DAVE Ward's break of 50 helped Irish Club A maintain a slender lead at the top of Warrington Snooker League Division One with a 4-3 win at Newton Social B.

Irlam Cons are only one point behind after James Short's break of 59 could not prevent Alford A crashing 6-1, while third-placed Newton Social A are two points further back after a 5-2 triumph against fourth-placed Roosters C.

GESM A defeated second-placed Deaf Social A 5-2 to open up a 10-point gap at the top of Division Two.

Andy Couthard made a break of 45 for the winners and Gary Taylor completed a break of 55 for the losers.

GTBL B are in third position after a 5-2 win at relegation-threatened Tetley OF.

Division Three leaders Irish Club B extended their four-month unbeaten run with a 7-0 win against St Benedicts.

Stockton Heath B consolidated second place with a 5-2 victory against Monks C.