Golf: Washington face crucial promotion decider at Whickham, defending a three-point advantage

While champions City of Newcastle are already up as runaway champions in their first season in the competition, the second promotion place is up for grabs in a crunch decider.

Washington head to third-placed Whickham with a three-point advantage, so an 8-6 defeat or better will be enough to secure a return to the Second Division.

An exciting race for the two promotion slots in Division Two comes to a head on the final night.

Only two points separate the top four with one match left.

New leaders South Shields are level on 102 points with South Moor, their visitors on Tuesday, while Crook, a point behind, visit relegated bottom club Ryton.

Ravensworth, who dropped from first to fourth after this week’s 11-3 defeat at Crook, are a further point back ahead of their home clash with Houghton.

Houghton need points themselves to fend off the threat of the drop. They are six points clear of second-bottom Hobson, who end with a home game against fifth-placed Wearside.

In Division One, Brancepeth Castle only need four points from their trip to third-placed Ramside Hall A to guarantee the title.

Brancepeth are nine points clear of closest challengers Boldon, who visit relegation-threatened Consett.

Consett and Heworth, in the bottom two spots, are seven points adrift of Seaham, who finish off at home to Chester-le-Street.