The A team were beaten by fierce rivals Nantwich A, but the B team managed a 4-4 draw against higher placed Congleton A. The A team of James Barlow, Lin Wood, Tony Novotny and Wendy Deadman pipped Nantwich to the First Division title last year after having finished level on points.

And it looks as though this year's result could be just as close, Hartford winning the encounter between the two teams on a set count back last week. The teams are now level on points with one game left, a game each is expected to win. The matches are tomorrow, Thursday, when Hartford take on Rolls Royce and Nantwich face Hartford B.

Hartford A will be hoping for a favour from their B team.

B captain, Andrew Moores promised: "We are going to give it everything we've got to try and take some sets off Nantwich. It's not easy to beat Nantwich away, but we'll give it a shot."

Hartford A are still hoping to secure a league and cup double. They face Congleton A in the Jane Astbury Mixed Doubles final on August 30.

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