FOUR convincing wins for Hartlebury Wanderers make them the surprise early leaders of Worcester Table Tennis League Division One.

Wanderers have yet to play the best sides but, with Brian Holyman unbeaten and son Brett losing just once, they have made a good start.

Having been overwhelmed by the two strongest sides, Cripplegate Guild’s confidence was boosted with a fine win over Himbleton ‘A’.

Steve Baker, Phil Houghton and Steve Glazzard all recorded maximums but the whitewash was avoided by the villagers when Malcolm Crane and Dave Rothero claimed the doubles.

Jostekeropa started the season powerfully but could field only two men against Hartlebury and paid the price with Paul Smyth’s victory over Lyn Davies their only success.

St George’s Dragons fought out a draw with Broadheath Belters, as did Nemesis and Himbleton ‘A’. Dragons had the unbeaten Geoff Woodward leading the way and he also claimed the doubles with Shafaz Ditta.

Pete Stevens and Pete Roberts replied with two victories each.

Richard Cullis and Ray Davies shared the wins for Nemesis, while Himbleton countered through John Rowe (2), Dave Rothero (2) and Malcolm Crane.

In Division Two, YMCA Enigma beat visiting Strensham 8-2.

John Cawthra and Irmgard Tischner each won their three singles with Alan Spink winning two and losing only to Ian Keetley.

The villagers’ other win was in the doubles.

But Manor Park Dynamos impressed by winning 6-4 against Enigma.

Charlie Burford and two juniors Matt Hodges and Stan Mason each won two singles.

They found Cawthra in good form as he won his three singles and the doubles with Spink.

Himbleton ‘C’ continued their winning ways with a 7-3 win against WGCC.

Adam Throssell won his three singles for Himbleton and the doubles with Pete Rogers, who added two more successes.

David Stevens (2) and Paddy Mullen were on target for WGCC.

YMCA Kites beat YMCA Elizabethans in a close match with David Williams beating Dean Lewis to clinch a 6-4 win.

Williams was unbeaten in the singles and, with Ray Griffiths, was also successful in the doubles.

Beryl Shammon and Griffiths added a singles apiece.

Elizabethans were best served by Dean Lewis, who won two singles.

Dave Watton and Simon Gibson were unbeaten in St Martin’s 9-1 win against Strensham. Division One: St George’s 10, Cripplegate Guild 0; Hartlebury Wanderers 7, YMCA Falcons 3; St George’s Dragons 5, Broadheath Belters 5; Nemisis 5, Himbleton ‘A’ 5; Himbleton ‘A’ 1, Cripplegate Guild 9; Jostekeropa 8 St George’s Dragons 2; Broadheath Belters 2, Hartlebury Wanderers 8; Hartlebury Wanderers 9, Jostekeropa 1.

Division Two: YMCA Enigma 8, Strensham 2; WGCC 3, Himbleton ‘C’ 7; YMCA Kites 6, YMCA Elizabethans 4; U3A 3; Love City Groove 7; Strensham 1, St Martin’s 9; Manor Park Dynamos 6, YMCA Enigma 4.