CASTLE Private took another, likely decisive, step towards reclaiming the Premier Division title on Friday.

They had eight winners at lowly Shavington, including a 21-4 success for Nigel Faulkner, to leave them 52 chalks clear at the table’s summit with one match left.

Rudheath A are their guests this week.

Wharton Cons A were victors on the road as well, also returning eight winning cards, at Middlewich Road.

The visitors’ best performer was Daniel Nixon (21-6).

Frodsham Red Lion A, conquerors of Middlewich, are still third.

Comberbach A won the round’s closest encounter at Castle Private B, squeezing past their hosts by two shots on aggregate.

A 21-9 success for Colin Peters was the pick.

Alsager Institute proved too strong for guests Davenham A in Section One, their 18th league win of another impressive campaign.

Meadowbank A are near certain to be returning to the top flight next term following a comfortable home success against relegated Sandbach Park.

Graham Done and Nigel Dale both won to single figures.

There were routine home successes too for Kelsall A and Comberbach B against Winsford Cons A and Frodsham Red Lion B respectively.

Wharton Cons C dropped only four chalks in a one-sided encounter with Moulton RBL A in Section Two.

Peter Hallam was a solitary winner for the visitors to the Tin Mission, where homesters Gary Markey and Dave Warburton both restricted their opponents to single-figure scores.

Barnton Cricket Club A, who occupy the second promotion position behind the Winsford outfit, were similarly comfortable victors at home to Hazel Pear A on Thursday.

The Acton Bridge side returned to winning ways 24 hours later, totalling 248 against Rudheath C.

There were wins on Friday too for Coppenhall, Cuddington A and Winnington A.

The other three divisions completed their fixtures last week.

Hazel Pear B and Davenham B are promoted from Section Three, while Barnton Cricket Club B pipped Winsford Cons B to top spot in Section Four.

Hop Pole B go up as champions from Section Five, followed by runners-up Rudheath D.