TOM Wallbridge believes Burbage & Easton Royal are reaping the benefits of a concerted effort in the Watsons National Village Cup after they ended the campaign of competition specialists Goatacre in Sunday's Dorset & Wiltshire final.

Burbage booked a place in the national rounds away to Cornwall's Roche Old Boys after wrapping up a four-wicket success at the home of the 1988 and 1990 cup winners.

Adam Lavis (3-17) and the spin of teenager Charlie Green (2-32) helped restrict the home side, who had won the toss and elected to bat, to 201-8 in their 40 overs, Jif Wilkins scoring an unbeaten 46 and Andy Donegan 30.

Jon Chandler scored 59 for Burbage, who got past the 100 mark for the loss of one wicket, while skipper Dan Wootton and Sourish Mukherjee also weighed in with decent knocks of 44 apiece as the visitors got home in 36 overs, Joe Tillyer taking 3-33 for Goatacre.

"Against Goatacre, at their ground, with their history in the tournament we were probably the underdogs,'' said bowler Wallbridge. "So to get the win was a good achievement.

"We've entered the tournament for a few years now, but this is the first time we've got to the national stages.

"We've made a conscious effort this season to make sure everybody is available for these matches. Everyone plays on a Saturday but it's sometimes more of a struggle on Sundays.

"But the boys played well and we're really pleased to get the win.

"We're four games from Lord's now, so you have to take that sort of chance very seriously.''

Burbage are due to travel to Roche on Sunday, June 25, although that fixture could yet be arrange due to the Wiltshire club's national T20 commitments.