Sunday 27 September 2009

The opening week’s action in the first division of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League produced a top class match between the favourites Maldon A and a very strong Elmtree Graphics A side. No fewer than four former Chelmsford Mens Singles Champions took part in this match - Elmtree’s Reagan Nettleingham (1997) and Arthur Rybakas (2007) and Maldon’s Cris Sladden (2002) and Neil Charles (2008). However, as hard as Elmtree fought there was no stopping the all star Maldon side who ran out 8-2 winners. Cris Sladden and Neil Charles both remained undefeated whilst new signing Minda Sinkus won once, beating Reagan Nettleingham. The battle between Cris Sladden and Arthur Rybakas could not have been closer with Cris snatching victory 11-4, 8-11, 6-11, 11-6, 12-10. Fast-improving Matt Mulley also made his mark, beating Minda Sinkus 13-15, 13- 11, 11-6, 11-5.

Last year’s runners-up Rawreth A impressed, by beating Excalibur 8-2. Kevin Read and Charles Sweeney both made undefeated starts with Sweeney in particular playing really well. Sweeney scored excellent wins over Gary Young (11-9, 8-11, 11-7, 12-10) and Gary Baker (11-8, 11-8, 6-11, 12-14, 11-4). Last Year’s Champions, Bocking A also made a winning start but with Dave Cole (abroad on business) and Peter Hayden (recovering from injury) likely to be unavailable for some time it is unrealistic to see them challenging Maldon A this year. The ever reliable Rik James turned in a vintage performance as they beat promoted Chelmsford A 7-3. Bocking’s Richard Jennings made his mark with a superb 6-11, 11-8, 11-7, 12-10 win against Bradley Hudgell whilst Hudgell impressed in his second singles by beating Kevin Gowlett 15-13, 8-11, 11-6, 12-10. Maldon B eased past Danbury A 6-4. Paul Stephens was their match-winner with an excellent hat-trick of wins over Eric Green, Ian Whiteside and Tony Forster.

Hatfield Peverel C are off to a winning start in the second division, and they beat OCs B 6-4. It was very much a team-effort with Steve Buer, Peter Mynard and Clive Allenby all winning twice. Robbie Burton with wins over Mynard and Allenby was the best of the OCs players.

The three results received for division three this week produced three very evenly fought games, which suggests that there won’t be too much to choose between the respective teams come next April. Promoted Hylands A will be there or thereabouts and they had an undefeated Terry Dowsett to thank as they beat Excalibur B 6-4. George Pavitt came out on top in the closest game of the night, beating Brandon Crouchman 9-11, 11-7, 9-11, 11-5, 11-9. Relegated Danbury C also look a little strong for this level and they did well to beat Writtle B 6-4. Danbury’s Dave Richardson stayed undefeated and he sealed victory for his side, just getting the better of Matthew Brown 11-4, 7-11, 8-11, 11-8, 12-10 in the last game of the evening. Another promoted side - Bocking B were held to a draw by ECC E. Richard Jennings won twice for the Braintree team, but, he couldn’t get the better of an undefeated Bryn Thomas.

OCs A are the early leaders in division four. David Porter and Roy Moore were both unbeaten as they beat Chelmsford D 9-1. Excalibur C were led by an unbeaten Richard Hiskey to an 8-2 victory over Chelmsford E whilst Rawreth C also impressed, and Mike Worship stayed undefeated as they beat Danbury E 7-3. Elsewhere, Dave Marsh won his three singles as Danbury F beat Writtle C 7-3.

Hatfield Peverel D made a solid start in division five, and with Dave Carter in their line-up it was no surprise that they beat Danbury J 7-3. Trevor Palmer came out on top against Colin Powell in the closest game of the night : 11-8, 13-15, 11-4, 11-13, 11-9.

Dave Carter was also in action in division six, and he unsurprisingly stayed unbeaten as Hatfield Peverel E beat Hylands School B 7-3. Adam Carter also won his three singles. OCs F made light work of Excalibur E, and they ran out convincing 9-1 winners. Dave Burke and Dave Newman were both unbeaten. Elsewhere, OCs E beat Chelmsford G 7-3, in a match where Tony Cohen and Matthew Porter both won their three singles.

Report written by Steve Kerns
Press Officer for Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League