Brandon Crouchman impresses again

The two leading teams in the first division of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League had contrasting wins this week.

Maldon A (Alex Abbott, Paul Sayer and Paul Stephens) beat OCs A 6-4 after a tight match where 2012 Chelmsford Mens Singles Champion Alex Abbott’s hat-trick left them in charge. Fast-improving Brandon Crouchman was the best of the OCs players and he beat both Paul Stephens 3-0 (11-7, 11-7, 11-9) and most impressively Paul Sayer 3-1 (10-12, 11-9, 11-8, 11-8).

Writtle fielded a very strong side against bottom-team ECC B and their 10-0 success wasn’t a surprise. Regulars Peter Radford and Kevin Worthington were joined by newcomer Maciek “Magic” Nakielski and they gave nothing away. This win has moved Writtle into pole position with 48 points from eight matches.

In a match played back in September Elmtree Graphics B did well to beat the higher-placed ECC A 6-4. John Holland’s three wins gave Elmtree the edge and he sealed their victory by beating David Evans 3-2 (7-11, 12-10, 8-11, 11-6, 11-8) in the last game of the night.

In Division Two Danbury C did well to beat higher-placed Liberals 6-4. Dave Richardson won twice for Danbury and this included a decisive 3-0 (11-6, 11-7,11-7) victory over Steve Pennell, the best of the Liberals players.

Hatfield Peverel B are without a win to date, but they came closer against Chelmsford B for whom Duncan Elloy won his three singles. Peverel’s Clive Allenby did well to beat James Austin 3-2 (13-15, 11-2, 5-11, 11-4, 11-4).

Elmtree Excalibur D have started to impose themselves in Division Three as they top the table with 59 points from eight matches. This week their team of Tony Hallett, Scott Dowsett and Steve Cheesman had little trouble beating ECC E 9-1.

Colin Barham was on target for ECC. He beat Scott Dowsett 3-1 (7-11, 11-5, 11-7,11- 7). Danbury E remain unbeaten and they are in second place. They beat Rawreth 8-2 and league stalwart Peter Hance remained undefeated. He beat Mike Worship 3-2 (6-11, 8-11, 12-10, 11-9, 11-6) in his most bruising encounter.

The Division Four match between OCs C and Danbury G produced one of the hardest fought matches of the season with no less than eight games decided in the fifth end and the match finally ended tied at 5-5 at midnight. Sue Hickman won her three singles for OCs and this included a 3-2 (9-11, 8-11, 12-10,11-8, 11-8) victory over Richard Allen and a 3-2 (13-15, 10-12, 11-8, 11-7, 11-6) win against Dave Marsh.

In contrast OCs had fewer problems against Writtle C as Roy Moore, David Porter and Mick Hayes won convincingly 10-0. OCs D beat EPHQ 7-3 after Charles Yeung had made his mark for the OCs team with a hat-trick of wins over Wayne Campbell-Harvey, Francis Whitbread and Calvin Wright.

The big match in Division Five between Danbury J and Danbury K finished tied at 5-5. Kevin Willis won his three singles for Danbury K and this included a very tight 3-0 (12-10, 12-10, 12-10) win over Norman Hayes.

Meanwhile, OCs F shaded the match against OCs G 6-4 although it was Stuart Wintle from OCs G who remained undefeated. Peter Windley and Tom Barker both won twice for OCs F. Finally, Highwood beat OCs G 7-3. Ann Lockhart, Russell Downton and Martin Goddard who all won twice for Highwood to counter Stuart Wintle’s hat-trick.

* All local players are requested to note that the BATTS Club in Old Harlow are holding a qualifying tournament next Sunday (16th December 2012) for entry into the World Ping Pong (Hard Bat) Championships which take place on Saturday / Sunday 05/ 06 January 2013 at the Alexandra Palace. The four semi-finalists in the qualifying event will gain automatic entry in to the main event where 64 players from around the World will be battling it out for an USD 20,000.00 first prize and a total USD 100,000.00 prize fund.

This is the first table tennis event being organised by Barry Hearn‘s Matchroom team and it will have extensive Sky TV coverage. Admission is free to watch the qualifying event next weekend and you can expect to see long rallies and some very competitive play.

Tickets will also be on sale for the main event at the Alexandra Palace.

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