Bocking were edged out as they hosted leaders Thorley in the Essex Invitation Petanque League.

With Trevor Turner, Malcolm Smith and Pam Adams being beaten 13-8 in the triples, Smith levelled the match by maintaining his unbeaten start in the summer league singles with a 13-11 win, however, David Adams and Turner lost 13-5 in the deciding pairs.

Meanwhile, Onley Arms’ Trevor Blows, Lorne and Beryl Gibson had a 3-0 win against Blackwater U3A.