REIGNING Ovalworld Super League champions Alexandra maintained their challenge in the title race when they defeated neighbours Witton 4-2.

However, current leaders St Annes dismissed Fishwick Ramblers 6-0 to increase their margin to six points at the top of the division.

But the Alex were pleased to take the honours at Witton apart from having to field unfit number one Brian Tomlinson who is still suffering after a recent fall.

Brian and Mick Lee - who leads the Witton charge - was the match of the day and important for both player in the individual stakes.

Apart from easing in front at 9-7, Brian was never in control, but at 15-15 the game was there for the taking.

However, Mick finished with a tremendous flourish to score six without reply for a valuable 21-15 win.

For the visitors, Alan Cottam was in brilliant form to run out 21-10 and Roy Horman followed up 21-18 to give them a 2-1 lead at half time.

After the break Terry Connell added to the score 21-12 and John Birkett overturned a 16-14 deficit into a 21-16 win on his debut game.

Mick Green replied for the homesters with a solid 21-16 success.

Sunnybank returned to winning ways at the expense of Burnley visitors Ighten Mount 5-1.

But the score flattered the home side who were fortunate to take two close games by a single point. Ken Topham suffered a 21-20 reverse in a thrilling finish with Brian Haworth who was pleased to keep his personal score moving.

Alan Walsh experienced the same fate as he was eclipsed by the very last bowl from C Pollard.

Jack Pilling who squeezed home by just a couple of points against Alan Fitzgerald was another close winner for the Helmshore team.

Robert Haworth added a further point following his 21-17 win but Ighten Mount took heart from a remarkable 21-4 best of the day by Steve Crossley.

Meanwhile Frenchwood put the brakes on Railway Lostock following their recent two full house six pointers that have catapulted them into championship contention.

No doubt the Preston club have title ambitions after this latest 4-2 victory, but must make the match in hand pay dividends.

Three of the six games were very close and could have gone either way as both teams pressed hard for every point.

Peter Wilding defeated Railway respective number one Dave Barnish 21-18 and Mick Nelson won more easily 21-15.

Second half winner for Frenchwood were Lee Bamber 21-13 and Kevin O'Mahoney who romped home 21-8.

Railway replies came from Dave Darley and Barry Sutton who both won by the same 21-19 margin either side of the interval.

Both teams are in with a chance of the the title, but can ill-afford a slip-up as the race for the championship reaches its climax early in September.

Crunch fixture for Alexandra is this Sunday when they entertain leaders St Annes which is certain to have a significant effect on the eventual league placings.

Frenchwood and Lostock have away trips to Ighten Mount and Ramblers respectively and a share of the spoils may not be enough for the final countdown.

Results: Frenchwood 4, Lostock 2; Ramblers 0, St Annes 6; Sunnybank 5, Ighten Mount 1; Witton 2, Alexandra 4.

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

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