GREAT Harwood increased their lead at the top to 12 points this week following their excellent 10-4 away victory at nearest rivals Colne Cricket Club. Glyn Shuttleworth won 21-15 for Colne with Tony Dobson winning 21-13 for the leaders.

Darwen Subs moved closer to the leaders after their 14-0 home defeat of Nelson, Dave Whittle and John Bentley both recording 21-9 home wins. Last season's champions, St Andrews, kept in touch after their 10-4 home win over Mortfield, Darren Neville winning 21-5 and Brian Duncan winning 21-16 for Mortfield.

Sunnybank gained a narrow 8-6 win at Greenhill, Michael Cordey winning 21-9, and Alan Marsden winning 21-11 for Greenhill. East Lancs continued their good run with a 12-2 home victory over Turton, David Fryer winning 21-7 and Derek Allen winning 21-19 for Turton.

Haslingden maintained their mid-table position following their 12-2 home win over Edgworth, Stephan Haluk winning 21-7 and Lee Bleakley winning 21-19 for the visitors. Globe gained a narrow 8-6 win at Rishton Con, Martin Aspin winning 21-8, and Roy Rigby winning 21-17 for Rishton. St Stephen's had a narrow 8-6 home win over Farington Con, David Howarth winning 21-8 and Graham Pilkington winning 21-9 for Farington Con.

Results: Darwen Subs 14, Nelson 0; Haslingden 12, Edgworth 2; St Stephen's 8, Farington Con 6; Rishton Con 6, Globe 8; St Andrew's 10, Mortfield 4; East Lancs 12, Turton 2; Colne Cricket 4, Gt Harwood 10; Greenhill 6, Sunnybank 8.

Fixtures for Sunday (11am start): Edgworth v Greenhill; Farington Con v Darwen Subs; Globe v Mortfield; Gt Harwood v East Lancs; Nelson v St Stephen's; St Andrew's v Rishton Con; Turton v Colne CC; Sunnybank v Haslingden.

MERIT COMPETITION: Dave Fryer (East Lancs) 87, Malcolm Wensley (Gt Harwood) 80, Norman Hill (Gt Harwood) 75, Paul Sutcliffe (East Lancs) 73, John Bentley (Darwen Subs) 72, Glyn Shuttleworth (Colne Cricket) 70, Simon Wilcox (St Andrew's) 70, Andy Pilkington (Haslingden) 69, Allan Eccles (Darwen Subs) 61, Alan Handford (Colne Cricket) 60.

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