BOCKING are ensured of second place in the first division of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League after beating a strong Maldon A side7-3.

Rik James - back to his best this season - was the Bocking talisman with a hat-trick of wins.

Bocking’s Gary Cattermole impressed with a notable 11-4, 11-4, 4-11, 12-10 victory over John Poysden. Alex Abbott in turn made his mark in this match with a quick-fire 11-2, 11-6, 11-9 win over David Cole, a player who never gives in without a fight.

OCs B stay second to bottom but they will be pleased with their 6-4 victory over their A side. Steve Northcott hit the jack-pot here and the hard-hitting top-spinner scored a superb victory over Brandon Crouchman - a definite contender for the “Win of the Season” award.

Hatfield Peverel A’s relegation from division two was sealed when they lost 9-1 to Elmtree Excalibur B.

Hatfield Peverel A also lost 7-3 to their B side. Gary Ward was undefeated for the B team, whilst Dave Fiddeman picked up two wins for the A side. Elmtree Excalibur B were 7-3 losers to Rawreth. Gus Heath held the Rawreth side together with a hat-trick.

In division five OCs H were 10-0 winners against Chelmsford F, with Tejas Kotwal, Lawrence Bartlett and Tanishq Kotwal undefeated.

Old Chelmsfordians' Adam Chalk and Harry Rogers impressed in the CLICK League Handicap Competition with a 5-0 victory against Chelmsford H.