Holcombe v Lewes

AFTER a surprise first defeat of the season at University of Birmingham, Holcombe men have two chances to lift the National Premier 3 title this weekend.

Needing just a point the champagne is on ice and expected to be popped on Saturday when basement boys Lewes visit Holcombe Park.

But if the South coast team pull off the surprise of the season by beating the runaway leaders then Holcs always have the game away at Indian Gymkhana on Sunday.

Team manager Mike Haines said: "They are stronger than their position suggests. With their 2nds no longer playing they have added a few experienced heads to their squad and last week won their first game of the season.

"We need to make sure the jitters don’t strike and remember how well we’ve played all season."

Talking about the defeat in Birmingham, Haines said: "We were cagey, trying not to give much away regarding our tactics because on the adjacent pitch Bournville were playing and they are potential play-off opponents.

"It back-fired a little because it was a must-win game for the university side and they deserved their win."