Almost there

Nomads Panthers are almost there.

This week in Division One of the Clacton and District League the Panthers beat fourth-placed Walton A 10-0, Colin Webber ensuring the whitewash with a narrow 3-2 (4-11, 12-10, 11-6, 11-13, 12-10) win over Matthew Watson.

They now need just fourteen points from their remaining four matches to clinch what would be a first-ever top-flight title for the Nomads’ club.

It was also 10-0 for Brotherhood B against Nomads Jaguars, John Owen picking up a first maximum of the season.

It was somewhat closer as Windsor Eagles defeated Windsor Hawks 6-4 with five of the matches going the distance, Sue Welham and Phil Smith unbeaten for the winners. Welham beat Felipe Rodriguez 11-6 in the fifth and Annabelle Rodriguez 11-9 in the fifth whilst it was also 11-9 in the decider for Smith against Felipe Rodriguez.

In Division Two there was a hat-trick for Russell Hillier, and two each for Lee Harvey and Shaun Beckham, in Brotherhood D’s 7-3 success against Windsor Ravens. The Ravens’ captain Isabel Barton enjoyed a good win in five over Beckham whilst John Long played well to defeat Harvey. However, the Ravens – who’ve gathered just fifteen points from their last six matches – are now only nine points clear of the relegation zone.

The Ravens’ cause was not helped by Brotherhood G’s draw against Windsor Harriers, Elliott Attrill and Jordan Blanche-Price winning two each, Dan Malinowski one.

In Division Three leaders Brotherhood I were predictable 10-0 winners over bottom-team Windsor Kites although the Kites put in their usual determined performance, Chris Simson forcing James Smith-Daye all the way before the Brotherhood player took it 3-2 (11-13, 11-8, 12-10, 7-11, 11-7).

The ‘I’ team are now twenty-four points ahead of rivals Brotherhood J, having played three matches more.

The ‘J’ team, forced to field a guest player, could only manage to draw against lowly Brotherhood L. Debra Found played well to beat the ‘J’ team’s Lucy Burton 3-2 (11-13, 16-18, 11-7, 11-9, 11-4) although Burton came back well to secure her team a share of the spoils with a last-gasp win against Morgan Harvey 3-2 (11-6, 11-5, 10-12, 9-11, 11-9).

Tom Wilkin was Brotherhood H’s unbeaten star in their 8-2 win over Nomads Leopards. There were two each for Michael Gallone and Gerald Batt, Batt denied his own maximum by Tony Rayner who won their individual match 3-2 (10-12, 4-11, 11-3, 14-12, 11-9).

Finally, there was a guest on each side in Brotherhood M’s 5-4 win over Nomads Wildcats, Vicki Edwards and Gracie Edwards guaranteeing the victory with a doubles win against Harry Beezer and Paul Dale.

* The closing date for the Closed Championship entry is Sunday 14th April. Entries should be sent to Tony Oswick or made on-line. On-line entrants should ensure they receive a confirmation of their entry from Peter White.

RESULTS
Division 1
Walton A 0 Nomads Panthers 10;
Brotherhood B 10 Nomads Jaguars 0;
Windsor Eagles 6 Windsor Hawks 4.

Division 2
Brotherhood D 7 Windsor Ravens 3;
Windsor Harriers 5 Brotherhood G 5.

Division 3
Brotherhood H 8 Nomads Leopard 2;
Brotherhood M 5 Nomads Wildcats 4;
Brotherhood I 10 Windsor Kites 0;
Brotherhood L 5 Brotherhood J 5.

To view the full tables click here

Tony Oswick