SPORTS REPORTER

REDDITCH Cricket Club's first team need just one point from their last match to clinch the championship.

In an exciting climax to the season, Redditch are away against Old Elizabethans on Saturday and victory will mean they return to the Birmingham League second division at their first attempt after being relegated last year.

Last Saturday, in their game against Pershore, Redditch gained 12 points from a winning draw.

Spokesman Dick Biddle said: "They really needed one more run to get the extra bonus point to clinch the title on their home ground on Saturday and the players were disappointed not to get the result they needed against a reasonable Pershore side.

"The players are in confident mood going into their match against Old Elizabethans and are hoping the weather holds so they can take the championship this weekend."

Studley Cricket Club also have a great chance of promotion to Birmingham League division one with one more game to go.

They are vying for the second promotion spot, with Himley already champions, and last Saturday played rivals for the place, Worcester, away.

The match was drawn and captain Stuart Harris was not too disappointed.

He said: "The result is not too bad. We have kept ourselves in with a chance, only five points behind Worcester.

"This coming Saturday, Worcester have to play Lichfield, who need a draw to avoid relegation so they have everything to play for.

''We have to play mid-table team Fordhouses away, but they have nothing to play for so we are hoping for a good result."

Harris, who keen to point out that even if things don't go their way it's not a disaster, added: "It's been a good season anyway.

''Last year we just managed to avoid relegation and here we are now in with a chance of promotion."