ALEXANDRA made their best start to the Super League campaign when they crushed Lostock Hall Con Club 6-0.

Captain Brian Tomlinson led the way, 21-8, followed by David Hoyle who ran out from 7-7 to win 21-7.

Vincent O'Donnell and Andrew Sharples both won by the same very comfortable 21-10 margin.

Peter Renwick and Kevin Thompson were involved in much closer contests and had to come from behind to win 21-17 and 21-18 respectively to seal a fine victory.

Rose N'Bowl made a positive start to the season when they defeated Blackburn visitors Witton 4-2.

Peter Connolly beat Graham Lang, while Geoff Alderson (21-13) and Jim Melling (21-14) added to the score to give Rose N'Bowl a 3-0 lead at half time.

Reigning champions Great Harwood went down 4-2 away at Birches Hotel, who look likely title challengers this year. Two successes for the visitors were Stuart Gall and Glynn Dodd who both finished well to win 21-18 and 21-19 respectively.

Results: Alexandra 6 Lostock Hall 0; Birches 4 Great Harwood 2; Farington 0 Brownedge 6; Frenchwood 4 St Annes 2; Rose N'Bowl 4 Witton 2.

Fixtures for Sunday: Brownedge v Alexandra; Farington v Birches; Lostock Hall v Great Harwood; Rose N'Bowl v Frenchwood; Witton v St Annes.

EAST Lancs got off to a flier as they beat Burnley's St Andrew's 12-2.

Dave Friar recorded a 21-11 win to state his case for this year's merit.

Darwen did the same to Colne British Legion, while Globe showed yet again that they will not give up their title easily by a whitewash of R Utility at the Helmshore-based club.

Key clashes this Sunday are between the Globe at home to Darwen Subs, and Bar Lane, who take on Colne Cricket.

Other fixtures are: St Andrew's v R Utility; Colne British Legion v Greenhill; Turton v East Lancs.

The Individual Knockout competition in the Hyndburn Bowling League will take place at Grange Bowling Club on Saturday, May 1 (and Sunday, May 2 if entries allow). The closing date is Friday, April 16.

Entries to secretary Marion Cornall, 13 Grimshaw Street, Great Harwood, or ring 01254 889405.

THE Alexandra Classic, sponsored by the Lancashire Evening Telegraph and Scottish and Newcastle Pub Enterprises, gets underway next month with opening sessions of first and second round matches.

Although many of the 64 competitors are already entered in the tournament, several vacancies for both Saturday and Sunday evening sessions remain available.

The format of the event is similar to previous years with two first round games followed by a second round contest to qualify for the last 16.

All games are 31 up from scratch start and entries so far include a good balance of top players from our area and some well known names in crown bowls.

Choice of dates are available until Sunday, August 10.

Entry is £15 with £45 return for second round winners and total prizes over £1,500.

Anyone wishing to enter should contact organiser Don Atkins, c/o Alex Hotel, Dukes Brown, Blackburn or ring 01254 52114.