage Cup were dashed at Potton last night (Thursday) as opponents Ampthill bowled them out for a miserable 74 runs.

With the threat of rain hanging over The Hollow, Ampthill batted first and with opener Simon Morrall lucky to survive what most onlookers thought was snick from Martin Whinnett's fourth ball of the innings.

However survive he did and while he was finally caught by Tom Dupuy off Whinnett's bowling for 25, it was fellow opener Alex Walker who stole the show with 73 runs ­ which gave him the man of the match honours ­ before he was run out with the score already well into three figures.

There were the only two wickets to fall as Ampthill reached 141-2 (M Barnes 30) off their 14 eight balls ... and that was in complete contrast to Biggleswade's reply.

The Town were in trouble from the start, for with just ten runs on the board ­ nine of them extras! ­

Kevin Wright was bowled for a duck by Ampthill skipper Chris Degnan (4-30 off four) while fellow opener Jimmy Hart fell to James Sneath (4-23 off four) for a single.

And the collapse continued as Sam Cherry (6), Dan Szwajbak (12) and his brother Jay (another duck) walked back in the pavilion. Whinnett (9), Chris Asque (8), Mark Gibbs (5), Michael Johnson (1) and tenth man Dupuy (5) all followed suit with four overs remaining.

Had it not been for the 26 'extras' conceded by Ampthill, then the final 74 all out total would have looked embarrassing to say the least.

So it was Ampthill who deservedly lifted the Potton Limited-backed competition trophy following an impressive 77-run victory .

That leaves Biggleswade to look to next Tuesday's trip to Bedford Modern School where they get the chance to win their third Hospital Cup in four years.

The East Beds Cricket Shield charity collection raised £80 on the night.