Three times M&G Investments Chelmsford Mens Singles Table Tennis Champion Neil Charles (ranked no. 33 nationally) has shown a real resurgence of form this Season. At the weekend he not only won the prestigious Band One Singles title at the Guildford Grand Prix with top draw wins over fellow left hander Mark Smith (Yorkshire), Ashley Robinson (Ireland) as well as a superb 3-2 final win over Essex first team player and England no. 25 Emran Hussain but he came close to picking up a much bigger scalp. Facing British no.one and three times National Champion Paul Drinkhall in the Mens Singles Neil came within two points of taking a stunning 2-0 lead in their first round clash. Neil eventually succumbed in the fourth end but he again had his chances. A very relieved Drinkhall sneaked home 9-11, 13-11, 11-4, 12-10. For good measure Drinkhall went on to win the tournament beating Scottish no. one Gavin Rumgay 3-0 in the final.
Reigning Central Essex Summmer League first division Champions Rayne made a faltering start to the 2011 Season and were pushed to beat Ramsden Raiders 3-2. Steve Pennell was undefeated for Rayne although the big shock here was John Parodi’s superb 11-7, 13-11, 11-8 victory over Kevin Gowlett. Ramsden Renegades are the early leaders and they did well to beat Elmtree / Excalbur 4-1. Chris Buer led the way with wins over Fred Button and Mark Smith. Hulbbridge OAPs also made a winning start and they beat Writtle A 3-2. Peter Saunders looked as sharp as ever beating both Hector Rogers and Matthew Brown.
Chelmsford A made a very good start in division two and with Gordon Fairchild staying undefeated they beat OCs A 4-1. Fairchild did well to battle back from 2-0 down to beat Adrian North 7-11, 11-13,11-8, 11-3, 11-7. Writtle B were also 4-1 winners, defeating Cold Norton. Frank Neill won twice and Dave Moles picked up one win. Elmtree/Excalibur impressed with their 3-2 win over Danbury B. Steve Cheesman scored excellent wins over both Herbie Smith and Norman Smith whilst John Marshall also got the better of Chelmsford League Chairman Norman Smith.
In division three Elmtree/Exclaibur C had Richard Hiskey to thank as they beat Ramsden Raiders 3-2. Richard came out on top 11-8, 7-11, 8-11, 11-6, 11-8 in a hard fought clash against Neil Freeman.
In division four it is Ramsden Rookies who are the early leaders. They beat Elmtree/Excalibur D 3-2 with Paul Sturton winning both of his singles. Martin Hiskey came through a very close encounter against Andrew Pepper 12-10, 7-11, 11-9, 8-11, 11-8.
Steve Kerns
Press & Publicity Officer
Central Essex Summer Table Tennis League