CASTLE A closed a gap to Wharton Cons A, the reigning champions, when they dropped only three chalks during a home success against Hop Pole A.

Paul Dooley, Adi Faulkner and Andy Hamman all triumphed to single figures, while Dave Bamford returned a solitary winning card for the visitors.

Wharton Cons A appeared to be on course for a similarly emphatic victory against Middlewich at the Tin Mission after taking the first four blocks.

However Robert Mellor, Paul Farrington and Bill Danford put 21 on the board in the middle of the contest to leave a dent in their hosts’ total.

Rudheath A had five winners at Crewe PO, where they lost by 32 on aggregate.

The leading teams in Section One prevailed on their travels to preserve an unblemished record after three rounds.

Leaders Castle B squeezed past hosts Winsford Cons A by three chalks, while Meadowbank A had a more comfortable evening at Moulton RBL A.

Elsewhere Kelsall A and Owley Wood A played out a draw at 211-across.

Rudheath B top-scored with 242 at home to Helsby.

Hop Pole B lead the way in Section Two, although they were made to work by Wharton Cons C who amassed 210 points and returned five winners.

Peter Walton, a 21-7 victor against Tim Hughes, was the pick of those.

Owley Wood C continue to set the pace in Section Three after dropping just two chalks in a thrashing of Delamere.

Lostock Graylams are next best in the table despite a low-scoring success at home to Comberbach C.

Norley were closer to Barnton CC A than a card with only four winners would suggest, going down 213-200 at Townfield Lane.

Helsby B have an advantage over everybody else in Section Four after inflicting a first defeat on Winnington B.

Crowton are off the mark after tallying 243 at home to Castle C, who also hadn’t lost previously.

Davenham C were the week’s highest-scorers, posting a full house when Cuddington A visited.

It was a good night too for Davenham D, who prevailed at Tarporley B.