Week 5...

Tighter than the next round of public service spending settlements at the top of the A League, where 5 teams find themselves with 6 points after 4 games, all only being separated on "points scored".

The Ox-fford 'C' just head the table from the Weaver, followed by the Dolphin, Ox-fford and Dolphin Dragons.

Stuart Rowbotham scored a personal best 36 as the Dolphin beat the Ox-fford in that often seminal showdown, despite an excellent 36 from Laurence Plant for the Ox-fford. The Ox-fford 'C' had the better of their game against the Pussycat Guys, Alice Walker and Alasdair Reid top scoring for each side respectively with 36.

Robin Morrell scored a week's best total of 39 for the Dolphin Dragons as they beat the Harrington Academicals, whilst the Weaver racked up the highest total of the week (165) with an ominously solid all round performance against the Castle. Alan Levitt top scored for the Thornton Square outfit with 36 whilst Graham Bailey had a season's best 33. Jeff Corry manned the Castle's ramparts to best effect with 30.

The Knot Inn continue their scorching start to the B League season, now standing at 5 wins from 5 games and one of only two teams unbeaten in any League thus far. Art Higham equalled Robin Morrell's 39 in a "pb" for the Knot.

It remains quite tight behind the Knot with the New Castle, Waters Green Phoenix and Albion all jockeying for 2nd spot.

Jon Thompson had his best score of the season (30) as the the Phoenix beat the Plough Taverners. The Albion continued their very effective form with a win over the Pack Horse Bowling Club - John Hargreaves leading the way again with 24.

The New Castle just lost out to old rivals the British Flag, for whom Ian Tams had a "pb" 33.

The Baths Speedos are the only other unbeaten team with a perfect 4 out of 4 start which leaves them heading the C League. They had a close one this week against the Moores dynasty at the Chester Road Tavern, but main man Andy Bailey and Darren "Skyscraper" Stoddart each scored 27 for the 'peeds to carry them home.

The Cock Inn's win over the Waters Green Rams keeps them in second place with Jackie Hulme's 27 taking her to second in the Individual table.

Win Greenwood is firmly ensconced in the Top 10 individuals too and her 27 helped the Sutton Church House to a convincing win over the Royal Oak.

Finally, that stalwart performer Geoff Parkin chipped in with another invaluable 27 as the Harrington 'B' worked the oracle over the Crown.