RUDHEATH inflicted a surprise defeat on defending champions Castle D when the Northwich and District League season resumed last Wednesday.

Craig Bourne took a tense fifth frame to secure victory for the visitors before Fred Backhouse and Martin Whitehead chalked up the next two to limit the damage for Castle.

A defeat leaves them four points adrift of pace-setting duo Castle A and Gladstone C after they both recorded 6-1 wins.

Eric Webber and Darryl Fallows both contributed maximum breaks for the 2016 champions as they brushed aside Gladstone B.

Elsewhere Barn Owl E followed a Team Knockout success against Castle A by recording a first Division One victory of the campaign against Castle B.

Witton Chimes A edged a close encounter with likely promotion-rivals Castle C in Division Two, leaving them with the only unblemished record after three rounds.

They had to come from 3-1 down to do it, and Darren Porter’s 8-ball clearance hauled them level before vice-captain Adam Durkan won a decider.

Barn Owl B occupy second spot in the table after Colin Sowerbutts and Barry Watkins clinched the final two frames of their meeting with Gladstone D.

Owley Wood B claimed a first win at neighbours Wheatsheaf, while Greenbank A won 4-3 at Owley Wood A.

Broken Cross lead the way in Division Three following a whitewash of Blue Barrel B.

Results

Northwich and District Pool League

Week Three

Division One: Castle A 6-1 Gladstone A; Castle D 3-4 Rudheath; Gladstone C 6-1 Gladstone B; Barn Owl E 6-1 Castle B.

Division Two: Barn Owl B 4-3 Gladstone D; Greenbank C 4-3 Lion A; Owley Wood A 3-4 Greenbank A; Wheatsheaf 2-5 Owley Wood B; Witton Chimes A 4-3 Castle C.

Division Three: Blue Barrel A 2-5 Witton Chimes E; Broken Cross 7-0 Blue Barrel B; Green Dragon 4-3 Slow & Easy; Iron Bridge A 4-3 Greenbank B; Moulton Legion 1-6 Iron Bridge H.