BILLY United snatched a narrow victory in their highly anticipated top of the table clash with the Castle Dark Lords last week, sinking a sudden-death black ball to claim a 7-6 win.

The Billy raced into a 4-0 lead thanks to wins for Roberts brothers Gary and Ian, John Farrugia and Mark Ingram. But The Dark Lords fought back to claim both the opening doubles and the next singles to reduce the deficit.

Farrugia's win over Gavin Rowlands got the Billy back on track, only for Dark Lords pair Brian Harris and Wayne Hobson to level the scores at five apiece. The doubles were shared, leaving a sudden death black ball shoot out to win the tie.

Gary Roberts held his nerve to sink the black, earning a much deserved bonus point win for the Billy.

Over at the Witchill, The Wildcats gained ground on the top sides, moving up to second thanks to a stunning 11-1 win over The Ship.

The Vale's number one player Chris Bardsley led the destruction for The Wildcats, joined by Ian Hill, James Hill and Ceri Morris in winning seven of their eight singles frames. Mike Egan claimed a consolation for the visitors.

At Millwood Bowls Club, the Pot Jacks entertained the Baruc Arms where the visitors' flamboyant potting style earned them a 7-5 win, despite Nick Parry winning four from four for the hosts.

Gavin Stevens also won all four of his games as the Baruc Arms grabbed a well-earned win.

The Libs Rejects earned a hard fought 7-5 victory over the Glenbrook Wanderers, storming into a 6-1 lead before being pegged back, only for Tom Ivins and Mike Roberts to secure victory for the Libs.

The King William IV pub in Cadoxton earned a narrow 7-5 win as they hosted O'Brien's in a close fought match that saw all frames keenly contested.

With the scores level at 3-3 at the midway point, The King William dominated the second session of singles to win three out of the four frames, before the final round of doubles was shared. Les Hunt won three from four to earn his side a deserved win.

The draw for the league cup will be held within the next couple of weeks, while the Baruc Arms are looking for two new players to join their side. If you are interested in joining, contact Joe on 07870 498738 or Anthony on 07568 444180. The league would like to thank their sponsors Asprou Barbers Park Crescent, Eze Drive Driving School and R&M Mobile Valeting.