With the preliminary groups nearing completion in the Colchester & District Table Tennis League cup competitions H20 Rowhedge I came out as surprise 5-4 winners against one of the favourites Gt Horkesley C. Ed Rudge starred winning his two singles and combining with Lajos Zsisku to win the final doubles with the match at 4-4. Lajos also had a fine five set doubles win with Ed’s sister, Alice against Jennie Clark and Denise Thompson, 12-10 in the final end. In the Intermediate cup Group One Pegasus A accounted for Lawford C 8-1, Lawford’s only success coming through Tom Malster’s fine win over Steve Noble. Toby Turner and Clive Forster were both unbeaten for Pegasus. In Group Two H20 Rowhedge F had a walkover against Essex University, the same as H20 Rowhedge D and Walton B against hapless Dedham A in Group Four. In the same group Walton B made light work of H20 Rowhedge G 8-1 thanks mainly to James Denyer and Tony Oswick who went through the card undefeated. Pegasus B beat H20 Rowhedge E 7-2 in Group Three with Mike Sant unbeaten, supported by Ian Whiteside who won both his singles.

In the Handicap Cup pick of the matches was Essex University’s 5-4 defeat of H20 Rowhedge E. Despite Peter Kirkland’s best efforts, winning both his singles. Adam Bowes with three wins was the University’s star player, his only defeat coming at the hands of veteran Pete Giles in three very close sets. Lawford B in winning the first five games effectively sealed the match running out 7-2 winners against Gt Horkesley E. Tom Malster once again impressed along with Phil Daley who was unbeaten in both singles and doubles.

By Martyn Green