THREE Elms B gained ground in the race for the Essex Invitation Petanque League title with a 2-1 win over leaders Onley Arms.

Trevor Blows gained a point for the Onley with a 13-2 singles win, but Three Elms took the triples and pairs.

Thorley lost ground at the top, losing 2-1 at home to Bocking Spinners, while Billericay B remained third after a 2-1 win at Three Elms A and their A team beat the Swan, Little Totham, 2-1.

In the Knockout Plate semi-final, Bocking BAH beat Blackwater U3A 2-1 to reach the final on September 28 when they play Onley Arms.