GLADSTONE C, the defending champions, have had their lead at the Northwich and District League summit reduced after successive defeats.

They shared the first four frames during a meeting with Gladstone B before Nick Farrington and Dave Swindley took the next two to secure victory.

Second-placed Castle D took advantage, closing to within two points of top spot after coming from behind to beat hosts Rudheath.

Elsewhere Owley Wood B rise from the bottom of the table as a reward for beating Gladstone E, who were consoled in part by Darren Moffat scoring a maximum break in the final frame.

Greenbank A moved five points clear at the top of Division Two following a 6-1 victory at home to Gladstone D.

Greenbank C took four of the first five frames at Owley Wood A and stay second, a feat matched by Witton Chimes A when they squeezed past Iron Bridge A.

Broken Cross had to twice overcome a deficit before edging out back-markers Witton Albion thanks to frame wins for Tony Little and David Perrett.

Lion A’s 5-2 win against Barn Owl B opens a gap to the relegation positions.

Slow & Easy B became the first team to inflict a defeat on Division Three leaders Green Dragon A, and they did so in style.

Wins in four of the first five fames settled the outcome before their opponents rallied.

Matty Fallows potted all eight balls from a single visit to the table to help Iron Bridge H record a 6-1 win against Witton Chimes B, moving them closer to a promotion position.

Second-placed Greenbank B stumbled at Winnington Rec, where they lost 5-2, while Green Dragon B remain in contention after seeing off Slow & Easy A.

Blue Barrel sent struggling Wheatsheaf to the foot of the standings, a spot they occupied before play started, following a 5-2 win.

Results

Northwich and District Pool League

Week 13

Wednesday, December 12

Division One: Castle A 3-4 Castle C; Gladstone B 4-3 Gladstone C; Gladstone E 3-4 Owley Wood B; Rudheath 2-5 Castle D. No game: Castle B

Division Two: Broken Cross 4-3 Witton Albion; Greenbank A 6-1 Gladstone D; Lion A 5-2 Barn Owl B; Owley Wood A 3-4 Greenbank C; Witton Chimes A 4-3 Iron Bridge A.

Division Three: Blue Barrel 5-2 Wheatsheaf; Green Dragon B 5-2 Slow & Easy A; Iron Bridge H 6-1 Witton Chimes B; Slow & Easy B 4-3 Green Dragon A; Winnington Rec 5-2 Greenbank B

The campaign resumes on Wednesday, January 9

Additional reporting by Rob Winnington