CHIPPENHAM Hockey Club’s hugely-successful season effectively boils down to 24 hours as they chase title glory on two fronts this weekend.

The club’s men’s first team, based at Chippenham Sports Club, are gearing up for the biggest match in their history on Sunday, when they take on Burnt Ash for a place in the final of the England Hockey Vase.

The day before that, Nigel Stonham’s side take on Whitchurch C in Cardiff, where victory will secure them the Davis Wood League North Division Two title.

Chippenham, who have already secured promotion, host South Londoners Burnt Ash in the Vase semi-finals (1.30pm), having made it past Wootton Bassett, North Wilts, Hamble and Old Merchant Taylors.

Captain Stonham admits that if he had to choose, he’d take progress to the national final on Sunday over league glory on Saturday.

Chippenham could have secured the league title last weekend, but were held 3-3 at home by nearest rivals Penarth.

“We’re a point clear in the league but we’ve been top of the table for the entire season, so it’d be a shame if we lost out to Penarth,” said the 27-year-old, who usually plays as a sweeper.

“If I had to choose one, I’d probably go for the cup final because it will be in Kent and there’ll be a huge crowd there for it.

“At the start of the season, our aim was to get promoted to play at a higher level and we’ve achieved that so we’re really only playing to get a medal each.

“I don’t know too much about them (Burnt Ash) but you have to guess that they’re a good side because they got this far – it’s a huge game.”

Chippenham should be able to call on the services of key striker Harry Elias, who works in London, for this weekend’s fixtures.

Club chairman Mike Smith, who has been associated with Chippenham for 41 years, said: “It feels like the culmination of years of hard work because four years ago we brought in Dave Ward as our coach and he’s been instrumental in getting all of our teams to play in the same manner.

“(The season) has been a revelation and the players have just got more and more belief in themselves – we’ve also had the majority of our Vase games at home, which has been an advantage.

“It’s the biggest game that we’ve had since I’ve been involved with the club and if we win, it’ll be worth all of the grief and agony and watching other local clubs do well in last 40 years.”