THE battle for the Stringers World Colchester and District Tennis League Men's Premier Division title is hotting up.

The Colchester Officers' Club A inflicted a rare defeat on five times running champions, The Essex A.

With Chris Harris and Matt Pearce winning all their sets, the Officers' Club managed to gain a 5-4 victory.

A number of matches took place in Division Two but with Kirby A winning 8-1 at Little Clacton, they now look to be well on their way to promotion.

In Ladies Division Two, Ikuko White and Judith Wickenden's tie-break victory was vital in helping the Officers' Club A to a 5-4 win over The Essex C.

They now lead the division by two points from Spring Lane A.

In division three, Little Clacton's Kay Mansfield and Tracey Hauser won all their three sets in a 5-4 victory over divisional leaders, The Essex D.

That has allowed second-placed Wivenhoe to move within two points of the top following their own 7½-1½ defeat of Lexden R & F Club D.

The David Lloyd Club continued their dominance of Division Five, defeating The Officers' Club C 9-0.

They have not yet dropped a set this season.

Although they were taken to a tie-break set in this match, they kept their record intact.

Andrew Knights and Tina Newnes were in important top form for The Essex A against Frinton A in the Mixed Premier Division.

Their side were pushed to the limit but Knights and Newnes three sets clinched a 5-4 win and they remain unbeaten at the top of the division.

At the other end of this division, Lexden Hill A and Dedham A were fighting a relegation battle.

In a very close match, the three sets won by Richard and Julie Sexton proved the difference and Lexden Hill came out on top after winning 5-4.

In Division Two, Spring Lane A, with games in hand, are just in touch with leaders, Frinton B, after defeating The Essex C 7-2.

But Spring Lane B, at the top of Division Three, suffered a bad defeat at Lexden Hill B, going down 7-2.

With the Officers' Club B winning 8-1 against Spring Lane C and with games in hand, they are now looking promotion favourites.

Birte Ditchburn made a rare appearance for West Mersea A in their Division Four encounter with Wivenhoe B and won two vital sets with her partner, Ian Chimes, in their 5-4 victory.

Karen Capon and Chris Frost were responsible for the other three sets.

Karen with her husband, Graham Capon, also won three sets against Kirby C but this time their side went down 5-4.