THE second round of the Malvern Table Tennis League's Main Handicap competition has produced some close and interesting contests.

Second division rivals Crackpots E and Manor Park Pumas played out a hard-fought match before Crackpots emerged with a 14 point win. Paul Coleman is unbeaten in the league, but was pushed all the way by Dave Hallam 11-7, 7-11, 11-5, 9-11 and Jon Dyke 7-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-9. Dave Steen will have been pleased with his contribution to the evening, taking a two point advantage off Dave Hallam and beating Jon Dyke 11-4, 11-9, 8-11, 11-5.

Third division team Dukes Way Dynamos found themselves up against the experienced Manor Park Express side, who were in no mood to show any generosity. Pete Griffiths conceding only 23 points in his singles matches, led the Express to a 36-point victory.

A below-strength CSSC Ramblers were no match for Bromyard Merlins. Graham Thompson kept Ramblers afloat in winning all of his singles and Dave Hayes did well to take points off Mike Wheatley, but the combined efforts of Harry Jutle, Nigel Foreshew and Mike were far too good.

The 105 points awarded to the youthful Manor Park Allsorts were nowhere near enough to slow down the Crackpots B team from the top of the third division. There were some bright spots for Allsorts when Alex Lindner took two games off Tim Snee and one off Ted Cates, whilst Lizzie Gorton beat Stan Ginn 12-10 in the first game.

The closest match of the round saw Manor Park Maulers beat the high-flying Grosvenor team. Don James, Ray Davies and Bill Smith picked up points consistently throughout the evening and with the help of the 240 points handicap, eased through by 11 points. It was good to note Anthony Wiseman making a rare appearance for Grosvenor.

Scores: Grosvenor 443, Manor Park Maulers (240) 454; Crackpots E (50) 391, Manor Park Pumas 377; Manor Park Allsorts (105) 342, Crackpots B 435; Manor Park Express 440, Dukes Way Dynamos (285) 404; CSSC Ramblers 320, Bromyard Merlins (50) 444; Ledbury Lions w/o, X-Police.