Old Buckenham skipper Terry Perry hopes for perfect finish to fine season in NDI Insurance NACO Invitation Cup final

Old Buckenham skipper Terry Perry believes victory in Sunday's NDI Insurance NACO Invitation Cup final would be the 'icing on the cake' after his side's excellent season.

Bucks face North Runcton in the 50-over final at Great Witchingham, starting at noon. Having already won the Lady Mary Trophy this year and comfortably exceeded expectations on their return to the Alliance Premier Division – they are currently fourth – it is a chance for Perry's team to cap an outstanding year.

The captain said: 'We are pleased with the way it's gone, it's more than we could have hoped for really. We thought we'd be looking at survival in the league this year but we've managed to do that with some ease.

'Sunday will be a good day for the club and if we can beat North Runcton it would be the icing on the cake for our season.'

Bucks' performance in the league has been in stark contrast to the last time they were in the top flight – they finished rock bottom in 2010, 79 points adrift.

Perry said: 'We have been a bit of a yo-yo team in the last few years, but we didn't do ourselves justice last time we were in the Premier Division.

'I think we were a better team than we showed then and we have proved that this year.'

The spin duo of Tom Alexander and Robbie Austin proved Runcton's downfall in the league encounter between the two sides earlier in the season. The pair claimed nine wickets between them as Runcton were bowled out for 76 and Perry is delighted to have a potent spin attack at his disposal: 'They complement each other well,' he said. 'Tom bowls with a bit more loop and Robbie pushes it through a bit more, so it's a nice mix.

'It's great as a captain being able to chuck the ball to those two knowing they can change the game.'

Australian Paul Donovan has also been a big hit, with nearly 600 league runs under his belt: 'He's made a big difference because when you've got a really good player, other players feed off that,' said Perry. 'He is capable of winning games by himself and when you've got that up your sleeve it helps.

'But it's been a team effort and when he hasn't done it, someone else has. And our bowling has been our real strength this year.'

Runcton captain Andrew Barrett insists his side will not be affected by the league result against Buckenham: 'I'm confident if we play to our ability then we can win the game,' he said. 'I'll tell the lads to just go out there and enjoy it because games like these don't come around very often.

'If they enjoy it and give 100pc then we have a very good chance.'