Flatts veteran all-rounder Phillip Burgess has only one thing in mind these days ? Cup Match.

And, recognising time is running out on his chances of ever appearing in the annual mid-summer classic, the 37-year-old cricketer is determined to give it his very best shot this time around and finally break into the challenger?s team.

?I have been around the game for quite some time now and have always expressed a desire to play in Cup Match for St.George?s. But I am a family man now and only have a few years left in the game. So I am looking forward to giving it one last shot,? Burgess told .

?I have three sons who give me inspiration to continue playing. I play cricket for the love of the game and also for them.?

During St.George?s first Cup Match trial match at Wellington Oval last weekend, Burgess did not fare well at the crease. However, claiming two wickets and taking a catch in the field more than compensated for any shortcomings with the bat.

?I did not do so well with the bat. But I am looking forward to the next trial match and I hope to make some runs to show the selectors that I am capable of making runs. I feel in good form and very confident with the bat,? he added.

And it is this very confidence that has seen Burgess produce some timely knocks which have propelled Flatts to victory. The veteran player smashed 65 against St.George?s on June 11 and then followed that superb effort up with a polished 98 against Social Club last Sunday.

Burgess attributes his current good form to a recent trip to the Caribbean where he received vital pointers.

?I put it all down to watching the One Day Internationals, being around quality players and going down to the matches before they started and watching the players warm up and things like that,? he explained. ?Just observing top quality cricket really gives you a different perspective on the game. And I have been able to learn from this experience.

Burgess also received a few helpful pointers from one of the game?s top performers, West Indies star batsman Brian Lara.

?Lara and I have been close friends ever since I played with him up at the National Sports Centre. When I was in Trinidad (last May) we talked and he invited me to train in the nets,? said Burgess.

?That was really a good experience and it also helped to prepare me mentally for the season. And I have been fairly consistent ever since I returned from that trip. But over the years I have learned that cricket is a mental game and you have to put in a lot of work in order to be successful.?

In addition to playing in Cup Match, Burgess also hopes to achieve team goals with Flatts ? survival in the Premier Division Limited Overs League and winning the Eastern Counties.

?Our goal has always been to work together as a family and a team. And now I think you are beginning to see that in our performances,? he added.

?We are a like a big family and we go out there to have fun and to enjoy the game. Yes, we did get our season off to a late start. But I think we have managed to pull things back together.?