Norton scored maximum points in a 193-run victory over Chew Magna last Saturday, spearheaded by Martin Cox’s 50 and four wickets. With league leaders Winterbourne also claiming victory against Brislington, the chase for the league title goes down to the final match of the season, between the top two sides.

Winterbourne lead the league by 13 points, and could still take the title with a loss to Norton, but would need several bonus points to prevent Norton leapfrogging them for first place.

Norton kept the pressure firmly on Saturday’s opponents by racking up a big total at Chew Magna, then declaring prior to the 45th over to claim two bonus points.

Martin Cox and Nick Pang opened the innings for Norton, with Pang providing the firepower early with a quick 36. Their 57-run partnership was followed by an 85-run stand between Cox and Ben Strang (37), with Cox bringing up his half-century shortly after the Kiwi import fell.

Alex Lear and Dan Nolan then made the most of Norton’s solid foundations to see the side past 225, gaining maximum batting points, before blasting the score to 282-5 before declaring. Lear ended on 62 from 49 balls, while Nolan was just short of his half century with 48 from 26 balls.

Chew Magna had been out for less than 100 in their previous two matches, and despite a decent start, ended up in the same situation. Batting three, James Connell scored 34 to give his side early hope, but wickets fell regularly at the other end.

Andy Cox and Nick Potter claimed early wickets, before Martin Cox came on to spin Norton to an early finish. His wickets included removing Connell LBW, leading to figures of 4-16 from 8.1 overs. Potter and Pang ended with two wickets each.

Saturday’s game against Winterbourne begins at 12.30 p.m. at Withies Lane. A big Norton win would lead to promotion to Premier 2.

Also on Saturday, the Second XI have an away fixture against St Mary Redcliffe, while the Third XI visit Carsons & Mangotsfield CC. The Sunday side have a home fixture against Bradley Stoke, which starts at 1.30 p.m.

Charlie Matthews