CHRIS Koral is confident Mid Cheshire can claim a fourth successive Federation National League title by beating Rochdale this Sunday.

No team has finished first in Division One so regularly in the competition’s short history, so his side are not short of an incentive to reach the end of the season without defeat.

“It would be a great achievement and a tribute to the consistency and commitment of the players,” he said.

“We’ll certainly not be lacking in motivation.”

Among their targets, aside from a successful title defence, is a record points haul at the highest level.

Last year’s total of 85 is their current best, and they start this weekend’s encounter 16 short of that tally.

Rochdale have reason to spoil the party though, for they need to win to stand a chance of avoiding relegation.

After back-to-back defeats, both by 21-11, to Barnsley and then South Derbyshire they find themselves in the drop zone.

Koral said: “Given their determination not to go down, we should expect a tough match.

“With so much at stake for both teams, I think the result might be closer than most people predict.”

Sunday’s home leg takes place at Owley Wood Club, in Weaverham, while Mid Cheshire travel to Royle Bowling Club in Castleton for the away encounter.

Both matches start at 2pm.