IT has been a baptism of fire for Farnworth BC who have had to contend with three tough early fixtures.

It is the first time in the top section for Farnworth who this week suffered a third straight defeat at the hands of Forrest A.

The resulting 18-0 scoreline for Forrest underlines the club’s determination to keep at the top of the league. Forrest, who have only dropped one game in the opening three fixtures, will be hoping for another winning result when they face Markland Hill B next week.

In the second of only two matches played in A Section, due to many players taking part in the European Senior Championships in Ireland, Forrest B travelled to the Drill Hall and claimed a 12-6 victory against Oakgate A.

In C Section, Moorside A and Farnworth C picked up their first points of the season with a 9-9 draw at Smithills Sports Centre.

Last season, Bolton Lads & Girls A team finished sixth in E Section, however, as a result of two wins and one draw, they top the table in D Section following a 15-3 result over Moorside C. The visitors claimed all 10 mixed games before Moorside’s Janice Evans and Emma Gordan split top ladies 19-21, 21-17, whilst Andy Taylor and Simon Ball fought back for the home side claiming both top men’s doubles 21-17 against Shezard Kahn and Lee Bailey.

Also in D Section, Forrest G picked up their first points of the season with an 11-7 victory over Smithills A.