npower Village Cup

Shipton-under-Wychwood captain Paul Hemming returns from holiday to lead his side into their semi-final at Rowledge on Sunday.

And he is full of confidence that his side can get to Lord’s for the fourth time.

Shipton, champions in 2002 and 2003 have been through a quiet spell in this competition in recent years, but are now just one step away from a return to cricket’s headquarters on September 12.

Hemming said: “Although I missed the first final in 1997, it will be third time I’ve played at Lord’s for Shipton if we can get there.

“We beat Rowledge in the semi-final by one run back in 2002, and if I recall, it was by one run.

“It may sound silly, but that day I felt we were always in control because they needed 25 runs in the last couple of overs.”

As well as Hemming, Shipton welcome back Tim Senior and Craig Lambert, both of whom missed the quarter-final victory over Troon due to holiday.

And Hemming said that would only strengthen Shipton’s line-up further.

“Our top six is probably as strong as we’ve ever had in this competition,” he said.

“Obviously in the last round, myself, Tim and Craig were all missing, but we still managed to score a massive total.

“Andy (Hemming) has been phenomenal in the competition this year, but after him, we’ve also got myself, Batesy and Jason (Hunt), so we are always a match for most bowling attacks.”

The winners will play Sessay or Fillongley in the final.

Shipton-under-Wychwood (v Rowledge, away): P Hemming (capt), A Hemming, Charlie Brain, Bates, Hunt, Senior, Lambert, Jennings, Miller, Panter, King. 12th man: Prior-Wandesforde.