DIVISION One champions, Walmersley, made a poor start to the handicap event, beaten by Bradshaw, but bounced back this week with a win over Guild Hall A.

The mixed sets were crucial, when the usual easy control of Dave Gerrard and Steve Routledge was supplemented by the efforts of the ladies Tarzanna Morley and Diane Hardman.

Morley sweeps opposition aside with a relentlessly physical, ubiquitous athleticism, attacking throughout with unblinking gusto. Hardman is less spectacularly evident but it was perhaps the play of herself and sidekick Helen Artingstall which underscored the team's league success - super-subs plus they put themselves up, un-fazed by any opposition and battle away.

Last week's doomed tip for success, Guild Hall B suffered the inevitable Kiss of Death and were well beaten by an Astley side whose on court "up for it" enthusiasm was eclipsed only by the courtside support of skipper, coach and non-playing guru, Ian Westmoreland.

The season's most-wins ladies pairing, David Lloyd's Bleakley and Birchall, did the business again but were unable to prevent a second defeat in the competition by Markland Hill B. Paul Henderson was in inspired form as his team won five of the six sets. Good support came from Judith Hancock, Kate Nightingale and another successful, low-profile performance from the near Pimpernellian John Morgan. With two wins out of two, they are clearly a threat.

RESULTS - Chorley 26 David Lloyd B 23; Walkers B 32 Bradshaw 16; Holcombe Brook A 24 Bolton School A 20; Bolton School B 30 Walkers C 20; Walkers A 34 Guild Hall A 18; Markland Hill B 29 David Lloyd A 22; Astley 32 Guild Hall B 16; Markland Hill A 25 Holcombe Brook B 18.