COMBERBACH A became the first team to beat Castle Private A in the Premier Division this season, ending the defending champions’ 17-match sequence without defeat.

They celebrated a six-chalk success on home turf on Friday.

For Castle, it is a first league loss since they succumbed by a single point to Hop Pole last July.

Wharton Cons A took advantage, winning at Castle Private B, while Frodsham Red Lion A comfortably despatched Winsford Cons A.

Rudheath A won at struggling Owley Wood A, only their third victory of the campaign.

The story was a similar one in Section One, where Crewe PO came a cropper for the first time when they visited Beech Tree A.

Meadowbank A were the leading scorers, reaching 240 against Frodsham Red Lion C, during a round in which each of the teams in the division playing at home recorded victories.

In Section Two, pace-setting Alsager Institute won at Hazel Pear A.

Their closest rivals, Spinner & Bergamot A, are 23 chalks adrift in second spot after dropping only seven points at home to Barnton CC A.

Castle Private C were another side to win well, scoring 241 against Hartford A, but Rudheath B’s winning margin at Moulton RBL A’s expense – 92 chalks – was the biggest.

Leaders Limes saw off Hazel Pear B in Section Three, a feat matched by Frodsham Red Lion D against Crosstown B.

Elsewhere, Coppenhall WMC edged hosts Crowton by eight marks.

Hartford B celebrated a second win of the campaign in Section Four, amassing 247 at home to Winnington B.

Barnton CC B beat Norley by 100 chalks at Townfield Lane, while there was success on the road for Comberbach C and Davenham C at Owley Wood C and Delamere respectively.

Rudheath D top-scored in Section Five, thrashing visitors Kelsall B.

At the table’s summit, leading pair Spinner & Bergamot B and Beech Tree B were victors away from home against Davenham D and Cuddington B.