Newcomers Snitterfield made a clear declaration of intent with a 10-0 demolition of last season’s joint title holders Colebridge Pasties. Alan Cotton, Clive Irwin and John Price conceded just six sets to become the early league leaders. Mike Evetts was unfortunate not to secure a consolation point for their opponents but lost to Price in the only encounter to go the full distance. 

Shottery A will again be among the challengers for honours after defeating Blazing Paddles. Characteristically they opened with the doubles where Gary Stewart and Graham Poole gave them a comfortable victory. Both players added singles success before Poole fought an epic battle with visitors’ captain Nello Mauri but was narrowly pipped to the post. Latecomer Stephen Foster then got into the action with successive wins and, refreshed by the half-time tea and biscuits, completed his treble when his pimple bladed guile and flat hitting mastery proved too good for Mauri. With Poole still feeling the effects of his gruelling previous game he was unable to overcome Wilf Chan, although it didn’t affect the final outcome as Shottery A ran out 8-2 winners.

At the opposite end of the table a treble from Ashorne’s Roger Pye ensured their basement battle at FISSC ended all-square although, in his opening game, he was initially two sets down to Peter Florence before getting into his stride. Florence also lost the other contest to go to the wire where Jim Jack took the honours which gave him a brace for the evening. Mark Jones won two for the farmers, with Florence and Malcolm Smith also getting on the card, and it was left to Smith and Jones to close the fixture by claiming the crucial doubles.

A perfect performance from Gareth Hepworth provided the backbone to Shottery B’s 8-2 win against Henley A. Tim Fell and Tony Remes each contributed two successes although neither could overcome Geoff Shephard. Dave Hatcher came close to adding to Henley’s haul only to be defeated by Remes in the only encounter to go to the wire.

Shottery B recorded a maximum over a new look Veterans team with Gareth Hepworth, Wilf Chan and Tony Remes earning trebles. Their opponents were represented by former West Warwicks stalwart Peter Rodwell and debutants David Higgins and David Wye, with the latter nearly gaining some reward after taking Remes to a decider.