CASTLE Private, chasing a first top tier title since 2007, increased their lead at the Premier Division summit to 14 chalks after a comfortable home success against lowly Crosstown A.

Closest rivals Wharton Cons A, first in each of the past five seasons, had four losers on their own green against Frodsham Red Lion A.

Pochins scored a surprise success at Hop Pole to boost their chance of avoiding relegation.

Shavington claimed again the lead in Section One after scoring a full house at home to Frodsham Red Lion C, although closest rivals Castle Private B – victors in 14 of 16 matches to date – won by eight at fellow promotion hopefuls Beech Tree A in the match of the day.

Wharton Cons C won well against pacesetters Sandbach Park in the third tier, scoring 240, while Castle Private C and Helsby recorded victories on their travels to Moulton A and Frodsham Red Lion D respectively.

Crosstown B top-scored in Section Three, dropping only four chalks en route to a comfortable win against Barnton CC B, although Limes’ margin of victory in the same division at home to Bunbury was wider.

Wharton Rec continue to lead the way in Section Four after scoring 239 at Hartford B, although Comberbach C – conquerors of Owley Wood D – remain contenders for first place.

Elsewhere, Barnton CC C squeezed past Winsford Cons C by a single chalk at Townfield Lane.

Title favourites Davenham C played out a rare draw at Winnington B, another team with one eye on promotion, in Section Five’s highlight of the week.

Moulton B lost ground on the leaders after a defeat at Lostock, while Tarporley RBL B recorded a fine away win at Davenham D.