THE runners-up spot in Division Two of the Bradford League is still up for grabs after Unity A, who are second, were beaten 7-3 at champions Pudsey A.

This result gave third-placed Hermits C a glimmer of hope, and they maintained their chances following a nervy victory against Hermits E.

The C team led 4-2 as reserve Chris Town logged two singles, with Andy Braithwaite and Peter Holbrook taking one each.

Hermits E hit back, with Richard Aitken untroubled in winning his three singles, and Tom Sampson surprised Holbrook with an 11-9 fifth-game success to make it 4-4.

Nerves were now jangling but Braithwaite made no mistake in the last singles against Peter Eccles and, in a tense doubles, Braithwaite and Holbrook just got home 11-7 in the fifth against Aitken and Eccles.

Hermits C have a game in hand on Unity but need their rivals to slip up again in their final fixture if they are to pinch second place.

In Division Three, basement boys Unity B gave a good account of themselves at Rastrick.

The home were in control early on as Brian Banks took all three, and a couple from Mick Whitham put them 5-2 ahead.

Unity did not roll over, however, and Michael Walker won two, including a 3-0 over Whitham in the last singles.

Mark Tattersfield and Peter Jackson added one each but, in the doubles, Banks and Whitham showed no mercy, winning in straight games for a 6-4 victory.

Results – Division One: Hermits B 3 Highdale A 7. Division Two: Pudsey A 7 Unity A 3, Hermits C 6 Hermits E 4, Hermits D 5 Highdale B 5. Division Three: Hermits F 6 Pudsey B 4, Baildon A 9 Hermits H 1, Rastrick 6 Unity B 4.

Division Four: Baildon C 10 Hermits M 0, Hermits J 4 Hermits K 6, Thornbury 3 Baildon B 7.