THE battle for glory in The South Westmorland Senior Bowling League intensified in a pivotal round of action.

Netherfield’s lead at the top of Division One was reduced to two points after the defending champions suffered a 5-3 defeat at Springfield. Defeat for the champions paved the way for Warton who closed the gap on top spot following an emphatic 6-2 home victory against Windermere.

In the other games, Silverdale A edged out Subscription A 5-3, Lindale A won 7-1 at Levens A while Holme A defeated Netherfield B 6-2.

Victoria A won the Division Two League title after a dominant 7-1 win at Carnforth A. Chris Wyatt eased past Ray Russell 21-9, while John O Flaherty edged out Brian Cooke 21-19.

Martin Gilpin and Robert Newby won 21-16 against Joyce Cooke and John Patchett, before Alan Medcalfe and Keith Atkinson saw off Jim Southworth and Alan Swindlehurst 21-15.

Victoria’s Terry Mercer battled past Olive Spain 21-15; however, Carnforth did pick up their only point when Pam Newall impressed with a hard fought 21-15 win against Geoff Thompson.

In the other games, Arnside defeated Warton B 8-0. Crosthwaite A ran out 7-1 winners against Endmoor A, Burneside A edged out Lower Holker A 5-3, Ingleborough A won 6-2 at Heversham A while Kirkby Lonsdale won 8-0 at Bowness A.

Netherfield C remained at the top of Division Three despite losing 5-3 at Sedbergh.

Hawkshead and Milnthorpe A picked up 7-1 victories against Staveley A and Lower Holker B, Levens B and Burton in Lonsdale registered 6-2 wins over Lindale B and Allithwaite. In the final game Holme B edged out Carnforth B 5-3.

Burneside B lead the way at the top of Division Four after they defeated Langdale 8-0. However second placed Abbot Hall B lost 6-2 at Kirkby Lonsdale B.

Allithwaite B eased past Silverdale B 6-2, while Crosthwaite B and Ingleborough B picked up 6-2 wins against Endmoor B and Springfield B respectively.

In Division Five, Sedbergh A and Windermere B both picked up 7-1 victories against Subscription C and Milnthorpe B.

Victoria B are joint top of Division Five after winning 6-2 at Arnside B, while Staveley B won by the same score after easing past Heversham B.