Newbridge A were crowned Bath & District Table Tennis League Premier Division champions after edging out Bathford A in a close title race.
In the final week of rearranged fixtures, Bathford needed to take a maximum at Oldfield C to stand a chance of pipping their rivals but could only manage a 7-3 success. Mark Kerslake and Nigel Dagger started the night by taking the first three ends for understrength Oldfield, effectively sealing their opponents' fate.
Newbridge were made to fight by lowly Yatton Keynell, however, but clinched top spot with a 6-4 victory. Jamie Smith was in imperious form for Yatton, taking all three singles, but two wins each from Dave Walton and Phil Marshall steadied the ship for the leaders.
Smith was fresh from a similar maximum when his team held Oldfield A to a draw in their penultimate game and a nine-point return from both was almost enough to stave off relegation. Chippenham B stayed up at their expense by virtue of matches won.
Ensleigh avoided the drop in Division 1 despite losing 6-4 to bottom side Newbridge B at their mutual St John's venue. Bob Hindle bagged a maximum for the winners, while two wins apiece from Ian Clark and Dave Hockney proved just enough for Ensliegh to survive at Bathford B's expense.
Newbridge D finished fourth in Division 2 after drawing with Civil Service. A topsy-turvy game rested on the final doubles and Newbridge's Dave Bowers and Steve Tainton held their nerve to win in four sets against Dave Hogg and Jeff Skelton.
Yatton Keynell C finished top, with Batheaston taking the second promotion spot and Bathford C coming third.
