BERKSHIRE CCC’s hopes of winning the Western Division of the Unicorns Championship have received a massive boost.

Title rivals Shropshire have lost the 24 points they secured for beating Cheshire last week as they played an ineligible player.

Scott Elstone, who scored a century in the first innings, was a first-class contracted player to Derbyshire until July 23. After his release, he was registered by Shropshire on July 29, just two days prior to the fixture, when minor county regulations stipulate there has to be at least 14 days.

So the revised placings at the top of the table now look like this: Berkshire 88 points, Cornwall 83, Shropshire 69.

The main title contenders complete their league fixtures next Sunday to Tuesday, with Berkshire playing Dorset at Finchampstead and Cornwall taking on Devon at Sidmouth.

It means Berkshire have a great chance to clinch the Western Division title for the first time since 2008.

They have not lost a championship game for two seasons and have won their last three meetings with Dorset, who currently lie fifth in the table with two wins, two defeats and a draw.

Berkshire would have been in an even stronger position in the title race had it not rained at Grampound Road last week.

They looked well poised for victory after bowling out Cornwall for 92 and then having them 8-1 in the second innings, with Berkshire posting 325-6 in their first innings.

But that was how the game also finished with the next two days being rained off.

Skipper James Morris commented: “Sunday was one of the most destructive and clinical day’s cricket any of us have ever been apart of, and to do it against title rivals in such a big game was extremely pleasing.

“I was very proud with the way we went about our business. To be so far ahead in the game and pick up all the bonus points available could make the difference at the end of the season.”

Looking ahead to this weekend, Morris commented: “This is certainly a big game for us. It is very tight at the top of the table and it is exciting that is has all come down to the last fixture.

“We all know the importance of it and all the boys are very aware of what they must do. We are hoping for a big crowd at Finchampstead to cheer us on.” Play starts at 11am on Sunday.

Squad: Ollie Wilkin (Ealing), Waqas Hussain (Slough), James Morris (capt, Datchet), Richard Morris (Henley), Billy Rogers (Finchampstead), Andy Rishton (Finchampstead), Euan Woods(Henley), Chris Peploe (Datchet), Stewart Davison (wkt, Henley), Matt Carter (Finchampstead), Tom Nugent (Henley), Ali Akbar (Slough).