YOUNG men grabbed the limelight this week -- Josh Bleakley, Stuart Cartwright and Gareth Jones to be precise.

Bleakley was the youngest, drafted into the David Lloyd A side to partner his mum!

He survived the ordeal well, showed plenty of promise and produced enough penetrating forehands to win one of the mixed sets.

That was not sufficient, however, to deny a fiercely focused, no-messing Bolton School A team. Their determination was epitomised by the form of Janet O'Connor at the net.

Bradshaw enjoyed the benefit of Messrs Cartwright and Cole. Both are ferocious hitters and both are eliminating the barmy shot selections from their game, which takes the pressure off such mentors as Janette Walsh and Linda Hawker.

Guild Hall A were well out of it after the mixed sets. A win for Dorothy Hutchinson and Allison Whittaker restored some pride.

But for Alan Brooks and Gwyn Whittaker, the torture continued as they felt the full barrage of young male offence, which simply blasted through their defence.

Next week sees the quarter-finals of this competition which features some intriguing matches, not least that between Markland Hill A and Bradshaw.

The former are as yet unbeaten, but scraped home by a desperate single game last week against David Lloyd B, denying Andrea Wallwork's bid to go out on a high note.

Also unbeaten are Holcombe Brook A, Astley and Walkers B.

Results: Holcombe Brook A 27 Markland Hill B 20; Bolton School A 25 David Lloyd A 21; Astley 37 Bolton School B 11; Markland Hill A 22 David Lloyd B 21; Bradshaw 32 Guild Hall A 14; Walkers B beat Walmersley A; Walkers C beat Guild Hall B.