THERE'S a familiar look to the top of the first division with favourites YMCA, who defeated Brockhall, once again in top spot.

Dropping only three games the champions have shown that they are the team to beat to take the title. At the bottom of the table, two newly-promoted teams were engaged in a thrilling match with both sides anxious to remain in the First Division.

Belgrave Carpets were equal in play when it came to the mixed doubles, but the away side of St Philip's were never in trouble in the level doubles, particularly with the strength of their men who played extremely well dropping only one game.

Their ladies put up a good fight, but the home side were determined to turn the tables. In the end the games were shared. This first win of the season by St Philip's moved them up a place in the league table.

Telecom A now take over the top place in the Second Division by outclassing YMCA C in all areas. The visitors were never in with a chance and Telecom kept up the pressure to the end.

Second-placed Abacus secured their position, but not without a fight against home side St Nicholas A. Only able to share the mixed doubles, the visitors were able to stamp their authority in the level doubles with their ladies playing well above their normal standards to take the match in what looks a comfortable margin on paper, but in reality was a night to remember.

Although suffering a defeat at the hands of Whitehall, second-placed Westholme were able to clinch some valuable bonus points to take over the lead at the top of the Third Division. With Sue Whittaker urging her players on, they were only just beaten on the night, mainly due to the better play by Whitehall in the mixed doubles, in which the home side were never able to settle down in their pairings. In Roefield B's opening match they started off with a fine win by easily outplaying third placed Aztec. Blackburn Juniors A, who started off their season well, were brought back down to earth by a hefty defeat at Accrington Falcons, with the home side only dropping two games all evening and they now head the Fourth Division.

College, who were expected to start the season well but have found themselves struggling so far, picked themselves up following a rewarding win over Telecom B who have yet to get anywhere near winning a match.

Relegated Salesbury B once again showed that they are determined to get back into the Fourth Division at their first attempt. They completely dominated play from the start, and visitors Phoenix were only able to secure two games throughout the match in a very much one-sided affair.

Meanwhile St Matthew's, still smarting from missing a narrow promotion last season, were held back in their quest for better things when Westholme Wilmar Lodge showed them how to play in many areas. In the end, both the level and mixed doubles were shared events, but St Matthew's were able to record a win by a mere four aces, and thus lost valuable bonus points which may prove costly as the season progresses.

Clubs are being invited to send their ideas for knockout competitions to the fixtures secretary for presentation to a Cup sub-committee at the end of this month. Results - Division One: YMCA A 13-220(17), Independent B 3-95(4); Brockhall 3-108(5), YMCA A 13-223(17); Pleckgate 11-202(15), Salesbury A 5-176(8); Belgrave Carpets 7-177(10), St Philip's 9-190(12); YMCA B 14-224(18), Stanhill A 2-136(4).

Division Two: Telecom A 14-236(18), YMCA C 2-133(4); BA 5-151(8), Roefield A 11-212(15); St Nicholas A 6-174(9), Abacus 10-208(14); Stanhill B 9-209(13), Mount Carmel 7-146(9).

Division Three: Whitehall 6-131(8), Avondale 10-208(14); Wetholme 7-172(10), Whitehall 9-199(12); Tag 11-220(15), Olympic A 5-150(8); Roefield B 10-216(14), Aztecs 6-149(8).

Division Four: YMCA D 5-142(7), Independent C 11-203(15); Independents C 7-191(10), St Nicholas B 9-201(13); College 12-230(16), Telecom B 4-141(6); Accrington Falcons 14-231(18), Blackburn Juniors A 2-141(4).

Division Five: Olympic C 4-124(6), St Matthew's 12-221(16); Blackburn Juniors B 4-134(6), Blackburn Blinds 12-224(16); Salesbury B 14-234(18), Phoenix 2-127(4); St Matthew's 8-192(12), Westholme WL 8-188(11).

Fixtures for Saturday: Blackburn 2nd v Liverpool 2nd (noon).

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.