Chequers PC stole the show in their top-of-the-table Daniel Robinson & Sons Ltd Braintree & District Petanque League clash.

At the halfway stage of the season, the Great Tey-based side came up trumps against Feering Bell 1.

Hosts Bell started well, with a 13-10 win in the triples.

John Perfect and Bill Eve then equalled the score with a 13-10 doubles win for third-placed Chequers.

It was left to in-form Frank Britt to take the points for Chequers with a comprehensive 13-2 singles win over Bernie Wade.

It was a good away win for Chequers but the positions remain the same as second-placed Rayne Swan 1 trounced Onley, from Stisted, 3-0.

Onley managed just a one end advantage as Swan 1 took the triples, 13-3.

The pairing of Daniel Blows and Tracey Austin was no match for Adam Buxton and Lee Dodge in the doubles, who won 13-2.

The singles was a closer game but the pointing of Lorne Gibson proved the difference.

He beat Trevor Blows 13-7 to complete the rout.

The win keeps Swan 1 in second place on 19 points but with a game in hand on rivals the Bell - who are on 21 points - and third-placed Chequers, who have 17 points.

Mid-table Rayne Swan 2 had a very good 3-0 win over the ever-improving Feering Bell 2.

The Bell triple of Dave Bird, Dave Pearse and Tom Winter got off to a good start with a three.

However, Harry Waldie, Tom Smith and Colin Sams quickly responded and moved into the lead.

The following ends were keenly contested, with never more than a couple of points between the teams and all players contributing.

Youngster Waldie was particularly impressive, with his pointing often ensuring the Swan had boule in hand.

At 12-11 it could have gone either way but the Swan triple held their nerve, to take a well deserved win.

The doubles was an equally long game.

Clare Courtney and Matt Waldie took a 9-2 lead, only to let the opposition back in the game with two loose ends.

They eventually held on for a 13-8 win for the Swan.

Tom Smith wrapped up the game for Rayne Swan.

He produced some very accurate pointing and shooting where required to defeat Pearse, 13-8.

One place above Swan 2 and ready to pounce on any slip-ups from the leaders are Colne Angel.

They defeated Rayne Swan 3, 3-0.

At the bottom, Rayne Cock 2 currently prop up the rest with just four points, with Cock 1 and Onley just above them.