THERE were close matches in the Paperstation Malvern League’s handicap competition opening round.

Pride of place went to Division Two side Nomads, who enjoyed a nine-point victory over Ledbury Lions.

It was thanks to a fine display by Dave Hayes as he drew with both Mike Morgan and Richard Smith as well as taking a crucial doubles set with Tony Hughes.

Hughes also claimed a singles set against Morgan 11-4 to maintain Nomads’ narrow advantage.

Division One leaders Ledbury Collection overcame a 156-point handicap against reigning cup winners and Division Two top team Travellers by six with a victory for Toby Wren over Ann Barnes. She went on to claim single sets against both Nigel Foreshew and Craig Preece.

However, the greater consistency of the top-flight side narrowly won through.

Division Two outfit Dynamos overcame higher-ranked strugglers Crackpots ‘E’ with John Phillips defeating both Matt Hodges and Dave Steen 3-1 while sharing his four sets with Richard Maddrell.

Geoff Burford also defeated Maddrell and took one set off Hodges before Collette James also helped earn Dynamos a 60-point victory.