Mixed Division One leaders Wickford gave closest rivals Rayleigh a tremendous advantage by handing the second-placed team a walkover.
Just one point separates the two teams at the halfway stage of the Leigh & Westcliff LTA winter league after Wickford were unable to raise a team.
And the six-point haul the Swan Lane club handed their opponents from Watchfield Lane could be vital as the championship race hots up after Christmas.
Steve Higgins and Mave Blewett picked up the first walkover for Rayleigh, with Will Cooper and Dawn Higgins claiming the second.
Rochford III only fielded one pair in their Men's Division Seven fixture against Kent Elms III and ended up losing 3-2 despite winning the first rubber in three sets.
Published Thursday December 18, 2003
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