TIGHTEST match in a tight week featured Bradshaw and Markland Hill B, which combined more than a hint of memory lane as Jeanette Walsh, Chris Glassbrook and Winter League debutant lan Hassall renewed old rivalries with some memorable individual performances.

Stuart Cartwright is a highly promising Bradshaw newcomer with a range of blisteringly un co-ordinated shots which contrasted sharply with the more mature angled hitting of Mrs Walsh and Glasbrook.

Hassall proved still a class, if rusty, act and Paul Henderson produced his soaring backhand volley. All were upstaged perhaps by Bradshaw's Dominic Roscoe whose frantic, last ditch retrieving was an awesome sight in his side's narrow victory.

In Division Three, Egerton are going well, having unearthed a highly-experienced pairing in Stan and Marjorie Hunt each possessed of good strokes, good mobility and no little tactical nous.

In the same division, newcomers Guild Hall B have brought their own style. Debra Cowans has proved a good close season capture, Brian Boardman terriers about tirelessly while Andy Holmes chucks in both brain and brawn.

Bolton CC scored a surprise victory over Holcombe A. Good work from Sharon Birchall and Sally Crudden but blue riband to Howard Davie and Jason Lee, victors over the strong Reece/Clarke pair. A big scalp for Lee if less so for his partner, having lifted several such prizes in his career.

Walkers, as expected, pushed Walmersley close before yielding.

Results - Division One: Markland Hill A 39 Walmersley B 16; Walmersley A 31 Walkers A 27; Allsorts 30 Walkers C 18; Bolton C & C 31 Holcombe Brook A 19.

Division Two: Barrow Bridge A 30 MEB; David Lloyd A 26 Astley 24; Harwood 27 Winter Hill 19; Bradshaw 25 Markland Hill B 24.

Division Three: Barrow Bridge B 27 Walkers B 23; David Lloyd B 32 Holcombe Brook B 19; Egerton 26 Guild Hall A 21; Bolton School B 37 Guild Hall B 17.