WOMBATS extended their lead at the top of division two of the Malvern Table Tennis League with a victory over the third-placed Poolbrook Juniors.

Steve Glazzard led the way with three wins, well supported by Tony Birch and Dave Williams with two wins apiece.

For the visitors Graham Collier won twice, plus the doubles with Matt Lang. They came close to getting a draw when Graham and Mark Griffiths both lost tight, five-set matches.

Ledbury Exhaust moved into second place with an emphatic victory over Broadheath. Stewart Moss, John Meredith and Ray Cooke were the successful trio. Broadheath's only win was by Brett Brining over Ray Cooke, although Dave Elliott only lost 11-9 in the fifth set to Ray.

Bromyard Logics gained three vital points from their visit to Manor Park to play Travellers. Richard Owens managed three singles victories and the doubles with Chris Daniels (1). John Hunt also won two. For the home team, Bob Atyeo won twice and Ken Hipwell once.

Bottom team CSSC Nomads put up a great fight before narrowly losing to Vulcans.

Four times Vulcans took the lead only to be pegged back before winning the last two games to clinch the victory.

Ian Backhurst won all his singles and Tony Hughes one for Nomads, whilst Beryl Shammon and Ray Holroyd won two apiece and Chris Hughes for Vulcans. The doubles proved crucial, with Chris and Roy beating Ian and Dave Backhurst 11-8 in the fifth set.

Of the 39 sets played between Juniors and Travellers, 13 went past ten-all and another nine ended 11-9.

Matt Lang was the hero for Juniors, winning all his singles and the doubles with Graham Collier (2). He was made to fight all the way by Ken Hipwell (5-11, 14-16, 15-13, 12-10, 11-4) and Bob Atyeo (18-16, 12-10, 12-10).

For Travellers Bob and Ken won once each and Martin Snee twice, although he required five sets to beat both Graham and Mark Griffiths.

The league is sponsored by Brewin Dolphin Securities.