ONE club in the Northwich and District League is hoping both its teams are promoted to the top tier come the end of the campaign.

Hartford B, relegated from Division One last season, are on course to return at the first attempt after establishing a 12-point lead at the standings’ summit.

They recovered from a defeat seven days ago to beat Greenbank A on Wednesday.

Clubmates Hartford A, who played in the competition’s bottom tier last term, continue to surprise their rivals; they occupy second spot after easing past Slow & Easy, assisted by Pete Blain’s maximum break.

Elsewhere Bowling Green B celebrated back-to-back wins after crushing Owley Wood B, while there were victories for Witton Chimes and Iron Bridge at the expense of Owley Wood C and Wheatsheaf respectively.

The chasing pack’s hopes of denying Rudheath another Division One title receded further after the defending champions extended the gap to second place to 11 points.

They proved too strong for hosts Gladstone B while Gladstone C, in pursuit, relied on Lewis Webber holding his nerve to win a deciding frame against Barn Owl B.

Barn Owl D take over third position after a comfortable win on their own table against Gladstone A, while Andy Brocklehurst potted all eight balls from a single visit to the table during Barn Owl C’s success against Bowling Green A.

Improving The Elms moved further from the relegation zone after edging Owley Wood A by the odd frame.

In Division Three, leaders Chapels squeezed past promotion rivals The Lion in the section’s match of the day.

Despite losing, the Moulton outfit rise to second place in the table because Blue Barrel and Barn Owl E were without a fixture.

Those three teams are separated by four points.

Greenbank B, Beech Tree A and Beech Tree B recorded wins in the other games played.

Both of the Barnton teams won by the odd frame in seven, against Green Dragon B and Davenham Legion respectively.

Greenbank B edged Nectar’s by a similar margin.

To see the latest results, tables and fixtures in full, pick up this week's print edition.