The most eye-catching performance of the week in the first division of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League came from Elmtree Excalibur A’s hard-hitting left-hander Simon Webber who beat the 2012 and 2013 M&G Investments Chelmsford Men’s Singles champion Alex Abbott (Maldon A) 3-2 (11-9, 8-11, 8-11, 11-7, 11-9) – one of the best individual victories in the League this season.
Webber however didn’t manage to complete his hat-trick of victories having earlier been dismissed in five (11-13, 11-8, 9-11, 11-8, 9-11) by Hamish Innes. Elmtree Excalibur won this match 6- 4, their first success of the season.
Elmtree were not so successful against Danbury C and slipped to a 6-4 defeat. Dave Richardson, who is looking increasingly comfortable back in the first division after spells in the lower divisions, beat both Simon Webber and Scott Dowsett.
Danbury C had both Eric Green and Steve Whiteley undefeated as they beat Danbury B 8-2. Reserves Dan Anderson and Cameron Gray both beat Ken Sheard.
At the top of the table Danbury A made it a startling 66 points out of 70 – the best record in the league by a considerable margin – as they beat OCs B 10-0. Gary Young (15 wins out of 15), Ben Warner (16 out of 17) and newcomer Reece Seddon all won their three games. Seddon represents the eighth different player to turn out for this team to date. Danbury’s first-half clash with Bocking A on Tuesday December 1 will have a considerable say in the outcome of the league this year.
Hatfield Peverel B were convincing 9-1 winners over Hatfield Peverel A in Division Two. Gary Ward (three wins), John Gagg (three wins) and Peter Brownlow (two wins) dominated this particular match. Danbury D (Matthew Brown, Steve Buer and Chris Buer) stay in third place. They beat Danbury E 6-4 although none of their trio of players were able to get the better of Chris Hancox.
Rawreth & Hullbridge ran out 6-4 winners against Elmtee Excalibur B. Paul Churn turned in an unbeaten performance for Elmtree Excalibur which included recording a fine 3-1 (11-5, 11-7, 6-11, 11-5) victory over Lee McHugh.
Danbury G stay top in Division Three but their lead of 11 points disguises the fact that they have played three matches more than their nearest opponents – Elmtree Excalibur C. This week they drew with OCs D for whom Nat Ravlic won his three singles. Dan Anderson and George Ashley both picked up two wins for the Danbury G team.
Chelmsford C ran out 6-4 winners against Maldon B. Victor Chan impressed with an excellent trio of wins over Tom Elder, Ev Lucas and Dawn Baldry.
The Division Four match between Chelmsford E and Elmtree Excalibur D finished level at 5-5. Karl Baldwin made his debut for Chelmsford and stayed undefeated. He completed his hat-trick by getting the better of Dave Moles 3-2 (10-12, 11-8, 11-8, 12-14, 18-16) – the closest match of the week.
In Division Five, OCs G ran out 6-4 winners against Elmtree Excalibur E. David Bishop won his three singles for the Old Chelmsfordians side.
Buttsbury A (24 points out of 30) look to be the most likely winners of the CLICK League. This week they beat BNCA 5-0. Tom Picton and James Hughes both won their three singles. Chelmsford H were indebted to Harrison Matthews as they beat Buttsbury B 3-2. He beat George Cobley 3-1 (12-10, 6-11, 11-8, 12-10) and Alex Headley 3-0 (11-8, 11-9, 11-8).
Chelmsford H in turn missed out 4-1 against Chelmsford J. Conner Payne won twice for Chelmsford J and James Penkman defeated Peter Davenport 3-0.
All players are reminded that the M&G Investments Chelmsford Closed tournament takes place over the weekend of Friday 29 to Sunday 31 January 2016 at Hylands School.
The closing date for entries is December 18 and as the draw will take place a day after the closing date there will definitely not be any late entries allowed this season. With events ranging from Under-14 Singles to Over-60s Singles, Divisional Singles for all the main Divisions as well as Handicap
Singles and Handicap Doubles there are events to cater for everyone.
It is hoped as many players enter as possible this year. Entries should be sent to Competition Organiser Arthur Clark as soon as possible.