Leaders Danbury A retained their 100% record for the season and by beating second-placed Bocking 7-3 they took a giant step towards winning the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League first division title.

2015 Southend Men’s Singles champion Tony Halling, in his second appearance, was the main difference between the two sides and he defeated all three Bocking players 3-0 – David Cole (11-8, 11-2, 11-8), Gary Cattermole (11- 9, 11-9, 11-6) and Rik James (13-11, 11-7, 11-2).

James impressed for Bocking by beating 2015 Chelmsford Men’s Singles champion Ben Warner over five widely fluctuating ends (15-13, 4-11, 11-2, 2-11, 11-7) whilst Warner made his mark by getting the better of Dave Cole, again over five ends (1-11, 11-7, 11- 4, 9-11, 11-5).

Galleywood A (Peter Radford, Steve Kerns and John Holland) gave nothing away by beating OCs B 10-0. John Holland defeated Kevin Worthington 3-2 (11-4, 12-10, 10-12, 7-11, 11-8) in the best game of the night.
Liberal suffered their first defeats of the season in Division Two, succumbing 7-3 to Elmtree Excalibur B and 6-4 against OCs C. Elmtree’s Lee McHugh had to work hard for his two wins in five games, beating Adam Buxton (11-9, 4-11, 11-13, 12-10, 11-8) and Hector Rogers (9-11, 11-9, 11-8, 1-11, 11-9).

Frank Hodge and Daniel Berry both picked up two wins for the OCs team whilst OCs reserve Dave Porter made his mark with a 3-2 (8-11, 11-9, 5-11, 14-12, 11-8) victory over Andrew Huckson.

Rawreth & Hullbridge ran out convincing 9-1 winners over Hatfield Peverel A. Gus Heath and Paul Churn both bagged hat-tricks.

Leaders Chelmsford A are looking increasingly like the team to beat this year and with Ryan Gooday on top form they ran out 8-2 winners against Hatfield Peverel B. Gooday completed his hat-trick with a hard-fought 3-2 (4-11, 11-6, 2-11, 11-3, 11-9) victory over Gary Ward – the best of the Hatfield Peverel players.
In Division Three, Chelmsford B were involved in two 7-3 results. They lost to Elmtree Excalibur C after Excalibur’s Phil Smith had retained his 100% singles record for the season. Chelmsford’s Alistair Piper made his mark by beating Paul Sturton 11-7, 9-11, 11-8, 11-8.

With Alistair Piper again to the fore they beat Hatfield Peverel C. Trevor Collin produced his best form of the season for the losers and he beat both Robert Shrimpton and Keith Martin.
Danbury H look a good bet for honours in Division Four. With Maurice Hardy on unbeaten form they defeated Elmtree Excalibur D 7-3. Hardy had to pull out all the stops to get the better of a determined Dave Moles 3-2 (7-11, 9-11, 12-10, 11-9, 12-10).

Danbury J gave a good account of themselves against Chelmsford C, winning 7-3. Dave Goody completed his trio of wins by getting the better of Richard Upson 3-1 (7-11, 11-9, 12-10, 11- 9).
Galleywood D did very well to draw with leaders Writtle in Divison Five. Mark Glenister led the way with three victories.

Maldon D, who are in third place, kept up the pressure on the teams above them by seeing off OCs G 7-3. Shirley Carroll and Clive Forster both won their three singles. Carroll eventually pipped Stuart Wintle 3-2 (4-11, 11-5, 10-12, 11-9, 11-9) in the closest game of the evening.

Danbury L were also 7-3 winners; they beat Hatfield Peverel E. Roger Tiffin won his three singles on this occasion.

Elmtree Excalibur E scored their first win of the season by beating Galleywood D 6-4. Keith Pallett, Nicola Pippen and Keith Fitzjohn all won twice although they all came up short against Roger Wilson.
All players are again reminded that the M&G Investments Chelmsford Closed tournament takes place over the weekend of Friday 29 to Sunday 31 January 2016 at Hylands School. The closing date for entries is 18 December 2015 and as the draw will take place a day after the closing date there will definitely not be any late entries allowed this season.

With events ranging from Under-14 Singles to Over-60s Singles, Divisional Singles for all the main Divisions as well as Handicap Singles and Handicap Doubles there are events to cater for everyone. It is hoped as many players enter as possible this year. Entries should be sent to the Competition Organiser Arthur Clark as soon as possible.