Congratulations to the Leicestershire Veterans’ first team of Chris Rogers, Dave Gannon, Maurice Newman and Karen Smith who won the National Premier title for the fourth time, reversing an agonising previous season when they lost be one set, this time just getting home by two sets. There is a report elsewhere on the site.
Charlie Bateman took advantage of the leader in the Daytime Ladder League, Andy Searle, having a day fishing by recording four out of four victories, three at 3-0, for a plus seven return that takes him within two points of top position with just one session remaining, to promise an exciting finale. Only two others, John Bowness and Cliff Smith, have slim chances of leapfrogging to the top rung, and even an unbeaten return might not achieve that.
Played in two groups of six the second group was shared by Chris Parmar-Saville who won all four at 2-1 for a plus four score, the same score as Robert Geary, who lost one but made up for it by a couple of 3-0 returns.
The battle for second place behind runaway leaders in Division One of the Leicester and District League, Unicorn, just about came up with a resolution when Knighton Park and Ajax Wolvey drew 5-5 which means that the Park retain a three points advantage.
Chris Rogers, fresh from his exploits in the National veterans where he won 14 from 14 at number one, took all three in the league match with Karen Smith supplying the other singles. Then this brother/sister partnership won the doubles to secure a share. For Ajax John Fuller and Aidan Walsh both notched two, Mick Allsopp one. Although a close match score no less than eight of the sets were won in three.
Arnseby now look destined for the drop from Division Two as a result of Knighton Park V beating Syston Casuals II 6-4 when John Underwood won a fine maximum, Dean Jordan two and new signing, Petr Jandick, one. Arnesby would have to win all four matches remaining to even catch KP on their present points tally.
Nomads continue to run away with Division Three, overcoming a 2-0 down start against Knighton Park VI to win 8-2 thanks to outstanding form from Andy Searle who gave nothing away on the night. Two each from Zaheer Mohamed and Cliff Smith finished the job.
Meanwhile three teams vie for the other promotion spot with Electricity IV just favourites with a match in hand. They beat Goons 8-2 when Sheriff Makhani proved unbeatable with Chris Woodward and Dave Grearley gaining two apiece. Two useful successes from Goons’ Graham Cutler.
Great Glen are also knocking on the door as their 10-0 thrashing of Nomads second team shows when Alex Mason, Kevin Trueman and Kelvin Herbert showed why they were in Division Two last term.
Both teams will have to watch Abbots Road III very carefully as they are within reach and have two matches in hand, but not one last week.
The two promotion contenders in Division Four continue on their way with Knighton Park VIII still leading after defeating their own 10th team 7-3, Dan Pearson and Oscar White with three each. For a fighting 10th team, Mike Smith and Rafe Walton won one apiece before Walton combined with Robbie Bowsher for a doubles win and a deserved point. Alas it will almost certainly not prevent relegation.
Blaby and Whetstone, meantime, were beating Regent Sports III 8-2 with brothers, Paul and Phill Hinson both emerging undefeated, including the doubles, while Tom Phipps won the one that denied Regent a consolation point.