SKIPPER Freddie Martin reckons that his Lechlade team are champing at the bit to get their teeth stuck into a top-of-the-table clash this weekend.

Tomorrow afternoon, the Cotswolders will be rolling out the red carpet at the Manor Ground to welcome Premier Two Glos/Wilts leaders Cheltenham, with Martin’s men knowing that a victory will propel them to the summit from second place.

Both teams have four victories to their names respectively already this term, with unbeaten Cheltenham, who have yet to taste defeat so far this season, five points ahead of Lechlade.

Following their loss at Gloucester City Winget on May 28, Martin’s men have bounced back with back-to-back triumphs over Wiltshire village outfits Biddestone and Goatacre, with Brad Dial hitting a knock of 98 in last Saturday’s 112-run win over the latter.

Ahead of the visit of Cheltenham, the Lechlade captain doesn’t see any reason why he and his team-mates shouldn’t be full of confidence as they prepare for a showdown to determine who ekes out an early advantage in the title race.

“We’re really looking forward to the Cheltenham game – it’s a massive game,” said Martin.

“It’s still quite early in the season but if you lose this one, it can make things harder for you later on. You don’t want to be going in to the last three or four weeks of the season with a gap to try and make up.

“We’re happy with the way that we’re playing and we’re enjoying things at the moment. We know that it’s going to be a tough game but we back ourselves.”

Lechlade are also hoping to be able to field all of their biggest hitters when they head into battle against Cheltenham.

Martin added: “I think that we should have a very strong side out on Saturday. We should have Jock (Jamieson-Black) back, which is a big boost for us.”

Last season, Lechlade enjoyed mixed fortunes against Cheltenham, winning on the road but suffering a heavy defeat in the two teams’ last meeting at the Manor Ground.