AFTER a good start to the season in Division Three of the Lancashire GMC Superleague, St Annes travelled to Rochdale fully expecting to return with a convincing victory. But they underestimated their opponents.

Jon Fish got the match started with a 3-2 victory (55.45) keeping his 100 per cent winning record intact this season. Jim Scott was unlucky not to break his duck, but missed doubles cost him the game 0-3 (58.52). Next on the oche was Bob Warham and he looked in complete control when leading 2-1, which included a 180, but then he ran out of steam and lost the next two legs and the game 3-2 (59.78).

The following game saw Steve Doran turn in another rock-solid performance, winning 3-0 (63.50). The last game before the interval ended with Gary Warham feeling the pressure and coming out with a 3-0 loss, making the half-time score Littleborough 3 St Annes 2.

After the break Malcolm Poole got the scores level with another steady performance winning 3-0 (71.57). After that it was all one sided with Jamie Clare struggling with his game to lose 0-3 (48.92), Frazer Bagnall just being edged out in a tight 3-2 game (68.65), Alan Dyer losing 3-1 (64.58) and the final game of the day seeing Mitch Hall losing 3-0 (69.10).

With the next match not until November 4, the team will have time to reflect on this and be ready for the visit of local rivals Kirkham. All players to report to St Annes Ex-Servicemens' by noon.

Results, Sunday September 30: Kirkham 7, Milnrow 3; Castleton 6 Lancaster 4; Clitheroe 4 Burnley 6; Littleborough 7 St Annes 3.