LIPHOOK and Ripsley captain Charles Janczur is proud of his side after their National Village Cup final defeat at Lord’s.

Liphook lost by 72 runs against North Yorkshire’s Folkton and Flixton Cricket Club in the final on Sunday at the home of cricket.

Despite the defeat, Janczur says playing at Lord’s was a memorable experience.

Janczur said: “It was an incredible day, and was the best defeat we’ve ever had.

“The Lord’s lunches lived up to their billing, and even just warming up in the nursery ground was great.

“We sat in the changing room afterwards together as a team and had a beer with each other. So few people get to play at Lord’s, and we are honoured to have had that opportunity.

“It made you think what it must be like to be a Middlesex player playing at Lord’s, let alone an England player.

“We will never forget the day, and hopefully it can fuel the fire for us to get to Lord’s again next year and win.

“The aim next year is to win our league, but hopefully we can also get to Lord’s.”

Janczur paid tribute to Folkton and Flixton for their victory.

He said: “Credit to Folkton and Flixton, they held their nerve on the day. We had them in trouble at 59-4, and they did well to get over 180.

“The sun was out when we batted and the outfield was lightning quick. For us only Ryan Covey didn’t get himself out, the rest of us played some rash shots. We have no regrets – they were better than us on the day.”