NORTON in Hales's Premier Division promotion party could be in full swing tomorrow with victory over Keele Park.

The village side hold a 29-point lead heading into the final two matches of the season as they attempt to regain their North Staffs and South Cheshire League status at the first attempt.

Captain Neil Bloor, who has seen his side remain unbeaten throughout the league campaign, said: "We're looking forward to the game and hopefully we'll be celebrating at the end.

"If we don't lose either of our last two matches that will be good enough, but they are two tough games.

"Keele Park are fighters and won't give us anything, while Leek Moorlands have match-winners in their side."

Despite having one hand on the trophy, Bloor says the competitive nature of the division has brought the best out of his side.

Until last weekend, three other sides – Sandon, Keele Park and Church Eaton – could have still mathematically overhauled the leaders.

"It has been really good that so many teams have been in with a chance of winning the league," added Bloor.

"We ended Church Eaton's hopes last weekend, but they had to go for broke and bat first and, in all honesty, we never looked like losing.

"This year has been a tremendous team effort because everyone has chipped in.

"If we win promotion, it will give our young players the chance to progress their games further."

Sandon remain Norton in Hales's closest challengers, although their realistic target is to hang on to second place.

They are 16 points clear of Keele Park ahead of their home encounter with Church Eaton, who lie fourth.

Despite the odds being stacked against them in the title race, Sandon have showed no signs of easing off, and secured a 140-run victory over Little Stoke last weekend.

Captain Steve Greatholder led the way with six wickets and 47 runs, while Harmeet Kang weighed in with 45.

Bottom side Oldfields have an 11-point gap to bridge as they entertain Little Stoke.

They lost out to Maer and Onneley last time, while Little Stoke will want to recover from their mauling by Sandon.

Leek Moorlands have clicked into gear too late to influence the title race, but will want to finish on a high when they make the trip to Newcastle and Hartshill.

Seamer Chris Price and South African Jean Rossouw have been instrumental in their recent successes and will again prove to be the dangerman to the hosts.

Mid-table Maer and Onneley have enjoyed a year of consolidation as they prepare to host Oakamoor.

Jamie Gannon proved to be the star of last weekend's victory over Oldfields as he claimed 6-37, and skipper Peter Barnes will be hoping to can recreate that form in the final two matches.

Oakamoor find themselves second-bottom and need a win.