OAKGATE underlined their division-topping status with a resounding win over nearest challengers Smithills A.

Assured of the D Section title, Oakgate began the last stretch with 21-7, 21-13 victories, thanks to top couple Andrea Mason and Julian Patrick. However, visiting number one pair Jaquie Gibson and Chris O'Beirne took the first of their mixed games to 19 before Margaret Howarth and Iqbal Khan triumphed to 18.

Smithills' third mixed couple Linda Hawker and Clive Bass took both their games, but by the end of the mixed, Oakgate had edged into a 6-4 lead.

The men's and ladies' games proved equally tough, with Andrea Mason and Michelle Parkinson taking the first to 15 for Oakgate and Jaquie Gibson and Linda Hawker replying with the second to 17 for Smithills.

The top men's games resulted in similar scorelines. But, Oakgate took the last two games to claim the points.

The last men's games also went to the home team, 12-6, as Oakgate defended their unbeaten record. Smithills, however, could go home knowing that they had put up quite a fight.

In A Section, Markland Hill B enhanced their chances of finishing runner-up to the club's A team with a 10-8 win away against Bury A. Markland Hill C will finish the season mid-table, and Markland Hill D could join its three teams in the top section to create a unique situation.

The D team - second in B Section behind Forrest B - beat Westhoughton A 13-5 to boost their chances although the result recorded by rivals Park over Sharples B could prove significant.