FIVE teams are now on the same points behind the Warrington Snooker League Premier Division leaders.

GESM A lost ground after they were beaten 5-2 by Alford D and Roosters C also fell at home, 5-2 to Richmonds A.

This means Newton Social B's lead has been extended to nine points after beating Irlam Catholic A 4-3, breaks of 67 from Wayne Brown, 43 from Danny Thomas and 38 from Bill Cocker aiding their cause.

Bottom club Bridgewater Club still have hope after they won 4-3 at Walkers A.

Cadishead Cons still lead Division Two after breaks of 35 and 31 from Paul Oliver saw them win 4-3 at Alford B but their lead was cut to 10 points as second-place Rylands A beat GESM C 7-0, with the break of 31 from Darren Williams the only comfort for Grappenhall.

Woolston A stay third but are nine points further back after they beat Kings Club A 6-1.

Division Three now seems a lot tighter after leaders Irlam Catholic B were made to struggle before beating St Josephs 4-3.

GTBL B took the opportunity to close the gap to three points after they won 6-1 at bottom club St Benedicts.

Deaf Social A stay third after they beat Roosters D 5-2 but are only two points clear of Irish Club who maintained their good run with a 7-0 win over Woolston C.

n Results: Division One: Walkers A 3 Bridgewater Club 4, Roosters C 2 Richmonds A 5, GTBL A 3 Newton Social A 4, Newton Social B 4 Irlam Catholic A 3, GESM A 2 Alford D 5, Monks A 5 Penketh Cons B 2.

Division Two: Woolston A 6 Kings Club A 1, Culcheth Sports 2 GESM B 5, Penketh Cons A 5 Rylands B 2, Rylands A 7 GESM C 0, Richmonds B 3 Kings Club C 4, Alford B 3 Cadishead Cons 4.

Division Three: Kings Club B 5 Woolston B 2, Irlam Catholic B 4 St Josephs 3, Penketh Tavern 2 Deaf Social B 5, Deaf Social A 5 Roosters D 2, Irish Club 7 Woolston C 0, St Benedicts 1 GTBL B 6.

Fixtures for tonight, Thursday: Division One: Alford D v Walkers A, Irlam Catholic a v GESM A, Penketh Cons B v Newton Social B, Richmonds A v GTBL A, Bridgewater Club v Roosters C, Newton Social A v Monks A.

Division Two: Kings Club C v Woolston a, GESM C v Richmonds B, Cadishead Cons v Rylands A, GESM B v Penketh Cons A, Kings Club A v Culcheth Sports, Rylands B v Alford B.

Division Three: Woolston C v Kings Club B, Roosters D v Irish Club, GTBL B v Deaf Social A, St Josephs v Penketh Tavern, Woolston B v Irlam Catholic B, Deaf Social B v St Benedicts.

n IN the Individual Merit third round, Wayne Brown had breaks of 81 and 61 in winning his match but that was bettered by James Short who had a break of 122 in his tie which is by far the highest break so far this season in any competition.