Sudbrook on Glory trail (From Free Press Series)

Sudbrook on Glory trail

SUDBROOK player-coach Mark O'Leary has sent a rallying cry to his men ahead of this weekend's game against Sully saying: "We can challenge for the title if we keep playing like we are."

An up-beat O'Leary was on cloud nine after helping his team-mates pick up their third win on the bounce, toppling high-flying St Fagans in devastating style at the Deepweir Ground after scoring 299-4 and winning by nine wickets .

Sudbrook's batsmen are on fire at the moment and O'Leary will be keen for them to maintain their blistering form. In their last two games, the 2001 Premiership champions have smashed 330 runs for just one wicket.

That deadly run-rate is all down to prolific openers Rob Vokes and Chris Archer. Ross Lewis who was away on representative duties with UWIC for Saturday's match against St Fagans after smashing 90 against Penarth a week earlier.

"We could not have come into this game in any better form," said O'Leary. "They are a good side, but there is no reason why we can not beat them. A couple of early wickets and we will be in there. A win and we have to be considered as contenders on current form. Of course there are 12 games left, but we are confident in our own abilities."

Speaking on the win against St Fagans who were bowled out for just 176 O'Leary added: "This is our best result of the season so far. I thought we had a chance before the match. There's no reason why we cannot beat anyone in the league. At the end of the day we are batting with confidence and that is priceless.

"All of our bowlers chipped in. It was a concerted effort by us and we put a lot of good work in to make things easier for us when we had to bat.

"They deserve a lot of credit. In our last two games they've kept the opposition down to below 200 runs.

"On the types of wickets we've had this summer you have to brace yourself for 220 at the very least so to keep a team below 200 is just amazing. Bowling like that fills your batsmen with confidence."

Pick of Sudbrook's bowlers was without doubt 17-year-old Mike Shaw who took an incredible four wickets for just 23 runs.

"Mike is one of the youngsters we have brought in and he held his own very well. We're delighted with his progress," said O'Leary.

He was just as pleased with the batting of Chris Archer who picked up his third half century plus in three consecutive games, hitting 78 not out alongside Rob Vokes 86 not out.

And with a full squad available for 11 of his side's 12 remaining games - barring injuries - O'Leary knows his men could be close to the verge of glory if results keep rolling in like they are. Saturday's match at home to Sully starts at 1pm.