TABLE TENNIS A brilliant Neil Cartwright hat-trick was the highlight of Bathford A's 6-4 victory at home to Frys A in the Bath & District League.

Cartwright had to work hard for his reward because, after beating Bryan Taylor in straight games, he was taken to a decider by Rob Chandler before taking Clive Ellison's unbeaten record with a thrilling 10-12 19-17 11-7 12-10 victory.

Matt Lloyd also turned in an excellent performance for the hosts, winning two sets including a surprisingly comfortable straight-game win over Chandler.

Both sides are in contention for the runners-up spot in the Premier Division but Bathford must now be favourites.

Martyn LeButt's treble for Newbridge A saw them edge home against Chippenham B 6-4. Roy Cary and Ben Sage won two sets each for the Wiltshire side.

In Division 1, a Trevor Pearson maximum steered St Barnabas A to a narrow 6-4 away win over Chippenham C.

Pearson was relatively comfortable in disposing of Phil Bevan and Graham Akerman in straight games but had a much tougher time before prevailing in four games against Alan Feltham, who went on to defeat Shaun Eagles and Chris Bultitude.

Division 2 leaders Yatton Keynell A had Jeff Flynn's straight-games maximum to thank for their 6-4 win at home to Newbridge Civil Service.

Wilf Adams recorded two wins for the hosts, although he went down in four close games against Dave Riley, whose two wins were best for Service.

Mark Creedon was unbeaten in Twerton's 8-2 win away to Bathford D, a result which keeps them in contention for the runners-up spot. Peter Smith and James Stone both won two sets for the visitors, although both fell in five games to an in-form Cyril Case.