HARTFORD Tennis Club’s teams endured mixed fortunes in the South and Mid Cheshire League over the past seven days, combining vital victories with disappointing defeats.

The men’s first team secured another win, their fifth in succession, this time beating Nantwich A 6-2.

Gary Makin and Mark Gleave stepped up from the second string, and performed well despite an injury almost forcing the latter to withdraw.

Meanwhile leading pair Jarrod Wood and Andrew Moores had dropped a single set in Division One ahead of last night’s visit from champions Congleton A.

Hartford B lost 6½-1½ at home to Alsager A, while Congleton A whitewashed Hartford C.

In Division Five, Hartford G celebrated a third successive 8-0 victory.

Their hosts, Bunbury, made canny use of swirling conditions to land some baseline-peppering lobs.

However their guests adapted, driving home emphatic set wins to stay top of the table.

In the ladies’ top flight, Hartford A lost at Congleton A despite winning three of the contest’s first four sets.

Hartford D won 5½-2½ at likely promotion rivals Alsager B on Thursday in Division Three.

The visitors’ first pairing, comprising of newcomer Pauline Cordingley and Claire Simpson, have found their stride after winning every set in their past three matches.

In Mixed Division Two, Hartford B shared the spoils with guests Alsager at Chester Road following a 4-4 draw.

Piers McLeish and Hazel Sexton won three-and-a-half of their four sets.

Results

South and Mid Cheshire League

Week Five, Men’s Division One: Hartford B 1½ Alsager A 6½; Hartford C 0 Congleton A 8; Nantwich A 2 Hartford A 6.

Division Two: Nantwich B 6 Hartford E 2; Hartford D 4½ Alsager B 3½.

Division Three: Hartford F 7½ Wistaston A ½.

Division Five: Bunbury 0 Hartford G 8.

Ladies’ Division One: Congleton A 5 Hartford A 3.

Division Two: Hartford B 6½ Congleton C 1½.

Division Three: Alsager B 2½ Hartford D 5½.