Elmtree Excalibur B are looking good in Division Two

Elmtree Excalibur B showed their considerable potential by hammering Danbury D 9-1 in Division Two of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League, a result that moves them two points clear of Danbury C at the top of the table and with a game in hand.  Tony Hallett and Lee McHugh both remained undefeated whilst Scott Dowsett won twice. Steve Whiteley was Danbury’s only winner – he beat Scott Dowsett in four ends.

The match between ECC C and Danbury E finished tied at 5-5. James Hicks won his three singles for the County Council side whilst Tony Forster and Dick Wyman both won twice for Danbury. Hicks prevailed 3-2 (9-11, 11-5, 13-11, 9-11, 13-11) against Forster in a fiercely fought last game of the evening. The clash between Chelmsford A and Rawreth B also finished all square. Simon Jacob won his three singles for Rawreth the hard way. The scores are well worth mentioning.

Jacob beat Waseem Qureshi 3-2 (3-11, 13-11, 11-6, 8-11, 14-12) in his opening encounter and his good form continued into his second singles where he defeated Julie Johnson 3-2 (11-8, 7-11, 7-11, 11-1, 16-14). He completed an excellent evening’s work by getting the better of Al Piper 3-2 (11-3, 6-11, 11-7, 8-11, 11-8).

OCs B made it six wins out of six in Division Three by overpowering Danbury F 8-2 and their total of 48 points out of a possible 60 looks particularly impressive at this early stage.  Frank Hodge won his three singles and Nat Ravlic and up-and-coming reserve Daniel Berry both picked up two victories. League Chairman Norman Smith defeated Daniel Berry 3-1 (11-6, 13-11, 8-11, 11-6). OCs C had David Porter to thank as they defeated Elmtree Excalibur C 6-4. Porter came through a very well contested encounter against Rod Maclennan 3-2 (6-11,12-10, 10-12, 12-10, 14-12).

OCs D climbed into second place in Division Four by drawing with Danbury L. It was a tight match where no single player remained undefeated. Kevin Willis won twice for the OCs side whereas Adrian North and Charles Yeung both picked up two wins for the OCs team. Adrian North had to pull put all the stops to get the better of Trevor Palmer 3-2 (9-11, 13-11, 7-11, 11-7, 18-16).

Chelmsford D ran out 8-2 winners over EPHQ. Adam Pitt and Bob Francis both remained unbeaten. Frank Neill followed suit for Writtle B who drew with Hatfield Peverel C. Neill impressed in defeating Dave Carter in five ends 3-2 (11-5, 6-11, 11-13, 11-4, 11-6). Elsewhere, ECC F recorded their third win of the season by getting the better of Danbury K 6-4. The ECC duo – Mohammed Mohseni and David Gatherall and the Danbury team-mates Roger Tiffin and Norman Hayes all won twice. Mohseni beat Tiffin 3-2 (5-11, 11-1, 5-11, 11-7, 11-4) in a widely fluctuating last game of the evening.

A strong Hatfield Peverel D side were the week’s big winners in Division Five. Gareth Davies (three wins), Bryan Speller (two wins) and Keith Cullen (three wins) were well on top as they defeated Chelmsford F 9-1. With a different line-up Hatfield Peverel D were not the same force and they lost 7-3 to Chelmsford E. Keith Cullen won his three singles but this was countered by Ian Austin, Sarah Austin and Adam Kirchel who all won twice. Cullen had to dig deep to beat Sarah Austin 3-2 (11-6, 11-6, 9-11, 11-13, 12-10). Danbury M (Scott Perry, Dan Anderson and Eamon Hall) beat OCs F 8-2. David Newman won twice for the OCs team.

All players are reminded that this season’s M&G Investments Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League Individual Championships will be held on Friday/Saturday/Sunday 7/8/9 February 2014 at a new venue – the Sports Hall of Hylands School, Chelmsford with access to the car park via Hatfield Grove off Forest Drive, CM1 3DF. The closing date for entries is 7 December and these should be forwarded to the Tournament Organiser – Arthur Clark, 2 Top Road, Woodham Walter, Maldon, CM9 6RQ.

Steve Kerns
Press & Publicity Officer
Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League (November 11, 2013)