RAF set up winner-takes-all showdown with Army after 50-over win against Navy

The RAF's cricketers have set up an exciting decider with the Army after beating the Navy by 73 runs in the men's Inter Service 50-over championships.

Yet another blue sky greeted the players on Tuesday morning, but heavy overnight dew convinced the Royal Navy to have a bowl after winning the toss.

After an outstanding one-handed catch from the Navy's Will Rogers saw the back of Adam Fisher and left the RAF 68-2, skipper Tom Shorthouse, with 72, put on runs with Ross Diver and then Adam Sutcliffe, both with 43 runs to their names. 

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Runs lower down the order from Luke Hansford and Sam Moorby propelled the home side's score to 282 on a baked track at Vine Lane.

The Navy response started in dramatic fashion, with opening bowler Jon Hawk picking up three wickets in his first over, including that of Navy Captain Ben Johnston, leaving the visitors in deep trouble on 6-3.

The Navy struggled to recover, but number three Finlay Marks battled with an outstanding 105.

They finished short of their target, all out for 209, setting up a decider on Wednesday between the Army and RAF.

Another hot day beckons for the winner-takes-all clash.