LENTERN B suffered an 8-1 defeat at the hands of Rawreth B in the Premier Division of the Southend and District Table Tennis League.

But Lentern's Les Tayler had a surprise win over Eric Green. Tayler lost the first leg, but wore his opponent down and went on to win the next three comfortably.

Lentern's Chris Crooks hit some outrageous winners in an exciting game before going down in four legs to Babul McLeod, who only just edged home against Tayler.

Andrew Halling had a more comfortable night, winning all his games three straight.

A mid-table clash between Rayleigh Mill and Hullbridge A resulted in a 5-4 win for the latter which puts them one point ahead of their opponents in the table.

A hat-trick from Paul Grant did most of the damage, which he achieved at the expense of Hamish Innes with a 16-14 win in the fifth.

In Division One, the team currently occupying second place in the table, Rawreth D, had a tough match against Hadleigh Forum A.

Three of their games were won at deuce in the fifth so they were lucky to emerge the 5-4 winners. Mike Griffiths and Brian Spencer won two games each for the victors, while Garry Hartgrove was Forum's most successful player.

Customs A won by a similar scoreline against Selbourne in spite of the latter fielding Michael Piper who won all his games. Dave Morgan and Brian Rackham both bagged a brace for Customs with Roger Woolley contributing the all important one.

In Division Two, Hadleigh Forum are still in contention for honours following their 5-4 defeat of Basildon Hospital.

David Woolmer had a hat-trick and was supported by Brian Nicholson, who won two before losing to the Hospital's Sid Hills.

Top team Hullbridge D overcame the club's C team who are struggling at the bottom of the division.

Andy Seaman, who is topping the division two averages, put in yet another good performance to lead his side to a 5-4 win.

Barry Bronson won two of his games, losing only to the C team's two-game winner Janet Finch.

In Division 3A there were two 5-4 results. A hat-trick for Steve Wynn led Legra C to a good win over Wakering. He was supported by Miles Milner and Simon Chesher, who each banked a point.

Invicta B beat RESSC B. John Golding and Derek North bagged a brace each while Norman Cregor added one to give them the 5-4 win. Sarah Mapes was RESSC's best player with two wins.

In Division 3b, Rawreth Juniors A were in action against Customs C. David Nunn, Robert Reed and Jack Chinn were all in good form to win the match 9-0.

Rawreth Juniors B put in a 6-3 winning performance against Hullbridge F. Sam Langton won all his games, brother Ben added two and Mitchell Nunn one. Neil Klyman banked two wins for Hullbridge.