GREENSWARD Thirds, the Veteran Division One leaders in the Southend and District Badminton Association League, extended their advantage with a resounding 5-1 away win to end Hawkwell’s unbeaten run.

The home side started well with a win for Ron Lucas and Alan Morriss but then the Greensward Ladies of Sara Thompson and Nicole Goodale levelled the match.

Thompson extended the lead with Robert Dunn and then Goodale with Chris Gates made it 3-1.

Although the last two rubbers were both decided in the third games Greensward were not to be overcome.

The Veterans’ Premier Division race is hotting up as top team Westcliff came from behind against Eastwood to win 4-2 with David Stead the man on form for Westcliff.

Second-placed St Aidens-Leigh remain a point adrift, also winning 4-2 against Eastwood.

Ken Adams chipped in with three points for St Aidens and Lorene Roberts earned two points for Eastwood.

Belle Vue hosted FitzWimarc Seconds in a Men’s Division One match the away side were never behind in from the off as Graham Goodale and Andrew Gardner started with the first of their maximum three rubbers.

Darren Brooks and David Walpole levelled for Belle Vue but FitzWimarc won the next three courtesy of Mike Vardy and Robert Cornish, Goodale and Gardner then John Dakin and Donald Pocock to go into a 4-1 lead.

Belle Vue pair John Marshall and Peter Smith won the next before Goodale and Gardner made it safe.

Marshall and Smith and Brooks and Walpole restored some pride for Belle Vue to make the final score 5-4 to FitzWimarc to keep them two points above the home side.

The two top teams in Ladies’ Division One both had 4-2 wins which means Westcliff Seconds stay ahead of Fitzwimarc Three by 16 points having played two games.

Westcliff beat Belle Vue with Julie Milner scoring maximum points, while Sarah Whyley top scored for Belle Vue with two.

FitzWimarc’s maximum scorer was Rebecca Terry as they overcame Greensward Sara Thompson having a part in both points for the away side.

RESULTS Ladies One: Westcliff Seconds 4, Belle Vue 2; FitzWimarc 4, Greensward 2. Mens One: Belle Vue 4, FitzWimarc Seconds 5. Veterans Premier: Westcliff 4, Eastwood 2; FitzWimarc 5, St Aidans Leigh 1; St Aidans Leigh 4, Eastwood 2. Veterans One: Hawkwell 1, Greensward Thirds 5.