RALPH Waite made the most of a handicap advantage to take the Knutsford Friday League’s Individual Merit title on Sunday.

The Railway Mobberley member squeezed past homester Jill Caveney at Church Inn, prevailing 21-19 after she ceded a three-chalk head-start.

He had ended the run of Sylvia Buckley (Victory Hall) – a rival that had been expected to get the better of him – in the semi-finals with a comfortable 21-6 win.

Caveney’s challenge had been more difficult, and she battled hard before edging Julie Bason (Cranford).

Waite had started a gruelling afternoon with wins against Francis Evans (Cranford) and David Wrench (Chelford), while Caveney saw off Kate Walsh (Warford Park) and Ann Holehouse (Chelford) respectively.

Meanwhile clubs return to league action on Friday when Victory Hall A seek to extend a lead at the Division One summit that is worth 47 chalks.

A trip to High Legh A, currently fourth, will be tricky though.

Closest-rivals Railway B visit Knutsford B.

Chelford A are setting the pace in Division Two, although they resume their promotion bid with an away date at second-placed Victory Hall B.

A gap between the rivals before the start of play is 61 points.

Oughtrington A can inch nearer to both teams if they overcome Oughtrington B at the same time.