BASINGSTOKE Town’s Spades have opened up a ten and a half point lead over Howard Park in Division One of the Whitchurch Bowls League, writes NORMAN FIGG, This was after Town beat bottom team Alton 70-49 and Howard Park lost at Kingsclere 54-40.

Oakley Buzzards are third after beating fourth place Andover 57-43, while surprisingly Old Basing lost at home to Hyde Abbey A 47-46.

In Division Two Town’s Diamonds beat lowly Hook Hares 71-48 to remain at the top.

Andover A just beat Whitchurch Yellows 52-48 and go second. The only other result received saw Marnell Blues beat Hyde Abbey B 54-46.

In Division Three, St Mary Bourne Eagles jumped above Old Basing Roundheads with a win against Howard Park C 62-32.

Whitchurch Blues beat Andover C 56-47 and are third. Oakley Kingfishers beat bottom team Kingsclere Partridges 52-20 and Town’s Jokers just beat Hook Foxes 45-42.

Division Four leaders Oakley Woodpeckers overcame bottom team Littleton Lions 59-34.

Thornycroft stay second with a win against Marnell Greens 68-45 and Howard Park B beat Kingsclere Pheasants 53-34 to stay third.

Friary won against Old Basing Royalists 49-42 and Oakley Kites hammered St Mary Bourne Merlins 75-35.

Kingsclere stay one point ahead of Oakley despite losing heavily 74-40 in Division One of the Basingstoke and District Bowling Association.

Town also humbled Whitchurch 85-49 but are fourth behind Alton Social who played a re-arranged Hants and Berks match against Howard Park. The only other match played saw Old Basing beat Andover 61-53.

In Division Two, Alton recorded a massive win over Thornycroft 101-32 and lead the division ahead of Oakley B who beat Hook 60-54.

In a re-arranged match St Mary Bourne beat Thornycroft 84-32 and then Town B 73-33.