ONLY a tricky away match to Ex-Service Rat Pack stands in the way of La Villette Hotel Gremlins going into the new year with a perfect record in the Image Group Premier Snooker Division.

A ninth consecutive win saw the league leaders drop just two late frames against the struggling Ex-Service Strokers, although the victory was accomplished without the customary big breaks.

For the second time this season, Martyn Desperques and John Skillett combined to open up a six-frame lead for La Villette – scores that were enough to ensure they now occupy the top two places in the aggregates.

The pair were barely troubled by Ryan Le Page and reserve Jason Gilroy, and it leaves Desperques on top with 24 frames – two ahead of his team captain.