THE Bailiffs claimed joint top spot this week in the Malvern & District Pool League with a close 6-3 victory over the impressive Magnificent 7.

The removal specialists led 4-2 in the singles as Harding, Daly, Kyte and Ken Jones all won and partnerships of Dave Jones and Keith Reynolds claimed the fifth frame before captain Daly and Dave Harding won the final frame.

But credit to the Upton Social Club outfit, who are in a deceptive position in the league and could well challenge next season.

FEAR had the bye and needed it after captain Lee Handy's hectic week, as Lee delivered his own baby last Saturday night, to much publicity, and everyone at the MDPL wish Lee and family all the best for the future.

Meanwhile FEAR remain joint top with an identical record with played 8, won 7, lost 1, points 66.

Third-placed Legionnaires picked up their seventh win in nine outings and are on 58 points after defeating the Bar Studs at the Bell Inn, Bosbury 5-4.

Robopot OCP in fifth place went level with Baldies Battlers (fourth) after beating their near rivals 5-4. Upton's Lager Louts destroyed the Super Dudes 7-2 in the other night's game. The Louts jumped up to sixth place in the MDPL on 44 points with a won 4, lost 4 record. The Super Dudes meanwhile prop up the league on just 22 points with just one victory in nine outings.

Week 12, Sunday, January 20 sees the preliminary round of this year's Malvern & District Singles KO Cup with a big entry expected.

Week 14, February 3 sees the new format of a round robin tournament with two groups in action.

Sunday, February 3 also sees top Malvern pool professional Shaun Daly compete in the Jersey Open 2002 based in St Helier in the Channel Islands.

Shaun, with local favourite Fred Tandy, chase enormous prize money and titles in one of the biggest pool events to take place in Europe.

Daly will also take his place in the PPPO professional tour event with ranking points up for grabs to improve his chances of automatic qualification to the Scottish Pro Tournament which will feature Steve Davis, Ronnie O'Sullivan, Jimmy White and many more top players from the world of snooker and pool.