SEASONED county town campaigners YMCA have been a major force in the Weymouth & District League’s top-flight for many years but have too often fallen short in the second half of a campaign to seriously compete for the title.

However, the experienced trio of Jon Cox, Brian Hansford and Ken Brake find themselves in second place at the halfway stage.

They trail reigning champions Springfield A by just 19 points, and if they can maintain the form that saw them shoot down Wyke A 24-17 in their last outing then 2012 could finally be their year.

Early on at Rymeads Lane, Wyke number one Sai Magenti (9) looked to be coasting to victory against Cox (8) when he took the first two sets to five and four.

Back came Cox at his aggressive best to snatch the next two sets 11-6, 11-4 but Magenti had saved a little in his locker for the deciding set which he took to seven.

After that thrilling opener Hansford (7) outsmarted Neil Richards (3) in four to edge in front and they were to hold onto that slender lead for the rest of the evening as Brake (6) got the measure of Steve White (4) over four sets but the latter was later involved in the match’s only other five-setter against Cox in the sixth rubber.

Again Cox began slowly as White sneaked the first two games 11-7, 12-10 but this time the number one’s fight back lasted the distance, outfighting his opponent to take the next three sets to seven, four and six.

Elsewhere, Shipton B gave their Divis-ion Two promotion hopes a boost as they began the New Year with a memorable 19-15 defeat of third-placed Pilgrims.

Ron Tucknott found impressive form and was clearly the difference in the sides on the night as he hit a maximum nine sets while dropping just two before teaming up with sidekick Alec Brown (4) for a vital 3-0 doubles deciding triumph over John Hunnisett (6) and Stuart Walden (7).

*England’s most celebrated player, Andy Baggaley, together with his coach and brother Simon, will be dropping into Weymouth again on Friday, February 3 and Saturday, February 4.

The duo will be making a school visit, which is still to be announced, on the Friday where they will be conducting demonstrations and coaching sessions before they head for Westfield School, Preston on the Saturday where they will be welcomed as special guests for the Weymouth & District League’s annual tournament.