ESSEX Invitation Petanque League leaders Bocking Poachers strengthened their position at the top with a 2-1 win over Blackwater U3A.

Blackwater took a very long triples game 13-9, but Mark Williams and Paul Griffin took the pairs 13-10 against Brian Butcher and Ken Hardy and Pat Brown took the points for Poachers in the deciding singles with a 13-8 win over Peter Harden.

Bocking Spinners kept up the pressure at the top with a 2-1 win at Billericay Lakes.

The home side won the triples 13-1, but Spinners hit back with Christina Knights and Malcolm Smith taking the pairs 13-3 and Richard Tite sealed the win with a 13-3 win.

Thorley also gained two points at Wethersfield Jetts, who had Eric Smith and Ryan Cook winning the pairs 13-5, while Billericay Meadows moved into second with a 2-1 win over Little Totham Swan.

The race for the top six play-offs will go to the last game with eight teams still in the hunt.