CASTLE A have served a timely reminder to Wharton Cons A, the defending champions, that they remain in a fight to retain their title.

The Northwich outfit became the first visiting team to win a Premier Division fixture at the Tin Mission this season when they completed a double over their old rivals on Friday.

Adrian Faulkner was the pick of their seven winners, helping his side to reduce a gap between the teams in the table to 18 chalks.

The visitors took the final four blocks, inflicting on Wharton a third defeat of 2017.

Alsager’s hopes of catching the them were dealt another blow when they lost at Hop Pole A.

Elsewhere Meadowbank A scored a full house at home to Frodsham Red Lion A, while Rudheath A dropped only two chalks in a head-to-head with struggling Rudheath B.

Wharton Cons B continue to lead the way in Section One despite losing at Castle B.

They were helped by Davenham A, who celebrated only a second league success of the campaign when they edged second-placed Comberbach B by seven shots.

Owley Wood A posted a perfect 252 at home to Frodsham Red Lion C.

With leaders Helsby on a free week, Kelsall A took an opportunity to take over top spot in Section Two by beating Davenham B.

Sandbach Park succumbed to hosts Crosstown B, but Tarporley RBL A kept alive their hopes of being promoted following a routine home win against Rudheath C.

Wharton Rec’s march to the Section Three title shows no sign of slowing; they were more than 100 chalks better off than Davenham C at the end of their meeting.

Hartford A closed to within a point of second-placed Hop Pole B after beating Bunbury.

Section Four title-rivals, leaders Meadowbank B and Owley Wood C, were both emphatic victors on their travels to Tarporley RBL B and Davenham D respectively.