Maldon A (with Alex Abbott and Paul Sayer undefeated) are still in contention for top honours
Maldon A, the 2012-3 Champions of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League first division are still in the hunt for honours this year. They beat Rawreth & Hullbridge A 7-3 and Elmtree Excalibur A 8-2 with their two leading players – Alex Abbott (14/14 wins) and Paul Sayer (11/14 wins) staying undefeated in both games. The most eye-catching result was the fine 3-0 (12-10, 11-8, 11-6) success for Rawreth’s Phil Smith over Hamish Innes.
Bocking ran out 6-4 winners against ECC B despite the fact that ECC‘s Rik James won his three singles and he also partnered Gary Brignall to a fine five game doubles win over Paul Davison and Kevin Gowlett. ECC B also drew 5-5 with Elmtree Excalibur A. Rik James again dominated the action by winning his three singles.
Elmtree Excalibur B are looking increasingly like the team to watch in Division Two. Phil Smith, fresh from his first division excursion, won his three singles as his team beat second placed Liberal 7-3. Scott Dowsett won twice although he missed out against Barry Pritchard. Danbury D are also beginning to look menacing. Steve Whiteley and Dave Richardson were both undefeated as they beat Chelmsford B 7-3. ECC C ran out 6-4 winners against a two-man Rawreth B. James Hicks won twice for ECC B whilst Paul Churn and Simon Jacob both picked up two wins for Rawreth.
OCs M made it seven wins out of seven in Division Three by beating ECC D 9-1. Steve Northcott and Robert Burton both won their three singles whilst Neil Thompson made his mark for ECC. Thompson defeated Robert Burton 3-1 (12-10, 11-9, 9-11, 12-10) – Robert’s first defeat of the season. Danbury F led by an inform Norman Smith beat ECC E 7-3. Norman Smith bagged a hat-trick and his team-mates Herbie Smith and Peter Hance both won twice.
Bottom side EPHQ showed improved form in Division Four. They drew 5-5 with ECC F. Peter Sun and Victor Chan both won twice for the County Council team whilst Francis Whitbread picked up two wins for EPHQ. Peter Sun defeated Ian Hockley 3-2 (13-15, 11-7, 8-11, 11-5, 12-10) in the closest singles encounter of the evening. Danbury J beat Elmtree Excalibur D 6-4. Dave Goody won his three singles.
There was something of an upset in Division Five with the fancied Maldon D being well beaten 8-2 by Danbury M. This was Maldon’s first defeat of the campaign. Scott Perry and James Anderson were both undefeated for Danbury while Scott Perry defeated Peter Scholz 3-2 (12-10, 11-13, 8-11, 11-9, 12-10) after a real nail-biter of a game. Despite this set-back Maldon are still third only two points behind the leaders Hatfield Peverel D.
Maldon D helped their cause considerably by beating OCs G 7-3. Colin Napper, Steve Scholz and Peter Scholz all won twice although none of their players were able to get the better of Tom Barker. Highwood (Martin Goddard, Kevin Barber and Russell Downton) were 10-0 winners over ECCG – their second win of the season having also drawn five of their first eight matches.
OCs G were also big winners. They beat Elmtree Excalibur E 9-1. Peter Windley and Tom Barker (18/20 wins) were both undefeated on this occasion.
Buttsbury C were 3-2 winners over Chelmsford G in the CLICK League. Chelmsford’s Callum Day defeated Danny Mitchell 3-2 (11-7, 4-11, 11-13, 13-11, 11-8) in the closest game of the evening.
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 2013 and these should be forwarded to the Tournament Organiser – Arthur Clark, 2 Top Road, Woodham Walter, Maldon, CM9 6RQ as soon as possible.
Steve Kerns
Press & Publicity Officer
Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League (November 24, 2013)