Serious player availability issues have seen Bocking A – long-time leaders of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis first division make a terrible finish to what looked to be an all-conquering Season. They have lost three games on the trot, and they will now have to wait and see if any other sides can overhaul them. They were only able to field one player – Kevin Gowlett against relegated Hatfield Peverel A and although he stayed undefeated they lost 7-3. Worse still followed against Danbury A. Again Gowlett was his side’s sole representative but he missed out against 2011 Colchester Mens Singles Champion Antony Greenwood as they lost 8-2. And they fared little better against Maldon A when they were able to field two players – Gowlett and David Cole. Chelmsford’s 2011 Mens Singles Champion Neil Charles won his two singles and Minda Sinkus also beat both Bocking players. Rawreth closed the gap on the leaders by beating a two-man Elmtree Excalibur A 7-3. Kevin Read stayed undefeated for Rawreth. Elsewhere, there was success for Writtle A who beat Hatfield Peverel A 8-2 courtesy of unbeaten performances from Paul Cuming and Kevin Worthington whilst Maldon B had their top player Alex Abbott undefeated as they drew 5-5 with ECC A.

Chelmsford A took a giant step towards the division two title by beating Hatfield Peverel C 7-3. The ever reliable Waseem Qureshi won his three singles whilst Peter Mynard scored a fine 3-1 win over Peter Barrett for the losers. Chelmsford reserve Robert Shrimpton played his part with a five game win over Chris Buer. Second-placed Hylands School A were unable to close on the leaders Chelmsford B despite winning 7-3. Chelmsford Under 21 Champion Brandon Crouchman was undefeated for Hylands School whilst Scott Dowsett played his part with a five-game victory over his Aunt Julie Vansertima. The improving Alastair Piper also showed up well. He beat both Scott and Terry Dowsett.

In division three Elmtree Excalibur C went a long way to guaranteeing they finish second by beating third-placed Danbury B 6-4. Mark Smith won his three singles which included a hard-fought 11-7, 11-9, 5-11, 10-12, 11-9 victory over Neil Want. Danbury D did well to beat the higher-placed Elmtree Excalibur B 6-4. Herbie Smith’s hat-trick was the difference between the two sides.

Rawreth have been a revelation since Christmas in division four and they took a step closer to the title by hammering Danbury H 10-0. Matt Rolfe, Mike Worship and Paul Churn carried all before them. The mid-table fixture between Danbury F and Danbury E finished all square. Dave Marsh and Richard Allen both won twice for Danbury F whilst Kevin Willis won his two singles for Danbury E. John Robinson who won once had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Willis 11-5, 15-17, 3-11, 11-9, 11-9.

Second-placed Chelmsford E were held to a draw in division five by Danbury K. The canny Norman Hayes won his three singles for Danbury to negate the efforts of Adam Pitt and Bob Francis. Hatfield Peverel D were comfortable 8-2 winners over Danbury J. Gareth Davies and Keith Cullen were both unbeaten.

Chelmsford F look to be worthy Champions in division six, and they beat second- placed OCs F 7-3. Chris Denyer and Ian Austin both scored hat-tricks. Ian Austin came out on top 11-8, 9-11, 11-9, 7-11, 11-9 against Frank Hodge in the closest game of the match. Chelmsford G had Oliver Hicks to thank as they beat Chelmsford H 7-3. Hicks overcame Chris High 16-14, 3-11, 11-5, 4-11, 12-10 – a win that gave his side a decisive 6-2 lead. The match between Writtle D and Chelmsford G went pretty much to plan with Writtle running out 7-3 winners. Writtle’s Martin Goddard won his three singles whilst Jacqui Smith won twice for the losers.

OCs G went a long way towards winning the CLICK League by beating second-placed OCs H 4-1. George Mastin beat both Daniel Berry and Charlie Mariner whilst Fred Mastin won once. Daniel Berry beat Fred Mastin 11-4, 6-11, 3-11, 11-7, 11-8 in the most hotly contested game of the night. OCs H returned to winning ways against Chelmsford L. Daniel Berry won twice to leave his team in charge. Chelmsford K had Josh Watts to thank as they beat BNCA 3-2 whilst Lee Rose and George Wallace both won once for the Braintree based side.

Steve Kerns
Press & Publicity Officer
Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League