Barcombe are entering uncharted territory and skipper Joe Wheatley hopes they will come out of it smiling.

The leaders are within touching distance of their first ever league title after a battling draw away to third-placed Crowhurst Park.

They lead second-placed Heathfield Park by 40 points with just 60 to play for.

The top two go head-to-head at Barcombe on Saturday.

Asked if it was a case of keeping their nerve, Wheatley said: “I suppose but I don't know because we have never been here before. We just want to get over the finishing line.

“If Heathfield don't win we need 11 points, otherwise we need 21 from the last two games.

“It has been a long season and it would be nice to finish with a first championship. It is our centenary year so it would be a perfect way to finish.”

Crowhurst Park set 218 all out, having been 134-8 at one stage. Clive Tong hit 59 and Michael Legg 49 while Allan Trower was the pick of the bowlers with 4-66.

Barcombe were in deep trouble at 27-5 in reply as Paul Lindfield took 3-45 but Jasvinder Singh (72) and Wheatley (36 not out) led a reply which helped them to 168-7 at the close.

Crowhurst Park skipper Paul Brookes said: “I think Barcombe will win it now. They have done all the hard work, they have been the best team and they certainly deserve to win it.

“They have had a consistent side and they have a bit of everything. They have good bowlers, a good top order and good back-up at the bottom of the order.”