SUKH Dhillon is hoping that Stoke Green CC can capitalise on home advantage against Dinton in the regional finals of the National Village Knock Out competition on Sunday.

Stoke are riding the crest of a wave in recent times having won back-to-back promotions in the Thames Valley League and making the final of the Julian Cup year.

The village club reached the regional final of the national T20 competition last term, before their dreams were crushed by Bledlow Ridge.

However, buoyed by a win against rivals Slough 2nds last weekend, Dhillon believes his side have what it takes to shock Home Counties outfit Dinton.

Speaking to the Observer, a bullish Dhillon explained: "We played Dinton at their place three years ago and did okay. We got a respectable score which they chased down.

"However, the wicket is completely different at our place so hopefully that will surprise them. We've always said if we play Dinton at home there's a chance we could beat them.

"If we play to our ability we've got a good chance, we've never won in the regional finals.

"Dinton have got a very good batting line-up but it shows where we are at the moment.

"The National Village is our main cup competition, we always have a good crack at it and take it very seriously.

"The problem is we've got four or five who are not eligible, so we will not have our strongest first team out on Sunday." Stoke have been in good form so far this summer and went top of Thames Valley Division 3a last weekend after a 52-run home win against Slough 2nds.

Vishal Arjan starred with a knock of 67 and Dhillon hopes his side's batting strength can win them a third successive promotion.

He boasted: "Slough have got quite a strong side this year but we won quite comfortably in the end and that shows the level we're at right now.

"We were struggling at 101-5 and knew we had to get 200, but we've got eight or nine guys who can all bat in the top three.

"Our batting is very strong, all 11 can hold a bat and you don't normally get that in a team.

"Slough were 70-3 and if they carried on batting sensibly they would've got closer but they played shots against a turning ball which worked in our favour. I think Slough will be the best side we play this year." Dhillon added:"It was only two years ago we were playing in Division Five, the team hasn't changed that much.

"I told the guys we've got to keep our feet on the ground but if we keep playing like we are we'll be up there.

"We said at the start of the season we wanted to consolidate and make sure we don't go back down, but after the start we've had we could win the league. Three promotions in three years is probably unheard of - if it comes it comes.

"We've got a very talented young side who can go on cold days. Our only weakness was we never had a spinner but now we've got two and our batting is as good as ever." Stoke's star player Saud Ahmed is expected to make his return against Hurst on Saturday after being sidelined with a knee injury.

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