ED Wilkins may have been to Lord’s both times Goatacre tasted national glory but now that he’s tall enough to hold a bat himself, the Goats captain is hoping that it’s his turn to lead his team to the home of cricket.

The villagers are set to travel to Cambridgeshire outfit Foxton next Sunday, with a place in the final of the National Village Cup at Lord’s on the line following their dramatic comeback quarter-final victory over Roche last weekend.

Despite being in the stands at the country’s most famous ground for Goatacre’s famous 1988 and 1990 cup-winning exploits, skipper Wilkins was just a small child and is now dreaming of following in the footsteps of his predecessors, including father John, by making it to Lord’s.

“I was born in 1986 and I’m 29, so I was there in 1988 and 1990 but all I can remember, for some reason, is the very first ball of the second final,” said Wilkins.

“My dad played in both and Kevin Iles, who scored the fastest-ever century at Lord’s, is my godfather. Jack Haines’ dad (Jon) played there too.

“The competition means a lot to people at the club and it would be amazing if we could emulate those teams ourselves.”

Goatacre’s 98-run win over Cornwall’s Roche capped a remarkable comeback from the home team, who recovered from 23-5 to post 231-9 before bowling out their opponents for 133.

Only three clubs have won the Village Cup more times than the Wiltshire villagers and chairman Pete Jones is expecting this Sunday’s semi-final showdown with Foxton to act as his team’s final.

He said: “From talking to the players, it seems that next weekend’s game is actually more important than the final itself and I’m inclined to concur because it would be incredible to have the chance to run out on that Lord’s pitch.

“We did a head count last weekend and there must have been about 300 people there, rather than the dozen or so you usually get for a league game, even though we play at a high level.

“I moved to the village just before the triumphs of 1988 and 1990 but most of the boys playing now were very young at the time – hopefully it’s their turn.”