MID-TABLE Dent A produced a major shock in Division Two of the Kendal and District League when they held leaders Crook B to an epic 5-5 draw.

Dent came into the tie having only won one of their last six games, yet they started off the better of the two sides after racing into a 3-1 lead. Brian Tigg fought back valiantly for Crook, defeating Eddie Smith and Steve Hawley to bring Crook back within one point at 3-2. Dent went further ahead when Pete and Steve Hawley completed two victories apiece, adding to Smith’s three-set demolition of Paul Metsers.

But Crook were not to be outdone and demonstrated their table-topping credentials as Cousins beat Pete Hawley and Smith in four sets, adding to a win in the doubles to scrape a 5-5 draw.

Burton C remained in third place despite a 6-4 defeat at the hands of Kirkby Stephen B. Kirkby raced into a 3-1 advantage, only for Tony March to haul Burton back to 3-2. Despite James Burton and March’s 11-9 and 11-4 victories in five-set thrillers against Horn and Eric Robinson respectively, Kirkby snatched their third win of the season when Robinson and Baines completed two wins apiece.

Natland D are only one point away from a promotion place in fourth position as they scored a 7-3 triumph against Grayrigg A. The man of the match award was reserved for Jon Cooper, who netted all three wins, including an exhausting 11-13, 11-6, 11-6, 11-13, 11-6 success against an unfortunate Taylor.

At the opposite end of the table, Dallam C moved further away from the relegation zone with a 6-4 triumph against fellow strugglers Dent B. The defeat leaves Dent B in 10th place, six points from safety.

Burton A and Natland B played out an epic 5-5 draw in Division One, lifting Natland up to third in the table. Luke Biggins got Natland off to a flyer with a pulsating 11-7 victory in the fifth set against Julie Stitch. Biggins and Roger Pimblett helped Natland edge 3-1 in front but Burton responded as Stitch defeated Pickthall, with Martin Wakelin getting in on the act with a nerve-wracking 11-9 victory in the fifth set against Pickthall.

Natland’s Pimblett edged out Stitch 11-9 in a tense final set showdown, but Burton clawed their way back for a draw when Chris Knowles beat Biggins in straight sets and then teamed up with Stitch to take a win in the doubles 11-9, 11-8, 11-6.

Natland A scored their third win in five games as they swept aside Dallam A 7-3.

Natland E head the Division Three table by 19 points following a 30-0 whitewash over Dallam F. Natland’s Gavin Lowe, Rinaldo Colombi and Anthea Bevan cruised through the tie with ease, making it five wins from six games for the table toppers.

Crook C lie in second place after demolishing Grayrigg B 30-3, while Burton E remain in third and hold a game in hand over their rivals.