Reigning men's singles champion Dave Cole suffered his first defeat of the season in the Colchester and District League against Chelmsford player Jon Hill.

His team, Rowhedge A, remain eight points clear in division one, though, as they won 6-4 against Rayne. Rik James looked in top form, winning his three games.

Second-placed Rowhedge C failed to close the gap as they fielded a two-man team which went down 6-4 at lowly Walton A.

Kevin Gowlett won his three for the village team but this was not enough to prevent them from losing for the first time this season.

This was Walton's second win since Christmas and lifts them to relative safety in joint-sixth spot with St Mary's A, who lost 6-4 at Ipswich.

Andy Holmes took three wins but Paul Taylor continued his good run since returning to the top-flight by winning two, including the notable scalp of Ian Brown.

Dedham A had a wretched week as they lost 9-1 twice, firstly at Rowhedge C and latterly at Rowhedge B.

Mike Wright was Dedham's only winner on both occasions as they hover just four points above second-from-bottom Rowhedge D.

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Published Thursday, January 20, 2005

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