IT WILL be 'winner takes all' with the ECB Southern Premier League championship at stake when St Cross Symondians face Burridge at Botley Road on Saturday (12.30pm).

It's the first time in the Premier League's 24-year history the title race will have been decided by the top two clubs going head-to-head in the final round of matches - with the winner taking the trophy.

Defending champions St Cross take the slenderest of leads into the 'cup final' style shoot-out - the 2022 winners averaging 17.909 points per match compared with Burridge's 17.786 average.

"The season has been a real anti-climax after 2022 - Bournemouth last weekend was our sixth washout - but what a way to finish the season?" said St Cross skipper Ed Ellis.

"We had a terrific game with Burridge at the Green Jackets back in early July when their South African, Mat Goles made an unbeaten 146 and they chased down 267 to beat us by two wickets.

"This weekend's match should be just as close. Let's hope we get a decent day weatherwise; the last thing either side needs is for the weather to intervene."

Burridge, who also have a Premier League T20 Cup final date against Alton at South Wilts on Sunday week (September 10), have a major injust concern over former RAM all-rounder Inayat Ulllah, who is suffering from a side strain.

They tightened the screw at the top with a comfortable 63-run win over Bashley (Rydal) - in-form Joe Collings-Wells hitting 70 and Oli Southon taking 4-28.

St Cross, meanwhile, were marooned at the Green Jackets, the match being abandoned with Bournemouth 31-2.