A Mike Hayes hat-trick inspired Canvey A to a vital victory in the Premier Division of the Southend and District Table Tennis League.

The stunning treble, supported by a brace from Ray Murray, helped the second-placed Islanders see off the challenge of Rayleigh Mill 3rd, whose top scorer was Duncan Taylor with a double.

Other top-flight action saw RESSC A thrash Invicta A 8-1, thanks to maximums from Steve Kerns and Mike Worship.

RESSC's B team also clocked up a fine result in Division One by climbing into second spot with a 7-2 triumph over promotion rivals Rawreth D, as Keith Woodcock grabbed a hat-trick.

Other action saw a maximum from Richard Stubbington help Rawreth E scrape a closely fought 5-4 win against bottom team Invicta B.

In Division Two Colin Chatfield's hat-trick enabled Runnymede B to record another tight victory, 5-4, in their battle with Lentern B.

Rawreth F saw off Whittingham B by the same score, despite being a player short, as Dave Calleja hit a maximum and Lou Hopkins picked up two wins.

In Division Three, Martin Elms' hat-trick couldn't prevent his RESSC C team mates from going down to basement boys Castle Point.

However, Ross Collins' hat-trick, backed up by a double from Tony Halling, clinched success for Hullbridge H in Division Four, as they defeated Customs B 5-4.

Nonetheless, Wakering B still look favourites for the championship following yet another win, this time against Forum F 6-3.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.