Village cricket club set for Lord's showdown

"You dream of being a professional cricketer for England, but this is second only to that," says Captain Richard Bostock.

A village cricket club in Cuckney, Nottinghamshire, is playing its first-ever Cawston Press Village Cup Final at Lord's on Sunday, when they will face four-time winners Blackheath from Surrey.

It will be the second time in three years that Cuckney has had a team playing at Lord's, following the First XI's National Club Championship triumph in 2023.

Bostock added: "It's a club you've put your life into."

Cuckney Cricket Club's Second XI reached the final after beating Yorkshire side Woodhouse Grange by nine runs in a dramatic semi-final.

Bostock knows what it feels like to walk out at Lord's.

He was part of Cuckney's National Club Championship-winning side in 2023 and says returning to the famous ground with his teammates will be a special moment.

"You've got all your mates here, all your families here, and to walk out side by side with them is amazing," he said.

"I want everybody to enjoy the experience.

"Take the photos, enjoy the moment, because it might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Opening bowler and coach Oliver Wilson, who has been involved with the club for more than 25 years, says sharing the occasion with lifelong friends makes it even more meaningful.

"Lord's is an iconic venue in world cricket," he said.

"I've been lucky enough to watch England there, but to go back and be part of it as a player is really special.

"To experience it alongside some of my best friends, after more than 25 years at the club, makes it even more special.

"Opportunities like this don't come along very often, so we have to grab it with both hands.

"We've got some young lads coming through who are about to experience something they've only dreamed about.

"It'll be a fantastic day for the club, and I know we'll have plenty of travelling supporters behind us. I can't wait."

The club have put on coach travel for fans, with more than 150 expected to make the journey to what is considered among devotees as the "home of cricket".

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