THE battle for the Okehampton and district Table Tennis League title remains fierce with only one point separating the top two teams.

The current leaders (The Young Ones) secured a 6-4 win over Bridestowe. Mark Tancock won all his three singles for Bridestowe and Phil Down fought hard to beat Andy Moppett 11-6, 11-13, 5-11, 11-7, 8-11.

With The Young Ones leading 5-4, Bridestowe's Mark and Phil took on George and Edward Haskell in the doubles as they battled for a draw.

In a closely contested match, George and Edward finally came through in the fifth set to secure the win. The Young Ones scores were George Haskell (2), Edward Haskell (2), Andy Moppett (1). Bridestowe scores were Mark Tancock (3), Phil Down (1) and Francis Griffiths (0).

Second place Tavistock A faced Okehampton A in a re-arranged match and came out on top by 7-3 games. Fred Phillips took Barry Vaughan's 100% winning record and went on to secure a fine maximum beating both Barry Denner and Tony Howick in five sets. Barry Vaughan had to fight hard against Peter Hicks but finally won in the fifth.

Tavistock's Roger Bowkett also had a good win against Barry Vaughan. Okehampton's Barry Vaughan and Barry Denner took the doubles against Fred Phillips and Roger Bowkett in the fifth set. Tavistock A scores were Fred Phillips (3), Peter Hicks (2), Roger Bowkett (2). Okehampton A scores were Barry Vaughan (1), Barry Denner (1), Tony Howick (0).

The next day Tavistock A were away at Academy A. The improving Academy A players put up a strong performance with Tom Pearce beating Peter Hicks in four sets. Ben Hill took both Peter Hicks and Fred Phillips to the fifth set and Tom Pengelly only just lost to Roger in the fifth. Tavistock A won the double to secure the 9-1 win. Academy A scores were Tom Pengelly (0), Tom Pearce (1), Ben Hill (0). Tavistock A scores were Fred Phillips (3), Peter Hicks (2) and Roger Bowkett (3).

Okehampton A faced The J Team. Naomi Jackson secured another maximum to maintain her 100% unbeaten record for the season. Frank Cockburn did well to take Barry Vaughan to the fifth just losing out in five sets. Barry Vaughan and Tony Howick took the doubles against Frank and Naomi in five sets to win 7-3 on the night. Okehampton A scores were Barry Denner (2), Tony Howick (2), Barry Vaughan (2). The J Team scores were Naomi Jackson (3), Sarah Jackson (0) and Frank Cockburn (0).

Also in division one Anchorage B took on Anchorage A. Anchorage A ran out 10-0 winners although John Watson forced Dave Edwards to the fifth set. Anchorage B scores were Dave Wilson (0), John Watson (0), Roger Gilbert (0). Anchorage A scores were Bob Vella (3), Martin Fowler (3), Dave Edwards (3).

In division two, leaders North Wyke took on Moretonhampstead. In a terrific opening game Paulo Dumont beat Moreton's Ken Underhill before going on to achieve a fine maximum on the night. Dave Scholefield picked up two and Jill Dilley a further singles to give North Wyke a 6-3 lead going into the doubles, but Moreton's Peter Denman and Brian Skilton proved too strong for Paulo and Jill winning in four sets. North Wyke scores were Paulo Dumont (3), Dave Scholefield (2), Jill Dilley (1). Moreton scores were Ken Underhill (2), Peter Denman (0) and Brian Skilton (1).

Okehampton B took on Oke Young Ones B. Both teams could only raise two players but young Harry Bryant and Kieran Coyle pushed their more experienced opponents all the way. Janice Seabrook maintained her 100% winning record despite dropping a set to Kieran who also took a set off Maureen Venton. Harry Bryant played superbly to beat Maureen in five sets. Janice and Maureen took a closely fought doubles in four sets to secure a 6-3 win.

Division one P W L D Pts

Young Ones 11 10 0 1 85

Tavistock A 11 9 0 2 84

Okehampton A 10 6 1 3 70

Bridestowe 10 6 0 4 60

The J Team 11 3 2 6 54

Anchorage A 9 3 1 5 45

Academy A 10 2 0 8 24

Anchorage B 10 0 0 10 1

Division two P W D L Pts

North Wyke 6 5 1 0 44

Moretonh'stead 7 3 0 4 33

Milton Abbot 5 2 1 2 31

Okehampton B 5 3 0 2 26

Oke Young Ones 5 0 0 5 7