GEORGE Sandbach has warned Oxford Downs that their extended run in The Cricketer National Village Cup must not deflect them from their Cherwell League promotion ambitions.

Downs travel to Hampshire champions Liphook & Ripley in the last 16 on Sunday, with the winners moving to within two victories of a dream Lord’s final.

“Everybody in the club is getting excited about the cup run, but it’s important not to take our eye of the ball in the league,” says Sandbach, who captains the Saturday side, who top Division 1.

“For the future of the club, it’s very important to win promotion to the Home Counties Premier League.”

Sandbach hands over the reins to James Ellwood, who leads Downs’ Village Cup side.

For the Liphook tie, they make two changes from the side that disposed of Welsh outfit Miskin Manor in the previous round.

Seamer Jonny Law, who is now available, and James Florey come in for Jagdip Chahal and Wasim Mehmood.

Liphook, who are sitting mid-table in Division 1 of the Southern League, beat Home Counties Premier League side Cookham Dean in the previous round.

“We expect it to be a tight game as all the teams at this stage of the competition are of a similar standard,” added Sandbach.

Oxford Downs (v Liphook & Ripsley, away): Ellwood (capt), Costley, Sandbach, Crouch, Lauder, Rafiq, Florey, Sutton, Law, Ling,

Meardon.