Vauxhall Mallards all-rounder Steve Goldsmith will be a slightly reluctant participant in Sunday's Carter Cup final – but he admits he is still looking forward to the big occasion.

The former Derbyshire, Kent and Norfolk player had a key role in the semi-final win over Swardeston and keeps his place in the side to face Horsford. Mallards are chasing their 10th Carter Cup success having reached the final for the first time since 2007.

'From my point of view I like to see the youngsters perform in these games, but I think I did a bit too well the other day,' he joked. 'It's nice to be back in the final because it is still the premier competition in the county and it's always a great day. We're really looking forward to it, but it's about keeping everyone fit because we've been carrying a few injuries lately.'

Among Mallards' potential match-winners is Namibian Gerrie Snyman, who has averaged over 50 with the bat in his debut season at Brundall. Goldsmith said: 'If you've got someone who can score at a run a ball like he does, then he's a big player.

'He's been a bit under the weather since he returned from the ICC tournament with Namibia last month because their whole team went down with food poisoning in Uganda so he's not been quite right, but he's the sort of player who can swing a game around.'

Snyman is yet to bowl at full pace in Norfolk following a back injury, but his off-cutters have proved handy, with 17 league wickets and Goldsmith added: 'To have that pace and not be able to use it must be pretty frustrating, but even off four paces he's pretty brisk. He's been a really useful acquisition for the club and I hope he has another good game on Sunday.'

Mallards have plenty of experience in their ranks with the likes of Goldsmith, Snyman, skipper Paul Bradshaw and his opening bowling partner Martin Addison, but they are set to include one of the county's rising stars, 17-year-old Olly Stone, on Sunday.

Goldsmith has been closely involved with Stone's development and was delighted to see his debut contribution to Norfolk's win over Bedfordshire last week. Stone also recently made his first appearance for Northamptonshire's first team, followed by a call up for an England Under-19 training session: 'He bowls at genuine first class pace and he's going to be a handful for anybody,' said Goldsmith. 'Even at a young age he was one of these players who you felt was going to have an impact and it is really pleasing to see him being successful.

'Hopefully he will be offered a contract by Northamptonshire and I think he's got a bright future in the game.'