The fight for second place a two-horse race

Both sides took to the green last week as they aimed to cement their position behind runaway leaders Newport, who are on the brink of being crowned champions.

And the eagerly anticipated contest ended in a comfortable win for Castlefields, with the home side running out 12-2 winners.

Club vice-captain Graham Rogers said: "It was always going to be an interesting game because it was two teams fighting for that second spot.

"But we had a really good start and were four up after the first four games. We then went on to win the next four games so we were 8-0 up and had a good aggregate score as well.

"We couldn't believe it because at one stage it was looking like we would win 13-1 or even 14-0 because we were playing so well.

"But the last two games finished two apiece so we ended up winning 12-2."

Rogers said his side now have their eyes firmly set on second place with a trip to second-bottom Archibald Worthington up next – although he believes Sir John Bayley's game in hand makes them the favourites.

He said: "We are all playing for second place but I think Bayley are the favourites. They are one point behind with a game in hand so they are looking good.

"But anything can happen. We play Archibald Worthington next and we always seem to struggle there. We certainly won't be taking anything for granted – you never can."

Sir John Bayley kept alive their hopes of finishing second with a narrow 8-6 victory away to Hadley.

Fifth-placed Burway recorded an 11-3 win at home to six-placed Wem. Ifton, 11th, enjoyed a 9-5 home win against Bowring.

Chester Road enjoyed a comfortable 11-3 win at home to rock-bottom Bylet. St Georges, seventh, claimed a comfortable 10-4 win at home against Wrockwardine Wood, now 12th.

Leaders Newport are 33 points clear at the summit after a 12-2 victory at home to Archibald Worthington.