Walton C lose unbeaten record.
An inspired performance from H20 Rowhedge E’s Martin Edwards inflicted Walton C’s first defeat of the season in the Colchester and District Table Tennis League Division Two. Edwards remained unbeaten while another ex-Walton player, John Owen, who also won twice, aided him and Peter Giles in their 7-3 victory against the league leaders. John Rice replied with two wins but a previously unbeaten George Kalli lost all three for Walton.
Despite this upset Walton are five points clear at the top with Lawford A moving up into the promotion spots following a 7-3 win over previously second placed Tollesbury A. Paul Freeman’s maximum made it sixteen wins for him, which is the joint highest total of individual victories along with Martin Edwards. Despite Freedman’s efforts, a good all-round performance from Dedham secured the vital win over their promotion rivals.
Division Two is extremely close as illustrated by Clairmont’s incredible unbeaten record. They are the only undefeated team left in the division yet they have only won once in six matches having drawn the remaining five. Paul Tracey completed his third maximum as H20 Rowhedge F held his team to another 5-5 draw. Meanwhile, St James B recorded their second win; 7-3 against H20 Rowhedge D for whom Alan Burgess returned from his Division One duties to win his three matches.
With Division One leaders Tollgate A benefitting from a Walton A concession, current champions H20 Rowhedge A faced lowly Gt Horkesley C and their unbeaten number one Gary Young.
Michael Andrews was the first player to beat him in a close five set encounter but Young got the better of Antony Greenwood in five as well as Kevin Gowlett in three ends. Despite Young’s efforts Rowhedge won 8-2 and still have a game in hand over Tollgate, who lie three points behind.
David Moss, like Young, put in a sterling performance in a losing cause as his H20 Rowhedge B team lost 7-3 at Gt Horkesley A. His brilliant maximum included a rare five set win over Richard Goodhand – the third player to lose their one hundred per cent record in the week.
Tollgates B move up to fifth with a comprehensive 9-1 win over Gt Horkesley B. Martyn Green, Martin Hogg and Sue Welham were all unbeaten as their recovery continues. Also, Pegasus A recorded their third win; 8-2 over Walton B with senior player Ian Whiteside unbeaten.
Division Three leaders Lawford B did not have things all their own way in a 6-4 defeat of H20 Rowhedge G. They were indebted to Peter Freeborough who won three times as six of the games went the full distance with experience proving vital on the day. Gt Horkesley D matched this result as they moved up to second place with Steve Holland once again in form, undefeated, against Tollesbury B.
St James C drop to third having been held to a 5-5 draw by the University of Essex. Nathan Nicol, who was unbeaten, was the player of the match. Tollesbury B move up two places to fourth and Dedham B follow them as they beat Pegasus E 9-1 with Tony Watson and Roy Cole unbeaten.
St James D march on in Division Four as they and CRGS both boast six wins out of six. The undefeated players thus far Russell Hillier and Colin Beaumont lead the way with Dan Rhodes taking the Gilberd B’s sole win in a 9-1 defeat. A two player Tollgate D beat Lawford C 7-3 thanks to stand-in captain Karl Baldwin and Alan Smith’s six singles and combined effort to win the doubles.
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