REIGNING Section One champions United Services Club were quickly back in the groove on Runcorn & District Carlsberg UK Bowling Association's opening night.

They dropped just six chalks for a 183-150 win against Egerton A.

Section Two title holders Pavilions B were involved in an epic battle on top-flight debut against their A-team colleagues and ran out the winners by one chalk (174-173).

Red Lion had a much easier 183-96 win over Ball O'Ditton. Peter Hulse posted a superb 21-3 victory for the Frodsham side with John Ellams winning 21-06.

Section Three champions Rock Park Tavern edged a hard-fought match at Subscription B 158-147.

Roy Pilling led the way for Tavern with an excellent 21-4 victory.

Newly relegated from Section One, Kingswood A and Norton A found the going tough in Section Two - both losing away.

Kingswood were defeated 178-132 at Willow Brook and Norton 167-127 at Helsby C.

Elsie Gribben led the way for Helsby with a solid 21-8, while replying for Norton was Peter Goodwin (21-09).

Taking the drop to Section Three at the end of last season, Grapes A took on the league's newcomers, Manley, and came away with a 155-158 win.

The other newcomers, Kingswood B, also lost their first encounter in an even closer game - missing out by one chalk (159-160) at home to War Memorial A.

Norton B were the first team this season to have a maximum, winning 189-106 against the young guns from Helsby D - E Bruce (21-04) the best winner.

Halton RBL's B team lost out 150-176 to their colleagues from the A team (Derek Dickson 21-08). n The second week of Frodsham & District League fixtures has produced a tough assignment for champions Grapes A at Goshawk A, while Red Lion A travel to Chetwode Arms.

Division Two's Castle Park B take on local rivals Conservative Club A.

Home advantage should favour both Pavilions B against Willow Brook A and Runcorn Hill, whose visitors should be depleted Pavilions E, who it is hoped will be able to carry on in the league.

There should be home wins in Division Three for Crowton against Kingswood A, Rock Park over War Memorial A and Halton A, who entertain Egerton B, A close affair is predicted between Pavilions D and Union Tavern in Division Four.

There should be home wins for both Manley B and Conservative Club B whose visitors are Kingsley B and Chetwode B.