GEORGE Sandbach admits Oxford Downs have their sights set on a Lord’s final but they will not be distracted by the thought of silverware, writes JACK JOHNSON.

The Cherwell League Division 1 leaders host Glamorgan & Gwent champions Miskin Manor in the fifth round – the first national stage – of The Cricketer Village Cup on Sunday.

Downs made the semi-finals in 2007 and are four victories from a place in the showpiece.

Captain Sandbach believes his side, who have not lost a competitive fixture in 2018, can create more history.

He said: “We’ve got Lord’s in our sights.

“We do feel we’ve got a team good enough to get there.

“We got to the semi-finals 11 years ago and we believe we have a stronger team now.

“We need to keep our heads down.”

Miskin Manor are in good form themselves, winning eight of their nine matches to top Division 1 of the South East Wales League.

But Sandbach is confident Downs can make home advantage count.

He said: “We’ve done a bit of research on them.

“They’re unbeaten and I think conditions will be slightly different for them.

“It’s hard and fast here, so we should have an advantage.”

SUNDAY’S TEAM

Oxford Downs (v Miskin Manor, home): Ellwood, Costley, Sandbach, Crouch, Lauder, Rafiq, Mehmood, Sutton, Chahal, Ling, Meardon.