Havant fully focused on welcome cup tonic
Team can still get success to provide a lift from the league struggles
HAVANT are setting their sights on knock-out glory as they travel to Weybridge in the last 16 of the National Club Cup on Sunday.
Chris Stone is backing his team to come through the difficult tie and provide the club with a late season flourish.
By their own high standards Havant have had a poor Southern League premier division season.
The captain believes success in the cup can more than make up for this.
‘National Cup games are always big occasions for the club,’ said Stone.
‘It is a competition where we have had a fair bit of success in the past.
‘We have reached the semifinals before and have won more games in the competitions history than any other club.
‘There is a lot of cup experience in our team.
‘The likes of Stuart Ransley, Pete Hopson, Richard Hindley and Jez Bulled were all in our semifinal team.
‘It is good for us to be involved at this stage of our season when there isn't a lot left to play for in the league.
‘Weybridge are a top Surrey side with a nice ground and a number of good players.
‘We know it is going to be tough.’
Havant are without the Gadd brothers, Harry and Freddie, who are away on holiday.
Experienced campaigner Richard Hindley returns and young left-arm seam bowler Alfie Taw will be involved.
Stone insists his team will thrive in the cup-tie atmosphere.
‘As a team we have always enjoyed the cut and thrust of knock-out cricket,’ said Stone.
‘We love being involved in competitive cricket.
‘That is when the team is at its best.’
Havant go into the game on the back of their excellent league win against secondplaced South Wilts.
There is no doubting the quality of the side with wins against the top three sides under their belt.
The weakness has been a lack of consistency particularly in their batting.