WALSHAW and Spring View continue their private battle to decide the Bolton Association championship this weekend writes Peter Mensforth

Both sides have three games left to play with two of them coming up this weekend.

And with 60 points at stake and only 13 points currently separating leaders Walshaw and their Wigan opponents, the situation could not be closer.

Both sides have the opportunity to clinch the title this weekend, although all the signs are that it will be next weekend when the matter is decided.

Spring View look to have the easier task with matches against bottom club at home tomorrow followed by a trip to Lostock on Sunday before they round off the season next week at home to Darcy Lever.

Walshaw are hoping to make it a league and cup double. Last week they beat Elton to take the Cross Cup while league success would give them the honour of being the first Association club to win the championship for a fourth successive time.

They continue their attempt with a trip to Edgworth tomorrow followed by Sunday's encounter against an improved Astley and Tyldesley side. The Gin Pit side are currently holding down their highest league positon in years and have the added incentive of a Lancashire Knockout place to play for.

The leaders also have an added doubt over professional Jonathan Fielding who may have to miss the game as his partner Kerry is expecting their first child at any time.

Walshaw's final game will then be at Atherton next week against the side that up to the midway point looked likely to be the main challengers for the title.