NEW team YMCA Rookies beat higher-ranked Hartlebury Wanderers in the Worcester Table Tennis League's Team Handicap Knock-out second round.

In a close match, Rookies' John Cawthra played well, holding Dave Jeffries and Lyn Davies and taking points from Bob Barlow.

Lisa Lang and Alan Spink also contributed to the haul for the Division Three side.

The handicap difference of 130 points ensured Rookies defeated their Division Two opponents by 26 points.

YMCA Elizabethans were too strong for Strensham with a 41-point victory, despite a 100 per cent record for skipper Roger Davies. Reg Stobbs impressed for Elizabethans.

Pavilion Players, without number one Stephane Bonnafous, fell by 80 points at home to Nemesis.

Ray Davies gained most points for Nemesis, while Lynda Reid played well for Players.

The semi-finals of the competition are next month.

In Division Two, Broadheath Belters recorded their fifth successive victory with a 9-1 win at St George's Dragons.

After a poor start, Belters climbed to second place and are serious title challengers.

Steve Mills won the only game for Dragons, beating Ken Hipwell, which left Peter Stevens and Brett Brining undefeated for Belters.

In a close match, Jorakeroge edged Himbleton C' 6-4 to hit the top of the division.

Adam Throssell was unbeaten in three singles for the visitors although taken to a deciding set by Rob Sinderberry and Ken Baker. Their other win came from Brian George against John Mytton.

Baker and Sinderberry each won two singles for Jorakeroge and won a close doubles game against Throssell and Pete Rogers, while Mytton saw off Rogers.

Cripplegate Guild went down 6-4 at home to St George's Dragons.

Dragons' Geoff Woodward and Steve Mills won three singles but lost in the doubles to Phil Houghton and Mike Sledge.

Houghton, Sledge and Gordon Nicklin each added a singles win.