LOSTOCK Smashers made full use of the handicap system as the Mid-Cheshire Table Tennis League turned its attention to knockout action.

They may have finished bottom of Division Two during the qualifying period for the Mike Johns Memorial Handicap Knockout, but they hammered Manweb 5-0 in the preliminary round.

They will face George Abbott Butchers in their first round tie.

Elsewhere, Martin Thomson was in fine form for Victoria Club as they earned their place in the main draw.

He beat George Berry despite conceding a 14-0 start to help his side past Kinetics in the Mike Johns Memorial Handicap Knockout.

Keith Mitchell chipped in with two wins and Pete Morley one in a 5-1 preliminary round win for Victoria, who will take on Rangers next.

Vikings overcame a major scare to see off Lab Rats – they saw a 4-1 lead wiped out before eventually securing a 5-4 triumph – while Hawks won 5-1 at Snakes, with Matt Lafferty and Jeff Slowley both winning two matches.

Vikings and Hawks will face Wreckers and Sparks respectively at the next stage.

In the remaining matches, Bears overcame Cobras and Wolves conceded their match to Sticklebacks.