Perkins wants Nationwide focus (From Swindon Advertiser)

Perkins wants Nationwide focus

8:30am Friday 2nd September 2011 in Cricket By Sam Morshead

JOE Perkins doesn’t want his Nationwide House side to get carried away with the prospect of their highest-ever finish in the West of England Premier League when they take on Marlborough at Pipers Way tomorrow.

House could end the season in fourth place with victory over their opponents, who currently occupy that spot in the Wiltshire Division table.

And while the that would be an outstanding achievement for Perkins and his team, the skipper is desperate not to get carried away with what might be ahead of the big day.

“We all realise that rather than worrying about fourth spot we should just concentrate on performing at the top of our game against Marlborough and whatever the outcome we will be extremely proud of what we have achieved this year, and the fact that we are improving each season,” he said.

“It will be a nice game to finish the season against Marlborough because they are a good bunch of lads but they will still want to give us a really good, hard-fought game.

“Everyone is understandably really chuffed with where we are currently sitting in the league but they have the quality in their batting and bowling line-ups to really put us under pressure.

“Our good run of form will be extremely put to the test.”

Chris Cousens, Nick Clarke, Nathan Sheffield and Stuart Archer come into the side after returning from holiday, while Jon Clarke is absent.