Big hitters are under pressure

4:29pm Friday 13th June 2008

The BSF Tennis Men's Leagues are looking in good shape after some good weather, with only a handful of matches lost to the elements following five full weeks of play.

No division is tighter or more keenly contested than the Premier Division, and this year all the old favourites have either been overturned, or are under great pressure.

A resurgent Markland Hill A almost put one over the division leaders Holcombe Brook SC A who are top only on sets-difference over Leigh CC A.

Playing at home, the Hill squad really got stuck into the leaders when young Shacklady and Ian Hassall won two, losing only to top man N Gibson and his partner, who won all three on the night.

Second pair Bromley and Bentley ably supported them by winning one and drawing another, but the smallest of differences of strength in depth became apparent when the third couples battled to a draw between Marklands Hackin and Ward and Holcombe's Ainsworth and Green.

In spite of a valiant battle, the Markland Hill A team could shake the hands of their victors who ran out 5-4 winners in a close contest which could be a defining moment of the season.

Leigh CC, over several seasons, are a steadily increasing force in the Men's League and their A team cemented a seat at the top table by comprehensively defeating an out of form Lostock A who are struggling to cope with top-team tennis.

Their 8.5-0.5 defeat of Lostock A was utterly convincing and last year's third-placed Division One team are still with no points and are now fighting relegation.

Nothing changed at the top of Division Two with wily Walmer A looking good - the only unbeaten team left. Playing a South College B who are still trying to find their feet so far this season, they ran out 8-1 winners.

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