THE race for this season’s Premier League title reaches a potentially decisive moment this Friday when champions Castle Private A visit leaders Wharton Cons A.

Last year’s winners defeated back-markers Owley Wood A by a huge 102-chalk margin during the latest round to close to within 37 points of their Winsford-based rivals.

Wharton, meanwhile, were well-beaten at Middewich Community Church.

Both the contenders for first place play rearranged matches tomorrow, Thursday, when Castle host struggling Shavington.

Cons will travel to Hop Pole at the same time.

Elsewhere in the top flight Comberbach A, for now at least, remain in second spot following a comfortable home victory at the expense of Castle Private B.

There were wins too on their own green for Hop Pole, Rudheath A and Wharton Cons B.

Crewe PO continue to lead the way in Section One following a routine win at home to lowly Comberbach B, leaving Crosstown A to head the chasing pack.

The Knutsford club claimed the division’s highest collective total on Friday, scoring 246 against visitors Kelsall A.

Meadowbank A won by 10 at Frodsham Red Lion B.

In Section Two, promotion favourites Alsager Institute dropped only four chalks at home to Helsby.

Littler Cup winners Spinner & Bergamot A continued their fine run of form by beating Hartford A, while third-placed Wharton Cons C tied with Moulton RBL A.

There were home wins too for Castle Private C and Hazel Pear A.

Leaders Coppenhall were one chalk short of a full house against Hazel Pear in Section Three.

Their closest rivals, Limes and Frodsham Red Lion D, lost on visits to Lostock Graylams and Winnington A respectively.

In Section Four, Winsford Cons C totalled 249 against Winnington B to claim the division’s biggest win of the week.

Davenham B, in first place, were victors on their own green against Owley Wood B while Comberbach C are favourites to finish behind them in second spot after they proved too strong for Davenham C.

Beech Tree B and Barnton CC C are the outstanding teams in Section Five with third-placed Rudheath D a huge distance adrift.

The latter lost at Townfield Lane on Thursday, while Beech Tree’s latest success came at the expense of Tarporley B the following night.

Davenham D edged Cuddington B by two chalks, but Spinner & Bergamot B and Kelsall B were more comfortable winners.