HAWKSHAW A threw the title race wide open when they ended leaders Bury A’s 100 per cent record.

They produced a resounding 13-5 victory to close the gap between them and the top team to just two points.

And with Hawkshaw having two games in hand on both Bury and reigning champions Markland Hill A – who they are level on points with in joint second – they look like the team to beat at the halfway point of the season.

The title race still has plenty of life left in it, and a key fixtures is likely to be at the end of January when Bury and Markland Hill meet for the second time.

Hawkshaw BC could easily have three sides in the top section next season if their B and C teams’ current run of impressive form continues.

They are in first and second places in Section B, with Park in third.

Deane B have cemented their position at the top of Section C, but are being pushed by last season’s Section D champions, Oakgate.

Farnworth B and Sharples B, in third and fourth spot, want to prevent the top two being in Section B next season, and their lastest clash at Farnworth’s David Lloyd Leisure base was every bit as competitive as expected.

Julie Almond and Mark Kirkman took first blood for the home team, before Sharples’ Sara and Neil Flanagan took both the next two.

Kath Gorner and Steve Duckworth, at third couple for the visitors, won their set before top mixed brought a 29-27 marathon which was won by Almond and Kirkman.

With two more from Farnworth’s Lynda Marney and Matt Fernee, the scores were level after the mixed.

Almondwith Wendy Jones, took the first of the top ladies’ games to 15 for Farnworth, but then had a tussle with Sara Flanagan and Kath Gorner which ended with the second game also just about going their way 25-23.

Neil Flanagan and Steve Duckworth made it all square once more with both top men’s before the second ladies’ set was shared.

With everything depending on the final men’s games, Steve Duckworth and Sam Artingstall put Sharples in pole position for both points by taking the first to 12.

Matt Fernee and Stephen Clegg fought back, however, to win the second to 14 and force a draw from an exciting fixture.

In Section D, third-placed Sharples C inflicted the first defeat of the season on top team DL Farnworth C, and in Section E, second-placed Smithills B boosted their promotion hopes by beating leaders Moorside C 10-8.

RESULTS Section A: Markland Hill D 13 Forrest B 5; Bury A 5 Hawkshaw A 13; Markland Hill A 18 Bury B 0; Forrest A 10 Markland Hill C 8; Bury B 18 Markland Hill D 0.

Section B: Forrest C 13 Markland Hill E 5; Sharples A 13 D L Farnworth A 5; Westhoughton A 5 Hawkshaw C 13; Hawkshaw B 16 Deane A 2.

Section C: Smithills A 1 Oakgate A 17; Metros B 4 Forrest D 14; Hawkshaw D 12 Westhoughton B 6; D L Farnworth B 9 Sharples B 9; Deane B 18 Deane C 0; Oakgate A 12 Sharples B 6.

Section D: Sharples C 11 D L Farnworth C 7; Markland Hill F 14 Forrest F 4; Forrest E 15 Metros C 3; Moorside B 5 Forrest E 13; Markland Hill F 8 Metros C 10.

Section E: Lads & Girls 12 Moorside D 6; Metros D 0 Smithills B 18; Forrest G 6 Oakgate B 12; Moorside D 13 Forrest G 5; Smithills B 10 Moorside C 8; Oakgate B 14 Sharples D 4.