HODDLESDEN’S Jake Loftus hit the first century break of the season in the Danny Hogan Memorial Cup game at Cherry Tree. Colin Crawford broke off in frame one then sat enthralled as last year’s Young Player Of The Year Loftus cleared the table with style.

With near perfect cue ball control Loftus made it look easy. Cherry Tree won the next 2 by a total of just 11 points before Eric Knowles turned on the style to beat Ash Taylor by 40.

With the lead being cut frame by frame it was Hoddlesden skipper Dave Fenwick who stopped the cricketers revival with a comfortable 50 point win.

Fenwick and Loftus pushed the Hoddlesden lead over the 100 points before Andy Stone hit back with a well taken 54 break to half the deficit.

A 40-point win from Baz Holden made sure it’s all to play for in the second leg.

Park Hotel healthy lead for next week’s return against VIP.

Anchor B came away from Longshaw A with a 62 point lead while Anchor A will protect a slim 29 point lead when they travel to first division Fox & Hounds. Orchard and Feniscowles battled to an incredible draw after 8 frames with the score tied on 382 points.