MALDON B LOOKING GOOD FOR FIRST DIVISION HONOURS

Maldon B are looking continually as if they are heading for top honours this year in the first division of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League. Their top players Paul Sayer and Alex Abbott were both undefeated in their 7-3 win over Maldon A. Maldon A’s Adam Brewer picked up one success – a strange looking (3-2) 11-0, 7-11, 6-11, 11-7, 16-14 victory against Peter Ballard.

Bocking look good for second place with Kevin Gowlett and Paul Davison both winning twice in their 5-5 draw with OCs A although neither of them were able to beat an impressive Peter Hayden.  ECC A were also involved in a draw with Elmtree Excalibur A. Gary Young dominated proceedings with wins over all ECC players. Elmtree Excalibur A fared better against Maldon A. Gary Baker made his mark with an excellent four game victory against Adam Brewer as they ran out 6-4 winners.

Hatfield Peverel A had contrasting results in Division Two. John Gagg, John Webber and Dave Calleja ran out convincing 9-1 winners over Hatfield Peverel C. However, they were notably less successful against ECC C. James Hicks and Colin Blore both won their three singles as ECC won 8-2. John Gagg beat Bryn Thomas (3-2) 11-9, 11-5, 8-11, 8-11, 12-10 in the closest game of the night.

Rawreth made a very effective late charge last season, which carried them to promotion out of Division Four. Their 8-2 win over ECC D this week sees them jump into third place in Division Three. Mike Worship and Paul Churn both scored hat-tricks. An inform Mike Worship beat all three ECC players – Peter Layzell, Malcolm Storey and Richard Storey 3-0.

Danbury E defeated Chelmsford D 8-2. Lee McHugh and Graham Briggs both won their three singles. In a closer match ECC D beat OCs C 6-4. Richard Storey won his three singles and he completed his hat-trick with a (3-2) 11-5, 6-11,11-3, 8-11, 11-8 win over Nat Ravlic.

Division Four leaders ECC E were 9-1 winners over EPHQ. Allan Thompson and Jeff Lewington were both undefeated with Thompson beating Francis Whitbread (3-2) 11-7, 5-11, 12-10, 6-11, 11-9 in the last game of the night. Dave Carter dominated the match between Hatfield Peverel E and Writtle C. His three singles wins enabled his side to draw with their higher placed opponents.

Danbury J ran out 6-4 winners over Elmtree Excalibur E although none of their side were able to get the better of John Marshall. Danbury’s Bradley Smith beat Nicola Pippen (3-2) 5-11, 5-11, 11-5,11-8, 13-11 in the closest game of the evening.

Chelmsford E were the week’s big winners in this division and Bob Francis, Paul Nicol and Adam Pitt were all undefeated as they beat Danbury G 10-0. Paul Nicol had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Dave Powell (3-2) 11-7, 8-11,12-10, 8-11, 13-11. Writtle C’s 7-3 victory over Danbury H was very much a triumph for team-work. Frank Neill, Colin Griffiths and Andy Fox all won twice as they defeated Danbury H 7-3.

Highwood and Chelmsford H couldn’t be separated in Division Five. Kevin Barber won his three singles for Highwood whilst Adam Brown and Ryan Gooday both picked up two victories for Chelmsford. Barber completed his hat-trick with a (3-2) 14-12, 11-9, 8-11, 3-11, 11-3 victory against Adam Brown in the last game of the evening.

BNCA were clear-cut 5-0 winners against Chelmsford M in the CLICK League. Regan Farley Hearn and George Wallace were both undefeated.

Steve Kerns Press Officer

Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League