Grippers grabbed early 4-1 and 6-3 leads against competition front-runners Charolais, and maintained the three-game margin at 10-7 late in the match.

Charolais weren't done with though, and tied it up at 11-all going into the doubles. Grippers took the first doubles rubber 2-0 and the first game of the second before dropping it 2-1, but it was enough for them to sneak home 14-13 and leapfrog Charolais into first place.

Mick Wagner (5-2) led the way for Grippers, with solid support coming from Linda and Lou Kappos at 3-4 and 3-5 respectively.

Peter Jaccoud almost got his side to the line with 6-2, while Sean Jenkins finished 4-3 and Megan Kappos posted an unlucky 1-6.

The other match saw Smashes taking on a Choppers side mired in a four-match losing streak.

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Smashes took the first rubber 2-0, but Choppers finally found some long-lost form, with a 6-1 run putting them ahead 6-3.

They increased their advantage to 11-5 but a late burst from Smashes gave them a chance of a tie at 13-9 down at the completion of the singles.

It was not to be however, as the teams split the two doubles, Smashes taking the first 2-1 and Choppers the second by the same score, to see the final result read Choppers 16, Smashes 12.

Pauline Wellfare and Maurie Poole shared best record with 5-2 in the drought-breaking victory for Choppers, and Malcolm Jeffries recorded 3-5.

Shane Eagle (6-2) was the standout in a losing effort for Smashes, while Mark McAulay (2-5) and Matt Kappos (1-6) struggled on the night.

Pointscore: Grippers 20, Charolais 19, Smashes 14, Choppers 9.

This Week's Matches: Round 8; Charolais v Smashes. Grippers v Choppers.

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