Netts D have established a tight grip on the promotion slot in division three of the Braintree Table Tennis League after two heavy wins in successive matches.

They beat their own E team 10-0 and followed up with a 9-1 win over Black Notley I in a rearranged match to open up a 13-point lead at the top.

They showed their strength in depth by using five players over the two matches. Charles Calisin won six out of six while Michael Goodchild and Keith Traynor were unbeaten against Netts E and Jimmy Calisin similarly untroubled against Notley I.

Notley G are second after an 8-2 win over Finchingfield, where Graham Chinnery was the only one to beat Stewart Grant, but both Great Yeldham and Rayne G have a match in hand in third and fourth place.

The other two matches in the division resulted in draws. Nigel Parmenter was unbeaten in Notley I’s match with Sudbury Strollers while Tim Townsend won his three singles for Rayne H against Notley H.

In division two, Rayne D moved two points closer to leaders Netts B after a 9-1 win over Notley C while Netts B beat Notley F 7-3.

Paul Wellington and Richard Whiteside were unbeaten for Rayne D while Joe Meleschko won his three sets for Netts B.

Notley D remain third after a 7-3 win over Rayne E, where none of their players could overcome Adi Kamma.

Promoted Sudbury Wanderers, who have a match in hand, are four points behind in fourth place. Louise Hartshorn was in top form in their 6-4 win over Notley E, winning all three singles and dropping only one game in the process.

Netts C moved off the bottom of the table after beating Rayne F, the team above them, 8-2. Kierlan Richards was unbeaten.