IN the Tavistock snooker league Conservative A had to win to gain any ground on West Devon A; instead it was West Devon who stretched their lead at the top of the table after a 3-2 victory.

Carruthers put the Cons in front, needing a 28 break to see off the early challenge from a free potting Hurford. Heathman found his touch with a solid frame to inflict the first defeat of the season on a subdued Cook to draw West Devon level. West Devon's Emptage came out on top of a close exchange with Con A's Evans. Conservative A drew level with Watters seeing off the challenge from a spirited C Hurford.

Down to the deciding frame the unbeaten K Rich (21) was too strong for Con A's Lacey, with a fluent potting display. West Devon achieved their first 'double' over the Conservative A since the league started, and leaving them well placed to achieve their first title as the 'final run in' of the season commences.

Bottom of the table Conservative C picked up their second win of the season with a thoroughly deserved 4-1 win over neighbours Conservative Z. Bassett breezed past Con Z skipper Palmer, picking up a 21 break in the process. Dodd pulled one back for the Z team with a comfortable win over T Jago before the C teams Craze came out the best in a low scoring game with McKechnie followed by his team mate Claridge posting his first win of the season over Cath Friend. Clive Jago provided the icing on the cake for the C team with a superb captain's innings to oust Morton in another low scoring close encounter. The C team are now close to the teams above them as they try to lift themselves of the bottom spot during the season's final run in.