DEFENDING champions Victoria A ended Bowness A unbeaten start to the season and toppled them from the top of Division One in the Kendal and District Bowling League.

Victoria underlined their champions credentials with a narrow 6-4 away win at Bowness who had won their opening eight matches.

The defeat gave Holme A the chance to take top spot and they did just that with a fine 8-2 win at fourth-placed Levens.

At the half way stage, Holme A hold a narrow two point lead over Bowness A who are seven ahead of Victoria A who are four ahead of fourth placed Levens A.

With Division Two leadersCrosthwaite A not in action, it was a chance for the chasing pack to close the gap.

Second-place Lindale A moved to within two points of the leaders as they produced a strong performance to win 6-4 at Allithwaite A.

Third-placed Staveley A were dominant at home as they raced to a 9-1 win against Kirkby Lonsdale A while Subscription A continued their fine home form, beating Levens B 7-3.

Ambleside A continue to dominate in Division Three and a strong 8-2 win at Hawkshead put them 14 points ahead of Abbot Hall who won 6-4 at third-place Lower Holker B.

Holme C are fourth after winning 7-3 at fifth-placed Lindale B.

Strong home wins from Bowness B and Ambleside B, both 8-2, against Allithwaite B and Ingleborough B respectively keep them battling to stay away from relegation spots.

In Division Four, the top two teams both won 7-3 - leaders Burton B away as Levens C while Heversham A beat Crosthwaite B at home. Third-placed Langdale won 8-2 against Sedbergh.

Netherfield D are up to fifth place following a 7-3 win over Subscription B.

Arnside B retain top spot in Division Five after beating Allithwaite C 7-3 on their travels whileVictoria C, one point and one place behind, beat Holme D by the same scoreline.

Endmoor B also won 7-3 against Subscription C to keep them in touch with the top two.

In Division Six, Victoria D produced some excellent home form to win 8-2 against Bowness C, as did Staveley C against Milnthorpe C.

Burneside C still lead this league by six points despite losing 6-4 at Subscription D as second-placed Windermere D also lost on their travels, losing 8-2 at Lindale D.