PLAY resumed in the Kendal & District Table Tennis League following the half-term break.

Surprisingly, the top two teams in Division 1 were both beaten.

Leaders Burton A were comprehensively beaten, 24-10, by IBIS.

Steve Dixon won all three singles rubbers without losing a game and Burton’s only successes were victories for Peter Baxendale over James McGrath and Harry Carter and success in the doubles.

However, Natland A failed to capitalise on the Burton blip, going down to a narrow 16-15 defeat by Crook A.

Man of the match Phil Riley won all three of his singles and was ably supported by Matt O’Flynn, who defeated both Louise Thompson and Tamas Bacsi.

This was an unusually low scoring match with only the doubles extending beyond three games.

The effect of these results is that with three matches remaining Burton A lead Natland A by four points. However, IBIS are lurking menacingly in fourth place, 28 points behind Burton but with two matches in hand.

At the bottom, Burton B seem certain to return to Division 2. Who will accompany them is, however, much less clear, only eight points separating Kirkby Stephen in sixth place from Burton C in ninth. Natland B and Dallam A are sandwiched between them and any one of these four could go down.

At the top of Division 2, the leaders Crook B as good as sealed promotion to Division 1 with a commanding 26-10 victory over promotion rivals Natland D.

Phil Swift and Mike Taylor remained unbeaten throughout.

Meanwhile Natland C were comfortable 28-13 winners against Dallam B.

Natland C and Natland D seem destined to fight one another for the second promotion place.

The annual League Tournament will take place at the Dallam School Sports Centre on Sunday, March 17, followed by Finals Night at IBIS Sports and Social Club on Tuesday, March 19.