SPARKS are setting the early pace during qualifying for a new Mid-Cheshire Super League season.

They were depleted for a trip to Blades in Group One on Thursday, when substitute John Gregson won singles rubbers against Ian Massey and Paul Curley – the latter in five sets.

A 9-1 victory leaves them as the only side in their section with an unblemished record.

Andy Woodyatt’s brave effort earned the only success for Manweb against a resolute Raptors, while there were victories in round two as well for Victoria, Tigers and Wreckers.

Two teams, Sticklebacks and Winsford, have recorded a win in each of their opening games in Group Two

Dave Howarth came from behind for the latter as they established an early lead against Valiants, only for Alan Lenton to beat Mark Baker.

He repeated the trick against Garry Owen, but Winsford ran out 6-4 victors.

Elsewhere Wolves whitewashed Kinetics, while Snakes and Vikings celebrated wins against Romans and Daresbury respectively.

Results

Mid-Cheshire Table Tennis League

Qualifying

Week Two

Group One: Bears 1-9 Sparks; Hawks 2-8 Wreckers; Manweb 1-9 Raptors; Tigers 10-0 Cobras; Victoria 6-2 Lemmings.

Group Two: Romans 2-8 Snakes; Sticklebacks 8-2 Rangers; Vikings 6-4 Daresbury; Winsford 6-4 Valiants; Wolves 10-0 Kinetics.

Fixtures

Week Three

Group One: Bears v Victoria; Hawks v Sparks; Lemmings v Cobras; Manweb v Wreckers; Raptors v Tigers.

Group Two: Daresbury v Winsford; Kinetics v Vikings; Rangers v Snakes; Romans v Wolves; Valiants v Sticklebacks.