Rufforth thrashed their Division Three counterparts in the Wetherby League Evening Cup earlier this season and sit well above them in the league table.

The Gliders also had Marston under the pump in the pair’s league fixture in April when rain scuppered their chances of victory.

And tomorrow, Lodge, who went on a spying mission to view Marston’s weaknesses earlier this month, said scores were there to be settled after his men were denied four points in that contest.

“Realistically, we’re the better team,” he said, whilst pacing around.

“I’ll tell you this, realistically, we have better batting, realistically, we have better bowling, and realistically, we are better in the field.”

Rufforth head into the clash in prime form having risen into the Division Three promotion places on the back of four straight victories.

Meanwhile, their rivals are struggling in mid-table obscurity and last won 27 days ago.

Old stagers Marston sit fourth, one point below the talented Gliders.

Lodge, who called Marston a “poor side” last season, explained he has told his squad to cement their status as the best Division Three team with a York postcode.

He added: “Realistically, we should win.

“Their big players haven’t shown much form this season, well, only in Rufforth colours.

“Six points would make us firm favourites to take that third promotion place on offer at the end of the season.”

The Rufforth skipper has placed a bounty on the heads of several Marston batsmen, with the prize scalp being the division’s third highest run-scorer and Rufforth legend Simon Lewis.

Lewis, who has already signalled his intention to move to the Wetherby Road Arena next season when Rufforth get promoted into Division Two, has had a solid year with the timber and scored 251 runs.

However, his strike rate has caused a sight for sore eyes for cricket scorers, after facing 25,000 deliveries already this season.

Lodge said: “All we need to do is keep Simon at the crease, and the total won’t make it passed 100.

And on his motivation plan, he added: ““The bowlers know they are not just playing for points in this match, they are playing for pints.

“We have three strike bowlers bowling at frightening pace, and two spinners turning it square, oh and Danny Gunnell, realistically, he’s not too bad either.

“I fancy us to bowl them out at their place, and knock it off without alarm.”