Liberal were involved in two close matches in Division Two of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League but despite two excellent performances from Steve Pennell, who was undefeated in his six singles, they failed to win either match and they have now dropped back to fourth place.
They drew 5-5 with Rawreth A – with Pennell completing his hat-trick of wins by fighting back from 2-0 down to get the better of Simon Jacob 3-2 (2-11, 7-11, 11-8, 11-9, 12-10). Pennell had previously defeated Gus Heath 3-1 (6-11, 11-6, 11-5, 11-8) and Paul Churn 3-1 (9-11, 12-10, 11-6, 11- 8). Liberal also missed out against Hatfield Peverel B 6-4. Pennell impressed here by downing the challenge of the hard-hitting Gary Ward in four (11-8, 4-11, 12- 10, 11-9).
Elmtree Excalibur C have stolen a march on their rivals in Division Three and they now lead the table by seven points with a game in hand. Phil Smith led the way with a hat-trick of wins against Danbury F whilst Dave Marsh won twice for the losers in a match in which Elmtree emerged as 8-2 winners.
Marsh defeated Louis Brown 3-2 (9-11, 11-9, 12-14, 11-5, 13-11) in the closest game of the night.
Danbury F fared better against Chelmsford C – Dave Marsh was again their most successful player in a match which they won 6-4. Marsh impressed in all three of his singles. He beat Bob Francis 3-0 (11-6, 11-7, 11-7) and then Paul Nicol 3-1 (15-17, 12-10, 11-8, 11-5) and finally Mark Allaway in five ends (10-12, 11-7, 11-8, 9-11, 11-7).
In Division Five, there was an evenly contested match between Chelmsford G and Galleywood D. It finished tied at 5-5 after Mark Glenister had won his three singles for the Galleywood side and Michael Whelpdale and John Wickens had both won twice for the Chelmsford team.
The very experienced Danbury L team, who are currently in second place, were handsome 10-0 winners over Chelmsford F. Norman Hayes, Roger Tiffin and Dave Whiting were all undefeated.
In the CLICK League, Buttsbury B – Alex Headley (one win) and Matthew Elliott (two wins) – ran out 4-1 winners against Old Chelmsfordians J. The doubles turned out to be the most gripping encounter of the evening and Headley and Elliott finally defeated Harry Rogers and Alan Whitmore 3-2 (11-8, 5-11, 13-11, 13-15, 12-10) to secure their 4-1 victory.
Chelmsford J beat Black Notley 3-2. Chelmsford‘s Connor Payne played the starring role by beating Lawrence Grantham in four (7-11, 11-9, 12-10, 14-12) and Peter Hull in three (11-6, 11-6, 11-5).