GREAT Harwood moved into second place in the Walker Farrimond Super League following a vital 5-1 win over fellow title favourites Brownedge.

These are the sort of results needed if the Lowerfold team are to retain the championship and win as they did, all but one of the close games.

Top men Tony Dobson and Malcolm Wensley were both quite outstanding as they set the mood with resounding 21-6 and 21-10 scores respectively.

However, John Neville 21-18 reduced the first half honours to 2-1 in games.

A major boost for the homesters was a return to form of Ray Turner 21-17 and John Chatwin who relished the anchor roll in a thrilling finish 21-19.

Glyn Dodd added icing to the success when he completed his fifth win from the last five starts 21-14.

Mixed fortunes continue for Stacksteads team Rose N'Bowl who were well pleased with a share of the spoils from their trip to Farington.

Indeed, three winners at any venue in the division is a result to savour.

Frank Herbert produced a tremendous 21-11 score over number one homester Graham Pilkington but it was Farington who held a half time advantage 2-1.

After the break Jim Melling returned a comprehensive 21-12 score before Peter Connolly coasted home 21-15 to level the match.

Witton put up a brave show at Lostock Hall but in the end went down narrowly 4-2.

Mark Green recorded his second successive win 21-14 while Aldo Staffa blazed away to an overwhelming 21-9 win.

Derek Smith threatened to level the score, but in the end was a shade unfortunate not to go all the way to the wire.

Although Witton are showing more resilience, they face a big test this weekend when they entertain neighbours Great Harwood.

Alexandra went down to their third defeat of the season when they lost 4-2 at St Annes.

Nevertheless, two points away from home against difficult opponents is a fair result by any standards.

Kevin Thompson made a welcome return to form 21-16 while Peter Renwick played well for his 21-17 success.

Terry Wood and David Hoyle provided a terrific match of the day of over 40 ends that was shaded by the homester in a close finish 21-19.

Results: Farington 3 Rose N'Bowl 3; Frenchwood 1 Norden 5; Great Harwood 5 Brownedge 1; Lostock Hall 9 Witton 2; Birches 6 Southport 0; St Annes 4 Alexandra 2.

Fixtures for Sunday (11am): Alexandra v Lostock Hall; Frenchwood v St Annes; Norden v Birches; Rose N Bowl v Brownedge; Southport v Farington; Witton v Great Harwood.