LECHLADE Cricket Club enters unchartered waters this weekend when they travel down to Cornwall for the first of the National rounds of the prestigious Npower National Village Knockout Cup.
With the final to be held at Lord's, the Mecca of world cricket, the incentive could not be greater for success in this 40 overs-a-side competition.
Having entered the competition for the first time this season, along with 552 other clubs, the Wiltshire Division One side are now down to the last 32, having won the Wiltshire/Dorset section, following an eight-wicket victory against Avebury.
The club has provided a coach for the long haul down to Penzance, to play Paul Cricket Club, who are currently riding high near the top of the Cornwall County League Division 1.
Lechlade captain Paul Rowley, who is expecting a tough encounter in his team's attempt to reach the last 16, says:
"There is no doubting their pedigree. They play the equivalent of two leagues above us, and are going well at present.
"However, we were faced with similar odds when we visited previous competition winners Goatacre in the fourth round, and won quite comfortably in the end."
Skipper Rowley will no doubt be looking to the in-form pairing of twins Roger and Anthony Pettifer, who have both contributed to the success so far this season.
Having grown up in the village, the lads will no doubt be cheered all the way by father Ian, who finally stood down as club fixture secretary last season, following 35 years of service!
The winners of this Sunday's game will progress to play the winners of the Devon v Dafyd encounter, in the last 16.
The club have spaces available for supporters on the coach, which leaves the Market Place, Lechlade, at 6.15am.
All interested parties are asked to contact Paul Rowley on 07967480666 as soon as possible.
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