Top of the league but needing a good result, the 2nd team travelled to Wellingborough.

Martin Thompson went on court at Number 1 with youngster Luc Elsby. Martin's speed of shot selection and Luc's over-anticipation caught Luc repeatedly on the wrong foot as Martin's boasts trickled around the front of the court. Martin won easily in straight sets.

Meanwhile, Andy Frazer went on at number 5 against John Loasby. Although John was a tall man and Andy managed to move him well around the court, the first game went to John and then games fell alternately, but despite a close 3rd game that John just managed to hold 10-8, Andy lost in the fifth 9-4.

Paul Norris went on at 4 against Ian Shirley, Paul won the first and Ian, working out the weekness in Paul's backhand but unable to capitalise fully, also lost  the second. Paul's remarkable retrievals from many excellent lengths that looked completely dead in the both back corners put the pressure back and although well ahead in the 3rd game Ian lost it 10-8.  Paul then kept catching Ian wrong footed at the front of the court and it was all over in the fourth.

Angus Elsby, Luc's older brother (but still a youngster by Martin's standard!) then played Peter Rhodes at number 2. Peter soon worked out the tight lengths frustrated Angus and after a hard battle for the first game, Angus seemed to fade and give up, losing in straight games.

It was then up to Tim Arthur to save the day for Market Harborough at rank 3 against Karl McAndrew. Tim won the first game easily 1-9 then Karl came back to just sneak the second 9-7. Tim then reasserted himself to take the third game 3-9 but did not seem to be able to finish the fourth. After Tim was easily 1-7 up, hand changed repeatedly as Karl gradually clawed his way back to 5-7. The rest of the away team, sensing a fifth game with no beer, inspired Tim to put enough pressure to get to 5-8 but then hand changed repeatedly again until Tim managed to take the game 6-9 , the rubber and the match. By this time the whole balcony were physically and mentally drained! Well done Tim, but even the home captain felt motivated enough to give him a bit of advice afterwards about asking for lets.

So a few more points in the bag against the 4th ranked team in the league. 3 more to play, but a cup match next week.