KINGSCLERE A took a big step towards winning their first Basingstoke and District Men’s Tennis League Division One title since 2009 after two more victories.

They defeated reigning champions Andover A 7-1 and then beat Old Basing A 5-3 thanks to a Dan Cole/Steve Nixon maximum.

Chris Ball and Tom Perkins won all their sets to give Beechdown A a 6-2 win against RSF A.

Another pair to be unbeaten were Old Basing A’s Jamie Thomas/James Chamberlin in their team’s draw with Andover A, while RSF A beat Waverley 7-1.

Andover A continue to lead Division Two after second-placed Old Basing B had mixed fortunes.

After a good 6-2 win against Beechdown B, Basing slipped up 5-3 at Preston Candover to give the home team their first points of the season.

Winchester A won 8-0 at Hook and Phil Hood/Chris Wong won all their sets for Oakley A in a 6-2 win over Aldermaston A.

Hampshire Court A moved to the top of Division Three after wins against two of their closest rivals, Overton B (8-0) and BDH (5-3).

The Overton team also lost 5-3 against Odiham A and drew with Mortimer B, thanks to a maximum from Drew Robinson/Robin Taylor.

BDH lost 5-3 to Odiham A, but beat Mortimer B 7-1, with David Burrell/George White winning all their sets.

They then lost 6-2 at Kingsclere B, where Nigel Baker/George Vlismas were unbeaten for the home team.

Kingsclere then went on to beat Mortimer B by the same scoreline.

In Division Four, Goodworth Clatford B maintained their 100 per cent record with wins over Odiham B (5-3) and over Totally Tennis C (7-1).

Totally Tennis B remain in close touch with the leaders after wins against Oakley B (6-2), Odiham B (7-1) and Winchester (8-0). Rex Groves/Tim Rice and Alberto Vinvales/Steve Kilgannon made up the team against Winchester.

An excellent maximum from Keith Longman/Gareth Lewis gave Beechdown C a hard-earned point at Odiham B, while Oakley B got their first points with a 5-3 win over Totally Tennis C.