IN the closest of the outstanding matches in the main Handicap Competition of the Malvern Table Tennis League sponsored by Lamberts & Wade Solicitors, Wanderers B beat Upton Ripples by 15 points.

Nick Bottomley won all of his games and received substantial help from Colin Dolding. Colin beat Peter Quy 21-10, 21-18, Roger Davies 21-15, 21-17 and the Jim Hare 21-18, 21-12.

Another close encounter saw the outstanding Grosvenor Eagles outfit overcome a resolute performance by CSSC Nomads by the margin of 16 points. The new Malvern champion Clare Newns was on top form but both Dave White and Norman Merchant played their part. In a close encounter between Division Two rivals Crackpots E overcame YMCA Vulcans surprisingly easily. For the loser Nick Farr showed why he won the Division Two tournament recently, whist for the winners Pete Harrold played well most particularly when he and James Palmer won the doubles 21-15, 24-22.

RESULTS: Wanderers B 417, Upton Ripples (110) 402; Crackpots E (75) 437, YMCA Vulcans 368; Grosvenor Eagles 420, CSSC Nomads (240) 404.

- The draw for the semi-finals of the handicap Competition gave Grosvenor Eagles a home tie against Crackpots E. The full draw is:-

Main Competition: Grosvenor Eagles v Crackpots E; Wanderers B v Abbeydowne.

Secondary Competition: Crackpots B v Ledbury Merlins or Ledbury Lions; Manor Park Amateurs v Ledbury park Rangers.

The matches should be played during the week commencing Monday, March 26.