CASTLE Private A came a cropper for the first time this season in a Premier Division fixture on Friday, falling to Frodsham Red Lion A.

Barry Ellam’s card, a 21-12, was the best of eight winners for the home team.

Champions Wharton Cons A closed a gap at the table’s summit to 30 points after dropping a single chalk at home to lowly Crosstown A.

However two of their three remaining matches are away from the Tin Mission.

Elsewhere, Rudheath A scored a full house at home to Middlewich, while Castle Private B squeezed past Hop Pole A by a slender one-point margin on aggregate.

In Section One, leaders Alsager beat Meadowbank A.

Behind them, Rudheath B’s reverse at Owley Wood A leaves the Weaverham outfit only four chalks adrift of the second promotion place.

Frodsham Red Lion C, with 248 against visiting Davenham A, were the division’s leading scorers.

Pacesetters Wharton Cons C added to their lead in Section Two after scoring a full house at home to Helsby.

Coppenhall held on to second spot following a comfortable home success against Winnington A, with Barnton Cricket Club A – who dropped only four chalks at home to Hartford A – 38 points further back.

Fourth-placed Castle Private C had seven winners away to Hazel Pear A, but still lost by two points on aggregate.

Hazel Pear B lost on their travels to closest rivals Davenham B in Section Three, but remain out in the lead.

In Section Four, Barnton Cricket Club B kept alive their hopes of finishing in first place after beating Meadowbank B convincingly on their own green.

Winsford Cons B, for now, stay in top spot after easing past Moulton RBL B.

Runaway leaders Hop Pole B are the only team in the competition’s six tiers still to boast of a perfect record, chalking up win number 17 at home to Castle Private D in Section Five.