THE RETURN of Lee Curtis gave Newton Abbot I just the inspiration they needed to upset Devon & Exeter III 3-2 (14-10) on their own courts and open up the Devon League First Division title race.

Curtis, Newton's former Premier championship winning captain and the club's long-time No.1, has been plagued by back trouble for some time.

But he reappeared under new skipper Nigel Bell for the trip to Prince Of Wales Road — and duly delivered an important win.

Twice behind against D&E's Rob Holman, Curtis eventually pulled off a crucial 3-2 (9/11, 11/5, 6/11, 11/1, 11/7) victory.

At the bottom of the order, Steve Davey also produced a key result.

Davey beat the redoubtable Tony Snell 3-1 (11/9, 11/7, 9/11, 11/7).

Newton's other winner was Bell, who was able to drop down to No. 2 thanks to Curtis's return.

Bell also dropped the first game to Chris May, but came through in four closely-contested sets 9/11, 11/9, 11/9, 11/9.

In the middle of the order Newton's Tom Wilson and Nick Richards both lost.

Wilson went down to Bruce Macdonald in three, and Richards couldn't quite convert his chances against Simon Ewings (11/9, 11/9, 11/7).

It was a key result for Newton, who were in danger of being left behind by the top two, Paignton and D&E.

They're still in third place, but only one good win behind the Exeter side.

Next week D&E must travel to Torquay, who will be smarting from their heavy defeat at Paignton on Tuesday night.

Paignton go to Plymouth to play struggling Fort Stamford, while Newton entertain Honiton.

AFTER A LEAN spell of results, it turned into a pretty good week for Newton Abbot SC.

On top of the first team's win at Devon & Exeter, the club's Second, Third and both the Ladies' sides all won.

The Seconds' travelled to Exmouth, where the hosts were forced to field a slightly weakened team.

Newton took advantage — Kevin Smart, Steve Morrall and Rob Salmon all won 3-0.

There were defeats for Rob Muddeman 3-1 and top string Andy Maker 3-2, but Newton still won 3-2 (17-5).

Newton III made the short trip to Barton Road to take on Torquay V and won 4-1 (18-6).

Ian Davies and Shaun Mutton both enjoyed 3-0 wins over Paul Benney and Steve Hill, while Mark Hedge overcame Dan Yeoman in four.

Steve Lewis continued his return to fitness with a five-set win against Martin Brook, Lewis dominating the last 15/4.

Luke Ruderham suffered Newton's only defeat, at the top of the order, losing in four tight games to Luke Tanner.

A strong Dartington Third team proved too good 3-2 (17-8) for Newton IV at Marsh Road.

Andy Nelson (3-0), Ian Bailey (3-1) and Dave Ansley (3-1) wrapped up victory for Darlington, against Kevin Lamacraft, Tom Reynolds and Roy Darlington, although Reynolds was finally beaten by an ankle injury.

Harry Millyard and Martin Hember did claim some consolation for Newton, Millyard beating Pete Exley in five, 17/15 in the decider, and Hember overcoming Kevan Throgmorton in four.

The Fifth team was weakened for the trip to Okehampton, because Claire Simmonds was on Ladies' team duty.

Replacement Paul Lennox lost to Sue Stanbury in three and Matt Thomas also went down.

Newton levelled the match with wins from Ed Lloyd and James Cooper. In the decider, Aiden Hyland recovered from a slow start to lead 2-1 against Ed Bewes.

Bewes roared back to take the fourth 15/4, and Hyland then managed to serve out several times as Bewes clinched a 3-2 (15-8) victory for Okehampton.