IT is a case of ring in the new as League newcomers Canterbury Belles continued to climb up the table this week, with a win over Pilkington Crusaders.

Captain, Kate Belger displayed her leadership qualities and gave an outstanding batting performance, scoring four rounders.

Not to be outdone, Julie Rowlands notched up 4 PI .

Crusaders' batting was not up to its usual standard. A good triangle combination of Karen Foster, Sue Maloney and Carol

Foster kept Crusaders rounders to a minimum. Belles' impressive form also gave Haresfinch a fright.

Though Finch struggled against Haydock, their star performer was Sue Winstanley, who took four catches in the game.

Haydock's scorers were Julie Nolan (2), Lisa Warburton(2), Bev Bentham and Kelly Nolan.

Finch scorers were Bev Murphy, Diane Shawcross and Leanne Murphy.

The Division 1 runners-up spot is still there for the taking, with several teams still in the running.

Windle need just one more victory to make them winners in Division 2.

Haydock have a comfortable five point gap over Haresfinch with both sides having the same number of games outstanding.

Hopefully the poor weather of late, will not dampen the teams' spirits in this run in.

Results:

Pilkington Spartans 5 PI Windle 9 PI , Pilkington Crusaders 7 Canterbury Belles 15 PI , Sutton 2 Pilkington Vikings 7 PI , Haydock 11Haresfinch 10 PI , Sutton 9 Pilkington Spartans 8, Haresfinch 7 UG 6 PI , Haresfinch 13 PI Canterbury Belles10 PI .