GOATACRE'S latest National Village Cup success was a real family affair as father and son John and Ed Wilkins inspired them to victory.

Going up against holders Shipton-under-Wychwood in the first national round of the competition, Goatacre still needed eight runs an over off the last ten overs.

But Wilkins snr joined his 18-year-old son at the crease and the runs soon started flowing. Excellent batting by Ed and sensible support from his father saw the pair add 73 runs in eight and a half overs.

Ed played one attacking shot too many and was bowled for 58 but John was joined by Adam Iles and chalked up the vital runs as Goatacre won with five balls to spare.

John, 41 of Malmesbury, praised his son's efforts and said it had been an odd situation batting alongside his boy in such an important game.

"At one point Shipton were 188-3 so everyone did really well in bowling and fielding because they could have gone on to score 300," said Wilkins.

"We had 230 to chase but we didn't make a good start and things were looking difficult when I joined Ed at the wicket.

"It was a little strange joining him at the crease because it's only ever happened a couple of times but I was proud of him as a dad and a team-mate."

Wilkins, who has played for Goatacre all his life, said he hoped all three of his cricketing sons would feature strongly in the next round of the competition.

"Jif who is 20 batted at number four against Shipton and scored 16," he said. "My 21-year-old son Matt was 12th man on Sunday as well but we are missing some players for the next round so he might make the 11."