KINGSCLERE Quails took another step closer to the Whitchurch League Division One crown by beating mid-table Howard Park 55-44.

Second-placed Hyde Abbey A drew with Alton Social 43-43 to hold on to second spot from Basingstoke Town Spades, who won 50-41 against Littleton.

The only other result in the top flight saw Andover B beat Oakley 52-50.

Division Two leaders Whitchurch Yellows look set for promotion as they now lead second-placed Marnell B by nine points and have a game in hand.

Due to various backlogs in Division Three, it is still not clear who will take the second promotion place, but Thornycroft A and Town’s Jokers look favourites.

In Division Four, the teams with games in hand could overtake Thornycroft B, but the results of late suggest Thorny will hold their spot.

The play-off places in the Stan Hardman League Southern and Western Divisions are still up for grabs.

The most likely outcome looks like Alton Social and Whitchurch joining Medstead and Hook Saphires.

The Basingstoke District Bowling Association League sees Town and Oakley with points in the bag, but Kingsclere and Alton Social are pushing them hard.

It is likely that Whitchurch and Howard Park will be relegated from Division One, following a disastrous loss by Park to Andover in heavy rain.

Promotion from Division Two is between Old Basing, St Mary Bourne and Basingstoke Town B.