Top Staffs pair Mel Evans and Lynn Pritchatt are marching on towards a successful defence of their AVH Industries Indoor Bowls league title.

But the duo had to dig deep for the first time this season as they faced Craig Barker and Keith Carter and narrowly won 21-18.

Their nearest rivals are veteran pair Dave Murray and Brian Preece, who also had to battle  to see off Clive Pittaway and Chris Halford 21-18. 

Glyn and Derek Storer came back to form to defeat Bill Pitt and Stuart Edwards, but fellow Windmill bowlers Vic Gray and Dave Hayward are bottom after a 21-19 defeat to Mick Jones and Cliff Johnson.

Dave Taylor and Dave Semper look favourites for the Division 2 title although their 100 per cent record was under threat as they beat Kevin and Darryl Handley 21-20. 

Alan Parsons and Keith Anderson have moved into second place thanks to a 21-7 victory over Barry Farr and Dan Taylor.