Top-of-the-table Gordon League go into their final game of the league campaign at closest rivals Old Patesians on Saturday, hoping it will be third time lucky.

They’ve finished runners-up in each of the past two seasons – both occasions to Smiths – and are determined to go one better this time around.

And it couldn’t be more finely poised with Gordon League holding a four-point advantage in Counties 2 Gloucestershire North over the Pats, for whom it is also the final game of the campaign.

“It’s the biggest game in Gordon League’s recent history,” said back row Kiernan Raybould.

Both teams have won 18 out of 19 but should the Pats win on Saturday and the two teams finish level at the top of the table then the Pats will be crowned champions because they will have won more games.

That means that a bonus point may not be enough for Gordon League, not that the long-time leaders are thinking that way.

“One hundred per cent we are going there to win,” said Raybould, “as we have done in every game this season.”

Gordon League’s one defeat came against newly promoted Pats on the opening day of the season when they went down 28-21, a game that was disrupted when Pats skipper Charlie Maker broke his leg.

The Pats’ only defeat was at Smiths in mid-October – they lost 33-20 – so both teams go into Saturday’s clash in red-hot form.

The Pats are chasing back-to-back titles after winning Counties 3 Gloucestershire North last season but Gordon League, whose points difference of 641 compares favourably with the Pats’ 453, are ready to throw everything at them.

“To go all the way and win the title would be great for the club,” added Raybould.

“There’s a good buzz around the club at the moment. We’re a tight-knit squad and it would be special for the coaches and the players because of the determination and the commitment everyone has shown.

“And that includes the 2^nd team as well, the whole club is committed, we just want to win the league.”

Last season Gordon League finished two points adrift of Smiths having won 20 of their 22 league games while the season before, in the old Gloucestershire 1 North, they were four points behind after winning 19 and drawing one of their 22 matches.

Smiths, who will finish third this season, are 19 points behind Gordon League ahead of their final game at home to Cirencester.

The winners of Counties 2 Gloucestershire North will play the winners of Counties 2 Gloucestershire South in an end-of season play-off to determine which club will be promoted.

Bream, who have won 19 of their 21 games, are one point ahead of Dings Crusaders 2nds going into the final round round of Counties 2 Gloucestershire South matches at the weekend.