BASINGSTOKE Royals moved a step closer to claiming the Basingstoke and District Saturday League Premier Division title after edging a five-goal thriller against Sherborne St John last week.

Royals’ title rivals, Rising Sun DC, could only draw their midweek game with visiting Tadley Calleva A and were unable to raise a team for the return game on Saturday.

Sherborne bounced back from their midweek defeat in style on Saturday, winning 7-3 away at Bramley United, who only had nine men.

Welly Old Boys had their best result of the season last week, losing by just three goals away at Hook, 5-2.

Both matches scheduled to be played in Division One were called off. As a result, TwentyTen will finish second, with Irons having to settle for third place.