ULVERSTON-based side Glaxo A are challenging Ibis’s decade-long dominance in Division 1 of the Kendal and District League, opening up a healthy 21-point advantage.

Defending champions Ibis have two games in hand, but Glaxo’s eight-match winning streak continued with a crushing 9-1 victory against fifth-placed Crook A.

John Howarth fired Crook off to a dream start with a shock five-set triumph, when his tactical defensive style proved too awkward for Smith to handle.

Mike Taylor came close to also toppling Smith, losing out in the final decisive set 11-4, while Howarth’s impressive form continued against Keith Dymond, this time falling short of victory in a fifth-set 11-4 defeat.

In the end, Dymond and Grant Woodhouse remained unbeaten, while Smith conjured up double victories against Phil Swift and Taylor.

Chasing Glaxo A are second-placed defending champions Ibis, who won 7-3 against third-placed Natland A.

Ibis had Steve Dixon to once again thank for their latest victory with three wins, while James McGrath chipped in with two in addition to Peter Rushton’s success against Luke Biggins.

Harry Carter was once again an inspiration for Natland, bagging victories against McGrath and Rushton, while the energetic John Fearon toppled fellow veteran Rushton 14-12 in a dramatic fourth set.

Crook A bounced back from their early setback this week to maul Kirkby Stephen A 10-0.

Crook’s Mike Taylor, Phil Swift and John Howarth’s fourth victory of the season increased their points total up to 39, placing them in fifth.

Kirkby Stephen meanwhile, find themselves in seventh place, nine points above the dreaded relegation zone.

A fiery derby clash between Natland B and C teams,ended in an 8-2 success for Natland B.

Bragging rights were at stake and the B team raced into a 3-0 lead. Natland C’s Roger Pimblett prevented a landslide by edging out Bernard Pickthall 11-7 in a marathon fifth set, while Andrew Hudson and Pimblett teamed up in the doubles for a 3-1 victory for the C team.

It was a memorable night for Natland B after Luke Biggins and Filip Nachozel’s three victories and Pickthall’s double successes.

Natland C are hovering perilously above the relegation zone, five points ahead of Crook B, while Natland B are placed eighth, three points ahead of their C team.

Crook B are still awaiting their first victory of the campaign, following an 8-2 defeat at the hands of Kirkby Stephen A, with. Brian Tigg and Tony Cousins scoring Crook’s two-point haul.