FRODSHAM Red Lion's good start in the Winsford Veterans Super Cup semifinal was undone by holders Burslem Suburban.

Victories for Arthur Land and Jim Ellans gave them a great start but the Stoke club soon reeled them back in to take a one point lead at the half way stage.

Brian Littler and John Nield also recorded wins but Subs did enough and progressed to the final 156-141. They couldn't do the double though as they were convincingly beaten by Sale Excelsior 141-98 in the final.

Glynn Cookson couldn't inspire England to a win against Scotland and Ireland in the Home Internationals at Alexandra Park, Stockport, on Saturday.

England, who had won the competition for the last three years, crashed out 244-191. The Scottish and Irish team went on to beat Wales in the final.

Cookson faces Lostock rival Paul Mackie in the final 64 of the Talbot Trophy at Blackpool's Raikes Hotel on Saturday while John Gurney faces Diggle's Ken Strutt.

Preston's Brian Duncan took Sunday's Wharton Cons Open with a 31-30 win against Birkenhead's Julian Fullerton.

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