Champions turn up the heat against major rivals

The champions established an early lead.

Mike Talmondt, Steve Cole, Andy Boulton and Pedro Ferguson made it an 8-0 opening.

Mick Hall stopped the rot against Rob Kirby then Lee Eden made the scoreline a little more bearable.

Copnor E avoided defeat for the first time with a 6-6 draw against Craneswater Z.

Trevor Sanders and Phil Ledington rubbed out scores by Ade Binding and Mark Turner.

Emsworth are looking good in second place with a 9-3 win at neighbouring Bellair A for win number seven.

Greg Jones gave the Havant outfit the lead before Greg Harding, Hugh Pollard, Tommy O’Neil and skipper Chris Hardyman took over.

Dave Glover, Bob Baldacchino and Andy Hall were a match-winning trio as Copnor D beat Leigh Park 8-4.

Mark Raynor kept the score down.

Bellair B beat Broadoak 10-2 in division two..

Jim Baldwin, Paul Jagger, Wayne Talley and Tony May were all on song.

Craneswater R are second and were comfortable 8-4 winners at Alexandra.

Paul Taylor gave the Bowlers a good start, then Chris Bishop, Andy Carter and Harry Yard notched doubles for the win.

Andy Macey and Mark Kingswell kept Portchester X ahead for a 7-5 victory at Cowplain Gas.

Mike Scott was the best home cueist.

Pompey Royals also chalked up a 7-5 success at North End Bowls.

Colin Elliott and Mike Dorey put the bowlers ahead 5-1 but Paul Chivers, Chad Wainwright and Jon Challacombe decided it.

Wayne Laxton failed to save Xcels from an 8-4 reverse at Craneswater Q.

Lee Paice won four frames and Tony Lee a couple.

Craneswater Dandy head the division three table.

Mel Davis, Brian Elsegood and Ioan Moon were on target at Carlton in an 8-4 victory.

Ben Hounsome and skipper Nathan Hickley gave Waterlooville Sports B a similar return at Leigh Park.

Dan Compton and Mark Pitman struck for the Newbies but Cuestars got a deserved 6-6 thanks to Mark Lloyd and Will Forster.

Ville D and Cowplain B drew at Aston Road.

Barry Doswell and Kelvin Connor were the home marksmen but Ray Steere and Dave Pitman replied with two frames each.

– GRAHAM SIMPER