WORCESTERSHIRE head coach Kevin Sharp revealed his pride at the performances of Rapids' players after they lost to Kent Spitfires in a Royal London One-Day Cup semi-final thriller at Blackfinch New Road.

Ben Cox (122 not out), Brett D’Oliveira (78) and Ed Barnard (50 not out) propelled the North Group winners to 306-6 in their 50 overs for a recovery from 48-4 after electing to bat.

But a fourth century in five games from Spitfires opener Heido Kuhn helped his side to victory with two balls to spare despite the efforts of the hosts' bowlers and fielders.

Rapids' players showed again what a force they have become in white-ball cricket and youngsters like pace duo Dillon Pennington and Pat Brown will only benefit from the experience on a high-profile stage.

But the County missed out on a first Lord's final since 2004 when they lost to rivals Gloucestershire in the C&G Trophy.

Sharp said: “It has been a rollercoaster tournament. There have been times when we’ve sometimes looked like we might be out of a game and we’ve clawed it back.

“Other times we’ve looked comfortable and it has got close. It hasn’t surprised me at all that it has gone all the way again — two great sides playing great cricket and what a spectacle.

“Obviously I'm gutted. The club has not been in a final for a while. It looked at times as if we would do that and at other times we might not.

“We weren’t sure what was going to happen right to the last minute. It looked at though there might be a twist in the tail but not quite.

“But I’m very proud of the boys. They worked so hard and are improving all the time. Although still relatively young in age they are more experienced now and actually learning how to win games.

“I know we haven’t quite won this one but after two semi-finals in two years maybe next time it will be a final.”

Sharp continued: “This is my fifth season at the club and it’s been great to see these lads develop, grow, learn and become stronger and wiser.

“You can see that in their cricket. There may have been times a few years ago where they may not have managed to recover from 48-4.

“But to make 300 and those partnerships and particularly the innings from Coxy was a delight to see.

“Ben is an outstanding cricketer and I’m sure there will be some recognition from above for him at some stage.

“He would certainly deserve that. He is a fine talent, not just with the bat but with the gloves.

“Ed is a potential international for us, a genuine all-rounder, so we are developing some fine young cricketers and everyone can see that.

“Kent's innings was similar to ours. They lost early wickets, recovered, got themselves in a good position and then looked as though they just might slip behind.

"But Alex Blake (61) played some outstanding shots to get them back in the game and the opening batsman (Kuhn) played a fantastic innings for them.”

Centurion Cox said: “I'm absolutely chuffed to make my maiden List A hundred yet devastated to be on the losing side. But we gave it a right old go.

"We’ll come back stronger that’s for sure. Well played Kent and best of luck in the final.”