"Stuff this: We're not here just to make up the numbers - let's win the competition!"

So thought Freuchie cricket captain Dave Christie in 1985 as his team prepared to battle Rowledge in the Village Cup final at the sport's traditional home, Lord's.

And the rest, to coin a phrase, is history.

To coincide with Freuchie Cricket Club's centenary year, a new edition of a book that tells the story of the club's finest hour has just been published by Birlinn Ltd., Edinburgh.

'Dad's Army: How Freuchie Took Cricket By Storm' is journalist and cricket lover Neil Drysdale's tribute to the spirit shown by the village as their team overcame all the odds to triumph in the Haig National Village Cup.

Not only did this group of plumbers, teachers, slaters and social workers bring the trophy to Scotland for the first time, but their success heralded an amazing avalanche of congratulations, awards and admiration from throughout the UK and overseas.

Even now, people who otherwise know nothing about Scottish cricket are still likely to have heard of that little place in Fife.

But, as Neil explained from his Falkirk base, 'Dad's Army' also aimed to debunk the myth of cricket as somehow alien to Scotland and not to be taken seriously.

"I just thought it is ridiculous that people still think it's some kind of joke," he said.

The book points out cricket has thrived in Scotland since 1785.

"It's a more popular game than anyone outwith cricket gives credit to," said Neil.

He also objects to the stereotype of cricket as "a patrician pastime for public schoolboys and English emigres".

"It maybe just needs to be pointed out it's a game that has a very, very classless following as well."

The Freuchie cricketers epitomised this egalitarian nature and their exploits gained a famous fan when English all-rounder Ian Botham joined their victory celebrations and maintained contact with the club.

Now Sir Ian and a strong supporter of Scottish cricket, the former champ wrote the foreward for 'Dad's Army' and praised "the staunch fellows" of Freuchie CC.

"If the game in Scotland is to thrive, and the Saltires are to become part of a revamped international one-day structure - as I honestly believe they will - then the contribution of this Fife hamlet in raising the profile can hardly be overstated," said Sir Ian.