THE see-saw battle continues at the top of Section Three in the Runcorn and District League.

Grapes A are back in the lead with a superb 21-2, Joan Horrocks just preventing a full house with 21-20.

Second-placed Halton RBL A visited Pavilions C and came away losing 146-143, the ladies had three players winning in single figures the best being Margaret Aspinwall 21-5. Replying for Halton was James Peers 21-5.

Pavilions D are third after a solid victory 149-163 at Halton RBL B, Peter Dumbill (21-7) was Lions' best with Charlie Brothers 21-9 replying for Halton.

Section Two leaders Helsby C took a heavy defeat 171-132 at the hands of Kingswood A but still remain top. Second placed Willow Brook were also defeated 160-131 away at Norton A, Tony Friar leading the way with a brilliant 21-3.

Making it a hat-trick of losses for the top three, Frodsham Cons B went down 168-123 at Corporation.

Section One sees Red Lion take top spot, though they have played a game more than the chasing pack.

The Frodsham outfit were away to Egerton B and came away with a fine 160-170 victory, Eric Bold 21-11 led the charge for the Lion and Ian Tate 21-11 replied for Egerton.

Grapes B drop to second place, 112 chalks behind the leaders with a game in hand. The Halton Road outfit were at Subscription A and came away with a great result 140-173.

In third place, also with a game in hand, are USC who are 25 chalks behind second-placed Grapes B. USC were at home to fourth-placed Pavilions A, Alan Briscoe (21-7) starring for the hosts.

Egerton A, despite losing 171-153 at Pavilions B, move into fourth position.

In the quarter-finals of the Murphy Cup, holders Grapes B were knocked out in a thriller against Helsby C.

With all nine games played, the scores were level 188-188. Pat Newhouse won the toss and led the jack to win the deciding end.

In another close game, Kingsley beat Halton RBL B 223-216 and go through to the semi against Helsby C at Subs.

The third quarter-final saw Pavilions A and B paired against each other with the 'A' team coming out on top 172-138, Simon Jones led the way for the 'A' team with a superb 21-5, replying for the 'B' team was Les Harrington 21-9.

The fourth quarter-final saw last season's beaten finalists USC defeat Egerton A 194-140. Services had a full house and leading the way was Brian Furber 21-9.

In the Prelims of the P and A Morgan Cup, teams through to the first round are Subscription B after defeating Section One's Ball O'Ditton 188-160. Union Tavern defeated Section Three's Helsby B 185-228 and Pavilions C beat Norton A, of Section Two, 227-210.

* Due to lack of support, the Jim Ainsworth Merit has been put back until August.