HAVING trod the hallowed turf at Lord's eight months ago, the cricketers of Exhall and Wixford start their bid for a return trip this weekend.

Defeat in the 2004 npower Village Cup Final couldn't spoil a memorable weekend for the Cotswold Hills League club and skipper Simon Hollands has his sights set on a swift return.

"We want to get there again," he admitted with great relish. "It was a memorable occasion and it just made us all even more determined to return and this time win it."

Exhall entertain Gracedieu Park in the Warwickshire and Leicestershire group opener and Hollands knows little about Sunday's opposition.

"They've been in the competition for a few years but we haven't come across them," he said. "We will take them seriously and expect to be at full strength."

The 2005 runners-up will be able to include all-rounders Steve Kirby and Richard Nicholls in their Sunday side this season. The former Stratford duo were ineligible last term - a fate that now befalls another recruit from Swan's Nest Lane, Andy Marsh.

The previous afternoon will see Exhall start their Cotswold Hills League campaign at home to Alcester and Ragley.