COLWALL will be hoping it's third time lucky as they try to move within one game of a trip to Lord's.

Standing in their way in the quarter-finals of the National Village Championship on Sunday are Elvaston, who have knocked the Herefordshire side out in each of the last two seasons and who won the competition in 2000.

But Colwall, who will be backed by around 100 supporters for the trip to Derbyshire, are confident they can turn the tables this time.

Last year Colwall were skittled out for just 37 in the quarter-finals at Stowe Lane to lose by a massive 164 runs.

But the previous year at Elvaston in the last 32, they only went out by virtue of having lost more wickets in a tied match - and skipper Dave Sutton believes that result is more reflective of the relative strengths of the two sides.

Freak

"Last year was a bit of a freak result," he said. "We know they are a good side but I don't think we will be overawed.

"We have been in pressure situations a few times this year and I think we have coped with the pressure a bit better."

Colwall will keep the same side that beat Fillongley at Stowe Lane in the last round, and they hope their large travelling support will play their part in taking them to within one game of the final at Lord's.

Sutton added: "Certainly last year our supporters outnumbered the home fans at most games.

Appreciated

"It certainly helps to make it an occasion and it is certainly appreciated by the players."

Should Colwall win it will be only the second time they have reached the semi-finals - the other being in 1991 when they lost to Yorkshire side Harome.

It would also give them a home semi-final against Wolviston or Streethouse on August 18. The Lord's final is on September 1.

A coach for supporters will leave Colwall Green at 10am on Sunday. For more details call Peter Pedlingham on 01684-540242.