Thursday League leaders Courtfield had a good chance to put the league title to bed.

But, missing several regulars, they came unstuck on their own green against neighbours Subscription and were beaten 8-2. It was a tight game, just five shots in the aggregate.

But it means that nearest pursuers Dalston, who won 10-0 at West End, now have a realistic chance of snatching the title as they are just five points adrift.

Also, they do not have to rely on any other results, and an 8-2 win over Courtfield at Dalston tonight will see them crowned champions. It should be a very interesting game.

Other results saw Brampton back-to-form with an 8-2 win over Holme Head, which means they could still finish in second spot if they can get a good win at Stanwix tonight.

In last week’s games, Stanwix lost 6-4 at Wetheral.

Despite losing 6-4 at Dalston, Subscription still hold on to top spot in the Friday League, though they have been joined on 78 points by Wetheral who missed a chance of success when losing out 8-2 at Courtfield.

Brampton will also be kicking themselves when they lost out 8-2 against West End, though they did keep themselves well there by beating Holme Head 10-0 in a re-arranged game.

Holme Head did much better in their scheduled fixture when taking all ten points from their encounter with Stanwix.

Brampton top the Thursday Handicap table and look very likely to win the title.

But it could have been very different.

In last Thursday’s home game against Holme Head, they had to give the visitors eight start and only just managed it, scrambling home 58-57 to take the two points.

Tonight, they travel to Stanwix where the home side are in receipt of five shots. Brampton will fancy their chances.

Subscription kept their hopes alive when in receipt of six shots they won 59-48 at Courtfield. Had Courtfield won, they would have been favourites for the title and still have an outside chance depending on other results and a win at Dalston tonight.

Subscription have home advantage tonight and, with three regular skips back in action, look the likely winners even though visitors West End will have 11-shot start.

The other game tonight sees Wetheral round off their season with a home tie against Holme Head, the two teams starting all square.

It’s very tight at the top of the Friday Handicap table.

Brampton lead the way by a single point from West End with Subscription and Dalston both just one point behind in third and fourth. Brampton slipped up at home last week against West End losing by 13 which may well prove costly.

Courtfield who are in fifth place, four points behind the leaders, won comfortably against Wetheral last week but third is almost certainly as much as they could manage especially having to give West End 12 start tomorrow at River Street.

Dalston, who are in fourth spot, defeated Subscription last week their 11-shot start seeing them home by 10 shots.

Holme Head ensured they will not finish bottom when easily beating Stanwix.

Not all the handicaps are shown for tomorrow’s games as the Subscription v Brampton game was being played last night and the result of that could well have a major bearing on the title as well as affecting the handicaps tomorrow.

The two games unaffected are Courtfield v West End +12 and Stanwix +14 v Dalston.

The clubs involved in the other two scheduled Friday games will be informed of the handicaps by telephone.