WHITCHURCH faced the awkward away trip to Alverstoke on a Friday night for the fixture which, through failing to raise a team, last season cost the club promotion.

Captain Dave Adamson’s motivational team talk made sure everyone remembered last season’s debacle, which added determination to seek some retribution.

Al Painter at five, despite not being as fit as he would like, was in control for 3-0 win while Rob King at four also won 3-0 and had too much skill and experience winning without his stamina being tested.

Nathan Routley at three played a skilled but ageing opponent, so his confidence will be boosted by another improved performance, winning 3- 0, while Adamson at two never looked in trouble, also winning 3-0.

Brett Farmer at one, returning after an injury, had easily the toughest match facing a much higher rated player and after a seesawing contest it was level at 2-2 but he showed the most determination to win the fifth for a pleasing clean sweep which not only exorcised any frustration from last season but also ironically, with maximum points, propelled Whitchurch to top of the league.

The Vets’ season continued its dreadful start with a really tough match against Fair Oak.

Both Erdogan Ince and Biffer Gibson had extremely tough opponents and were comprehensively outplayed without winning a game leaving it to captain Rob King to gain the first individual victory of the season with a very gutsy 3-2 win.

The team is already regretting winning promotion, with only Rob winning any points at all.