LAST season, Bury A narrowly missed out on the top spot to Hawkshaw A, however this season they have claimed the double over the defending champions.

Bury A currently occupy fourth place in A section, and have two games in hand over second-placed Hawkshaw and look like they will make a strong challenge for the title.

Bury claimed all 10 mixed games against Hawkshaw in dominant fashion.

The second pairing of Lizzie Holt and Ashley Gibson put on a fine performance as they beat Cai Batchelor and Scott Webber, 21-14, 21-12. At third mixed, Elaine Bowker, partnering Andy Hogg, claimed an impressive victory over Katie McWalters and Alan Clarkson, 21-13, 21-18.

Although Hawkshaw were missing key players Tom Dunlop and Rachel Cranshaw, McWalters and Choi Davidson split the ladies doubles 21-15, 15-21.

In the men’s doubles, Clarkson, partnering Neil Haydock, claimed a well-earned 26-24 win over Gibson and Hogg but the home side took the final game 21-15, and the match 12-6.

There were several close games in B section as leaders Oakgate A faced stiff opposition from third-placed Park.

Oakgate claimed a 10-8 away win while fourth-placed DL Farnworth A beat sixth-placed Sharples A 11-7.

Hawkshaw D, who are currently sixth in C section, entertained eighth-placed Markland Hill E at Canon Slade.

Hawkshaw’s first mixed couple of M Glynn and J Whitesmith split with Markland Hill’s second couple G Cadmann and I Batty. S Gill and G Williams claimed all four of their mixed games, 21-16, 21-15 against Hawkshaw’s C Lanham and A Alam, and 21-13, 21-12 against Glynn and Whitesmith.

The home side were only able to claim three levels to add to the five from the mixed as Markland Hill picked up valuable points at the bottom of C section with a 10-8 win.

At the top of D section, Metros B and Oakgate B claimed 11-7 victories over Forrest F and Smithills A, respectively. And in E Section, Moorside D claimed a 10-8 win over their own C team to keep just behind the leading three teams who are battling for promotion.