GEORGE Sandbach admits Oxford Downs have their sights set on a Lord’s final but they will not be distracted by the thought of silverware, writes JACK JOHNSON.
The Cherwell League Division 1 leaders host Glamorgan & Gwent champions Miskin Manor in the fifth round – the first national stage – of The Cricketer Village Cup on Sunday.
Downs made the semi-finals in 2007 and are four victories from a place in the showpiece.
Captain Sandbach believes his side, who have not lost a competitive fixture in 2018, can create more history.
He said: “We’ve got Lord’s in our sights.
“We do feel we’ve got a team good enough to get there.
“We got to the semi-finals 11 years ago and we believe we have a stronger team now.
“We need to keep our heads down.”
Miskin Manor are in good form themselves, winning eight of their nine matches to top Division 1 of the South East Wales League.
But Sandbach is confident Downs can make home advantage count.
He said: “We’ve done a bit of research on them.
“They’re unbeaten and I think conditions will be slightly different for them.
“It’s hard and fast here, so we should have an advantage.”
SUNDAY’S TEAM
Oxford Downs (v Miskin Manor, home): Ellwood, Costley, Sandbach, Crouch, Lauder, Rafiq, Mehmood, Sutton, Chahal, Ling, Meardon.
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