Tuff Dogs, who upset more illustrious opponents en route to claiming the Central Counties Cup for the first time, have won the Evening Cricket’s League’s Premier Division for the third year in a row and remain on course to land a hat-trick of season-ending knockout titles.

With one league match remaining, Tuff Dogs hold a three-point advantage over The Associates. But even if they lose their final game Tuff Dogs will finish top by virtue of a superior net run rate.

The Associates, who hold a one-point lead over third-placed Renegades, face struggling Bad Byes while Renegades take on the improving BCB Academy team.

Tuff Dogs, who caused an upset by beating Western Stars and Devonshire Recreation Club before trouncing ECL First Division side North Village in the Central Counties Cup final in June, will now take on Fine Leg Byes while The Associates will play Renegades in the knockout semi-finals to be held at Shelly Bay on September 8.

Terence Corday, captain of Tuff Dogs, who have beaten Renegades in the last two knockout finals, said: “It has definitely been our most successful season thus far with winning the Central Counties and getting a chance to represent the Central Counties in the Champions of Champions end-of-season matches.

“This season will be our third consecutive Evening Cricket League title and should we be fortunate enough to win the knockout cup it will definitely be a season to be proud of.

“The Evening Cricket League is proving very competitive this year with the top three teams having all beaten one another.

“We expect a tough challenge from Fine Leg Byes in the first round of the knockout as they always give us a run for our money and have some quality players, especially at the top of their order. Regardless of what happens we will be very proud of what we have accomplished this season and have enjoyed our cricket very much.”

Meanwhile, De Wicketest have clinched the ECL First Division title with last season’s champions North Village — who chose not to be promoted — currently in second spot.

Deloitte, two points adrift of Village, who have finished their schedule, can earn the number two knockout seeding if they defeat BCB 2 in their final league game.

The final knockout place is a race between St George’s and High Flyaz with St George’s holding a three-point lead.

The two teams were scheduled to play each other last night.

The second-tier knockout semi-finals, to be held on August 25 at Shelly Bay, will feature De Wicketest against either St George’s or High Flyaz and Village against Deloitte.