ASTWOOD BANK need just two points from Saturday’s final game of the season at eighth placed Stourbridge to clinch promotion to Birmingham League Division Two.
The Bankers hold a 19-point advantage over third placed Lichfield and are seven above second placed Streetly after a dream weekend of Division Three results.
Whilst Steve Adshead’s side were on their way to a 16-run DLS victory over relegated visitors Nuneaton, Streetly suffered a five-run loss at Stratford and Lichfield’s clash at Newport was abandoned.
Bank, who also boast a league-high 13 wins – one more than both of their title rivals – now require a minimal return on the final day to secure promotion but their focus will be on claiming the victory which will secure a stunning title triumph.
On Saturday, Bank posted a highly competitive 193-5 off their 33 overs thanks largely to Adshead’s 52 off 54 balls, Tom Underhill’s knock of 48 off 40 and Pete Alexander’s quickfire unbeaten 30.
Jason Jakeman made a brilliant 80 off 68 balls but there was no support from elsewhere and Nuneaton closed on 134-9 off 22 overs.
Streetly finish the campaign at home to relegated Sentinel and Lichfield end the season at home to fifth placed Handsworth.
BANK 2nds will bid to secure Premier Two safety at home to third placed Kenilworth Wardens on Saturday.
The Bankers were frustrated last time out as their match at bottom side Halesowen was abandoned with the hosts 62-5 off 21 overs, leaving Bank just five points above second bottom Brockhampton with one match remaining.
Josh Baker took 3-13 off six overs for Bank, who will need a victory to stay up if Brockhampton win at home to Halesowen.
