Division One of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League produced two hard-fought matches this week. Maldon A had Alex Abbott to thank as they beat Danbury B 6-4. Abbott won his three singles and John Poysden won twice.

In the best game of the evening (and also one of the closest of the season), Keith Adams defeated Poysden 3-2 (12-10, 13-11, 10-12, 12- 14, 12-10). Abbott downed the challenge of Poysden 3-0 (11-6, 12-10, 11-9).

Galleywood A did well to draw against OCs A. Lucy Wang made a big difference and in her first game after a two-month break she beat both John Cleasby and Terry Dowsett. An undefeated Brandon Crouchman was OCs’ best player.

Elmtree Exclaibur C aren’t top of Division Three but they look increasingly like the team to beat. They trail Danbury G by four points but crucially they have two matches in hand. This week they defeated third placed OCs E 7-3. Phil Smith was their match-winner and he defeated Ashton Parker – the best of the OCs players – decisively 3-0 (11-5, 11-7, 11-8).

Danbury H move into the Christmas break as leaders of Division Four and they produced a workmanlike performance to defeat Danbury J 7-3. Nicky Reece-Ford and Norman Smith both bagged hat-tricks. Norman Smith fought back strongly from two games down to get the better of Dave Goody 3-2 (7-11, 6-11, 11-2, 11-7, 11-6).

Danbury L moved back into contention for honours in Division Five by beating Galleywood D 9-1. Norman Hayes (three wins), Roger Tiffin (three wins) and Mick Robinson (two wins) all played a part in this success. Hayes gave them a successful start by getting the better of Roger Wilson 3-2 (14-12, 11-4, 7-11, 8-11, 11-9) in a hard-fought opening encounter.

The match between Elmtree Excalibur E and Chelmsford G finished tied at 5-5. Jacqui Smith impressed for the Chelmsford team. She beat Keith Fitzjohn 3-2 (5-11, 11-9, 7-11, 11-9, 11-7) and Keith Pallett 3-1 (5-11, 11-5, 11-6, 12-10).

Buttsbury A are the runaway leaders of the CLICK League and Tony Picton (two wins) and James Hughes (one win) overcame Chelmsford H 4-1. Harrison Matthews picked up the sole success for Chelmsford H.

Finally, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all Chelmsford League players and officials.