Portchester have their sights firmly set on becoming the new Hampshire Cricket League champions.

A win from their final far-from-straightforward visit to fifth placed Purbrook on Saturday will clinch the title.

They go to Purbrook Heath three points ahead of Lymington II and six clear of Ventnor II on the back of a crushing 207-run win over former pacemakers Shrewton.

The Castlemen piled up a thumping 299-9 – skipper Tom Adams made 98 – before shooting the Wiltshire villagers out for 92.

Guy Layman took 5-29 as Lymington routed United Services for 79 – and all but mathematically relegated the Portsmouth side for a second consecutive season.

Lymington romped to a ten-wicket win and need to win their final match at Ellingham to confirm promotion.

Ventnor’s batsmen ran amok, smashing the Hook & Newnham Basics attack for 366-5, Hugh Calloway cracking 111 and skipper Ben Woodhouse 94.

Hook replied with 210 all out.

Purbrook sharpened up for their Portchester showdown with a five-run win over Ryde, Australian Jacob Wilson hitting 112.

Bournemouth II, beaten by six wickets by Fareham & Crofton for whom teenage left-handers Cam Saul (78) and Tom Kent (71) shared a century stand, must win their last match with Locks Heath to stay up.

Locks Heath swept to an eight-wicket win over relegated Rowledge, with James Hughes (65) and Alex Richardson – 58 not out after taking 4-28 – to the fore.