Persimmon Village Cup

SIMON Hole says Shipton-under-Wychwood should have nothing to fear in the national rounds, starting with Sunday’s last 32 visit to Wiltshire champions Goatacre.

Shipton’s captain believes his side are good enough to reach another Lord’s final, but they must keep focused.

“If people perform then I would say we have got as good a side as anyone in the competition,” said Hole.

“We could go all the way again, but we have to perform each time.”

Shipton seamer Shaun Cross will have a fitness test on his injured hamstring to see if he can challenge for a place in the side.

Christian Brain is also added to the squad that comfortably beat Challow & Childrey by six wickets in last week’s rescheduled Oxfordshire final.

Shipton lost by two wickets at Goatacre in the 2004 competition, although their ground is one big-hitting Jason Hunt should relish – having plundered 68 on that occasion.

Hole added: “They have got quite a small ground, so I expect it being quite a run fest.

“The weather forecast is also good.”

Goatacre play in the West of England League Glos/Wilts Division, which is the same level as Shipton in Cherwell League Division 1.

Shipton-under-Wychwood: from Hole (capt), Cha Brain, Senior, Bates, Hunt, A Hemming, Wood, P Hemming, Seacole, Miller, Cross, Chr Brain, J Barrett.