BOVEY Tracey 2nd XI will be aiming lift the Aaron Printers Cup for the fifth year in a row when they host Ashburton in Thursday’s final on the Recreation Ground (6pm).

No club had won the long-running competition four years running until Bovey did it last season by defeating Torquay & Kingskerswell at Stokeinteignhead.

The last team to lift the cup other than Bovey were Ashburton, who did it back in 2020 at the tail end of a Covid-19-disrupted season. They have not appeared in a final since.

Lloyd White was the cup-winning captain the last time Ashburton claimed the cup. Given the close links between the clubs, he cannot wait to have a crack at Bovey.

“To lead Ashburton out in our second Aaron Printers Cup final is a huge honour, and this one will be special,” said White.

“Bovey versus Ashburton has always been a fantastic fixture, due to the proximity of the two clubs.

“Many players have flittered between both clubs over the years but there's always been a fantastic mutual respect, which should make for a fitting occasion.

“I know there are many families connected with both sides (Pascoes, Yabsleys, Bannisters, Causeys), who won't know which way to turn!

“We visit the Recreation Ground as underdogs and deservedly so with our respected league positions and the fact that since we won it 2020, Dan Green's men have reigned as the champions.

“We understand the size of the task that faces us, but we know that we will give it our all. Everyone loves an underdog, don't they?”

Dan Green the Bovey Tracey captain, is a well-known enthusiast for the Twenty20 format in general and the Aaron Printers Cup in particular.

If Green or team are feeling any pre-final pressure, it does not show.

“Ashburton will be a tough game of cricket,” said Green. “And as they are going well at the moment it should be a fun evening.”

Asked why Bovey have dominated the Aaron Printers Cup in recent season, Green said: “We have a wide range of talent throughout the club, and this is shown by previous man-of-match winners.”

Bovey Tracey: D Green, T Andrew, O Clifford-Bourne, H Mount, J Pascoe, S Russell, B Kay, B Causey, A Bradley, H Pitman, S Harvey.

Ashburton: S E Edmonds, G N Yabsley, L A White, M J Churchill, A S More, N H Martin, M J Partridge, H L J Bannister, CA Towers, C J Yeo, J D Warren. 12th Man: T B Pascoe.

Umpires: S P Day, T Chapman.

Scorers: S Harvey, N P Yabsley.