Bury St Edmunds are 80 minutes away from writing the next chapter in what is becoming a thrilling story.

Victory for the National 3 leaders at second-placed Barnes tomorrow will seal another historic promotion for Gavin Hogg’s men – making them just the second Suffolk side to play in the fourth tier of national rugby.

Unbeaten in 2015 – a run stretching 10 games – the Haberden outfit strengthened their grip on the championship a fortnight ago with a thumping 72-0 victory at home to Chichester.

With two games to go, Barnes are six points adrift of Bury and must win tomorrow if they are to have any chance of catching their main rivals.

The visitors will be backed by at least four coach-loads of supporters and Hogg explained the significance of a win by the River Thames.

“It would mean a massive amount to myself and the players, and especially the local guys,” said Hogg. “This is my fourth season here and a couple of years ago I sat down with the likes of Matt Edison, Chris Snelling, Tim Mann and Greg White, who are Bury boys, and shared the club’s vision with them.

“We talked about wanting to become a National League club, but it is easy to say what you want.

“Actually getting there is a different story altogether and for those guys to be part of that journey and to have played a big part in what we have achieved already, is fantastic.”

It promises to be an eventful day at Barnes, win, lose or draw with the Boat Race due to take place just a stone’s throw away from tomorrow’s game.

“It’s going to be a busy day at the club and the boat race, so that could attract a few more spectators,” added Hogg.

“But I think we are taking four coaches of supporters which reflects how far the club has come and how the community gets behind us.

“Our players love playing in front of a big crowd at the Haberden, especially kicking towards the club house, and we will be looking to try and create that kind of atmosphere at Barnes.”