SUNNYBANK have opened up a nine-point lead at the top of the Thwaites East Lancashire Premier Bowling League after the first three matches.

They recorded a 10-4 win at St Stephen's, Craig Simpson winning 21-9 and Barry Hamer winning 21-7 for the home side.

Newcomers Mortfield are in second place after their 10-4 home victory over Great Harwood, Peter Consterdine winning 21-7. Tony Dobson won 21-13 for the visitors. Colne Cricket Club are in third spot, they went down 10-4 to last season's champions St Andrew's. Matt Harrison won 21-11 for St Andrew's with Daryl Wright winning 21-6 for Colne.

Nelson had a 10-4 home win over Edgworth, Ches Viola winning 21-7, Mick Williams won 21-5 for Edgworth. Haslingden won 10-4 at Farington Con, Andy Pilkington winning 21-12, Chris Porter won 21-12 for Farington. Globe recorded a 12-2 home win over Turton, Graham Wood winning 21-7, George Williams won 21-19 for Turton.

East Lancs recorded their first win of the season with a narrow 10-4 victory at Rishton Con, Dave Fryer winning 21-13, Roy Rigby won 21-6 for Rishton. The visitors won the aggregate by one point. Fixtures for Sunday (11am start): Colne Cricket Cub v Farington Con; East Lancs v Nelson; Edgworth v St Andrew's; Gt Harwood v St Stephen's; Greenhill v Rishton Con; Haslingden v Mortfield; Sunnybank v Globe; Turton v Darwen Subs.

Merit competition: f=Zurich BT s=7 l=7.5The league doubles competition was played at St Stephen's Conservative Club where the St Andrew's pairing of Mick Woodworth and Peter Harrison defeated last year's champions from Haslingden, Stefan Haluk and John Lancaster in the final.

Beaten semi-finalists were Mick Williams and Jason Stott from Edgworth, and John Chatwin and Colin Massey (Great Harwood).

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