The on-court battle in the top Mount Gambier and District tennis grade heated up on Saturday after ladder-leader Gambier/ Centrals suffered its first loss in round five.

Despite playing on its home court at Corriedale Park, West Gambier proved too strong for Gambier/Centrals and scored just its second victory of the year.

After Jade Delaney, Corey Ambrose Pearce and Andrew Van Den Hurk all won their singles matches, Gambier/ Centrals led the way, but the tables turned after it was forced to forfeit the sixth and final singles clash.

Brady Cook, Joanne Sealey, Laura McIntyre and Emily Jolley were in fine form and pushed West to victory after winning five of the six doubles encounters.

The late charge ensured West won by four sets and now Gambier/Centrals is looking over its shoulder after its nearest challenger Glencoe continued its fine form.

Glencoe played host to winless Reidy Park and the visitors pushed the home side all the way.

Nothing separated the rivals after a tight singles battle on court, but Glencoe’s class proved the difference in the doubles.

The home team won the first three doubles encounters and Jorja Mitchell’s and Laura Edwards tight one-set win confirmed victory for Glencoe.

Round six shapes up to be a cracker with Glencoe aiming to knock Gambier/ Centrals off the top of the ladder, while West Gambier hosts Reidy Park. The two battles will take place under lights tomorrow, while Divisions 2 and 3 are on Saturday afternoon.