THE RACE for the Birmingham League Premier Division crown continues to hot up as the season nears its conclusion with leaders Knowle & Dorridge and title-chasing Berkswell playing twice over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Reigning champions K&D are just seven points ahead of Berkswell with five games remaining, one of which will see the top two battle it out in a titanic clash on September 8 – a day which could decide where the championship is going.
But first, K&D face a tough trip to West Bromwich Dartmouth on Saturday followed by a home clash against 2015 champions Shrewsbury.
K&D head into the tough Bank Holiday fixtures on the back of Saturday’s comprehensive 169-run victory over Moseley.
Oliver Haley (101) led the way for the reigning champions who set an imposing target of 325-6 from their 50 overs.
Chris Cheslin (4-42) then did the damage with the ball as Moseley were hustled out for 156.
Skipper Sam Reddish said: “We are in the position we’d like to be in at this stage of the season but we know full well it’s going to be a tough task for us in the next two games.
“We lost to West Brom earlier in the season and only got a losing draw at Shrewsbury so we know how difficult these games are going to be.
“People keep talking about the Berkswell game but our focus is just solely on taking it one game at a time.
“It’s an exciting time and I am feeling confident but we know we are in for a tough end to the season playing four of the top six in our remaining five games.”
Meanwhile, Berkswell will look to capitalise on any K&D misfortunes when they entertain Moseley on Saturday followed by a trip to Smethwick on Monday.
The 2016 champions go into the Bank Holiday weekend on the back of a six-wicket victory over struggling Walsall.
Sadaf Hussain claimed 4-19 from his ten overs to help bustle Walsall out for 174.
Tom Lewis (45), Chris Whittock (40 not out), Daniel Chaudry (35) and Mohammed Ahmed (31) kept the scoreboard ticking over as Berkswell eased to 177-4.
Skipper Dominic Ostler said: “Confidence is high right now and all we have to is keep winning because if we do that then we have won the league.
“it was nice to get back to winning ways on Saturday and hopefully it will be an exciting end to the season.
“K&D are playing some good stuff right now but it’s important we just focus on ourselves and beat what is in front of us.”
