NARROWLY denied promotion from Division three last year, Walkers B are now firmly entrenched in that division's very basement.

Played six, lost six tells its own tale, and hit this week with injuries they faced the last-ditch, desperate measures choice against Bolton School B -- try the Witches Brew or select your correspondent.

Played seven, lost seven. Pity the loyal and long-suffering Nigel Wright who with Natalie Sweet held the opposition in check. Pity Joanna Sweet, who dashed down from Lancaster for her second match with Walkers, to find herself with the same floundering partner who had played so pitifully on her debut. Smiling bravely through her despair, she played splendidly -- but a sow's ear is a sow's ear. A bad week then for your correspondent -- the usual three over but only four near misses -- and two successive sibling stuffings to boot.

Bolton School deserved their win. Allan Sharples was in imposing form, as was partner Jill Pike and her "over my dead body" defence.

At the other end of that division, Chorley march on thanks to fine performances from Gary Barker and Glyn Baker. Gillian Staniforth and Suzanne Cornthwaite provided admirably staunch support.

Bradshaw held off a challenge from the resurgent MGB and Markland Hill B chalked up a welcome success with three-wins, Dave Arruvee the hero. Their A side suffered an unexpected reverse though against an increasingly solid Monton side.

Result of the week must be Ryding/Thompson 8 Hunt/McDermott 3 -- cause for the fur to fly in HRM selection room but can the B team spare their leader? Steve Reece made a welcome if rusty return this week when a strong Holcombe side were given a good run by a Walkers C side improving every match.

Division One -- Walmersly A 29 Bolton CC 28; Monton 27 Markland Hill A 20; Holcombe Brook A 28 Walkers C 21. Division Two -- Walmersley B 25 Eagley 19; HRM A 32 HRM B 21; Bradshaw 30 MGB 26; Markland Hill B 32 Winter Hill 20. Division Three -- Chorley 33 Holcombe Brook B 23; Bolton School A 37 Bolton School C 13; Denise Lloyd 35 Guild Hall 20; Bolton School B 32 Walkers B 22.