The Woodhouses first XI will emulate one of the club’s favourite sons on Sunday as they run out on the hallowed turf of Lord’s.

Mike Atherton started out at Woodhouses before going on to make Lord’s his second home during an England career that spanned 115 Tests.

Now his local club will play at the home of cricket for the first time, having reached Sunday’s National Village Cup final.

"It can’t come quickly enough," said captain Mike Cassidy.

"The club’s been playing in this competition for 40 years so it’s a major achievement."

Rottingdean (East Sussex) are the opponents after Woodhouses overcame the holders Sessay (North Yorkshire) in last month’s semi-finals.

Woodhouses reached the 2008 semi-finals and a 16-year-old Atherton was in the side that reached the quarter-finals during the 1980s.

Captain that day was his father Alan, now treasurer having had a 40-year association with the Failsworth-based club, and he will be among a party of around 400 travelling to London.

"I’ve been to watch a Test match there about 15 years ago and it’ll be amazing to play there," Cassidy added.

"I’m mainly excited about the little things – like being in the changing rooms, walking down the steps and being sat on the balcony looking out on the game."

Cassidy is one of just three players over 30, with most of the side between 17 and 22 and growing up a stone’s throw from their Belfields home.

"Us older ones are actually the ones getting most giddy about it because we appreciate just how special it’ll be," he said.

"I think the young guys are looking forward to a day out away from their mums and dads!

"It’s just another game to them but that could work in our favour. It won’t be easy but I’m confident we can give a decent show of ourselves."

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