TETBURY firsts are on the verge of sealing the Gloucestershire County Cricket League Division Two crown following a three-wicket victory over nearest rivals Stone at the weekend.

The visitors were second in the table but had no answer to the in-form league leaders, and the championship is within touching distance for Tetbury with just two games left to play.

The home side didn’t have it all their own way against Stone, however, losing a flurry of wickets in their innings before the impressive Tom Horrell (40) calmed the nerves at the crease.

Horrell had earlier taken 3-10 in four overs as Stone were reduced to 127 all out.

Tetbury’s victory was their 12th from 16 league games this season, and few could argue they wouldn’t be worthy champions if they can get over the finishing line.

Much of this season’s success is owed to first-team opening bowler Alex Evans, known to his teammates as ‘Fella’, who leads the Tetbury charts for most maidens (28) and the best economy rate (3.39).

Despite Tetbury being almost over the line, Evans stressed that the job isn't done yet.

“Most years see two teams promoted, but with the WEPL restructure coming into play next year it is only one so we've still got two massive games to play,” he said.

While a standout star himself this season, Evans was full of praise for his teammates for excelling in their bid to finish as champions.

He added: “The lads have been excellent all year, it's been a privilege to play in such a talented side.

“It's also great to see ten of the usual starting XI all having played youth cricket for Tetbury from 2000-2006.”

Tetbury have two games to go in their bid to seal the Division Two crown, but the fixture list hasn’t been too kind to them.

A trip to face third-placed Cranham precedes a home clash against fourth-placed Poulton, so the league leaders will need to be at their best.

Victory this weekend could see Tetbury open up an unassailable lead in the division, while defeat could throw the championship wide open should the likes of Stone and Poulton take advantage.