WESTLECOT roared back to the top of the East region table in the Wessex League as they thrashed Reading Leisure Centre side Rivermead in a comprehensive victory last Sunday.

They ran out 72-shot victors after taking the honours on all four rinks to collect a maximum 16 points and move seven points clear of nearest rivals Carterton at the head of the group.

The Old Town indoor club made a flying start against their Berkshire opponents and led 37-13 across the board after five ends. At halfway, they had increased the overall advantage to 62-23.

Westlecot continued to pile up the shots, hitting the ton to lead 100-31 at 15 ends before finally recording an emphatic 123-51 success.

Steve Remington’s away rink in Reading led the charge with a massive 30-shot success while there were also big wins for the fours, skipped by Kyle Anderson (20 shots), Dave Godwin (12) and Mel Biggs (10).

The race for top spot in the East region is now virtually a two-horse race between Westlecot and Carterton, with both only having three matches left to play. They meet during the last round of East section games on February 21 in what should be the group title decider.

However, both clubs look certain to grab automatic qualification for the end of season play-offs for the overall Wessex League title, which Westlecot have won four times.

The month of January is a busy time for East region teams, with matches scheduled for all of the remaining Sundays, leaving all 10 clubs with only two group games remaining.

Carterton face fourth-placed Loddon Vale tomorrow while Westlecot do not play their next game until January 31 when they meet Oxford city centre side City and County.

Meanwhile, Swindon Manor have two games left this month, against Chipping Norton on January 24 and Rivermead seven days later.