CHIRK are chasing victory over Wroxeter and Uppington as they continue their Shropshire League Division Two title tilt.

The Wrexham-based outfit dismantled St Georges Seconds to claim a 179-run home win and move to within 27 points of leaders Wellington Seconds, who saw their clash with Montgomery washed out.

Asked about closing the gap to the summit, Chirk captain Andrew Swarbrick said: “The title is what we want, 100 per cent. But we’ve got to take things one game at a time.”

Like their previous six outings this season, Chirk are taking a step into the unknown as Wroxeter and Uppington head to Holyhead Road.

“We don’t have a clue about them,” confessed Swarbrick. “Some of the teams we have played this season have mentioned other sides to us, but no-one has spoken about Wroxeter. I don’t know if the fact that they haven’t been mentioned is a good thing or not. We shall see.”

Chirk head into the encounter without top order batsmen Gareth Partridge and James Carter, although Stevie and Gareth Kelshaw, Mark Shaw and Chris Martin return.

“Gaz will be a big miss. He’s a big player for us and he’s been in very good form,” said Swarbrick. “James has also batted really well. He’s looked strong and confident.”

Swarbrick is toying with the idea of reshuffling his batting line-up, a move that could see the skipper promoted from the middle order after a 68-ball 83 took his run-tally to 209 for the season at an average of 41.

“It’s always good to get some runs,” said Swarbrick. “I just played shots on merit and enjoyed batting.”

The all-rounder followed his batting exploits with a wonderful spell of pace bowling, the left-armer bagging 5-1 from eight overs to help skittle St Georges for just 31.

“I took a wicket with my first ball and you can just tell when it’s going to come out alright, can’t you?” said Swarbrick. “The run I conceded was an inside edge past the stumps to fine leg as well.

“They weren’t the worst team we’ve played, which is strange to say after beating them so comfortably, so it was nice to contribute to a good win.”

Chirk Seconds head to Cae Glas Seconds in Division Eight, while in Division Six, Overton host Pontesbury Seconds having seen their last two scheduled matches washed out.