West Acre's Phillip Welham tops the national billiards rankings after winning the first national ranking Tour event of the season, which was held at Leeds Northern Snooker Centre.

West Acre's Phillip Welham tops the national billiards rankings after winning the first national ranking Tour event of the season, which was held at Leeds Northern Snooker Centre.

Welham defeated England International Billy Bousfield 517-106 in the final, recording breaks of 32, 97 and 219 in his first three visits to lead the Middlesborough player 348-0 after 30 minutes of the one hour final and to effectivly 'kill' the game .

The two-times national champion had earlier had wins over the following players - Jamie Barker - Lincoln 377 (55)-181, Jim McCann - Matlock 295 (52.76.56)-200, Mark Graham - Middlesborough 390 (76.68)-126 and John Murphy - Hartelpool 280 (58)-238

The victories over both Murphy and Bousfield not only put the West Acre man top of the national rankings but will also help raise his World rating - currently 39 - as both Bousfield and Murphy were ranked above him in the world list.

The next ranking event will be held at Newmarket Snooker and Bowl on Sunday, October 11, where Welham will be hoping to maintain his number one spot.

In the Narbeck Boys' League, all captains are reminded that team entries are needed with entry fee before the league's start date on Monday October 5.

League subs are still �15 per team, with all cheque being made payable to the NBBL.

Narborough's Ryan Jackson tops the West Acre Junior League after two more good wins. Jack Easter (West Acre) is second and West Bilney's James Eyre third.