GREMLIN Galacticos won the last three frames of the top-of-the-table clash against Ex-Service Chirpers to claim a 7-5 victory that briefly put the two sides level in the Image Group Premier Division.

Only a second match 24 hours later for the Chirpers re-established their lead in what is looking to be the tightest battle for many a season.

The Galacticos started the match the stronger with Adam Shorto (pictured) racing into a 2-0 lead against Ian Platt, although Graham Peel was doing his utmost to keep the Chirpers in the hunt.

But the best was yet to come from Shorto as he fired in a magnificent 82 break – the best in the Premier this season – only being denied a probable century when the final red down the side cushion wobbled and stayed up.

With Peel going on to win 2-1 and Martyn Desperques taking the opening two frames against Glenn Le Prevost, it meant that Adrian Holley’s opening frame success gave the Chirpers the lead for the first time.

But Le Prevost restored parity for the Galacticos, paving the way for the dependable Paul Le Sauvage to wrap up a vital win.