KINGSCLERE Quails are once again champions of the Whitchurch League following their 53-37 win over second placed Hyde Abbey A, writes Norman Figg.

Basingstoke Town are hot on the heels of Hyde Abbey after their 3-2 points success against Howard Park A after the game ended 47-47.

Alton are relegated after their 50-42 loss away at Littleton and Alton Social also lost at home to Andover B 58-38 and are perilously close to the drop with just two matches left.

Congratulations also go to Whitchurch Yellows, who are promoted to the first tier despite losing at home to Howard Park C 53-44.

Old Basing Cavaliers won a thriller at Andover A 45- 43 as they try to escape relegation along with Hook Hares, Howard Park C, Whitchurch Blacks and St Mary Bourne Eagles as only five points cover these five teams.

In Division Three already promoted Town’s Diamonds lost on points 3- 2 after they drew 44-44 against Thornycroft A.

These points give Thorny a better chance of the second promotion place, as they are still more than a five point win over Town’s Jokers who lost to Hook Foxes 47-44.

With just two matches to play the bottom four clubs are Hook, Friary, Marnell A and Old Basing Roundheads.

The Division Four race is still wide open between Littleton Lemurs, Hyde Abbey B, Oakley C and Thornycroft B for the last promotion place.

Only three points separate these four teams and all have two matches left to play.

With three matches to play Howard Park B, who have propped up the league all season, could still avoid the dreaded wooden spoon.

Two of the quarter-finals of the Stan Hardman League take place today at Howard Park as AWRE face Whitchurch in one game, while Medstead and Basingstoke Town do battle in the other.

The other two quarter finals will be played at Odiham, where Cove face Alton Social and Hook Saphires are against Farnborough.

Finally, apologies to anyone who turned up last weekend at Loddon Vale, as the dates for the open weekend were incorrect. It is now being held on the weekend of September 13 and 14 from 10am until 4pm on both days.