HELLAND have moved to within four points of league leaders Blisland A following a comprehensive 7-3 victory over Torridge last Wednesday night.

The home side, who are fourth, were indebted to the in-form Pete Freeburn who won all three of his matches without dropping a set, to get their points on the board.

Ingus Abolnieks, Ritchie Bartlett and Mike Fisher each won their other two games for Helland who are scheduled to travel to Blisland next.

The other game last week saw a thrilling 5-5 draw between North Hill A and Budehaven A at North Hill Village Hall.

Going into the final match, Shirley Luckhurst required victory to salvage a draw, and when she dropped the first two sets against Dave Salisbury it looked like her 100% winning record for the season was about to go.

However, she regained her composure to force a decider, which she managed to win 11-9 and earn her side a share of the spoils.

While Luckhurst won her three matches, Salisbury and Helen Murgatroyd each won their other two contests as well as winning the doubles together.

The big game in Division Two went the way of ever improving Altarnun who still haven’t lost.

They earned a 6-4 victory at home over previous leaders, Budehaven C.

Paul Burden won all three of his matches with Simon Holmes turning his recent form around to win two thrilling five-setters.

David Sillifant managed two wins for the visitors who were without Owen Salisbury.

Budehaven’s loss allowed Helland B to retake the lead in the division by three points, with both teams having played half of their games.

Helland romped to an 8-2 victory over North Hill B who drop to fourth.

David Maclennan playing his second game of the season made it six wins from six for the campaign while David Hughes and Steve Lehan also enjoyed good evenings.

Trevor Luckhurst and skipper Michael Kinger each won their final game to avoid a whitewash for the away side.

The relegation battle between Crackington B and Launceston was postponed.

In Division Three, Bridgerule B had an excellent week, earning 3-2 victories over Bridgerule C and North Hill D. The North Hill game was re-arranged from Week 7.

North Hill D also had a comprehensive win, whitewashing Helland C, 5-0.

North Hill C are the new leaders from Bridgerule A as they earned a 3-2 victory over Budehaven D.

Nathan Jukes won both of his matches for Budehaven.

This week’s matches are the last before Christmas and are the first of the return fixtures from earlier in the season.

In Division One, Helland A make the trip to Blisland knowing they are seeking a victory to keep in touch in the title race while North Hill A take on Crackington A.

In Division Two, Helland B and Altarnun will be confident of dispatching Launceston and Crackington B respectively while there is a mid-table battle between Budehaven B and North Hill B.

League leaders North Hill C are at home to Bridgerule B in Division Three while Bridgerule A will aim to keep the pressure on at the top at home to North Hill D.

Bridgerule C face the long pre-Christmas trip to Helland C.

The final event of 2016 takes place on Monday night (December 19) when the David Viggers Tournament is hosted at Blisland Village Hall with a 7pm start.

The hall’s postcode is PL30 4JS.