DL FARNWORTH A team and Oakgate go into 2008 as the only two unbeaten teams in the Bolton Badminton League.

The former, based at David Lloyd Health and Leisure Centre, were demoted from B Section at the end of last season but have turned their fortunes around to take the top slot in C Section.

Not only do they have maximum points from 10 matches but they have an enviable games tally having lost only 18 games and won 162. The nearest threat to the division championship currently are Forrest C and Deane B, both four points adrift of Farnworth.

Oakgate heads D Section in the same positive manner, six points ahead of Smithills A and Markland Hill F and with a useful 16-2 win against Moorside B their latest score.

In A Section, meanwhile, Markland Hill A underlined their determination to retain the league championship by beating challengers Hawkshaw A 11-7 at the Heaton club.

Bury A take the number two spot, three points away but with a match in hand over Markland Hill. Their latest victims were Forrest A, on the receiving end of a 15-3 drubbing.

Markland Hill B team are third-placed and still pressing for success, beating perennial runners-up ABC 14-4 in their latest clash.

Park's dominance of B Section received a dent when they visited Sharples A for a highly competitive match which ended 9-9. This draw will hand hope to nearest contenders Forrest B, who disposed of Markland Hill E with a 15-3 win, and to wannabes Hawkshaw C and Deane A in this hotly contested division.

Moorside C and DL Farnworth C are battling it out at the top of E Section, with Moorside D and Bolton Lads and Girls Club the nearest threat. Moorside C aided its cause in the last fixture of the year when they beat Metro D 18-0.

RESULTS: Section A: Hawkshaw A 15 Hawkshaw B 3; Markland Hill A 11 Hawkshaw A 7; ABC 14 Bury B 4; Hawkshaw B 13 Metros A 5; Bury A 15 Forrest A 3.

Section B: Markland Hill D 17 Sharples B 1; Sharples A 9 Park 9; Westhoughton A 7 Hawkshaw C 11; Forrest B 15 Markland Hill E 3.

Section C: Forrest D 12 D L Farnworth B 6; Hawkshaw D 15 Forrest E 3; Metros B 0 Forrest C 18.

Section D: Metros C 3 Smithills A 15; Moorside B 2 Oakgate 16; Smithills A 14 Westhoughton D 4; Smithills B 8 Sharples C 10; Markland Hill F 18 Metros C 0; Forrest F 5 Smithills B 13; Sharples C 10 Moorside A 8.

Section E: Moorside D 13 D L Farnworth D 5; Metros D 0 Moorside C 18.