JUSTIN Astley, the 16-year-old Punch star, hit a superb 97 break on the Alexandra table to set a hot pace in the race for the highest break prize as the Darwen Hotels Snooker League gets under way again.

But it's pre-season favourites Top Con B who are showing the way together with league newcomers Hoddlesden Con Club. Both teams have 100 per cent records after three games.

Prince of Wales are the surprise packet, riding high in third place after a devastating 5-3 win over struggling champions Cemetery in which Jimmy O'Donnell starred with an easy win over Andy Maudsley.

Tonight's matches: Borough B v Hoddlesden, Top Con A v Punch, Cemeter y B v Alexandra A, Alexandra B v Cemetery A, Prince v Top Con B, Anchor v Borough A.

Uncle Jack's have an open date but have arranged a match on the Highfield which has just had a new 9ft table installed.

The league's presentation night is at the Cemetery on Friday, November 19 at 8.30pm.

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