TITLE hopefuls Castle Private A are tied at the Premier League summit with champions Wharton Cons A following the latest round of matches on Friday.

The Northwich outfit scored 224 in victory at fourth-placed Winsford Cons A, only for the men from the Tin Mission to draw level in first place after amassing 238 at Crosstown A, who remain bottom.

There are five games left.

Elsewhere in the top tier, Owley Wood A and Pochin recorded away wins at Rudheath A and Wharton Cons B.

Castle Private B’s advantage at the top of Section One is worth 19 chalks after a home success against Winsford Cons B, while previous pacesetters Shavington went down at Owley Wood B.

The leading pair meet in Crewe this week.

Newcomers Spinner & Bergamot A remain on course for promotion to the second tier after a routine win on their own green against Barnton CC A although Kelsall A, victors against visiting Coppenhall WMC, boast the division’s best average score.

Section Three leaders Cuddington A lost narrowly at Barnton CC B, by seven shots, but remain in front of closest rivals Lostock Graylams and Beech Tree B. Those two are separated by a single point.

Wharton Rec proved too strong for Beech Tree C in Section Four to leave the top of the table unchanged, while Tarporley A won at Norley to continue their pursuit.

There was not a single away win recorded in Section Five, where Davenham C lead the way by 144 chalks from Moulton RBL B after defeating the challengers this week.

Davenham D totalled 222 at Barnton CC D, but it was not enough to prevent the hosts claiming only a third win of the summer.