As the race to win the prestigious first division title in the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League heats up the two leading sides – Rawreth & Hullbridge A and Bocking B – appear to have “upped the ante” considerably.
Rawreth & Hullbridge A hammered a two-man Galleywood A 10-0. The very strong side of Kevin Read, Duncan Taylor and Ben Warner were all undefeated. Galleywood’s Peter Lau commented “that’s the first time I’ve ever lost 10-0“ whilst Steve Kerns saw it differently – “We were lucky to get nil !“ was his take on the match.
Bocking B beat Elmtree Excalibur A 9-1. Rik James and Gary Cattermole were both undefeated whilst John Poysden made his mark with a fine win 3-0 (12-10, 11-5, 11-9) over Dave Cole.
Elsewhere, OCs A were 7-3 winners over Bocking A in match where Brandon Crouchman stayed unbeaten for OCs.
OCs B scored one of the best wins of the Season in Division Two. They beat Hatfield Peverel A 10-0 in a marathon match where no fewer than seven games were decided in the fifth end. Quite incredibly, not a single game was decided three-straight. Steve Northcott, Robbie Burton and Kevin Worthington carried all before them.
OCs B also fought out a 5-5 draw with third-placed Danbury C. Glen Laing overcame Robbie Burton 3-1 (11-9, 11-9, 11-13, 11-9) in the battle of the defenders.
Leaders Danbury B (Chris Buer, Andrew Halling and Steve Buer) took another step towards the title by beating Elmtree Excalibur C 10-0. Rod Maclennan pushed Chris Buer all the way before succumbing 3-2 (8-11, 12-10, 11-6, 8-11, 9-11).
Rawreth & Hullbridge B stay second and they beat Elmtree Excalibur B 7-3. Mike Worship, Barrie Delf and Paul Churn all won twice. Delf beat Tony Hallett 3-2 (5-11, 11-13, 11-6, 11-7, 11-9) in the closest game of the night.
OCs D (Mick Hayes, Roy Moore and David Porter) hit the jackpot against Hatfield Peverel C in division three, racing to a 10-0 victory. David Porter appeared to be heading to defeat against Ray Eldridge but he fought back to win 3-2 (8-11, 2-11, 11-9, 11-5, 11-3).
Danbury G’s Dave Marsh and Mo Hardy were both undefeated as they beat Chelmsford C 7-3. David Parker had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Richard Allen in five (9-11, 1-11, 11-9, 11-5, 12-10).
There’s no stopping Maldon D in Division Four. They made it 11 wins out of 12 by beating EPHQ 8-2. Ciaran Whelan and Colin Napper were both undefeated.
Galleywood C impressed by beating Danbury K 8-2. Alan Thompson and Mohammad Mohseni both grabbed hat-tricks. Galleywood C found it harder going against second-placed OCs F. Tom Barker and Peter Windley gave nothing away although Barker was pushed by Allan Thompson before he triumphed 3-2 (11-5, 8-11, 9-11, 11-3, 11-8).
Third-placed Danbury had Dave Powell to thank as they beat Chelmsford D 6-4.
Division Five leaders Danbury M are in a class of their won. They made it 12 wins out of 12 by beating Maldon E 8-2. George Ashley won his three singles although Mervyn Perriman scored two fine wins for the losers. He beat both Dan Andeson and Cameron Gray. Maldon E in turn returned to winning ways against Chelmsford F. Perriman was again their leading performer and he remained undefeated.
Steve Kerns (press & publicity officer)
January 26, 2015