THE Essex have extended their winning run in Colchester and District Tennis League's Men’s Premier Division.

The unbeaten table-toppers beat a depleted Colchester Officers’ Club A side with only two pairs.

But despite their shortage of players, the Officers’ Club managed to earn two sets.

Frinton A also sealed a comfortable home win against opposition equipped with two pairs.

They triumphed 9-0 against Lexden R&F A, with Kristian Fulcher and Joe Hunt emphatic 8-0 winners in both of their sets.

Division One saw a narrow 5-4 away win for Colchester Officers’ Club B at Lexden Hill A, while the Officers’ Club’s C team suffered a heavy 8-1 loss at Frinton B in Division Two.

Division Three leaders Lexden Hill B enjoyed a comprehensive 9-0 success at Spring Lane D whilst Spring Lane C fell to a 6-3 defeat, at West Mersea A.

In Division Five, Frinton D ran out comfortable 8-1 winners at home to Kirby C.

In the Ladies’ Premier Division, Lexden R&F A triumphed 5-4 in a tight encounter with Frinton A.

It was a mixed week for Lexden R&F B in Division One; they responded to a 5-4 defeat at Division One winners The Essex B with a similarly close-fought 5½-3½ home win against Dedham A.

Opponents Dedham also experienced mixed emotions, as a 5-4 win at The Essex C preceded their loss in Lexden.

Division Three leaders Colchester Officers’ Club A maintained their impressive unbeaten streak, albeit by the narrowest of margins against second-placed The Essex D.

Colchester Officers’ Club’s C team also tasted victory in Division Five, earning a comfortable 8-1 win at Spring Lane D.

It proved to be a second hefty defeat within a week for Spring Lane, who also suffered a 9-0 loss at Frinton D.

Deborah Lawrence and Lesley Sacre starred for the dominant hosts, dropping just two sets on their way to victory.

Frinton C edged a tight clash in Mixed Division Four at fellow relegation candidates Kirby C.

The visitors triumphed 5-4 in a potentially vital fixture against the team just above them in the table.