GLADSTONE C proved too strong for Northwich and District League title rivals Rudheath when they clashed in a cup tie.

The Division One champions avenged a defeat in last season’s Team Knockout, securing a comfortable 4-1 victory at Middlewich Road.

There were upsets elsewhere with two teams from the bottom tier, Barn Owl A and Greenbank B, defeating Castle Private C and Castle Private A respectively on their own table.

Barn Owl H also saw off higher-ranked opponents, squeezing past Division Two outfit Owley Wood, while Carl Day’s maximum break helped Castle Private B to progress at Lion A’s expense.

Elsewhere, Gladstone A proved too strong for Bowling Green and Gladstone B edged top-flight foes Green Dragon A.

It was a better night for Green Dragon B, who eliminated second-tier side Witton Chimes A.

Nectar’s were emphatic victors against newcomers Salt Barge, who won a single frame, while Greenbank A and Moulton Legion progressed against Barn Owl E and Barn Owl B respectively.

Greenbank C and Iron Bridge can consider themselves unlucky not to have upset Division One sides Barn Owl D and Barn Owl C, who both sneaked through by the odd frame.

In ties between rivals from Division Three, Lion B and Witton Chimes B ended the hopes of both Blue Barrel teams.

Results

Team Knockout

Preliminary Round: Barn Owl C 4 Iron Bridge 3; Barn Owl E 1 Greenbank A 4; Barn Owl H 4 Owley Wood 3; Blue Barrel B 2 Lion B 5; Castle Pvt A 2 Greenbank B 5; Castle Pvt C 3 Barn Owl A 4; Gladstone A 5 Bowling Green 2; Gladstone B 4 Green Dragon A 3; Green Dragon B 4 Witton Chimes A 3; Greenbank C 3 Barn Owl D 5; Lion A 3 Castle Pvt B 4; Moulton Legion 4 Barn Owl B 3; Nectar’s 6 Salt Barge 1; Rudheath 1 Gladstone C 4; Witton Chimes B 5 Blue Barrel A 2