CHESHIRE’S desperate bid to reach the final stages of the MCCA Knockout Trophy begins on Sunday.

They need two victories from their final two games – and a favourable permutation of other results – to qualify.

And they will not find it easy against the holders Cumberland, at Kendal.

Skipper James Duffy admitted: “We’ve not really clicked this season so far with either batting or bowling.

“It’s disappointing that we haven’t kicked on from last year’s good progress but I’m confident that we can still make a good account of ourselves in this competition.

“However, I’m looking for all-round improvement. Our batsmen need to show greater application and hunger and our bowlers must rediscover their appetite.

“We’ve really not demonstrated our full potential which is disappointing when you consider the strength in depth within our squad.

“We’ve some good players knocking on the door and the pressure to perform is constant.”

Duffy will make two changes, with Oulton Park all-rounder Rick Moore replacing Lee Dixon and Hyde’s left-arm spinner Danny Cranmer coming in for the unavailable Danny Woods.

Duffy added: “Rick has good top order experience and adds another dimension to our bowling.”