THE BIGGEST game in Chippenham cricket club’s history awaits on Saturday, as they face Thornbury in a winner-takes-all final day shootout to win promotion to Premier One.

Thornbury’s loss at Burbage & Easton Royal coupled with Chippenham’s home win to Goatacre on Saturday means both clubs are separated by just one point with one round of fixtures remaining.

It means Lee Ward’s men know victory against Thornbury on Saturday will earn them a remarkable promotion to the region’s top tier, exactly 12 months after they finished top of WEPL Wiltshire.

However, lose and they will be restricted another year in Premier Two Glos/Wilts.

Ahead of the game, Ward said: “We always had this match earmarked as one where we wanted to be in a position where we could still win the title – I don’t think we quite imagined it being a winner takes all scenario, though.

“It’s the biggest game of the season. I’d even say it’s the biggest game in the club’s history.

“We’ve never played at Premier One level, so to be in a position where we can enter the top tier if we win this weekend is massive for the club.

“It’s simply a huge game for us all.

“To win back-to-back promotions for the club would be excellent, and credit must go to the team.”

Captain Ward pin-pointed an improved and fresh approach to training in the last three years as the main reason behind the club’s possible double promotion.

Work on and off the field has complemented the desire to succeed in the middle.

Saying that, the Chippenham skipper knows not to take victory this weekend for granted - despite the club’s convincing win over Thornbury earlier this season.

He added: “Our training sessions have been changed, we’ve played with more structure, we’ve increased communication and attendances have been through the roof at training.

“Last year, four of our five teams earned promotion – and the first team and fourths can still win promotion this year.

“We defeated Thornbury quite convincingly last time, but we know that result isn’t a fair reflection of the threats they can offer.

“We got them on a bad day, and similarly they got us on a good day.

“They’re a strong side – they wouldn’t be in the position they are if that wasn’t the case.”