NOT surprisingly, St Annes won the Ovalworld Super League when they defeated Helmshore visitors Sunnybank 5-1.

Indeed, their recent run of eight straight victories from the last nine fixtures deservedly won them the title for the first time since 1995.

Despite such a strong finish by the newly-crowned champions, all credit to Railway Lostock and Alexandra for maintaining a serious challenge all the way to the wire.

Nevertheless, St Annes were not to be denied even by a transformed Sunnybank side.

They swept 3-0 into the lead at half time with Mike Fleming 21-10 and captain Terry Wood 21-17 setting them on their way.

That left Dave Worthington involved with Simon Haworth in a terrific contest with the homester winning 21-20.

After the break, Jim Kenny 21-7 and Gary Burke 21-13 secured the title before the Sunnybank captain provided consolation 21-17.

Meanwhile, Railway Lostock took runners-up place following the 5-1 defeat of neighbours Bamber Bridge.

Number one Dave Darley led the charge for Railway with a comfortable 21-12 win followed by Barry Sutton and Andrew Harley both by the same 21-10 margin.

Tom Fishwick won 21-16 and then Dave Barnish in a fortunate finish 21-20, effectively secured them second place.

But Tony Shorrock brought comfort to the visitors, 21-14. Alexandra were never consistent enough to top the table at any stage in the season.

Rose 'N Bowl Stacksteads put an end to any hopes Alex had when they won 4-2 last weekend.

Using their tricky expansive home green to advantage, Stacksteads swept 3-0 in front by half time. Whirlwind performances by Louis Stevenson 21-3, and Frank Herbert 21-6 were recorded.

Jim Heys had a much closer game with Harry Hargreaves, but finished well for his 21-19 win.

Although Alex hit back, it was too late to save face after Geoff Alderson's 21-12 win.

But after Mick Chapman who had a terrific 21-5 result, Kevin Flannery overturned a 19-13 deficit to win in style, 21-20.

After poor results Preston club Frenchwood finished with a flourish when they crushed visitors Witton 5-1.

Steve Edwards and Mark Simpson both returned the same 21-6 scoreline and captain Rob Taylor 21-8 added another resounding victory.

Mick Nelson 21-12 and Glyn Andrews 21-18, ended the season on a high for Frenchwood.

Roy Preston won in impressive style 21-14 for the visitors.

No doubt Witton will reflect on a season that might have been good had they done better in four or five matches.

Ighten Mount had a crushing 5-1 win at Fishwick Ramblers.

Steve Crossley recorded his 10th win 21-8 followed by Clifford Ingham and Fred Bulcock, both with the same 21-13 margin.

Eric Beaver and Greg Chippendale both won 21-6, but luckless Ken Topham was beaten by just one point in a thrilling finish, 21-20.

Results: Frenchwood 5, Witton 1; Lostock 5, Bamber Bridge 1; Ramblers 1, Ighten Mount 5; St Annes 5, Sunnybank 1; Stacksteads 4, Alexandra 2.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.