Holywell A booked their place in the next round of the North East Wales Badminton League Challenge Cup with victory over Hawarden - but it was too close for comfort.

The handicaps helped make this a hugely entertaining encounter that saw Holywell shade things by seven points after the contest finished all-square at 4-4.

Undefeated Tonicha Gibson, who was player of the match for Hawarden, combined with Kate Falk to get the better of Becky Saunders and Sue Price 21/14, 21/20.

Llanferres A also progressed as they won by exactly the same scoreline against Denbigh A in Ruthin.

Jane Givelin and Sara Jenkins outgunned Katie Owen and Meinir Hughes 21/11, 21/13 in the match of the night.

There was less for Llanferres to celebrate in the league as they were beaten 7-1 by undefeated Flint Phoenix A.

Andy Gibbons and David Carnelly had to work hard to see off the challenge of Llanferres duo David Clough and Duncan Church, winning 21/13, 22/20.

Llangollen's difficult start to life in the top-flight continued as they suffered a 6-2 defeat at the hands of Deeside.

Kim Yeap was Llangollen's player of the match, but he and Dave Edwards were unable to beat Luke McLaughlin and Gareth Burroughs, who won 21/18, 18/21 and 23/21 at second men's.

Eros moved another step closer to the Division Two title with an 8-0 whitewash of Holywell A, who were a player shot.

Stuart Mears and Sheila Palmer were amongst the winners for Eros, combining to beat Price and Eryl Hooson 21/8, 21/11.

Junior Welsh international Mike Pritchard and Amogh Patil helped Connah's Quay secure a 5-3 home win over Llanferres B.

Pritchard and Patil outlasted the more experience of Andy Swash and Peter Williams 19/21, 21/17 and 21/4.

Mold C continue their Division Three promotion push with a 6-2 success over Holywell B, who were a player short like their senior team.

Elsie Gregory and Linda Roberts did give Holywell something to smile about as they beat Helena Warman and Paulina Matsko 21/15, 21/17.

Denbigh B were also victorious, beating Llanferres C 5-3. Helen Gardner and Caroline Roberts caught the eye for the winners, impressing in their match against Moira Bonar and Pauline Brooke-Rankin.

Entries are being taken for the Wrexham Junior Silver (Saturday, January 26) and Deeside Senior Gold Tournaments (Sunday, February 17). Visit newba.org.uk for details.