The pressure is on Peel and St John’s in the Isle of Man Premiership. Last year’s champions travel to Tromode on Saturday for a game they must win if they are to retain their title.

On Sunday they lost to Crosby while their main rivals Cronkbourne picked up a narrow two wicket win over Castletown. This means the Douglas team has opened up a 17 point lead at the top of the table.

It is essential this week-end for the Saints to take 20 points against Cronkbourne. A defeat would spell disaster and lead to a difference in points that would be very difficult to bridge in the second half of the season.

So the scene is set for what could be a titanic struggle. On Sunday Peel and St John’s were missing Chris Hawke, Island skipper Phil Littlejohns and Greg Hawke. The return of these top class players could make all the difference.

On the other hand Cronkbourne could see Alex Stoke and Adam McAuley available again. Also there is also a strong rumour that Luke Lacey, the 2014 Player of the Year, might be back on the Island for this match.

It all goes ahead at Tromode on Saturday with a 1pm start. It should be a tremendous game and one that might decide the title.

Crosby are now in third place, just one point behind the champions. They will be full of confidence and looking forward to their home fixture against the Valkyres, who at the moment are bottom of the league.

On paper this looks like all 20 points to the Marown club, but beware of a banana skin. Valkyres have played some good cricket and their supporters put their lowly position down mainly to bad luck. They are not a poor side and should soon start climbing up the table.

But will that rise start on Saturday? A great deal will depend on the attitude of Crosby. If they think this is going to be an easy stroll, then big trouble lies ahead. If however they adopt the same strong attitude as in recent games, then all should be well.

Danny Kniveton is in great form with over 233 runs so far this year. Both Rothwells are performing well and the fielding has looked sharp.

Ryan Windell with 152 runs and Chris Nash have held the Valkyres batting together and both are good bowlers. Hammed Sulthan claimed three wickets at Ramsey and this team is no push over. The result could be close.

Castletown are set for an interesting week-end. On Saturday they are at home in the Premiership to a rejuvenated Ramsey. The next day they are at home again, but this time in the Tinker Cup with Cronkbourne as their opponents.

If the Town lose both games, then their main hopes for silverware this season will be gone. They almost won that last match at Tromode and will be keen to gain revenge.

Spinner Seb Aycock impressed and his figures did not do him justice for an excellent piece of bowling. Garreth Roome put down a fiery spell and four wickets for Tom Burrows was a good return.