WITH this being the final week of the season for sections B, C and D, there was a flurry of activity.

The teams at the top who already knew they were promoted wanted to finish on a high, and the teams facing the drop needed to salvage their pride.

Barnstormers brought a satisfying conclusion to their campaign to return to Section A within a season, dominating their game against the unfortunate Gilnow Arms. Maintaining a blistering pace they completed the rout 52-10, to ensure maximum points.

Sharples finished a comfortable second, and must be extremely pleased to be going up a division for the second year running.

Third place was secured by the much improved High Spirits, who nearly doubled last season's score. Another team to rise two divisions in consecutive years is Smithills. Consistency seems to be the keyword here, and a resounding 35-11 defeat of Peers Steelers saw them head their section.

BIHE did enough in the first half of their match against Jammie Dodgers to weather the next 20 minutes of intense play. They take the promotion place well above the two contenders for third place who have a rain delayed match yet to play.

A jubilant Olympia B kept their 100 per cent winning record when they beat Redskins in a supremely confident display. Olympia have topped the table from week one with the real battle being for second place. Three teams went down to the wire but it was a victorious Tyldesley who took the honours.

Current leaders of Section A, Olympia, must be looking over their shoulders as they only managed to draw with Chequers. Howcroft have put in a strong challenge, winning both their scheduled match and a re-arranged rain affected game. Only two points separate the teams who are due to meet in the last game of the season.