There are just two rounds to go in the Echuca Table Tennis season after round-five matches played on Wednesday at Moama Sporting Complex.
A-grade saw both of the less favoured sides reverse the results from the matching fixture three weeks ago.
The Dukes moved into a share of the lead after defeating Hello Kitty 3-2.
In the previous meeting, Hello Kitty recovered from 3-2 down in the doubles to win 4-3, but The Dukes didn’t allow this week’s match to take a similar path.
After splitting the first two games, The Dukes’ Div Mallya and Hank Doller reeled off three straight to take the match four games to one, 11-9, 8-11, 11-5, 11-8, 11-7.
The teams shared the honours over the four singles matches, resulting in the overall win for The Dukes.
In the other match-up, Peralandra picked up its first win of the season, getting the best of Dragons 3-2.
Raymond Kissell had to go it alone for Dragons, drafting fill-ins to cover his absent teammate.
In the match of the tie, Kissell snatched the win in a five-set battle with Jimmy Greenwood, giving his side the opportunity to seal the match in the doubles.
Dragons led 2-1 in the crucial rubber, but Peralandra took three close games 11-8, 11-9, 11-9 to take it 4-2.
B-grade
Double P continued its unbeaten run with a win over DanDan.
Missing his teammate, Brendan Shingles fought bravely for DanDan but the pairing of Phil Higgins and Pete Retallick proved too strong in both played singles and in the doubles match, which featured Rob Russell stepping in to partner Shingles.
With the result decided at 3-0, the sides agreed not to seek further substitutes for the remaining singles matches.
Tornado earned outright second place with a 3-2 victory over JD.
Rob Russell and substitute Troy Mackrell each earned singles wins for Tornado and prevailed 4-1 in the doubles, enough to earn the overall victory.
C-grade
Former leaders Mad Dogs were drawn into a four-way tie for best record after dropping their first game of the season to Rockabilly.
Jesse Edwards started things well for Mad Dogs when he earned a hard-fought win over Keith Price in the opening singles, but Price and Harvey Griffiths would come out on top in each of the remaining four rubbers to score a 4-1 victory.
Tigers of Old remained winless after going down 4-1 to Petite Princesses.
Ryan Smith and Logan Mackrell put together a comprehensive team performance for Princesses, taking the doubles and three of four singles matches, going down 3-2 in their sole defeat.
The final matchup saw Dyl and Friends defeated by Flaming Monkeys 4-1.
Issac Hope maintained his perfect personal record with two more singles wins, while Brayden Pike provided able support, picking up a singles win of his own and contributing to the side’s doubles victory.