Turton are in a familiar position, flying high at the top of League A as the Bolton Golf Association’s inter-club league enters its final stage of the season.

The picture in League B is less defined with at least four clubs in the mix for a place in the end-of-season championship play-offs.

Turton topped the league last year to secure a place in the semi-finals in which they were narrowly beaten in the play-offs by Breightmet, who snatched victory at the first extra hole of a sudden death play-off after the teams had drawn 4-4.

Breightmet went on to win the league championship for the first time since 1986 but this season they find themselves in mid-table of League B.

Turton have won seven of their eight matches to date, losing only to Hindley Hall, although they have yet to play nearest challengers Dunscar and have still to travel to Deane.

Dunscar, a long-time favourite in the BGA league, are holding on to second place with wins against Westhoughton and Deane, plus a significant 4½-3½ win at Harwood. They lie just ahead of Hindley Hall who, after making a good start, lost away to Turton 5½-2½ last week.

With the bottom four of Westhoughton, Regent Park, Deane and Harwood separated by just eight points, tonight’s matches – Deane’s visit to Harwood and Dunscar travelling to Hindley – could significantly change the complexion of the league table.

League B will provide an exciting finish with Horwich and Bolton currently sharing top spot with 39½ points and joint favourites Old Links just 1½ points adrift.

With only three matches left it looks as though two from these three contenders will be heading for the two play-off places in September. Tonight Bolton entertain Old Links where a win for either side could make a significant change at the top.

Bolton will finish their season with two home matches while Old Links complete their campaign with trips to Great Lever and Chorley.

Joint leaders, Horwich, host Breightmet next week and have to travel to rivals Bolton in their decisive final match.

Chorley, almost always in contention for the league title, have slipped dramatically down the table this year.

With only three wins to date they languish second from bottom, just above the unlucky Great Lever.