RUNCORN seized the initiative in the annual Triangular Golf Competition against Helsby and Widnes by turning in another solid performance on foreign soil on Sunday.

Going into the second leg of the popular tournament level at 8-8 with Widnes, the Runcorn players captured six and a half of the 18 points on offer in breezy conditions at Helsby to build up a significant lead of two and a half points going into their home leg on August 12.

Helsby were winners on the day taking seven and a half points, their captain Ian Smith and his partner Doug Tate overcoming Runcorn captain Archie Booth and Stan Roberts by a comfortable four and three margin.

The Helsby triumph was also due to an emphatic win by their president David Ashall who, accompanied by Ron Jones, Beat the Widnes president John Black and his partner Bill Johnson by six and four.

The Widnes captain Alan Seddon, partnered by Mark Fraser, lost by the same embarrassing margin to Helsbys Brian Halliburton and Denis Foster.

Most of the Widnes team were also in action on Saturday, competing for the Alcester Cup.

That coveted trophy goes to Ken Hill, who used his 20-stroke handicap to telling effect to accumulate 41 stable ford points around the Highfield Road course.

Chasing him home on 40 points was Dave Roberts, playing off 12, while single handicappers Chris Ainscough and John Bright occupied the minor placing on 39s.