GOATACRE enjoyed the perfect preparation for this Sunday’s National Village Cup quarter-final as they hauled themselves out of the Premier Two relegation zone with victory over Cheltenham.

The Goats were inspired by two centurions – Hampshire all-rounder Liam Dawson and Zimbabwean overseas player Tendai Maruma – as they bested their visitors by 67 runs at Goatacre Lane.

In the Village Cup, Ed Wilkins’ side will travel to Cornwall this weekend to take on Roche Old Boys, who beat Wraysbury in a rearranged last 16 clash on Sunday, and with crucial league clashes also on the horizon, the Goatacre skipper is in no doubt his team are entering a decisive period in their season.

“It was a big win for us on Saturday. Shapwick (& Polden) and Chard both lost on the weekend, so that was handy, and we’ve got to play Lechlade and Shapwick in the next two weeks – if we win those, I think we’ll pretty much be safe,” said captain Wilkins.

“Liam called me up on Saturday morning to say that he’d been brought back to Hampshire and wanted some practice before a four-day game – it’s always handy to have someone like him and he helps me with tactics too.

“We’re really looking forward to going to Cornwall on Sunday. One of our lads, Dan Horton, went down there to watch last weekend and said it looks like a good place to play.

“Hopefully we’ll have a coach so a few fans can come along too.”

The hosts batted first after winning the toss and after openers Jack Haines and Wilkins fell for a combined 43, Maruma (100) and guest Dawson (103) took the game to Cheltenham with their respective centuries.

Despite Haines (10) and tail-ender Matt House (10*) being the only other batsmen to reach double figures, Goatacre still managed to post a hearty 298-9.

Rob Cooper (75), Matt Jennings (46) and George Terry (41) did their best to bite back but Cheltenham were all out for 231 after 45 overs.

Meanwhile, Potterne maintained their stranglehold on top spot by dispatching Thornbury by eight wickets.

Sahan Wijerathne (3-10) and Ed Young (3-38) helped skittle the hosts for 166 in just under 40 overs before Tom Cullen drove Neil Clark’s men to victory with an unbeaten 96.

Young (31*) and Clark (27) also chipped in as Potterne reached 168-2 in the 26th over.