Pudsey A put a marker down as they opened up an eight-point lead at the top of the Naylor Premier League after a 23-7 demolition at Brighouse Sports A.

Captain Paul Bowes with a superb 21-10 victory, was the pick of eight away winners. Brighouse are going to find it tough going this season, and already find themselves bottom of the league after two games.

Asa Briggs A went down to a respectable 18-12 defeat at champions Crossgates. Stuart King (21-9) and Jack Summers (21-7) got Asa off to the perfect start before Dave Morris (21-5) and Peter Wilcox (21-9) replied to ensure a home win.

Another team to get off to a good start were Shipley Club A at Eccleshill B, with the first four winners – Graeme Dytiche (21-8) being the pick of them.

Eccleshill B replied strongly through Mick Angus (21-5) and Neil Matthews (21-9) as the home side edged it 18-12.

Ladyhill A and Eccleshill A shared five winners each, with Ladyhill edging the aggregate by 18-chalks, thanks to wins from Mally Fowler (21-11) and Dave Fisher (21-12).

Pudsey Littlemoor A left Clayton A with only 11 points, but with three out of four 21-20 games going in favour of Clayton, it could have been better for Littlemoor. Martin Fulton’s 21-8 kept the aggregate tight for the visitors.

Wyke A, who were many people’s favourites to take the Godwin League title this season, got off to a disastrous start, losing 17-13 at home to Cranmore.

John Armitage, who moved from Brighouse Sports, was the only winner of the four new Wyke recruits, carding a 21-11 win. Cranmore’s star performer was Michael Rennison, who produced a great 21-11 win.

Pudsey B have made an impressive start under the captaincy of Stewart ‘Doc’ Watson, as they brushed aside Brighouse Sports B 25-5, with wins from David Hilliam (21-2), Stuart Hanson (21-4) and Dan Beardsworth (21-8). Surely Pudsey will have two teams in the top flight next season.

Greengates’ Stuart Wilson has started the season in terrific form, and his superb 21-6 helped his team to an 18-12 home win over Guiseley A.

It could have been so much better for Greengates, as they only dropped 11 chalks, despite only carding five winners.

Whitkirk produced a great 19-11 win at Hove Edge A, with Phil Vayro (21-10) the best of seven away winners.

Rufford A made it two wins out of two to move top of the league as they look for a quick return to the elite after a 20-10 win at Pudsey Littlemoor B. Allan Caine’s 21-9 led the way for Rufford.

Drighlington A were in devastating form in the Observer League, carding seven away winners at newcomers Blakeborough Albion, who are finding it tough in the Bradford League.

They are using Brighouse for their home matches as they try and resolve legal issues concerning their own green.

Starring for Drighlington were Tony Carpenter (21-4), Josh Gamble (21-5), Mark Smith (21-6) and John Cash (21-9). The Hoppers’ showed some resilience for Blakes, as Neal, Janet and Glyn all carded victories.

David Smalley’s superb 21-1 win for Queensbury A was the difference as they ran out 17-13 winners at home to Wibsey A, who had Alan Clayton (21-7) on top form.

Ladyhill B continue to impress after three successive promotions, and they have started their season in the Observer with two wins.

After last week’s home win over Blakeborough, they followed up with a 16-14 win at Crowghyll A, winning the aggregate by just one chalk.

Gary Dixon, Andy Woodhead and Mark McCann all produced 21-9 cards for the Hollies S&SC, but with Brian Bentley (21-7) and Stephen Holmes (21-9) replying for Hightown, it was the home team that edged it 16-14 in a low-scoring game.

Clubs are reminded that today is the deadline for team entries for the Howarth Cup, the Pairs Knockout, sponsored by Leeming & Peel Ltd, and the Four-A-Side Knockout, sponsored by Kolorco (Printers).

Clubs should submit their entries ASAP to John Preston at johnapreston@btinternet.com.

Entries are still being taken for the Bradford Pairs Merit, sponsored by Martin S Lonsdale (Estate Agents), which takes place at Wibsey Park on Sunday, May 12.

Pairs must consist of playing members of the same club, and entry fee is £5 per pair. Anyone interested should contact Norman Lickley on 01943-884323.

The finals of the West Riding Cup and Pilling Cup take place on Friday at Heckmondwike, with both finals starting at 7pm.

The West Riding Cup final sees Pudsey BC A take on Crossgates BC A on No 1 green, while Cleckheaton Sports A take on Spen Victoria A in the Pilling Cup, on No 2 green.

Both games should be strongly contested, and the support for all should be vociferous.