Hard-earned Julie Johnson hat-trick gives Chelmsford A the edge

Chelmsford A scored an impressive 8-2 win over Rawreth B in the second division of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League, a result that sees them consolidate second place. Waseem Qureshi and Julie Johnson both scored hat- tricks with Julie in particular having to “go that extra mile” to win her three singles. The 21 times Chelmsford Ladies Champion beat Simon Jacob 3-2 (14-12, 11-2, 5-11, 6-11, 12-10) and Paul Churn 3-2 (11-9, 10-12, 11-8, 4-11, 11-9). Elmtree Excalibur B stay top and they also defeated Rawreth B 8-2. Elmtree’s Lee McHugh won his three singles whilst Mike Worship scored a fine 3-0 win over Scott Dowsett. The match between ECC C and Liberal didn’t follow the form book at all. The match ended in a 5-5 draw although it was Bryn Thomas, who hasn’t had the best Season to date who stole the show. With a record of 42 % over the Season he played far above that level and he scored a superb trio of wins over Barry Pritchard, Robin Armstrong and Steve Pennell.

OCs A moved into third place in the first division by beating Elmtree  Graphics A 7-3. Dave Cole and Brandon Crouchman both won their three singles with Brandon completing his hat-trick by downing the challenge of the highly-rated Keith Adams 3-2 (3-11, 4-11,11-8, 11-9, 11-9). OCs A were also held to a draw by a Danbury B side who were bolstered by the inclusion of Kevin Read. The free- flowing Read made his mark with an impressive trio of wins which included a fine 3-0 (11-9, 11-6, 11-5) victory over Peter Hayden.

OCs B (119 points from 15 matches) moved even further ahead in the third division by beating Danbury F 8-2. Robert Burton and Steve Northcott both won their three singles. Further down the table ECC D dished out a 10-0 thrashing against club-mates ECC E. Neil Thompson, Peter Layzell and Richard Storey were all undefeated. The match between Danbury H and Danbury G ended in a 5-5 draw. Dave Marsh won his three singles for Danbury H. Danbury F in turn did well to beat Danbury H 6-4 – good going as it was again the inform Dave Marsh (with a 78 % record over the season) who won his three singles for Danbury H.

OCs D moved into second place in division four after recording three victories. They beat Hatfield Peverel C (6-4), EPHQ (8-2) and Danbury L (6-4). Adrian North fared best in these games. He scored hat-tricks against both EPHQ and Danbury L. North did well to beat Hatfield Peverel’s Ray Eldridge 3-1 (11-5, 9-11, 14-12, 11-9) but he missed out against Dave Carter 3-1 (11-6, 9-11, 3-11, 7-11).  Danbury J (Dave Powell, Brian Ellis and newcomer Ray Cheung) all won twice as they beat Elmtree Excalibur D 7-3 although they all came up short against Wiktor Delimat. The match between Danbury L and ECC F ended in a 5-5 draw. Kevin Willis was undefeated for the Danbury side whilst David Gatherall and Mohammed Mohseni both picked up two wins for the ECC team.

Division five leaders Maldon D were 8-2 winners over OCs F. Colin Napper won his three singles and this included a well-executed 3-0 (11-7, 11-8, 11-6) win over David Newman – OCs’ best player. The match between Hatfield Peverel D and ECC G finished tied at 5-5. Victor Chan remained undefeated for the County Council side whilst Ron Biggs and Keith Cullen both picked up two victories for the Hatfield Peverel side. Danbury M beat Chelmsford F 7-3. John Knights, Eamon Hall and Daniel Anderson all played a part in this victory although none of them were able to get the better of Richard Baxter.

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