A RACE to win the South and Mid Cheshire League title remains without a clear front-runner after the leading contenders shared the spoils on Tuesday.
Hartford A trailed guests Nantwich A by a single point in the men’s top-flight before their meeting at Chester Road, and that position remained unchanged after a 4-4 draw.
In their first rubber, Andrew Moores and James Barber put on a masterclass to secure a double bagel.
A 6-0, 6-0 win set them up for a shot at Nantwich’s best pair, but they couldn’t pinch a crucial set.
Captain Mark Gleave and partner James Barlow secured a share of the spoils with another comprehensive victory against the visitors’ second duo.
Third-placed Congleton A, the defending champions, have slipped further behind after a surprise loss to Nantwich Farmers.
However they remain in contention, and a three-way battle is set to run for the season’s remainder.
In what is promising to be one of Hartford’s best seasons for several years, their men’s B and C teams are both on course to preserve their first division status.
A crucial win over Winsford A last week propelled Hartford C out of the relegation zone after swapping places with their opponents.
Elsewhere, Hartford D are pushing for promotion to the highest level and sit second in the Division Two table.
Results
South and Mid Cheshire Tennis League
Week Eight
Men
Division One: Congleton A 3½-4½ Nantwich Farmers; Hartford B 0-8 Hartford A; Hartford C 5-3 Winsford A; Nantwich B ½-7½ Nantwich A
Division Two: Cuddington A 0-8 Congleton B; Hartford D 6½-1½ Hartford E; Nantwich C 1-7 Tarporley; Wistaston A 3-5 Alsager
Division Three: Acton Bridge A 1-7 Winsford B; Audlem 2-6 Goostrey A; Cuddington B 4½-3½ Holmes Chapel A; Hartford G 0-8 Hartford F
Division Four: Congleton D 3-5 Congleton C; Nantwich E 1-7 Nantwich D; Winsford C 5-3 Holmes Chapel B; Wistaston B 2-6 Cuddington C
Division Five: Congleton F ½-7½ Congleton E; Cuddington D 8-0 Acton Bridge B; Holmes Chapel C 8-0 Goostrey B; Winsford D 4-4 Wistaston C
Ladies
Division One: Congleton B 5-3 Congleton A; Hartford B 1½-6½ Holmes Chapel A; Hartford C 0-8 Hartford A; Nantwich B 5½-2½ Nantwich A
Division Two: Goostrey A 1-7 Congleton C; Hartford D 6-2 Hartford E; Nantwich C 4-4 Cuddington A
Division Three: Cuddington C 2½-5½ Nantwich D; Goostrey B 2-6 Congleton D; Holmes Chapel C 1-7 Holmes Chapel B
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