ASTWOOD Bank tackle champions in waiting Sutton Coldfield safe in the knowledge of their place in the Birmingham and District League Division Three secured.

The Sambourne Lane side made sure of their place next season with an impressive 147 run win over Hawkings C&R.

It's been an impressive second half of the season for Astwood, who won promotion in 2013 after taking the Worcestershire League title.

With two games of the summer left, Bank can still finish as high as fifth but they have a tough game at Sutton on Saturday (noon start), who could seal the title with a victory.

Captain Steve Adshead said: "We've had an excellent second half of the season and it's great to make sure we're safe.

"This season has been a learning curve but if we had played in the first half of the season like we did in the second we would be near the top.

"Now we face a hard game against Sutton, who only need to win one more game to seal the title, and it would be great to beat them."

Astwood won the toss and were put into bat and they made 251-8 in 50 overs.

Adshead (33) and Sam Thomas (28) scored runs but Brandon Miller continued his excellent end to the season with 89 off 121 balls, while the hosts paid the price for some expensive bowling by conceding 49 extras.

Astwood then had a brilliant start with the ball, as Hawkins collapsed to 3-3 as Harmanpreet Singh (0), Shazad Malik (0) and Adam Lawley (2) went cheaply.

Only Mubeen Rashid (32) and Nick Wright (26) made runs but Bank dismissed Hawkins for 104 in 24 overs.

Bowlers Dan Thomas (4-18), Dan Taylor (2-15) and Andrzej Jagielksi (2-22) were in good form with the ball.

"We batted well and Brandon continued his excellent end of season form. We probably scored 50 or 60 more runs than we should have on that wicket," said Adshead.

"It put us in a strong position and Hawkins looked a little low on confidence but we bowled well."

Jon Summers is the only doubt for Saturday's clash Sutton Coldfield.