ST ANNES drew two points clear in the Ovalworld Super League following their 5-1 win over title-chasers Lostock while Alexandra lost ground after being held to 3-3 draw by Sunnybank Helmshore.

Although reigning champions Alexandra have not given up hope of retaining their crown, the outcome is now out of their hands.

Alexandra's visitors Sunnybank - who also meet leaders St Annes this weekend - are back in the form which saw them win the championship in 1996.

John Flanagan opened the account for the Helmshore side when he ran out from 14-14 to win 21-14.

Brian Tomlinson 21-14 and captain Vincent O'Donnell 21-13 replied for the Alex.

After the break, Sunnybank took the honours as both Simon Haworth and Fred Barlow gave outstanding displays to win 21-9 and 21-7 respectively.

But Harry Hargreaves ran out 21-13 to secure a draw for the home team.

Meanwhile, leaders St Annes crushed Railway Lostock by a 5-1 margin.

Terry Wood and Mike Fleming set the champions elect on their way with comfortable 21-9 and 21-11 scores.

However, several games were very close as Dave Worthington defeated Barry Sutton 21-19 and Geoff Burke also won by a couple of points.

Andrew Harley provided the consolation for the visitors.

Witton returned to top form with a 6-0 clean sweep of Ighten Mount.

Colin Campbell and Brian Hoole both scraped home by the narrowest of margins 21-20. Peter Slinger returned the best of the season 21-4 while Bill Green and Aldo Staffa both had comfortable 21-13 wins.

Mick Lee had a good tussle with Ighten Mount number one Steve Crossley, before eventually coming out on top 21-16.

Rose 'N Bowl Stacksteads enjoyed an easy 5-1 victory over Fishwick Ramblers.

This season has been a good experience for several of the Ramblers' up-and-coming youngsters.

Indeed, young Kevin Mitchell who has returned some decent scores, was the sole success for the homesters, 21-17.

Louis Stevenson and Jim Heys both returned excellent scores 21-6 and 21-7.

Second half winners Peter Williams and Geoff Alderson both won by the same 21-13 margin, while anchorman Frank Herbert chipped in with a solid 21-11.

Only slight improvement is needed to make Rose 'N Bowl real title contenders in the future.

They entertain Alexandra in the remaining fixture this weekend when a near maximum is required if the visitors are to make a title claim.

Results: Alexandra 3, Sunnybank 3; Ramblers 1, Stacksteads 5.

Fixtures for Sunday: Frenchwood v Witton; Lostock v Bamber Bridge; Ramblers v Ighten Mount; St Annes v Sunnybank; Stacksteads v Alexandra.

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