CRICKET: With just two more league games to play, tomorrow could see a number of issues sorted in the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship.Tattingstone, with just three defeats in the 14 games they have played, need 18 points against Browns to be crowned First Division champions.

By Elvin King

CRICKET

WITH just two more league games to play, tomorrow could see a number of issues sorted in the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship.

Tattingstone, with just three defeats in the 14 games they have played, need 18 points against Browns to be crowned First Division champions.

But they will not find it easy against an Ipswich-based side that is fighting against relegation. Braintree are virtually certain to drop down to Division Two, but Browns still have a chance of catching Bury St Edmunds seconds if they do well tomorrow and next Saturday when they visit Copdock and Old Ipswichians.

It has been a remarkable year for village side Tattingstone who finished fourth behind champions Exning 12 months ago. The acquisition of Stuart Hammond from Eight Ash Green and Ian Connell from Felixstowe over the last two years has worked wonders for their batting, and the emergence of bowlers like Gavin Driver have also given them a big boost.

Tattingstone, who finish off with Exning at home next Saturday, will want to complete the job tomorrow.

Assuming Tattingstone do not slip up, four clubs are fighting for second place. And if so they may well have a chance to apply to play in the East Anglian Premier League in 2003.

This is because Tattingstone's facilities do not come up to EAPL level, while Norfolk League champions-elect Great Yarmouth have no youth policy. The Cambridgeshire League is the other feeder league and likely champions Granta already have their first team in the EAPL.

Copdock would relish a good finish and second spot. They are at Mistley tomorrow, who can also move up to second place.

Sudbury are currently second and are at home to Wivenhoe, who now stand third. Browns will be watching the situation closely as if one club goes up, there might well be just one club relegated.

Following Mildenhall's win last weekend, it looks as though Ramsey will finish bottom of the EAPL, which means no clubs dropping down into the Two Counties unlike last year when three First Division sides were relegated.

In Division Two, a victory for leaders Ipswich and East Suffolk over Witham will guarantee their return to the top flight. The Chantry Park-based side – that celebrates its 150th year in 2003 – have lost just once this season.

They have welcomed back former coach Michael Edmond in recent weeks and his contribution with bat and bowl has been significant in recent wins over Lakenheath and Mildenhall Seconds.

Third-placed Easton need to beat Frinton at home to stand a chance of finishing second. Frinton, who play IES next week, are also in the shake-up for second place. Coggeshall, however, are favourites to be

promoted and they visit Lakenheath tomorrow and are at home to Easton next week.

Clacton will play fellow East Anglian Premier League side, Maldon, in the final of the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Cup at Halstead on Sunday.

In the gathering gloom at Rushmere Sports Club last night, they beat Browns by 19 runs in a 15-over a side match.