A top-class performance from the leaders Hullbridge OAPs saw them beat Ramsden Renegades 5-0 in the First Division of the Central Essex Summer Table Tennis League. Peter Saunders and Tim Pang were both undefeated with Saunders hitting top form as he defeated both Chris Buer and Steve Buer 3-0.
Hullbridge OAPs added three more points to their tally by beating Rayne 3-2. Rayne’s Steve Pennell won twice, beating both Peter Saunders and Chris Aukett 3-0 whilst Dean Andrews came very close to beating Saunders 3-0, however, after missing our narrowly in the third end the tide turned very much in Saunders’ direction and he won the fourth and fifth ends decisively for a 9-11, 4-11, 11-9, 11-3, 11-2 victory.
Rayne fared better against Writtle A and Andrew McEwan (home from University) showed up well as they won 4-1. He beat both Hector Rogers and Trevor Carter 3-0. It was Carter who was Writtle’s sole winner and he came good with a typically patient and well executed 11-5, 8-11, 11-4, 11-6 success against Ian Whiteside. Hullbridge Slim Boys excelled against Writtle A and Gary Baker and Nigel Lamb carried all before them running out 5-0 winners against Frank Neill and Kevin Worthington. Lamb produced his top form to beat Worthington 11-6, 7-11, 5-11, 11-5, 11-8.
Division Two leaders Danbury A were made to work hard by Chelmsford A. Graham Briggs and Lee McHugh gave them a 2-0 lead but Chelmsford hit back with Gordon Fairchild getting the better of Graham Briggs in five ends and Robert Shrimpton beating McHugh 11-5, 14-12, 11-8. With all to play for in the doubles Danbury came through a close four ender 11-5, 9-11, 11-8, 11-9 to run out 3-2 winners. OCs A were also 3-2 winners against Writtle B. Writtle’s Dave Moles was involved in two really close games. He excelled to get the better of Robert Burton 9-11, 12-10, 11-6, 2-11, 12-10 in his first game but he missed out against Frank Hodge 14-12, 11-13, 9-11, 11-6, 10-12 in his second encounter. Elmtree/Excalibur were more comfortable winners and they beat Cold Norton 5-0. Steve Cheesman and Tony Hallett were in control throughout this match and Cheesman picked up two more wins as his side beat Writtle B 3-2. Cheesman beat Moles 8-11, 11-7, 12-10, 11-7 and Frank Neill 11-4, 11-9, 11-5.
Elmtree / Excalibur C are very much in contention for honours in Division Three and they gave nothing away as they beat Mountnessing 5-0. Rod Maclennan and Tony Hallett were both undefeated. Elmtree look even better placed after beating Danbury C 5-0 and this time Maclennan was joined by Tony Vassallo. In the closest game of the night Maclennan fought back from 2-0 down to get the better of Dave Powell 9-11, 6-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-9.
South Woodham Ferrers A had Adam Morrison and Dan Richardson undefeated as they beat OCs C 5-0. Richardson had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Matthew Porter 12-10, 11-8, 15-13. However, South Woodham’s challenge took a heavy knock when they were beaten 4-1 by Ramsden Rovers. Gareth Davies won twice for Ramsden whilst Andy Simmonds won once, beating Adam Morrison 13-11, 10-12, 11-4, 11-8.
Ramsden Rookies were double winners in Division Four. Paul Sturton and Caroline Cole gave nothing away as they beat Chelmsford C 5-0 whilst Sturton and Cole both won once as they beat South Woodham Ferrers B 3-2. South Woodham’s number two ace defender and Veterans National League and County player – Peter Ballard will take some beating at this level as indeed he would in the First Division.
Steve Kerns
Press & Publicity Officer
Central Essex Summer League