The BEST Centre Indoor Bowls league is nearing a close and the chase for the title is hotting up.

Champions Causeway Cougars were firm favourites to make it back-to-back titles and began the season in fantastic form – opening up a massive 13 point lead after just six games.

The league went in to the Christmas break with a mouth-watering table-topping clash between leaders Causeway and second-placed The Brits.

Victory for the champions would have all but wrapped up the title but The Brits had other ideas as they ran out 6-0 winners which brought the league title right back into their reach!

The Cougars ended 2013 with a defeat and started the New Year in the same fashion which threw the chase for the title wide open with no fewer than five teams now in with a chance.

While all the leading contenders began January with a win, the Cougars slumped to a successive heavy defeat this time losing 6-0 to Towneley.

In contrast to their stunning start to the campaign, Causeway could only muster 11 points from a possible 24 allowing The Brits to go one point clear at the top with just three games to go.

Ightenhill MOD’s and Padiham A are both going head-to-head in the final of The BEST Centre knockout cup on Wednesday, February 26.

However, both teams are still flying in the league.

Queensgate are battling not to finish bottom of the league with The Wannabees, only eight points in front and with them playing each other on the final day of the season it could be a big battle for who finishes bottom.

Barrowford are looking like a midtable finish, in their first year in the competition and having performed admirably in the New Year, they are still battling to try and finish within the top five, only being 10 points behind and they have some crucial games against three of the top four teams coming up.

All in all, so far it has been a very exciting contest and with five teams in the running for the league title, a team trying to push their way into the top five and teams teams strongly battling it out against each other at the bottom we have a thrilling last three games as well as a cup final coming up.

And it looks like the race for the title could go right to the wire – especially with Causeway Cougars and The Brits playing each other on the final game.

n Anyone interested in taking part in the bowls league next season, or want to book a casual session, call 01282 455068, email info@thebest centre.com or log on to the website: www.thebestcentre.com.

The BEST Centre has also linked up with Age UK to deliver a ‘get active’ programme. During the session, which runs every Wednesday 2-4pm, both indoor bowls and table tennis activities will be available.

To join in, simply turn up and register one Wednesday here at the centre.