Nottinghamshire Academy take on last year’s champions Cuckney this Saturday following a bank holiday full of mixed fortunes.

On Saturday, the academy pulled off an impressive win against Caythorpe to stay in the important middle section of the table.

That was before they were undone by a last-wicket stand of 62 as they fell to one-wicket defeat against Rolls Royce.

However, Paul Johnson isn’t bothered as he believes his side are heading in the right direction. 

“Last weekend saw us pick up a really good win which was then followed by a disappointing defeat at the hands of leaders Rolls Royce,” he said.

“Having said that, to have such a strong team like that on the back foot it just shows everyone what we are capable of.”

This week Academy will be looking to make inroads into the lead enjoyed by the top two if they pick up a positive result over third-placed Cuckney.

“So far we aren’t where we want to be in the league but there is still under a third of a season gone so there is no need to worry.

“A couple of our games have been disrupted by the rain and a positive result in one of those games would have seen us right in the mix.

“You don’t want a gap opening up between the top three and the rest of the chasing pack and that is why this is a crucial weekend.”

The game also gives winter signing Luke Wood the chance to take on his former teammates for the first time since his move.

“Luke has been a great signing and has justified Chris Tolley’s decision to bring him into the academy with some good performances" said Johnson.

“He was Cuckney’s best opening bowler last year and that is the only slight weakness they could have as they are a solid unit."

He added: “They are obviously last year’s holders and they fill all their positions across the team with strength.

“We hope to catch them on an off day and perform the way I know we can in order to pick up a good result.”

The game begins at 12:30pm and will take place at Notts Sports Club. 

Nottinghamshire Academy team to face Cuckney: Sam Kelsall, Hassan Azad, Tom Rowe, Sam Wood, Adam Tillcock, Anthony Parkin-Coates (c), Brett Hutton, George Bacon, Luke Wood, Ben Kitt and Tiger Dalby.