Sunday 08 November 2009

Rawreth & Hullbridge A are the new leaders of the first division of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League. They fielded five different players in their two matches against OCs A and Elmtree Graphics and they showed impressive strength in depth as they beat OCs 7-3 and Elmtree Graphics 6-4. New signing Adam Brewer was undefeated against Old Chelmsfordians and Duncan Taylor picked up three wins against Elmtree Graphics. The hard-hitting Brewer downed the challenge of Braintree Mens Single Champion Paul Davison 7-11, 13-11, 11-8,11-6 whilst ace-defender Duncan Taylor had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Mathew Mulley 11-8, 7-11, 6-11, 11-7, 12-10. Elmtree Graphics returned to winning ways by beating Maldon B 7-3. Essex Junior first team-star Matt Mulley was the outstanding player on view scoring three excellent wins over Peter Ballard, Dave Bassett and Hamish Innes.

Even at this early stage Writtle A look the team to beat in division two and their 8-2 win over Liberal has seen them open up an impressive 11 point gap over second-placed Hatfield Peverel A. Writtle’s Gary Ward stayed undefeated and he received excellent support from Kevin Worthington and Debbie Auvache. Steve Pennell with excellent wins over Kevin Worthington and Debbie Auvache was the best of the Liberal players. Second-placed Hatfield Peverel A won 7-3, with team-work being the deciding factor. John Gagg, Ray Eldridge and John Webber all won twice. Elsewhere, Simon Webber impressed as ECC B beat OCs B 7-3. His excellent hat-trick of wins included a hard-fought 11-9, 10-12, 6-11, 11-9, 11-7 victory over Michael Rostoft.

Division three leaders Writtle B were held to a draw by Hylands School A, led by an undefeated Terry Dowsett. Writtle impressed as well, and both Trevor Carter and Matthew Brown made their presence felt as they both beat Brandon Crouchman and Scott Dowsett. Ken Sheard and Gordon Gatherall were both on form as Danbury E beat Chelmsford D 7-3 in division four to move into third place, whilst Rawreth & Hullbnidge B beat OCs D 6-4. Paul Churn stayed undefeated and he was well supported by Mike Worship who won twice.

Danbury K were the week’s big winners in division five, beating leaders early EPHQ 8-2. Lee McHugh and Graham Briggs were both undefeated and McHugh completed an excellent evening for his side by getting the better of Francis Whitbread 8-11, 11-6, 11-7, 9-11, 11-7 in the last game of the evening. Danbury J also impressed beating the higher-placed ECC G 7-3. Trevor Palmer’s hat-trick gave his side the edge. The match between Excalibur D and Danbury G went closer to the early Season form-book with Danbury winning 7-3.Brian Ellis, Craig Foster and and David Powell all won twice to cancel out Steve Cheesman’s hat- trick.

Division six leaders Hatfield Peverel E suffered their first defeat of the Season, losing 7-3 to OCs G. Dave Carter was that little bit too strong for the Old Chelmsfordians players, but, Tom Adam, Matthew Newton and Richard Newton all won twice to move into third position. OCs F made it three wins out of three as they beat Chelmsford G 7-3. Charles Eaton and Dave Newman both picked up hat-tricks, although it was Chelmsford’s Seb Larwill who won the closest game of the evening. He beat Dave Burke 11-9, 11-8, 5-11, 9-11, 12-10.

All players are reminded that the Closing date for entering the 2010 Chelmsford Closed Tournament is Monday 07 December 2009. Entry forms which can be found in the League Handbook should be returned to Arthur with the correct entry fee, either directly, or via Club Secretaries.

Followers of top-class Table Tennis will note that the second round of British League Premier Division action takes place at BATTS Team Peniel TTC, The Norman Booth Centre, Elderfield, Mulberry Green, Old Harlow, CM17 OEY on Saturday / Sunday 28 / 29 November 2009. Play starts at 11.00 am on the Saturday and at 10.00 am on the Sunday. Many players ranked in the England top 20 will be taking part.

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