CASTLE B claimed the prize scalp of champions Gladstone C in the Northwich and District League’s top flight on Wednesday.

Stewart Leese won a deciding leg to end the Division One pacesetters’ 27-match winning run, a sequence that started at the beginning of last season.

Shaun Brearley’s maximum break was a consolation for the leaders, who had not lost a league game since March 2015.

Castle D took advantage, closing a gap to the summit to seven points following a 6-1 success against Castle A.

Fred Backhouse cleared the table from a single visit for the victors.

Elsewhere, Greenbank A were grateful to vice-captain Andy Perrin after he won the seventh frame of a close encounter with fellow strugglers Nectar’s.

Witton Chimes A took over top spot in Division Two following a whitewash of visitors Moulton Legion.

Lion B slip to second, a point further back, after beating Lion A.

Maximums for Martyn Raistrick and Ian Flood were a highlight of comfortable 5-2 victory.

Greenbank C, in third place, lost ground after losing at lowly Gladstone D.

Barn Owl E’s resurgence continued in a 6-1 success against Owley Wood, while Lee Walker won a deciding frame to separate Iron Bridge from visitors Barn Owl B.

Leaders Barn Owl A took a tumble in Division Three, letting slip a 2-0 lead against Broken Cross.

Andrew Brocklehurst was unlucky to pot both the black and the cue ball in a decisive frame, gifting victory to the men from Rudheath.

Promotion-hopefuls Wheatsheaf hammered Witton Chimes B, while Greenbank B lost on their own table against Green Dragon B.

Blue Barrel A edged Blue Barrel B in their derby.

The campaign resumes on Wednesday, January 11.

Results

Northwich and District Pool League

Week 10, Division One: Castle C 2-5 Gladstone A; Castle D 6-1 Castle A; Gladstone C 3-4 Castle B; Greenbank A 4-3 Nectar’s; Green Dragon A 3-4 Gladstone B

Division Two: Barn Owl E 6-1 Owley Wood; Gladstone D 5-2 Greenbank C; Iron Bridge 4-3 Barn Owl B; Lion B 5-2 Lion A; Witton Chimes A 7-0 Moulton Legion

Division Three: Barn Owl A 3-4 Broken Cross; Blue Barrel B 3-4 Blue Barrel A; Greenbank B 2-5 Green Dragon B; Wheatsheaf 6-1 Witton Chimes B