npower Village Cup

Horspath will be hoping to make it third time lucky when they host Cumnor in Sunday's Oxfordshire final (2).

Having lost to Oxford Downs at this stage for the last two years, they will look for better against opponents, who are in just their second season in this competition.

Secretary Max Eason said: "We are deperately hoping to win. Last year was particularly unfortunate as it was a bowl-out.

"We are hoping the weather is good, so we can make the most of home advantage as we are usually well-supported."

Top-order batsman Ned Murray returns from university, while Dave Heritage will hope to fly back from his holiday in Cyprus in time to play.

Lee Mason is ineligible after joining the club this season.

Eason added: "We have got a specialist team for this competition, so someone like Heritage doesn't play in the league first team.

"His bowling is better suited to 40-over cricket than those who race in."

Although Cumnor officially has a population of around 2,000, which has always been within the competition rules, the club were only admitted in 2007.

Captain Carl Thompson said: "Last year our first round draw was against Oxford Downs, who went on to the national semi-finals.

"This time we felt we had quite a good draw and were looking to reach the county final.

"We played Horspath in pre-season and know quite a bit about them. We have a lot of friends up there and it will be a good occasion."

Cumnor have been away for every game so far, but Thompson said their travelling fans out-numbered Great & Little Tew in the last round.

"People realise the history Oxfordshire teams have in this competition," added Thompson.

"There is a realistic feeling that the county winners can go a long way."

Thompson said selecting his side was not easy, and added that Ali Morteza was a potential match-winner.

"He can take the game away from teams with the bat."

Sunday's winner will be at home to the Dorset and Wiltshire champions in the first national round.

Horspath: from R Eason (capt), Penner, Murray, Chanel, Mohson Rana, W Eason, Creed, Todd, Heritage, Cummings, Cook, Skelton.

Cumnor: Scott, Nielson, Gaunt, Morteza, Douglas, Kirsten, Umair Ghazali, Thompson (capt), Slade, Ayaz Khan, Mitty.