Amazing Jake Haygarth, of Kirkby Stephen, defeated all three top players from title favourites Natland A to cap an exciting week in Division One of the Kendal and District Table Tennis League.

Twelve-year-old Jake beat Tamas Bacsi 11-5, 11-7, 12-10 before going on to see off Roger Pimblett – many times Kendal League singles finalist – 8-11, 11-3, 14-12, 12-10 and Louise Thompson in straight games.

The sky seems to be the limit for young Jake, who lives in Tebay and is one of the just 30 young players selected for the 9-13 and Hopes Squad by Table Tennis England.

The squad is for the youngest athletes in the England set-up and involves regular training camps with national coaches as he starts on a pathway towards national recognition.

But his heroics could not stop Natland winning the match 22-14 to climb to second place in the table behind Burton A, with two games in hand.

A crushing 30-3 demolition of Natland B enabled Ibis to move up to fourth and still just about in touch with the leaders.

Crook B remain top of Division Two following a 30-2 destruction of Kirkby Stephen B.