THE Kendal and District Bowling League produced plenty of surprises as the battle for glory intensified.

In Division One, Victoria A climbed nine points clear at the top after a hard-fought 8-2 win at Staveley A.

The win proved crucial for Victoria after second-placed Holme A were held to a surprise 5-5 draw at Lindale A.

Holme, who are the defending league champions, have it all to do if they are to retain the title for another season.

In the other games, Burneside A defeated Burton A 8-2, Bowness A routed Kings Arms Hales A 9-1, Levens A saw off Windermere A 8-2, while Netherfield A won 7-3 at Holme B.

Netherfield B remained on top of Division Two after a hard-fought 6-4 home win over Crosthwaite A, Subscription A defeated Ambleside A 7-3, while Burton B and Victoria B picked up 9-1 wins against Netherfield C and Levens B respectively.

In the final games, Kirkby Lonsdale A and Allithwaite A both won 8-2 against Lindale B and Lower Holker A.

Division Three proved highly competitive as Abbot Hall A defeated Holme C 8-2, league leaders Arnside A routed Hawkshead 9-1, Sedbergh picked up a 6-4 win against Levens C, while Ambleside B won by the same score as they edged past Heversham A.

Windermere B defeated Victoria C 7-3, while Milnthorpe A won by the same score at Ingleborough A.

In Division Four, Netherfield D, Kings Arms Hales B, Subscription B, Windermere C, Endmoor A and Allithwaite B all won their respective games.

Geoff Rowlinson's Victoria D team remained on top of Division Five after a battling 7-3 home win against Staveley B.

Heversham B routed Kirkby Lonsdale B 8-2, Endmoor B won 7-3 at Lindale, Arnside B defeated Lindale C 8-2, while second-placed Abbot Hall B suffered a shock 6-4 defeat at the hands of Ingleborough B.

Subscription C are now ten points clear at the top of Division Six following an emphatic 9-1 win at Staveley C.

Burneside C won 8-2 at Burneside D, while Bowness C and Subscription D won by the same score after seeing off Endmoor C and Milnthorpe C.

Allithwaite D held on to defeat Windermere D 6-4, while Holme D eased past Heversham C 7-3.