FEARNS A, the last of the Rossendale Badminton League Division One teams to open their campaign, did so in some style with a comprehensive 14-4 win at Blackford Bridge B who are already feeling the strain after four successive defeats.

Also finding it tough are promoted Sports who went down 11-7 at Badgercote A, their third loss in four outings.

In Division Two, St Thomas, after a surprising but well deserved 13-5 win against fancied Rising Bridge, were well in with a chance of another upset at Oakgate until a five from six burst in the levels ensured an 11-7 win for the leaders.

Transport A, after a comfortable 12-6 beating of Fearns B, maintained their challenge as did third-placed Broadway C at Waterbarn A, but only after a tremendous battle where Waterbarn led three times and had a higher aces score, but still lost 10-8. Wesley Nomads still hold top spot in Division Three after their 11-7 win against Waterbarn B, but made no ground on Goodshaw and Badgercote C who both had wins against Phoenix and Edenfield respectively.

Results - Division One: Badgercote A (220) 11, Sports (198) 7; Blackford Bridge B (177) 4, Fearns A (258) 14.

Division Two: St Thomas (245) 13, Rising Bridge (152) 5; Waterbarn A (214) 8, Broadway C (199) 10; Transport A (232) 12, Fearns B (181) 6; Oakgate (229) 11, St Thomas (206) 7.

Division Three: Wesley Noamds (220) 11, Waterbran B (195) 7; Goodshaw (230) 11, Phoenix (181) 7; Badgercote C (224) 12, Edenfield (162) 6.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.