Sudbrook make Lord's final (From Free Press Series)

Sudbrook make Lord's final

SUDBROOK are in the final of this season's Lord's Cup and player-coach Mark O'Leary reckons they've got every chance of retaining the trophy they have won for the last three seasons in a row.

The Deepweir side brushed past opponents Panteg in Sunday's semi-final thanks to the brilliant century partnership of brothers Ross and John Lewis.

O'Leary praised the duo saying they did a superb job tying up the match and urged his men to play in the same convincing style when they meet Cardiff in September's final.

"It's going to be a great match and there's no reason why we can't win. Both side's have excellent players, but we'll be hungry to keep hold of the cup.

"We're starting to peak at the right time. The end of season run-in looks like its bringing the best out of us and that can only mean positive things for next month's cup final," he said.

Sudbrook have a tough Bank Holiday weekend ahead of them before September's Lord Cup final. On Saturday they travel to fourth place St Fagans before playing at Premiership champions-elect Sully on Monday.

O'Leary remains buoyant knowing that if his side can win three of their four remaining games - a target he has already set his players - they could finish as high as fourth or even third in the table.

"I'd like to think we can win all four of our last games and that is possible, but if we win three of them and other results go our way we will push up the table and deservedly so," said O'Leary.

Against Penarth on Saturday Sudbrook looked in impeccable form smashing 226 for five on a wet wicket before bowling out the opposition for 173. O'Leary topped scored for the home side with 76 runs, while Mike Shaw was the pick of the Sudbrook bowlers taking four for 27.

"It was a brilliant performance by the lads and I was very impressed. We've really coming together over the last few weeks and I'm delighted with that. Our batting is solid and our bowling right on the mark," said O'Leary.

Speaking on this weekend's tough double header he added: "We've got two tough games away at St Fagans and Sully, but I would fancy us to do well in at least one of them. The capabilities in this side mean we can pick results against anyone, we just have to believe in that."

Saturday's match at St Fagans and Bank Holiday Monday's match at Sully both bat off at 1pm.