AT just about the half way stage in the Brewin Dolphin Securities-sponsored Malvern Table Tennis League Division One, last year's champions Manor Park Cavaliers again lead the way.

They have a seven point advantage over last year's runners-up Grosvenor Eagles.

During their last two matches they have picked up maximum points with victories over Ledbury Merlins and Eagles.

Against Merlins Nigel Foreshew gained the consolation win with victory over Trevor Simmons while against Eagles, Cavaliers took full advantage of the missing Dave White through injury to gain a fine 10-0 win with Joe Higgs, Mike Keeley and Trevor Simmons all unbeaten on the night.

In Eagles' next match Dave White returned to the side and won his three with good support coming from Norman Merchant, who won twice, to gain a 6-4 win over Lions. Richard Smith played well for Lions winning twice and then teaming up with Ann Barnes to win the doubles.

In third place in the table are the ever improving Manor Park Juniors side who gained a 7-3 win over Express in their last outing.

Five of the sets went to five games with the Juniors winning four of them with the elder statesman of the side, Alan Salisbury, winning his three against his former side, ably supported by both Jack Higgs and Dave Smith who both won twice.

Pete Griffiths won twice for Express with Dave Woodyatt and Ray Page winning the doubles.

This season promises to be one of the closest for many years with only six points separating the second-placed team from the second-bottom team.

With Pumas looking marooned at the bottom any one of the next five teams could be looking at the drop.

RESULTS: Ledbury Merlins 1, Manor Park Cavaliers 9; Manor Park Express 25 3, Manor Park Juniors 7; Manor Park Cavaliers 10, Grosvenor Eagles 0; Grosvenor Eagles 6, Ledbury Lions 4.