A HARD fought 6-4 win at reigning champions Victoria A on Tuesday has all but secured the Kendal and District Bowling League Division One title for Holme A.

The result moves Holme 11 points clear and on the verge of recapturing a title they last won in 2017.

Victoria, who were desperate to close the gap, pushed the leaders all the way after Martin Gilpin edged out Mark Ashburn 21-19 and Alan Gilpin defeated Daniel Varcoe 21-18.

However Matthew Stewart's 21-17 victory over Ian Nicholson as well as Stephen Ashburn’s dramatic 21-20 win against Jonathan Cooper saw Holme A battle back in this pulsating counter.

In a game which went down to the wire, Liam Baxter then picked up the best result for the visitors after he defeated Keith Atkinson 21-6, and while Matthew Simpson and Ira Collier picked up further points for the hosts, Calum Baxter’s 21-9 win against Mick Simpson proved decisive for Holme.

At the other end of the table, Burneside A remain bottom despite drawing 5-5 with Lindale A.

Burton A, who lost 9-1 to Hale A, and Staveley A, who lost 10-0 to in form Levens A, also remain in relegation trouble.

Elsewhere, Holme B and Victoria B picked up respective 8-2 wins against Netherfield A and Windermere A.

The top of the table Division Two clash saw Netherfield B earn a crucial 7-3 win over Burton B to move to within two points of their rivals, Joyce Barker claiming the best win after she saw off John Fothergill 21-9.

Abbot Hall A also picked up an important victory by seeing off Ambleside A 6-4, while Kirkby Lonsdale A eased past Allithwaite A 9-1.

Subscription A, Crosthwaite A and Ambleside B claimed respective 8-2 wins over Levens A, Windermere B and Netherfield C.

Victoria C remain top of Division Three following a 9-1 victory over Heversham A.

In the same division, Sedbergh A saw off Ingleborough A 8-2, Holme C defeated Milnthorpe A 7-3, Arnside A impressed by winning 9-1 against Lower Holker A while Allithwaite B defeated Endmoor A 7-3.

Subscription B, Netherfield D, Hale B, Burneside B, and Lindale B all picked up important wins in Division Four.

The stand out results of Division Five saw league leaders Levens C edge out Subscription C 6-4, while Burneside C defeated Holme D 7-3.

In Division Six Silverdale are two points clear at the top after they defeated Endmoor C while second placed Burton-in-Lonsdale slipped up after they crashed to a heavy defeat at Sedbergh B.