the winning touch just in time to push aside a strong challenge from BAA Wanderers during a heated Commercial League `A' Division clash at White Hill Field on Saturday.

Rough play was the order of the day as the two rivals waged war.

And when the dust finally settled, Hood had only nine `soldiers' left on the pitch while Wanderers stood with 10 men.

Indeed, referee Tracy Adams had a busy day waving the red card, handing Hood's Alex McLaughlin and Dave Wolffe their marching orders in the second half, this after having earlier sent Arthur Reilly of BAA Wanderers to the showers.

Almost lost in the midst of all the furore was a lone goal from Colin McQueen, one which ensured Hood retained their three point advantage at the top of the standings.

Keeping in touch with the leaders were second-placed Lobster Pot, who blasted Vasco Mariners 4-1 at BAA Field, riding the boot of Troy Berkeley who netted a hat-trick.

Berkeley followed a late first half goal with two more after the break, which, added to one by Saleem Mukudem, gave Pot a solid cushion.

Joe Rodrigues managed the lone tally for a Mariners side who continue to languish in the middle of the pack.

Showing that some of the sparkle still remains in his game was former Bermuda international Kenny Thompson, as he produced the goal that gave North Village Rams a 1-0 decision over MR Onions at Bernard Park.

Thompson struck in the 18th minute and this ultimately proved enough.

Tuff Dogs, still carrying the momentum of a stunning upset of then unbeaten Robin Hood, continued their march with a 5-1 shellacking of Devonshire Colts All-Stars.

Dogs thus remained level on points -- 16 -- with North Village, while All-Stars maintained their perfect record, albeit a dubious one, as they remain winless from seven matches.

The other `A' Division contest reported to have been played saw an offensive explosion, with Fire Service and PHC Raiders producing nine goals between them at Police Field. Fire Service, though, managed to score one more than their opponents to come away 5-4 victors, this despite a Brian (Bulla) Anderson hat-trick for the visitors.

In the `B' Division, Key West Rangers reaffirmed their status as the primary pick for promotion with a 5-2 battering of Exiles, and maintained their perfect league record.

St. George's All-Stars likewise sounded the trumpet, one which signalled a 6-0 burial of Devonshire Lions.

Charles Wade and Cal Raynor emerged as chief purveyors of the carnage with two goals apiece, while Morris O'Brien and Milton Jones each netted once.

In the west end, Somerset Extros came out on top of their local derby against Dockyard Falcons at Malabar, winning 4-2, with Ronue Cann, Donnie Simmons, Everett Wellman and G.Outerbridge scoring for the former, while David Tear and Ali Smith replied for Falcons.

The second match at Dockyard saw Pest Control beat Prison Officers 5-4 behind a hat-trick from T.Crockwell, one from Anthony Francis and an own goal.

Reginald Pitcher, Millard Rawlins and Mike Lambe (two) scored for the losers.