Ramsden Reds top the first division table in the Central Essex Summer Table Tennis League with 18 points out of 25 – but a 4-1 defeat against Rayne means they might well miss out on capturing the title.

Ramsden’s Keith Adams and Gary Ward carried all before them as they beat Danbury A 5-0 but they were without their top player Adams in their clash with Rayne. Although his replacement Bruce Kettle beat Adam Buxton deuce in the decider, that was all they could muster. Buxton and Steve Kerns both scored very hard-fought 3-1 victories over Gary Ward as Rayne ran out slightly fortuitous 4-1 winners.

Danbury A are currently in second place and they beat OCs A 4-1. Robert Burton was the OCs winner, beating Steve Buer in five ends.

OCs B made it six wins out of six in division two and they can’t be caught. Frank Hodge was on top form and he beat both Herbie Smith (3-0) and Dave Marsh (3-1).

OCs C made it four wins out of four in division three. Mick Hayes and David Porter made no mistake in beating Danbury C 5-0.

Felsted RBL are the runaway leaders in division four with 19 points out of 20, having notched up two more 5-0 victories. Ashley and Ian Butler were undefeated as they beat both Writtle B 5-0 and OCs E. The match against Writtle provided the greater test and Butler had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Tom Griffiths 3-2 (8-11, 6-11, 11-9, 11-5, 11-9), whilst Ashley Butler was also severely tested by the same player, winning 3-2 (11-9, 6-11, 9-11, 12-10, 11-5).

Danbury D were 4-1 winners against OCs F as Scott Perry won both of his singles and had a share in a doubles win with John Knights.

By Steve Kerns
Press & Publicity Officer, Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League
July 21st, 2014