SWINDON v GOATACRE: Tucker bids to ruin Goatacre's promotion party (From Swindon Advertiser)

SWINDON v GOATACRE: Tucker bids to ruin Goatacre's promotion party

7:40am Friday 26th August 2011 in Cricket By Sam Morshead

SWINDON skipper Liam Tucker paid tribute to champions-elect Goatacre, before vowing to ruin their celebrations at the County Ground tomorrow.

Goatacre need just two points from the WEPL Glos/Wilts Division clash to officially claim the league title, and a spot in Premier 2 next season, meaning only divine intervention stands in the way of the small village club and back-to-back promotions.

But Tucker and Swindon don’t plan on extending a guard of honour to their high-flying guests, and the captain told the Advertiser - as much as he respects the visitors’ achievements this term - there will be no softness in their performance.

“This season Goatacre have had two very good players (in Ed Kilbee and Liam Dawson) but they’ve also had the back-up players who have put in performances when they’ve needed them,” he said.

“When they’ve wanted runs then Brad Dawson and (Jack) Haines have been scoring them and Craig (Gibbens) has been taking plenty of wickets.

“They’re not infallible, and I wouldn’t bet on any team to beat any other in this league.

“We will be looking to show what we can do and it’s been the case in this league this season that position doesn’t really matter.”

Swindon’s inconsistent season has frustrated many at the club, with convincing wins against Marshfield and Rockhampton early on tempered by batting collapses against Biddestone and Cheltenham.

In the end the side will have to wait another year for their chance to jump out of their current division, but they can finish with a flourish against the team set to feature a level higher next term.

“At home in this league it is a big advantage,” said Tucker.

“Hopefully it will all come together and we can get a good result.”

Swindon hand a debut to wicketkeeper Sam Pinchin in place of the unavailable Andy Staff while Jamie Baden, pictured, returns to the side with Marc Williamson away on holiday.