Felsted Royal British League win CLICK Handicap Knock-Out Cup

The Felsted Royal British Legion team of Sam Porter and Ashley Butler are the 2012 Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League CLICK League Handicap KO Cup winners. In their first year in the Chelmsford League they won the competition by beating Chelmsford L (4-1), Writtle (3-2) and in the final they beat ECC G 4-1.

The 4-1 victory over Chelmsford L was harder than it looked. Four of the five games were decided in the fourth end and Sam Porter (playing off of handicap of 11) clinched the victory for his side by beating Thomas Nguyen (handicap 12) 3-1 (10-12, 11-0, 11-6, 11-9). Ashley Butler (handicap 14) played his part by defeating Callum Webster (handicap 8) 3-1 (11-7, 11-5, 6-11, 12-10).

Felsted’s 3-2 semi-final victory against Writtle D was even closer and it all came down to the deciding doubles. Sam Porter and Ashley Butler prevailed 3-1 (11-6, 9-11, 11-9, 11-3) against Peter Windley and Alex Warway. Writtle’s Peter Windley (handicap 37) had proved unbeatable in his two singles. He beat Ashley Butler 3-2 (0-11, 12-10, 1-11, 11-9, 11-8) and Sam Porter 3-1 (11-8, 13-15, 11-9, 12-10).

Felsted ran out 4-1 winners in the final, although again the scoreline hides just how competitive the match was. Sam Porter beat Ben Clifford (30) 3-0 (11-8, 11-2, 11-5) in the opening game and Ashley Butler came through over five fluctuating ends against Emily Wood (20) 3-2 (7-11, 11-4, 8-11, 11-9, 11-2). Felsted were in the driving seat and Ashley Butler clinched the title by beating Nathan Blore (15) 3-1 (12-14, 11-6, 11-7, 11-8). For good measure Sam Porter also won his second singles. He beat Emily Wood 3-1 (6-11, 11-4, 11-8, 11-9).

ECC G were determined not to go home empty-handed and Ben Clifford and Nathan Blore tasted success in the final doubles. They beat Sam Porter and Ashley Butler by a last-gasp 3-2 (11-3, 11-13, 11-6, 4-11, 15-13) margin.

Al players are reminded that the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League Annual General Meeting takes place on Thursday 31 May 2012 at 19.30 hours at Old Chelmsfordians Association, Lawford Lane, Chelmsford.

Steve Kerns

Press & Publicity Officer

Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League