Teddington Cricket Club's men's first team are playing in the ECB National Cup semi-final on 20 August. 

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) National Cup, a highly respected amateur cricket competition. Running since 1969, the championship is a knockout competition with the final to be played at Lord's cricket ground on 9 September.

Ali Pollok, Captain of the team, said: "It means a lot to the people of the club who have been key supporters of the club for years who have watched the club over different times. I think they're all excited."

The news comes after Teddington beat Penzance by 144 runs, scoring a total of 247 to 103 on 30 July. 

The team had to travel approximately eight hours by coach to play the match, including overnight stops. 

Pollock added: "It would be great to repay some of their support and trust. People went into their pocket to help us to pay to go down to Penzance."

Pollock has been in the club for eight years and is in his second year of being captain. The team is said to be a mixture of youth and experience: from Oxbridge graduates to more seasoned enthusiasts. 

The team's opponent is yet unknown as Wanstead from Essex and Bletchley from Kent had their matched cancelled due to bad weather. The two teams are set to play 13 August, confirming the other semi-finalist. 

Bletchley Cricket Club won by just one run against Nantwich in last year's final. 

It is the first time the club has been in the semi-finals since 2010 and the club has not seen a national cup victory since 1991. 

Chair of Teddington Cricket Club William Frewen said: "To win a national championship is the pinnacle for a league club player."

He added: "We're ambitious. We're one of top the sides certainly in Middlesex and, arguably, in the country. We're very competitive. We're undoubtedly there to win, not to take part."

The ECB is a National Cup for amateur cricket players. (Photo: Teddington Cricket Club)

In preparation for the match, Pollock said he is "trying to get as many people as possible on the team playing matches and in good form." The team are playing against Crouch End 12 August and another league game before the semi-final on 20 August. 

Pollock added his priority is "making sure everyone is as calm and relaxed and positive as possible. Ultimately just making sure everyone keeps enjoying it."

Pollock said: "The national knock-out was a key priority this year… It's great achievement. If we don't win, it's still a fantastic achievement and the team is in a good place to be successful for the next few years."

Frewen, who has been Chair of Teddington Cricket club for about 18 years, said of the club: "It is a gorgeous ground in the middle of the royal parks…the deer wander round the park. It's such an escape from the humdrum of life." 

One of five cricket groups in Bushy Park, Teddington Club has two wickets and a pavilion which was renovated four years ago. 

Records vary but it is speculated the club started as early as 1820s, with its first match being played against Hampton Court in 1827. 

Making the most of the event, the club is organising activities for children, as well as offering food and drink all day. The match is free to watch and will be held at Teddington Cricket Club, Bushy Park TW11 0EP.