CALMORE face a Village National Cup semi-final tie against Stoke Green with a once-in-a-lifetime Lord’s final the prize on Sunday, as captain Mark Lavelle exclaims: “We’re so close to doing something we all dream of.”

The Hampshire village side defeated Rockhampton in the quarter-final two weeks ago to book a chance to play at the Home of Cricket in London – with just one more obstacle to traverse.

More than 400 people watched as Calmore were celebrating hitting 205-4 from the allotted 40 overs before bowling out the Gloucestershire opponents, and 2013 competition finalists, for 167 in 37 overs.

The winners of Calmore vs Slough-based side Stoke Green will face either Neyland or Houghton Main or Alvanley in the final.

It is the Hampshire outfit’s first entrance into the competition, who are now facing the opportunity to mark the debut run with a remarkable showpiece day out in September.

Lavelle hasn’t played down the significance of the contest but knows the importance of staying cool.

He told the Daily Echo: “We’re flying at the moment in the league and the cup but we will take it game by game and not get too far ahead of ourselves.

“I said before the last game, let the people who have come to watch and have a few drinks enjoy it, play the game in front of you and don’t play the occasion.

“That’s what we need to do going forward but the quarter was probably our most comfortable setting a platform, setting a total for our gameplan. More of the same really, we don’t need to change anything, just do what we do.

“The Rockhampton guys drunk us dry of Thatchers bless them, they said they will come down and watch, so hopefully we will have a few more watching this round too.”

The semi-final represents another opportunity for players to create special memories with their village side.

Lavelle added: “It’s been great to see local clubs come and support us.

"Ramblers from Surrey who play in our league have been to every game home and away to support us, players from other local clubs wanting us to win.

“That’s the good thing, it brings everyone together. Yes, in the Hampshire rounds you play these teams and they want to beat you but actually they realise we’re close to doing something we all dream of.

“We’re all friends and local lads, it’s great for the club, days like these with bar takings can prop the club up for the year to come.”