DALLAM A secured promotion back to Division One of the Kendal & District Table Tennis League with a 9-1 victory over the youngsters of Natland E.

A hat-trick of wins for Matt Neal and John Fitzgerald and two for Peter Duxbury sealed the win. Devun Whitehead’s four game success against Peter Duxbury prevented a whitewash.

Meanwhile, promotion contenders Burton D and Natland D were both held to 5-5 draws by Burton C and Burton B respectively.

In Division One, Dalton B all but presented the title to compatriots Dalton A, by taking three points off IBIS. Wins for Gareth Brunton and Tony Whitehouse over Trevor Nicholson and a victory in the doubles made sure that IBIS will finish runners up for the second season in a row. Dalton A now need only three points from their final match to be mathematically certain of the title. Steve Dixon and James McGrath were defiant however with three wins apiece, including victories over Gareth Brunton in two close five setters.

Dent have leapfrogged to the top of Division Three with a comfortable 28-10 victory over Crook C and now seem certain to clinch promotion to Division One. Steve Hawley and Ben Smith were both unbeaten in the singles.

The league’s annual tournament took place at Dallam School Sports Hall on Sunday. Around 40 players, senior and junior, enjoyed a superb day with each event played through to the finals, which will be played on March 21 at the IBIS Sports & Social Club in Kendal.