HARTFORD A made the most of a slip-up by their rivals for the title to move clear at the South and Mid Cheshire League summit.

Mark Gleave, James Barlow, Andrew Moores and James Barber were clinical in dispatching clubmates Hartford C, recording an eighth win in nine matches to date.

That sent them to the top of the Division One table after Nantwich A, the previous leaders, lost 5-3 at home to Congleton A.

The three teams are separated by only two points with five games to play.

In Division Two, Hartford E could not prevent Cuddington A from moving into one of the promotion places following an 8-0 victory at Norley Road.

Hartford G remain in a battle for survival in Division Four following a heavy home reverse against neighbours Cuddington C on Tuesday.

Nantwich A look unstoppable in the ladies' top-flight, although Hartford B have emerged at the head of the chasing pack following a 5½-2½ success at home to Holmes Chapel A.

Helen Plumtree, Pauline Cordingley, Gill Lodge and Kathryn Barnett made up their quartet this week.

Hartford teams occupy the promotion positions in Division Two, with Hartford D 7-1 victors against their guests from Congleton C.

Meanwhile Hartford A are setting the pace in Mixed Division One following a 7-1 win at Cuddington A last weekend.

They are one point clear of closest-rivals Nantwich A, and host Holmes Chapel on Sunday.

Results

South and Mid Cheshire Tennis League

Summer Season

Week Nine

Men

Division One: Congleton B 6-2 Hartford D; Hartford A 8-0 Hartford C; Nantwich A 3-5 Congleton A

Division Two: Cuddington 8-0 Hartford E; Tarporley 8-0 Cuddington B; Winsford A 3½-4½ Alsager A

Division Four: Congleton D 7-1 Acton Bridge; Cuddington D 3-5 Congleton E; Hartford G ½-7½ Cuddington C; Wistaston B 0-8 Holmes Chapel B

Ladies

Division One: Alsager A 0-8 Nantwich B; Cuddington A 3½-4½ Congleton A; Hartford B 5½-2½ Holmes Chapel A; Nantwich A 8-0 Hartford A.

Division Two: Congleton B 8-0 Nantwich D; Hartford D 7-1 Congleton C; Holmes Chapel B 3½-4½ Hartford E.

Mixed

Division One: Cuddington A 1-7 Hartford A; Nantwich B 0-8 Nantwich A; Winsford 2-6 Congleton A.