Horsham are top of the British League division one table thanks to two vital victories by Dominic Hall.

Horsham crushed nearest rivals Reading 6-2 and drew 4-4 with Northampton at Slough and the undefeated Hall was man-of-the-match.

Horsham captain Andy Walker and Peter Bartram, both from Worthing, secured essential wins. Horsham had a stroke of fortune when one of the Reading team failed to arrive in time for his first match.

Hall's key win was against England No. 42 defender David Barr.

If Horsham can field a full strength team at the final meeting on March 15-16 they will win promotion.

But unless the team find a new sponsor, they will have to forfeit their place in the premier division because they cannot afford to play at a higher level.

Ritchie Venner, who has slipped ten places down the England list to No.39, is poised to concentrate on more Sussex tournaments.

He will be seeded No.1 to win the imminent Hastings and Crawley championships. Stuart Hobden is the new Eastbourne champion after a final victory over Martin Kellaway, from Seaford.