Rayne are the 2014 Central Essex Summer League First Division Champions. Along with Ramsden Reds and Danbury A they won four out of their five games and their total of 19 points out of 25 gave them a winning margin of one point from Ramsden Reds. Rayne lost 3-2 to Danbury A – with leading combination bat exponent Andrew Halling causing them all sorts of problems.

Halling cruised to straight sets wins over Ian Whiteside 3-0 (11-8, 11-8, 11-8) and Steve Pennell 3-0 (11-6, 11-6, 11-7) and the Halling/Chris Buer doubles combination came out on top 3-2 (11-6, 11-9, 5-11, 9-11, 15-13) in a very hard-fought doubles encounter against Pennell/Whiteside. The hopes of Rayne capturing the title had clearly been severely dented but they scored big wins in their last two matches to top the table.

The Pennell/Whiteside combination were hard pushed to beat Cold Norton 5-0. No match was decided three straight and Pennell and Whiteside just prevailed in five ends in the doubles against Dick Whyman /Tim Cramphorn. They sneaked home 3-2 (11-13, 11-6, 11-13, 13-11, 11-8). This proved to be a very important win as a Rayne side represented by Steve Kerns and Adam Buxton beat OCs A 4-1. Robert Burton was on target for OCs and he defeated Buxton in four ends.

In Division Two Danbury B ran out 5-0 winners against Ramsden Rockets. Herbie Smith and Dave Marsh both turned in unbeaten performances. Marsh beat Caroline Cole in five ends 3-2 (8-11, 11-4, 9-11, 11-6, 11-4).

OCs C are leading the way in Division Three and they have won all five of their games to date. Mick Hayes led the way as they beat ECC C 4-1. Hayes beat Mohammad Mohseni 3-0 (11-9, 11-8, 11-7) and David Gatherall 3-2 (5-11, 11-8, 11-9, 3-11, 11-7). David Gatherall in turn made his mark by beating David Porter 3-2 (11-9, 6-11, 11-9, 8-11, 11-6). Elsewhere, Danbury C beat Writtle A 4-1. Dave Powell won the opening match 3-2 (9-11, 11-5, 11-9, 3-11, 13-11) against Frank Neill and this appears to have given Danbury the upper-hand. Chelmsford A were 3-2 winners against ECC C. Dave Parker was their match-winner. He beat David Gatherall 3-0 (11-8, 11-8, 11-6) and Victor Chan 3-1 (11-9, 11-7, 6-11, 11-9).

OCs D are in pole position in division four with six wins out of six and 25 points out of 30. They beat their closest challengers – Felsted RBL 3-2. Tom Barker and Charles Yeung both won once and they combined to win the doubles but they were unable to get the better of Ian Butler in the singles.  Felsted had beaten OCs F 5-0. Ashley Butler and Ian Butler called the shots in this match. Danbury D defeated Writtle B 3-2. Danbury’s Eamon Hall and Scott Perry raced into a 3-0 lead before Tom Griffiths beat Eamon Hall 3-1 (13-15, 11-5, 11-3, 11-8).

Steve Kerns
Press & Publicity Officer
Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League