FOUR of the top five teams in Division 1 of the Kendal and District League locked horns this week.

One side hoping to regain the Division 1 championship after many years of domination are Ibis, who met fourth-placed Natland A.

Natland stormed out of the starting blocks as John Fearon and Mark Ashburn’s three and four-set victories respectively against Peter Rushton, combined with Harry Carter’s impressive four-set success against James McGrath, helped deliver a shock 3-2 lead.

Steve Dixon instigated a gritty comeback for the third-placed Kendal side, sweeping aside the Natland trio in straight sets.

Ibis held a slender 5-4 advantage going into the doubles, after McGrath defeated Ashburn in three and Carter disposed of Rushton similarly.

Ibis secured their seventh straight win of the season in the doubles when Dixon and McGrath paired up to earn a crucial 3-0 victory and an overall 6-4 success.

Burton A have reached the summit of the table momentarily, having played two games more than their rivals Ibis after a 6-4 victory against an in-form Natland B.

Natland’s Roger Pimblett opened this roller-coaster ride of a battle with an 11-6 success in the fourth against Julie Stitch and then shaded Chris Knowles 11-6 in a tense deciding set.

Natland’s early 3-2 lead soon evaporated as defence and counter-attacking specialist Graham Coupe snatched three victories, while team-mates Knowles and Stitch chipped in with one win apiece against Clyde Johnson.

Luke Biggins brought Natland back within a whisker of victory, edging Chris Knowles and Julie Stitch 11-6 and 11-7 respectively in thrilling five-set duels, yet Natland fell short in the doubles, confirming the 6-4 scoreline in favour of Burton.

Dallam E produced the shock of the season in Division 3 by masterminding a 26-14 success against a wily Crook C.

Dallam’s Bruce Carnaffin and George Pearson snatched all three wins, with a 12-10 triumph for Carnaffin in the fifth set against Paul Metsers standing out.

Crook’s points came courtesy of Paul Metsers and Chris Mowat’s victories against Zak Crosby-McCann.

Despite the defeat, Crook maintain their position at the head of the table, seven points ahead of Dallam E.

Results: Division 1: Natland A 4-6 Ibis; Natland B 4-6 Burton A.

Division 2: Burton C 7-3 Burton D; Dallam B 6-4 Dallam C; Dent A 4-6 Burton D.

Division 3: Crook C 14-26 Dallam E; Dallam F 30-5 Natland F; Natland F 6-29 Natland E; Natland F 12-24 Storth.