The current champions of the first division may have met their match in their quest to remain at the top.

Westholme “A” were hard pressed when they were entertained by newly promoted Blackburn Seniors “A” when they travelled to the Norden Sports Centre in Rishton.

The home side stamped their authority well into the first half of the match and never allowed the current leaders to sit back and take things easy.

When the level doubles matches commenced play Westholme were further stretched as they tried to win back some of the lost earlier games, but the newly promoted side held on to record a well deserved 12 – 8 victory and now find themselves level on points at the top of the table.

Even at this early stage of the season, the pressure at the top between these two sides wide continues for a long time.

Westholme “B” also newly promoted recorded their first win of the season in the top division, by surprisingly defeating a well established St Philips side that were always under pressure and were never able to secure a lead throughout the match.

Clitheroe “B” were able to secure their first victory of the season against high flying Tag.

The home side were made to play their best to secure half of the games with a score of 10 – 10, but by having a 22 ace advantage were able to formally claim a victory.

Halsteads were able to secure a narrow victory at Audley Sports Centre against mid table Independent “A”.

Olympic are finding the going hard following their promotion to the second division, when they travelled to the Hyndburn Sports Centre, only to be outplayed by a highly competitive side3 from Abacus “A”.

In the open half of the match, the home side only dropped two of the twelve games and had virtually secured victory before the level doubles were played. College, who were hoping to be relegated last season, but retaining their place as of right, again appear to be in trouble in this their opening match of the season as they were completely outplayed by high flying Telecom “A”, with the home side only dropping one game throughout the match.

Newly promoted Stanhill from the third division, started their season off with a fine win over Whitehall 17 – 3.

Westholme “C” who struggled last season at the foot of the thirds division secured their first early win of the season against Clitheroe “C” in a well played match.

They took control in the mixed doubles and never looked back, although Clitheroe did put up a fight in the level doubles, but the damage had been done in the early stage of the match.