PREMIER Two league leaders Thornbury face a massive promotion clash this Saturday as they welcome Taunton Deane to the Ship Field.

Thornbury failed to capitalise last weekend when their game against Taunton was one of only two in the whole West of England Premier League divisions to go ahead after torrential rain struck the region.

A win would have seen them open up a big gap at the top of the table, but instead their lead has been cut following a five-wicket home defeat.

Chris Dent top scored with 37 and Trotman made 30 as Thornbury made 142-7 off 30 overs against Taunton.

Gloucestershire paceman Anthony Ireland (2-27) and John Wormwell (2-43) took two wickets apiece, while Trotman grabbed the other, but the visitors reached their target with an over to spare.

With just 24 points separating the top seven teams, including fourth-placed Taunton who catapulted themselves into the title race by claiming 17 points off Thornbury, it is crunch time, and this Saturday Trotman’s side’s attention turns to another side from the Somerset City.

Taunton Deane have lost fewer than any other team in the division although they are currently four points behind Thornbury, with Chippenham also keeping up the pressure in second.