BARNT Green CC captain Richard Illingworth has urged his players to go into one of the biggest games of their lives with a winning mentality.

The Green battle Sussex side Horsham at Lord's in the National Knockout Cup Final on Tuesday, August 23 (11am start).

Illingworth, who has experienced playing at Lord's during his days at Worcestershire, warned the players not to be overawed by the occasion and the venue.

He said: "We're not going to enjoy ourselves we're going to give a good account of ourselves.

"Before my first time at Lord's with Worcestershire a friend told me to enjoy it.

"But I had a nightmare and I learned that you have to go into these games with the right mindset.

"This is going to be a huge game for all of the players and for some it's going to be the biggest moment in their cricketing careers."

Green will be eager to go all the way in the competition, which they have had an excellent track record during the last four years.

The Green lost the 2002 final to Saffron Walden at Edgbaston and reached the semi-finals only to lose to Ockbrook and Borrowash in 2004.

With the Birmingham and District League Premier Division title and the cup in their sights former England spinner Illingworth knows there is no time for his side to relax.

With six league matches to go Green have a slender advantage over second placed Old Hill.

Illingworth said: "We are at a stage in the season where we cannot afford to relax at all.

"There's a lot at stake. We need to maintain a level of performance until the end of the season that will see us win the league and the cup."

l The captain expects a full strength side for Saturday's league game at home to bottom side Leamington (12.30pm start).