FIERCE rivals Knowle & Dorridge and Berkswell lock horns on Saturday in what could be a pivotal weekend in the Birmingham League Premier Division.
Reigning champions K&D only need to down visiting Berkswell to secure back-to-back league crowns.
However, if 2016 champions Berkswell pull off a victory in what is the most keenly-awaited game in years, they will be favourites to become league winners for the second time in three seasons.
They would be expected to win their final game of the campaign against bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton, who have won only three times this season, on Saturday, September 15.
But K&D skipper Sam Reddish is keen to ensure the silverware comes home to Station Road for a second consecutive year without the need of going to the final day of the season.
“I can’t see us standing a chance of winning the league if we lose on Saturday because I expect Berkswell tin win their last game so we will try our best to get it done this weekend,” he said.
“It’s going to be a great occasion for the neutral and hopefully a decent sized crowd will come down to watch too.
“These are the kind of games you work hard, train hard and play hard for.”
Berkswell skipper Dominic Ostler added: “We are looking forward to what is going to be a potential title-deciding weekend.
“We knew from a month or so ago we’d have to win all our games to win this league and we’ve done that so far.
“I can imagine there will be a few nerves from both sides going into such a high pressure match but that’s what this league is all about.
“The two best teams in this division will do battle so it should be a great game.”
K&D head into the game on the back of last Saturday’s five-wicket victory over relegation-battling Ombersley.
Batting first, Ombersley had amassed a competitive score of 235-7 from their allocated 50 overs but K&D showed why they are the reigning champions as they reached 240-5 in their reply off 44.5 overs.
Alex Phillips top-scored with 101 while Oliver Haley added 62 off 44 balls.
Like K&D, Berkswell head into the derby clash on the back of a comprehensive victory, defeating hosts Kenilworth Wardens by 126 runs.
Berkswell opted to bat after winning the toss and set an imposing score of 288-4, with the help of Tom Lewis’ unbeaten 83 and Nick James’ 57.
Mohammmed Ahmed (3-43) then starred with the ball as Wardens were all out for 140 in the 43rd over.
