Sunday 25 July 2010

With quite a few games delayed due to Holidays and the World Cup only the first division winners have been confirmed in this year’s Central Essex Summer Table Tennis League.

There was something of a surprise in division three where Old Chelmsfordians A ran out 4-1 winners against second-placed Elmtree/Excalibur B. David Porter won both of his singles and he combined with son Matthew to get the better of Rod Maclennan and Melanie Bonnett 9-11, 11-6, 11-6, 7-11, 17-15 in the doubles.

First division Champions Rayne dropped their first points of the Season although they managed to beat Ramsden Raiders 3-2. Andrew McEwan in his first game of the Season, was involved in three hard-fought five-enders. He beat Dave Carter 11-8, 7-11, 9-11, 11-6, 11-7 but missed out to John Parodi 4-11, 11-8, 9- 11, 11-8, 10-12 and for good measure he was also involved in a tense doubles encounter. Paired with Steve Kerns they just missed out 13-11, 11-9, 5-11, 9- 11, 9-11 to Dave Carter and John Parodi.

There was a shock in division two when Cold Norton (Terry Hyland and Dave Marsh) dented the hopes of West Maldon 4-1. Dave Marsh beat both Chris Ciniglio (11-9, 11-3, 11-5) and Tim Huxtable (11-4, 7-11, 11-8, 11-7). Writtle B had Dave Moles on top form as they beat Chelmsford A 4-1. He notched up four game wins over both Dave Parker and Tom Lee.

Elmtree/Excalibur D are tied in first place with Mountnessing in division four after they scored two impressive wins over Chelmsford C (4-1) and Chignal (5- 0). Steve Cheesman was undefeated in both games whilst John Marshall only missed out to Chris Denyer. Chris prevailed 11-4, 8-11, 11-8, 11-7.

The Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League Committee were deeply saddened to hear of the death of Bob Partridge, who used to play for South Woodham in the first division in the 1980s and in later years played for Danbury Table Tennis Club. Bob was more widely associated with the Burnham League where he had held virtually every position within the Committee of the South Woodham Table Tennis Club. An absolute gentleman, he will be sorely missed.

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