As we enter the final furlong of the race for promotion from Division Two of the Alan Myerscough (Ford) sponsored Ulverston and District Bowling League, it does seem as if two teams now have the upper hand.

However, leaders Salthouse A faltered this week when their visit to Hawcoat Park A resulted in just their fourth defeat of the season, as they went down 9-5. Hawcoat’s top five did all the damage, taking all their games with Anthony Woods (21-6) victory being the standout result. Alan Newsham again came in at the bottom for Salthouse and secured a 21-9 win.

Dalton CC A have been the in form team over the last few weeks, with an impressive string of results that has seen them move into pole position for the second promotion spot. Police were their latest victims as the Cricketers recorded a brilliant 13-2 win. Jimmy Bridle, Geoff May and Dave Grainger led the way for Dalton, while Dave Little and Mick Philp scored the Police’s points.

Lindal A lie in third place, but may well be too far behind, especially as they still have to visit the leaders. Entertaining West Mount, they scored a 10-4 victory, as Dave Leach impressively ran out a 21-4 winner, with Mark Dickinson (21-7) and Jack Last (21-8) following him home. Alan Birkett led the charge for the Mounties, winning 21-9.

With his nearest rivals losing this week, West Shore’s Steve Hunter is now in pole position in the individual merit race, keeping the pressure on with a 21-6 win as his team recorded an 11-4 victory away at Glaxo A. Dave Coverdale was even more impressive in his 21-4 victory. For the works side, Adam Houlden led the way with a 21-7 win.

In the battle of the villages, Kirkby ran out comfortable winners over Askam A 10-4, with Geoff Leatherland unstoppable in his 21-5 win and Noel McAlley and Malcolm Cleasby backing him up by both winning 21-12. Askam’s Graham Standing had a very impressive 21-6 victory, with a rare outing for Richard Wearing resulting in a 21-12 scoreline for him.

Bottom club Walney Park A have shown improvement of late and were delighted to record just their third win of the season by defeating Barrow Island 9-5. John Howard showed he can bowl as well as his sons as he cruised to a 21-9 victory with Ian Worthington weighing in with a 21-11 win of his own. The Islanders' Sam Humphrey’s 21-5 was an outstanding result with Kevin Magee playing a supporting role with his 21-10 win.

Kings Head matched Walney’s result as they also recorded a 9-5 victory, theirs being over Roose A. David Gilmour led the way with his 21-5 win, with Tony Greenall being next best as he ran out a 21-10 victor. Ron Rhodes showed all his experience for Roose by winning 21-11.

Results

Division One

Co-op 10 King Alfred 4, Askam 5 Red River 10, Dalton CC 5 Lindal 10, Post Office 10 Glaxo 4, Roose 7 Hawcoat Park 8, Salthouse 7 Walney Park 7, Ulverston Cons 13 Co-op A 1.

Division Two

Walney Park A 9 Barrow Island 5, Police 2 Dalton CC A 13, Lindal A 10 West Mount 4, Kirkby 10 Askam A 4, Kings Head 9 Roose A 5, Hawcoat Park A 9 Salthouse A 5, Glaxo A 4 West Shore 11.