Bocking, the first division leaders in the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League suffered their first defeat of the Season, but as they weren’t at full strength they may consider that their 6-4 loss to ECC A was quite a good result. England no. 12 Junior Evie Collier was the best of the ECC players and she won both of her singles which included an excellent 11-6, 11-3, 9-11, 7-11, 13-11 success against Kevin Gowlett. Bocking reserve Richard Jennings made his mark, and he scored a fine 11-6, 11-5, 11-7 win over Dave Evans. The match between Maldon A and Danbury A finished as a 5-5 draw. Maldon’s Minda Sinkus won his three singles and Eric Green won twice for Danbury. Danbury’s Tony Forster impressed by beating Chris Jacob in five ends. Danbury also beat Hatfield Peverel 6-4. Eric Green was undefeated this time whilst Greg Green (no relation) won twice for Hatfield Peverel.

Chelmsford A stay top in division two, although Hylands School A have three games in hand on them and could yet get on terms. Chelmsford beat Hylands 6-4 this week courtesy of a superb hat-trick by Peter Barrett who beat all three Hylands players – Brandon Crouchman (3-2), Terry Dowsett (3-2) and Scott Dowsett (3-1). Fourth placed Liberal fell back after losing 6-4 to Chelmsford B. Chelmsford’s Adrian Pitt and Alastair Piper both won twice.

Bottom-placed ECC B showed a marked improvement and Gary Brignall and Simon Webber were both undefeated as they beat Chelmsford C 8-2. ECC B have games in hand and they will hope that this result will provide a spring-board for them to pull clear of relegation. In the clash between Hatfield Peverel B and Hatfield Peverel C it was Peter Brownlow who dominated. His hat-trick gave the B side the edge and they won 6-4.

ECC D made it 13 wins out of 13 in division three, by beating Bocking B 8-2. James Hicks retained his 100 % singles record whilst Bryn Thomas and Colin Blore both won twice. Richard Jennings, not out of place in division one – won twice for Bocking. Danbury B moved into fourth place by beating OCs B 9-1. Neil Want and Tim Pulham both scored hat-tricks. Danbury C have fared well since Christmas but they met their match against second-placed Elmtree Excalibur B who beat them 9-1. The score may have flattered Elmtree Excalibur slightly as they won five of the six games decided in the fifth end. Newcomer Ian Rattray won his three singles which included a 11-5, 11-4, 8-11, 8-11, 15-13 success against Mo Hardy. Third-placed Elmtree Excalibur C also won, and they beat Danbury B 6-4. Mark Smith won his three singles.

In division four Elmtree Excalibur D edged out the new leaders Rawreth 6-4. 2011 Four Down Singles Champion Richard Hiskey won twice for Elmtree whilst Mike Worship and Paul Churn both picked up two wins for Rawreth. Worship did well to beat Hiskey 11-4, 8-11, 12-10, 12-10.

Second-placed Hatfield Peverel E were 6-4 winners in division five. They had an unbeaten Dave Carter to thank as they beat OCs D 6-4. Tom Adam saw off Adam Carter 10-12,11-9, 11-7, 7-11, 11-8 in the closest game of the night.

In division six it was honours shared in the match between OCs F and OCs E. Mick Parkhurst won his three singles for the F side. Hylands School B beat Elmtree Excalibur F 7-3. Both sides fielded four player sides and the Hylands trio – 2011 Six Down Singles Champion Jack Crook, Phil Bigland and Tom Barker all won twice.

Somewhat unusually the matches in the CLICK League all resulted in 5-0 wins. Chelmsford J (Ryan Gooday and Callum Webster) beat both OCs J and Chelmsford J whilst OCs H (Charlie Mariner and Daniel Berry) were equally dominant against Chelmsford K. ECC G fielded a three-man side against Chelmsford L and it was the ECC trio – Ben Clifford, Nathan Blore and Aran Goodridge who came out on top without dropping a game. The leaders OCs G (61 points from 14 games) made no mistake against Black Notley and Fred Mastin and George Mastin were both undefeated.

All players are reminded that the League’s 75th Anniversary Dinner/Dance takes place on Friday 20 May 2011 at The Waterfront Place, Wharf Road, Chelmsford, CM2 6LU – 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start. Tickets are £35.00 and Alex Murdoch, ETTA Chairman will be the Guest of Honour for the evening. Former player Kevin Briggs will provide the Disco and it is intended to present the League’s Divisional Trophies at the event. The main course of the meal will be chicken and there is a vegetarian option of spinach, tomato & red pepper tart. Tickets can be ordered from Brian Cook, telephone: 01245 467787 / E-mail: brian.robert.
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Steve Kerns
Press Publicity Officer
Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League