Peter Thorpe and Tracy White and Tom Keep and Charlie Griffin won a maximum three sets, while Andy Douglas and Margaret Roskell won two sets, but lost a tie-break, preventing a clean sweep.

They will need to continue their good form to overcome a Victoria side who comfortably beat them last season.

Scores: Peter Thorpe/Tracy White W 9-1, 9-7, 9-2; Tom Keep/ Charlie Griffin W 9-3, 9-3, 9-1; Andy Douglas/Margaret Roskell W 9-6, L 8-9, W 9-3.

*The ladies' veterans first team beat Oakham Seconds 6-2 after a close tussle, with Eileen Merrison and Margaret Roskell and Tracy White and Pat Woolston winning three sets.

Scores: Eileen Merrison/ Margaret Roskell D 4-6, 6-1; W 7-5, 6-2. Tracy White/Pat Woolston D 6-3, 6-7; W 7-5, 6-3.

*The new mixed third team lost a very tight match to Queniborough by five sets to four.

Edwin Shufflebotham and Margaret Wright, and Keith Galloway and Jean Galloway won twice, but Nigel Keep and Juliet Keep lost a crucial tie-break to give victory to Queniborough by the narrowest of margins.

Scores: Edwin Shufflebotham/ Margaret Wright L 1-9, W 9-8, 9-1; Keith Galloway/Jean Galloway W 9-5, L 6-9, W 9-0; Nigel Keep/Juliet Keep L 1-9, 5-9, 8-9.