AS the BGA League draws to its close with only three matches remaining, just four clubs now look forward to the League semi-finals which are due to be held on Sunday September 6 sponsored by the Bank Top Brewery.

Glynn Evans, the BGA President, said: “It is time to offer our thanks to our major league sponsor who have given us considerable help and support over the last four years and we look forward to cementing our partnership further into 2016.”

The semi-finals were clinched two weeks ago and the league A leaders, Great Lever, will host their opponents, Breightmet, who claimed second place in league B while top dogs Old Links will be at home to Dunscar who finished with a dramatic flourish to gain their place in the semi-finals.

Horwich had the unenviable task of having two away matches to complete their season after sitting in second spot for six weeks they lost to both Chorley 6–2 and last week against Hindley Hall 5½-2 ½.

Meanwhile, Dunscar claimed two consecutive home wins against Westhoughton – 5 ½-2½ and went on to beat Chorley 6–2 to secure their semi-final place leaving the unfortunate Horwich out of the reckoning.

Dunscar last reached the semi-finals in 2011 when they met favourites Old Links who were themselves beaten in the final by Bolton.

Since then, they have been a mid-table team but over the last few weeks have risen to make their mark and despite having to play their old enemies, Old Links, will be out to prove a point.

Semi-finalists, Breightmet, have had a superb season sitting in second spot in league B for no less than eight consecutive weeks which included a narrow 4½-3½ home victory against Old Links last week.

Harwood were host to favourites Old Links last week and managed a successful 5–3 victory.

However, this had little effect on the league leaders who completed their season with a massive 24½ points lead at the top of the table.

2014 league champions, Turton, had a poor start to the season but did their utmost to compete for a semi-final place.

Their 7–1 home win against Regent Park last week almost caught second place Breightmet but finished just half a point behind with Breightmet still with a match in hand.

Deane have had a lean season but last week they defeated Hart Common 5–3 to bring them up to a total of six wins leaving Hart Common just below Deane on games difference.

Bolton’s season has been poor by their standards but last week they just beat bottom place Westhoughton with a narrow home win 4½-3 ½ with one match to play.

The league semi-finals will be played on September 6. (Home teams first)

Old Links vs Dunscar 11.00 am

Great Lever vs Breightmet Tee-off to be advised.

BGA Results

League A: Dunscar 6 Chorley 2, Hindley H 5.5 Horwich 2.5, Bolton 4.5 Westhoughton 3.5.

League B: Deane 5 Hart Common 3, Turton 7 Regent Pk 1, Turton 5.5 Hart Common 2.5, Harwood 5 Old Links 3.

Tables

League A

TEAM P W L HALVED PTS

Great Lever 12 9 2 1 83

Dunscar 11 6 5 0 63

Horwich 12 7 5 0 57.5

Chorley 12 4 6 2 53.5

Hindley H 11 4 4 3 52.5

Bolton 11 4 7 0 48.5

Westhoughton 11 3 8 0 42

League B

Old Links 12 9 3 0 88.5

Breightmet 11 7 4 0 64

Turton 12 7 5 0 63.5

Harwood 12 5 5 2 54

Deane 11 6 5 0 52.5

Hart Common 12 4 8 0 52.5

Regent Pk 12 1 9 2 35