FOR the third week running, Alcester experienced mixed fortunes as results again went largely with ground advantage.

The first round of the Northfield League’s Sid Stephens Rose Bowl saw a side from the club pitted against Rubery SJC on a four at home, four away basis.

An excellent away win (21-11) for captain John Alderson and home wins for Dave Hovell (21-13) and Trish Barry (21-15), were not enough to keep Alcester in the competition as they slipped to a narrow five-shot defeat overall.

Wins for both teams in the South & West Birmingham Over-60s League were sufficient to take both sides to the top of their respective league tables.

In Division Six, the A team hosted Bournville Sports and swept all before them in a massive 82-shot triumph as all six players produced winning cards.

Jean Bannister lead the way with a superb 21-4 success, hotly pursued by husband Renny, John Slater (both 21-5), David Whittington (21-8), Margaret D’Elia (21-10) and Ken Craddock (21-12). The win earned a maximum 10 points, with the visitors returning empty handed.

In Division Seven, the B team visited Hockley Heath B and recorded a 37-shot win.

Two brilliant cards from Ken Harvey (21-0) and Jean Craddock (21-5) did the damage, with Red Masterson (21-11) adding a final point as the visitors picked up nine points to the hosts three.

The Yardley Wood Superleague brought a 66-shot defeat for Alcester A when they visited Triplex B in Division Two.

With only Ken Harvey (21-13) producing a winning card, the visitors slumped to a 66 shot defeat, gaining a single point against 27 for the home side. Despite thus, however, Alcester still maintain top spot in the Division.

In Division Four the B team had things much easier when they entertained Bournville Sports B Alcester cruised to a 47-shot win.

Rain caused the postponement of the A team match in the Heart of England League.

The B team slipped to a home defeat in Division Four when they entertained Hockley Heath B.A couple of bad cards meant a 13-shot deficit and 14 points for the visitors.

Division One of the over-60s section saw another heavy defeat for the A team when they visited Wythall A, a 47 shot loss resulted and 15 points accruing to the home side.

The B team kept up their push for promotion in Division Five when they hosted Wootton Hall B. The 13-shot winning margin and14 points thus earned keeps them at the head of the league table.