In a titanic clash at the top of Division One of the Hastings & District Table Tennis League, Bexhill A maintained their single point advantage over Hollington A after a 5-5 draw. Unbeaten this season, Hollington’s Paul Barry scored a crucial maximum, while Lewis Mayhew and Rob Warner both won 2 for Bexhill. Barry’s fitness was tested when, in consecutive games, he won in 4 sets against Mayhew, then partnered Andy Furnival to a 5-set win over Mayhew and Martin Kellaway before being called back to the table to take on Rob Warner. Warner led 9-7 in the decider before Barry came through to win 11-9.

Saints A are only 3 points adrift of Hollington A after dismissing Hollington C 9-1, with Ritchie Venner and Dave Butler unbeaten. James Winchester also won 2 games, losing out to Nick Standen 16-14 in the deciding set.

Hollington B had a narrow 6-4 win over Saints C, with 3 wins from Robin Gibbs and 2 from Rose Rainton while Ron Davenport won 2 for Saints.

In another drawn game, below-strength Tackleway A were held at home by Tigers A, for whom Dave Mitchell was unbeaten. Brothers Michael and Roy Funnell both won 2 games for Tackleway, who failed to edge a win when Sheila King came from 2-1 down to beat Keith Lindsay in 5 sets.

Bexhill C beat Tackleway B 7-3, with maximums from Graham Gillett and Pete Robinson.

Bexhill B beat Saints B 9-1 with three wins each for Andy Summers and John Ellis and Yotza Krstic winning two.