The race for the division three title in the Braintree Table Tennis League continues to be the most absorbing as the top two slug it out.

Rayne E took a one-point lead into the week’s fixtures and increased that by just one point as they beat Rayne F 7-3, while chasing Sudbury Wanderers overcame Black Notley G 6-4.

Two sets from the newly signed Adam Pitt held up Rayne E while a similar performance from Jamie Brooks helped Notley G restrict Wanderers’ scoreline.

Oliver Hicks won his three sets in straight games for Rayne E and Ian Shrubsole was unbeaten for Wanderers.

The other two matches in the division finished as draws, Notley H at Netts D and Notley I at home to Netts E.

In the second division, Sudbury Nomads stretched their lead at the top with an 8-2 win over Notley C while Notley D and Liberal C won 6-4 and 7-3 respectively.

Sean Clift was unbeaten for Notley D where the surprise was a rare nil return for Dave Marsh.

Andrew Huckson and Gareth Davies had spotless evenings for Liberal C.

At the top end of division one, Netts A drew level with Rayne A despite being a match behind.

Netts beat Notley A 9-1 – a good win for Takunda Nerutanga over Andy Holmes the one that got away – while Rayne beat Notley’s B team 6-4.

An injury to Steve Pennell will hurt Rayne’s chances of keeping Netts in sight. He was forced to pull out of the doubles and concede his last singles after aggravating a knee injury. Alan Burgess won his three singles for Rayne.

James Mullane was in form in Netts B’s 8-2 win over Liberal B. Mike Johnston got the better of Nikki Kennard and John Cleasby but could not overcome Mullane.