IT couldn’t have been closer in the Wrexham Veterans’ League’s pairs competition final.

The Ernest Smith pairs showpiece at Brymbo saw Gresford Colliery duo Dewi Jones and Kevin P Jones (pictured above) defeating Pat Brown and Keith Twigg (Johnstown) 21-20.

The Division One title chase took another twist as leaders Gresford Colliery lost 7-3 to Esclusham.

Second-placed Aston A (Colin Smith 21-2) are two points back after an 8-2 win over Cunliffe A.

Coed Talon A (Mal Randell 21-7) got the better of Penyffordd A 9-1, Johnstown B (Keith Twigg 21-7) beat Bradley A (Tim Hughes 21-9) 7-3 and Garden Village A (Frank Jones 21-6) edged out Hawkesbury A 6-4.

Coed Talon B (Eric Jones 21-7) stay clear at the head of Division Two with a 9-1 verdict over Penyffordd B.

Other results: Hawkesbury B (Mike Coppack 21-6) 8 Gresford Village A (Brian Watkins 21-9) 2; Parciau 5 Coedpoeth A (Tom Challoner 21-3) 5; Treuddyn A (Howard Davies 21-6) 7 Gate A (Ian Williams 21-8) 3; Llay A (Paul Richards / John Renwick 21-5) 9 Mancot (Ken Roberts 21-10) 1.

Division Three front-runners Llangollen (Charlie Blain 21-1) defeated Farndon 9-1.

Other results: Brymbo (Gerald Davies 21-3) 6 Bersham A 4; Chirk AAA (Mike Hughes 21-5) 4 Ponciau Parc A (Derek Evans 21-2) 6; Gate B 4 Nercwys A (Roger Hughes 21-10) 6; Leeswood (Sydney Drury 21-6) 3 Johnstown A (Peter Taylor 21-4) 7.

Reece Lea (21-8) starred as Division Four leaders Gresford Village B beat Penyffordd C 8-2.

Other results: Coedpoeth B (Gordon Rowlands 21-7) 3 Garden Village B (Mal Parry 21-2) 7; Cunliffe B (Ray Lloyd 21-8) 2 Aston B 8; Llay B 9 Hawkesbury C 1; Bradley B (Jeff Butler 21-7) 9 Rossett (Keith Gelling 21-1) 1.

Division 5: Castell Alun (Ed Bottomley 21-5) 3 Plaskynaston (Ivor Jones 21-7) 7; Ponciau Parc B (Andy James 21-0) 6 Garden Village C (Ken Shone 21-6) 4; Bersham B (Gwen Langley 21-9) 8 Treuddyn B 2; Gresford Village C (Mervyn Hughes 21-2) 9 Coedpoeth C (Colin Smith 21-9) 1; Nercwys B (Vin Jones 21-3) 8 Penyffordd D 2.