Chirpy Hollands eyes Lord's win (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Chirpy Hollands eyes Lord's win

POLITICS will take a back seat when Exhall and Wixford bid to become National Village champions at Lord's on Sunday, writes Mervyn Collins.

Much has been written - in the national press - and said - anonymous phone calls - about final opponents Sully Centurions but the Cotswold Hills League outfit are determined to let their ability on the field do the talking this weekend.

Cricket correspondent of The Times, Alan Lee, has waged a war of words about the Welshmen's eligibility, sportsmanship - or lack of it - and player recruitment, while Exhall chairman John Canning was given a whole host of reasons why Sully shouldn't even be in the competition by an irate Welshman.

The South Wales club hit back by stating that organisers could find no reason to expel them from a prestigious national competition that has yet to be won by a side from Warwickshire in its 31-year history.

Determined

Exhall and Wixford are determined - and confident - that they can bring an end to that miserable statistic when they trot out on the hallowed turf at 11am on Sunday.

"Getting to Lord's is the biggest prize but now we're there we are going to enjoy the day and play to win," said skipper Simon Hollands.

"There will be no politics involved. They are obviously a good side but they can't be better than Christleton. There will be a few chirps in their direction and I feel sure that they will try to put us under pressure as well. But that's part and parcel of the game and I'm sure that our guys will give just as good as they receive."

Hollands assured what promises to be a vast band of travelling supporters that the players will be on their "best behaviour" at the pre-match dinner.

"We won't go mad but we're not going there just to drink orange juice," he smiled. "Most of us like a drink and we will be sensible. There's an early start on Sunday and we are all intent on putting on a good show."

Chairman John Canning echoed those thoughts: "We are going there to enjoy ourselves and give it our best shot. I won't be issuing instructions about Saturday night. They can all have a drink but hopefully they won't go over the top.

"If things don't go our way there will be no recriminations. Luck will play a big part and we've had our fair share on the way and let's hope that carries on."

The chairman revealed that at least five coaches should be heading down the M40 early on Sunday morning together with lots of people in cars to add to those who are making a weekend of it.

"The reaction in the village and surrounding areas has been great and the support of other clubs has been much appreciated," Canning revealed.

Entry to Lord's is free and any supporters wishing to travel down by coach from Alcester, Exhall or Stratford are asked to contact Justin Tose on 07775 831831. The cost is £13 for adults and £7 for children and oaps.

Let's hope that the motto of the Welsh Cricket Association applies to Sunday's showpiece in the wake of criticism of the Centurions and that both teams ensure a hard-fought and sporting contest with the best side winning on the day.

"Chwarae Teg - Play hard, play fair - Above all other team games, cricket has a hard-earned and jealously protected reputation for being played, win or lose, within the boundaries of "fair play" showing sportsmanship towards opponents and teammates."