THE women’s first division title has been as good as won by Rohais A after they beat big rivals St Michael’s 9-3. But the score belies one of the best and longest matches played in that league for some time, lasting in excess of three hours.

Newcomer Gayle Lloyd and partner Kiara Green have been a terrific pairing all season for the Rohais club.

But against the experienced Jane Torode and Rachel Legg they lost a three-set marathon 17-15 in the decider.

Rohais, though, went on to win the remaining three matches as Torode and Legg tired and could not maintain their form, losing in two sets to Sarah Garbutt and Renee Stuart.

The latter pair mix experience with youth and worked well as they also beat island players Anika Johnson and Wendy Trebert in another long three-set match.

In the Men’s First Division, the big question is will defending champions Rohais A lose their title?

They currently lie second, languishing 18 points behind pace setters St Andrew’s A.

In their favour Rohais have played two games fewer, but they will have to win both matches by virtual whitewash to make up the difference.

In a crucial head-to-head, Rohais A beat the league toppers 8-4, with Glenn Macfarlane and Quentin Petit both in unstoppable form.

But Rohais B did not help their senior side by subsequently forfeiting a 12-0 walkover to St Andrew’s A, a result which may prove costly to Rohais A’s title aspirations.

St Andrew’s B also look odds-on for the Men’s Two title after a 12-0 whitewash of Sunbeams B.

Juniors Matt Ceresa and Harry Southwell continued their progress and won both their matches, as did the veteran pairing of Chris Golding and Graeme Falla.

The main statistical threat to St Andrew’s is in fact third-placed Pessimists B who trail by 12 points but have a match in hand.

Men’s Three is surely destined for St Michael’s. They lead by only four points but crucially have two matches in hand over the next three teams.

Women’s Division Two is also heading in the direction of the Rohais Club in the form of their C team, who lead by 12 points from Pessimists A.

The latter maintained second place with a comfortable 11-1 victory over St Michael’s B. GBA secretary Steph Dragun makes a strong combination with Gill Peacey and they were undefeated, as were Sarah Butler and Gail McCann who must also be very pleased with their unbeaten run.

In Mixed One, leaders Rohais did not play but still maintain a 12-point advantage over second-placed Rohais B as well as having a match in hand.