BOLTON Golf Club have staked an early claim for the BGA League title with five wins from their first seven matches.

That put them on top from the start, and their excellent and consistent form has fended off all challengers to leave them holding a 12-point lead with two matches left.

Dave Barr, captain of the Bolton club, said: "We have all been disappointed with our lack of achievement in the BGA League over the last several years. However, the emergence of our young golfers such as Simon Walsh, Marcus Dunning, Rob Taylor and Mark Millhouse has provided a stimulus to the team.

"They have all made a significant contribution to our change of fortune."

Once again Dunscar are in the chasing pack and they will not consider the season is over just yet.

Of the front runners, the surprise package is third placed Breightmet, who have had a much improved season.

Old Links have not quite emulated their runners-up form of last year, but find themselves in a creditable fourth place with two matches to go.

Similarly, Hindley Hall, the 2003 Champions, have faltered, despite a 5-3 win away at Deane, and Chorley and Deane have also not attained their form of previous years.