OLD Links struck gold in their last three matches to go top of League A and clinch a place in the BGA semi-finals in September.

In mid-July, Old Links were sitting second from bottom but a 5-3 win against Turton stopped the rot. They went on to beat Westhoughton 6½-1 ½ which left them in mid-table.

Team captain Duncan Simm said: “We have to win our last two matches with high scores if we are to have a chance of reaching the semi-finals.”

Two significant wins followed, a 7-1 victory against Great Lever and a 6-2 success against Chorley in this week's match.

Not only did this give Old Links a place in the final four but demoted Deane, A League leaders for most of the season, to second spot.

Chorley still sit in third place but Great Lever and Turton have yet to meet in their final match, though a second-place finish is out of their reach.

Meanwhile, Hindley have completed their season in the B League and are still in top spot with 76 points. They are certain to retain a place in the semi-finals but it remains to be seen if they can keep their second place with just an 11½-point margin.

Second-place Dunscar have 64½ points with third-place Bolton 61 points just 3½ points behind. The teams meet each other over the next two weeks on a home-and-away basis to complete their season. They are keenly aware of the fragile nature of these matches which will eventually see one of them secure at least a place in the semi-finals.