DORSET seniors travelled to Milton Keynes for the promotion play-offs to the Premier Division of the National Leagues, but their dream of returning to the top flight just one season after suffering relegation was not to be.

Dorset started well against Hertford-shire despite being without top ladies singles player Jenny Allen, who was only just back on court after suffering a broken arm and was restricted to the doubles.

Men's county champion Mike Huxter was Dorset's only winner in the singles though team captain Martin Wells had an aberration in his match when he led 14-4 in the third and deciding game before losing 14-17.

Huxter continued his success with victories in the doubles with Wells and Lorraine Page and the rest of the team following his example.

Justine Breakwell, with Allen and Alex Booth partnering Page, each won their doubles and Dorset completed a 7-4 win with further victories from Page playing with Wells, and Allen with her partner Andy Clist, in the mixed section.

Unfortunately, that is where the county's success ended.

Their next two matches were against Oxford and Lancashire.

Huxter took the team's only point against the university city and Clist combined with Chris Miles to take one victory against the Lancastrians.

Ferndown Sports won the Premier Division of the Poole and District Doubles League by a single point from rivals Sway.

With Ferndown having completed their season, Sway had to beat David Lloyd, Bournemouth and score at least eight wins to draw level with Ferndown and take the title as the winners of their league clash.

But the Boscombe club's Martin Wells and Sue Barrett intervened to take two victories over Jonathan Mathews and Nicky Miles and Matt Stone with Linda Coombes, and restricted the New Forest outfit to seven wins leaving them one point short of the title.

Poole and District League Division One winners and runners-up: 1 Ferndown Sports, 2 Sway. Division Two: 1 David Lloyd Ringwood B, 2 Broadstone Phoenix A. Division Three: 1 Esporta C, 2 Christchurch A. Division Four: 1 Avon B, 2 Ferndown Recreation Club B. Division Five: 1 Three Legged Cross, 2Corfe Mullen. Division Six: 1 Plotters, 2 Hunger Hill B.