THE Essex A have consolidated their position at the top of the Ladies Premier Division of the Stringers World Colchester and District Tennis League.

They defeated nearest rivals, Lexden Hill A, 6-3 and now look well set to retain their title.

Lexden Rackets and Fitness Club A have eased their relegation fears after defeating Frinton A, 7-2.

Dedham A remain second in Division One after beating Lexden Hill B 6-3 while Wivenhoe pulled clear at the top of division three after gaining maximum points against Spring Lane B.

The Essex E look odds-on for promotion from Division Four following a 6-3 victory at the Officers' Club B and in Division Five, the David Lloyd Club dropped their first sets of the season against Spring Lane D but won the match 6-3.

In the Men's Premier Division, Frinton A moved to within four points of The Essex A with a 9-0 victory over Dedham A.

The Essex A gained revenge for their defeat by the Officers' Club A when they won the return fixture, 5-4.

Andrew Knights and Andy Reid won all their sets for The Essex to keep their side top of the division.

The Officers' Club kept in touch with the leaders following a 9-0 defeat of Spring Lane A.

Wivenhoe A are undefeated in Division One but are lying second after victory by 5½-3½ against the Officers' Club B.

Spring Lane B improved their chances of avoiding relegation when they beat fellow strugglers, Lexden Hill A, 5-4.

Hame Turpin and Rob Oakley starred for Spring Lane, winning all three sets and with Ryan Mead and Jo Lovegrove winning a vital tie-break they moved to within four points of Lexden Hill with games in hand.

Kirby B and Wivenhoe B both defeated Spring Lane C 6-3 with Kirby B beating West Mersea by the same score.

West Mersea also lost 7-2 to Lexden Hill B and they now face a relegation battle with Spring Lane.

Division Four is totally dominated by Lexden R&F Club B who are yet to drop a set.

The Division Five title has been won by The David Lloyd Club and they finished their season with a 9-0 victory over Frinton C.

Dedham A moved off the bottom of the Mixed Premier Division after defeating The Essex B 7-2, with Duncan Hewitt and Shiho Main putting in an especially fine performance.

Lexden Hill A are now in trouble after losing 7½-1½ to Frinton A.

Division One promotion hopefuls, Lexden R & F Club A, gained an important 6-3 victory over second-placed Kirby A.

A team debutant Andrew Lennard-Jones, playing with his wife, Lynn, won all three sets.

Spring Lane A kept their slim Division Two promotion chances alive with a 7-2 win over Lexden R & F Club B.

In Division Three, Lexden Hill B had an excellent 6-3 victory over promotion contenders, The Officers' Club B.

Little Clacton, who had a bad start to the season, have now found form and did the double over Division Four leaders, Lexden Hill C.

They won 6-3 at home and claimed an impressive 8-1 away win.