LYMINGTON’S mix of experience and youth proved the ideal ingredient as they booked a place in the final of the Southern Electric twenty20 Cup.

Darren Cowley led the way with a typically-explosive knock as Lymington upset the formbook to sink Havant by five wickets at the Sports Ground.

But while the 37-year-old top scored, teenagers Damien Mortimer, Dom Hand and Felix Ambrose all played crucial roles as Lymington prevailed.

Cowley, below, who had set up the semi-final by smashing a 35-ball century in Lymington’s last-eight win over Hartley Wintney, was again at his imperious best as the hosts set off in pursuit of Havant’s imposing 193-4.

He dominated a second-wicket stand of 96 with Mortimer, plundering five sixes and five fours.

However, once Mortimer (52) and Cowley (61) had departed in quick succession – the latter brilliantly run out by Stevie Matthews – the initiative was with Havant.

Although 17-year-old Ambrose (23) kept Lymington in the hunt, 50 were required from the final four overs.

But 18-year-old Hand (34no) cracked six fours and one six off just 13 balls as Lymington reached 197-5 with five balls to spare.

Earlier, Ed Freeman (2-23) had claimed the scalps of Matthews and Peter Hopson as Havant slumped to 20-2 before a third-wicket stand of 148 between Ben Walker (81) and Chris Morgan (49).

Lymington will meet holders South Wilts under the floodlights at Hampshire’s Ageas Bowl on Friday, August 15 (7pm).

New Milton (94-4) will face Totton & Eling in the final of the Plate competition after easing past Hook & Newnham Basics (93) by six wickets.

The showdown takes place at Totton’s Linden Oval on Sunday, August 17 (4pm).