CASTLE Private A completed a double over champions Wharton Cons A on Friday to edge closer the Premier Division title.

The rivals, who had met in the Littler Cup final four days earlier, had six winners each in a contest won on aggregate by the Northwich outfit by 18 chalks.

It leaves them 79 points clear at the table's summit with three matches to play.

Kevin Duncalf was the hosts' best winner at 21-6, while Daniel Nixon was the pick of Cons' victors at 21-11.

Elsewhere Middlewich dropped only four chalks at home to back-markers Shavington to stay out of the drop zone while Hop Pole A - conquerors of strugglers Crosstown A - went one better and scored 249.

In Section One, promotion-chasing Rudheath B edged season-long leaders Alsager by a single mark.

Frodsham Red Lion B and Spinner A won away to Sandbach Park and Davenham A respectively.

Pacesetters Wharton Cons C won at Rudheath C in Section Two, while closest rivals Coppenhall were victors on their travels to Helsby.

Third-placed Castle Private C proved too strong for Frodsham Red Lion D, with Frank Robinson (21-5) and Will Andrews (21-6) their outstanding performers.

Comberbach C were the biggest winners in Section Three, thrashing their guests Crowton by 105 chalks.

Hazel Pear B, in first place, were similarly convincing winners against Tarporley RBL A, while Davenham B - who occupy the second promotion position - won away at Bunbury.

In Section Four, Barnton Cricket Club B's promotion hopes were hit by a defeat at Davenham C.

Leaders Winsford Cons B took advantage, conquering Delamere with Russ Bebbington a 21-4 winner.

Meadowbank B and Owley Wood B recorded victories on the road, at Norley and Barnton Cricket Club C respectively.

Hope Pole B's record remains unblemished in Section Five after they recorded a 16th win of the season, this time at Tarporley RBL B.

Second-placed Rudheath D won at Castle Private D, while Spinner B posted an aggregated of 244 at home to Davenham D.