Knowle are hoping their cup pedigree will inspire them to victory against fellow Premier One strugglers Bristol in the Bristol & District Cup final at Cleeve tomorrow (2.15pm).

The south Bristol side won the Bristol & District Cup in 2007 and lifted the Gloucestershire Cup last year.

And, this summer, they are through to the county semi-finals and remain hopeful of another Nevil Road appearance.

Skipper Steve Milton said: "Both Bristol and ourselves are fighting it out in the league. This is a massive game.

"There is a big interest in the two sides. We have done well in 20-over cricket and this has given us a boost at times.

"Partly on the back of 20-over cricket, we are good at restricting opposition and reducing the amount of runs they can score. That's put ourselves in a good position."

Knowle are also battling with Bristol to avoid relegation but know a win against doomed Downend on Saturday will go a long way to secure survival.

With four matches left, Knowle are 11 points clear of Bristol, who occupy the second relegation spot.

Both sides came up from Premier Two last summer and have struggled with the different regulations in Premier One.

In this division, the two sides have been forced to get used to rules such as teams who bat first must bowl sides out to claim victory, while travelling plus the length of matches have also played their part.

Milton added: "The league is big thing for us. We don't want to go down. I am sure the boys will be fighting to the end.

"Both sides have had to adapt to win, lose and draw cricket. It requires more effort from some batsmen and the bowlers must bowl tighter lines.

"Some people believe that if you are to win then you must bowl teams out. But if we can get a winning or losing draw then that can be as good as a result.

"We have felt that 55 overs means a long old day. If you include tea, then the game lasts for seven hours.

"If you include travelling time and our warm up then matches can last for eight or nine hours.

"It's a long old day for a lot of players. It's difficult. We have a young side and a lot of boys are enjoying it. They don't mind the travelling. It's not too bad."