FISHPOOL A continue to set the pace in the top division this week inflicting a heavy defeat on Elton Vale B.

Second placed Unsworth also made short work of their opponents, Redvales A, with a convincing innings scoreline.

Elton Vale A, Ainsworth A and Ramsbottom were Monday's other successful First Division sides.

Ramsbottom were given a much sterner test in a re-arranged game on Wednesday. Elton Vale B proved tough opposition before eventually falling by a narrow margin 114-116.

Division Two continues to be a minefield, each time a side shows any semblance of form, it seems they are quickly brought back to earth with a bump.

St Mary's B have opened a slight gap after snatching victory from the jaws of defeat with a fine second half performance to overcome Bury East A.

Wellington, Bury West and Brocks XI B were winners but at this stage of the season it could still be any two from eight for promotion.

Tuesday night's best performance came from Fishpool B. In a high-scoring game they inflicted a first defeat of the season on Division Three's long-time leaders, All Saints A, 283-266.

Limefield are currently in second place in this division and stormed to an innings win over Nuttall Ladies, who are one of four sides in the league in search of their first league points.

The Tottington derby was won by Tottington B, a result which leaves their A team struggling at the wrong end of the division. Kings XI and Walshaw Ladies were the other Division Three winners.

Cricketers pulled off the big surprise in Division Four this week, travelling to Ainsworth village and returning with a win over Ainsworth B, who had been involved in a three-way tie at the top of the division, 167-175.

St Mary's C and Bury East B both took advantage of this result with high-scoring one innings wins and now stand two points in front of Ainsworth.

Elton Youth and MSS were winners in Division Four.

In Division Five on Wednesday there was another surprise result. Former joint leaders Radcliffe Boro B made the journey to Belgrave Street where the hospitality of St Mary's D didn't extend to Boro being allowed to go home with anything from the game, 162-145.

Tottington C took full advantage after their win over Bury Sports and now hold a two-point lead at the top of the table.

Walmersley Ladies won a close game from Dearden's 135-122, and in the bottom of the table clash, TNT emerged victorious over St Anne's.

In Division Six, the joint leaders managed further victories although Elton Vale D were given a good game by Bury Felt C, 168-180.

Manchester Maccabi have hit good form in recent weeks and have sneaked, almost unnoticed, into third spot, poised to pounce on any slip-ups by the leaders. All Saints B and Whitefield Ladies were also winners.

Phoenix Ladies took advantage of the inactivity of Redvales Juniors this week when their 214-188 win from Westdene gave them a two-point advantage at the top of the table, although Redvales have a game in hand.

Sundial lost further ground when they were beaten at home by Sunset Ladies. Wren Ladies were able to push Sundial into fourth place following their victory over Chesham Fold. Swan Ladies B won the final game of the night when they met the youngsters of Brocks XI Juniors.