Press Report - Issued on 18 April 2016

Hat-trick for 2016 M&G Investments Chelmsford Mens Singles Champion Tony Halling 

With the first division Championship already decided the two top sides still managed to produce a top class encounter and the honours were shared between the Champions  Danbury A and the runners-up Bocking. 2016 M&G Investments Chelmsford Mens Singles Champion Tony Halling was again the star-turn and he won his three singles. He beat up-and-coming Sam Hume (11-7, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9) and then the two players he defeated on Chelmsford Finals Night - Dave Cole (11-6, 11-4, 11-8) and Rik James (11-4, 11-5, 11-7) - a very good
evening’s work. Further congratulations are extended to Tony who also won the Southend and Burnham Mens Singles titles. Maldon A beat Danbury C 7-3 and they will have been delighted by the efforts of Ciaran Whelan who bagged two excellent wins over Eric Green and Ian Whiteside. Alex Abbott was undefeated for Maldon.

In division two second-placed Liberal completed their Season in style by beating Elmtree Excalibur B 9-1 - good going as the Elmtree side included Phil Smith in their ranks who has proved to be unbeatable in division
three. Steve Pennell, Adam Buxton and Hector Rogers won all nine singles and they will relish the challenge of division one next Season. Pennell defeated Phil Smith 6-11, 11-4, 8-11, 11-9, 13-11 in the closest game of the evening. Elmtree Excalibur in turn won 9-1 themselves against Danbury E. Richard Storey and Lee McHugh both won their three singles on this occasion.

Division three Champions Elmtree Excalibur C completed their programme by losing 6-4 to OCs E, for whom Mick Hayes, Ashton Parker and David Porter all won twice. Phil Smith stayed undefeated with the outstanding record of 42 wins out of 42 over the course of the Season. OCs D had Nat Ravlic to thank as they beat the higher-placed Maldon B 6-4. Ravlic scored a fine trio of wins over Tom Elder (12-10,11-9, 11-9), Dawn Baldry (12-10, 11-9, 8-11, 11-7) and Brian Riedling (5-11, 11-2, 8-11, 11-8, 11-5).

In division four second-placers Danbury H ran out 7-3 winners against Elmtree Excalibur D. Maurice Hardy, Norman Smith and Ivan Chaplin all won twice with Smith’s victory over Steve Siggs (11-6, 12-14, 13-11, 9-11, 11-9) perhaps being the pick of the evening’s action.

Danbury L - the division five leaders made no mistake against Hatfield Peverel E and Roger Tiffin, Norman Hayes and Mick Robinson raced through all ten singles three-straight. They also beat Galleywood D 10-0 although the games were closer this time. Nathan Blore gave a great account of himself against the wily Norman Hayes before succumbing 12-10, 9-11, 12-14, 10-12, Danbury L will benefit from the competition in division four next year. Highwood (Martin Goddard, Tim Smith and Russell Downton) ran out 7-3 winners over OCs G although none of their players were able tom get the better of David Bishop. Writtle had Brian Steward
and Colin Griffiths undefeated as they beat Chelmsford  G 8-2. Andy Fox came out on top 6-11, 11-0, 6-11, 11-6, 12-10 against John Wickins in one of the most widely fluctuating encounters of the Season.

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

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Press Report - Issued on 10 April 2016

Relegation looms for OCs B  

OCs B’s bid to avoid relegation from the first division of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League was dealt a severe blow when they were well beaten 9-1 by Galleywood A.  Peter Radford and Lucy Wang were both undefeated for Galleywood whilst OCs had to wait until the last game to get on the scoresheet when Kevin Worthington got the better of Reuben Okai in five games.

Relegated Hatfield Peverel A impressed in division two this week, and what’s more they held Rawreth & Hullbridge to a 5-5 draw despite being a player short. Neil Freeman was the “star-turn” defeating Gus Heath (3-
1), Paul Churn (3-2) and Dick Wyman (3-2) - three excellent wins. Galleywood B also faced two man opposition and they took full advantage and ran out 9-1 winners. James Hicks and Gary Brignall both remained undefeated. Chelmsford A - already crowned Champions slipped to their fourth defeat of the Season against 
Hatfield Peverel B. Gary Ward won his three singles for the Hatfield Peverel side and he completed his hat-trick with a widely fluctuating 11-7, 3-11, 6-11, 17-15, 11-5 success against Waseem Qureshi.     

Chelmsford B completed their fixtures in division three with a 8-2 win over Hatfield Peverel C and they will
have to wait and see if their total of 111 points is good enough for second place. Alastair Piper and Keith Martin both bagged hat-tricks. Hatfield Peverel C fared better against Danbury F and ran out 6-4 winners. Trevor Collin stole the show with a hat-trick and this included a very impressive quick-fire 11-7, 11-9, 11-6 success against Dave Marsh.  Danbury F in turn bounced back with a fine 7-3 win over third-placed Chelmsford C. Dave Marsh was undefeated on this occasion  and this included a 11-7, 11-6, 8-11, 11-6 victory over Paul Nicol - the best of the Chelmsford C players.

Danbury J secured the top spot in division four by beating Chelmsford E 7-3. Dave Powell (three wins), Dave Goody (two wins) and Rib Kneale (one win) all played a part in this success. Richard Uspon beat Rob Kneale 9-11, 11-9, 5-11, 11-7, 12-10 in the closest game of the evening. Galleywood C’s 8-2 victory over Hatfield Peverel D sees them climb into second place and they will have to wait for third placed Danbury H to complete their fixtures to see if they retain that status. David Gatherall won his three singles.

Highwood impressed in division five by beating the higher placed OCs H 9-1. Martin Goddard (three wins), Tim Smith (three wins) and Anne Lockhart (two wins) called the shots on this occasion. Writtle have finished
third and they finished their campaign by beating Galleywood D 6-4. Roger Wilson  was undefeated for Galleywood whilst Frank Neill, Colin Griffith and Andy Fox all picked up two wins for the Writtle team. Elmtree Excalibur E ran out 7-3 winners over Chelmsford G. Melanie Bonnett led the way for the Elmtree team.

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

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Press Report - Issued on 3 April 2016

Rik James - very impressive hat-trick against Maldon A

Bocking are ensured of second place in the first division of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League after beating a strong Maldon A side7-3. Rik James - back to his best this Season was the Bocking talisman with an excellent hat-trick of wins over John Poysden (3-0), Colin Stallwood (3-0) and best of all Alex Abbott (3-2). Bocking’s Gary Cattermole impressed with a notable 11-4, 11-4, 4-11, 12-10 victory over John Poysden. Alex Abbott in turn made his mark in this match with a quick-fire 11-2, 11-6, 11-9 win over David Cole, a player who never gives in without a fight.  OCs B stay second to bottom but they will be pleased with their 6-4 victory over their A side. Steve Northcott hit the jack-pot here and the hard-hitting top-spinner scored a superb 5-11, 9-11, 13-11, 11-7, 11-8 victory over Brandon Crouchman - a definite contender for the “Win of the Season” award. 

Hatfield Peverel A’s relegation from division two was sealed when they lost 9-1 to Elmtree Excalibur B. Peter Layzell and Paul Sturton were both undefeated. Sturton fought back from 2-0 down to get the better of Neil
Freeman 9-11, 9-11, 11-3, 11-6, 12-10 whilst Freeman showed his own battling qualities  by seeing off Lee McHugh 8-11, 11-6, 11-9, 11-13, 13-11. Hatfield Peverel A also lost 7-3 to their B side. Gary Ward was undefeated for the B team whilst Dave Fiddeman picked up two wins for the A side. Elmtree Excalibur B were 7-3 losers to Rawreth. Gus Heath held the Rawreth side together with a hat-trick and this included a 9-11, 11-8, 11-4, 9-11, 11-8 win over Ryan Pitt, the best of the Elmtree Excalibur players.

In division five OCs H were 10-0 winners against Chelmsford F - Tejas Kotwal, Lawrence Bartlett and Tanishq
Kotwal won all ten games with Lawrence Bartlett coming up trumps  6-11, 11-6, 11-3, 7-11, 11-8 against Jacqui Smith in the closest game of the evening.

Old Chelmsfordians (Adam Chalk and Harry Rogers) impressed in the CLICK League Handicap Competition with a 5-0 victory against Chelmsford H.   Four of the five games were won three straight as the Old Chelmsfordians side dominated this particular match.  

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

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Press Report - Issued on 28 March 2016

Champions Chelmsford A well beaten by Galleywood B in second division  

There was a shock for Chelmsford A in the second division of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League. Already crowned Champions they could not have expected to have lost 8-2 to Galleywood B. This was an inspired performance from Galleywood for whom both Gary Brignall and James Hicks stayed undefeated.
Brignall excelled to get the better of Waseem Qureshi 11-8, 8-11, 11-5, 8-11, 12-10 in the closest game of the evening. Liberal have almost certainly secured second  place although they were held to a 5-5 draw by OCs C. The ever-improving Daniel Berry who is fast edging towards first division level scored an excellent hat-trick of wins over Steve Pennell, Hector Rogers and Adam Buxton. Danbury E had Chris Hancox to thank as they defeated Danbury D 6-4. Hancox scored a fine hat-trick of wins over Matthew Brown (3-0), Chris Buer (3-
2) and Steve Buer (3-1).

Danbury C impressed in division one and they beat Danbury B 8-2. Eric Green (three wins), Dave Richardson (three wins) and Steve Whiteley (two wins) all played a part in this success. Dave Richardson’s 17-15, 14-16, 11-9, 13-11 victory over Glen Laing looks to have been the pick of the action.

There is no doubt at all about the result of the week in the third division. Third-placed Chelmsford C (Victor Chan, Bob Francis and Paul Nicol) played superbly to hammer Maldon B 10-0. Right from the first game when Bob Francis beat Tom Elder 4-11, 11-9, 8-11, 11-7, 11-8 it was Chelmsford who were calling the shots and they never let up. Danbury G have finished fourth. They completed their fixtures by beating OCs D 8-2. Dan Anderson and Dan Richardson were both undefeated.  Maldon C beat OCs E 6-4. Ciaran Whelan was the Maldon match-winner with three wins. Second-placed Chelmsford B shaded a close match against the leaders Elmtree Excalibur C 6-4. Elmtree Excalibur’s Phil Smith (39 wins out of 39) retained his 100 % record for the Season but Keith Martin (two wins), Alastair Piper (two wins) and Dave Parker (one win) combined to give the Chelmsford side the victory.

In division four Danbury H consolidated second place by beating Danbury K 6-4.  Nicky Reece-Ford and Mo Hardy both scored maximums. Galleywood C emerged as 6-4 winners over Chelmsford D, helped by the fact that Chelmsford were a player short. Galleywood’s David Gatherall beat both Jarek Pietrascuk and Jason Clark.

In division five second-placed Danbury L have given themselves every chance of capturing the title. They leap-
frogged over Writtle by beating them 9-1. Mick Robinson and Roger Tiffin were both undefeated whilst Norman Hayes won twice. Danbury L trail Maldon D by two points but have a match in hand. Maldon D in turn won 8-2 against Hatfield Peverel E. Roger Hance was undefeated.  Hatfield Peverel E led by unbeaten returns from Paul Mulley and Andy Simmonds were 8-2 winners over Highwood whilst Elmtree Excalibur E led by an unbeaten performance from Melanie Bonnett defeated OCs G 6-4. Melanie Bonnett completed her hat-trick by downing the challenge of Stuart Wintle 13-11, 11-9, 11-5. The match between Galleywood D and Elmtree Excalibur E finished tied at 5-5. Mark Glenister was undefeated for Galleywood and he came through in five ends against Melanie Bonnett, eventually winning narrowly 11-3, 11-13, 6-11, 12-10, 11-6.

In the CLICK League Competition Black Notley did well to beat the higher placed Buttsbury B 4-1. Lawrence Grantham won his two singles and Peter  Hull won once.        

In the CLICK Handicap Cup Competition it is Chelmsford J (14 points) who lead the way from BNCA (13 points) and Old Chelmsfordians J (12 points).Chelmsford J ran out narrow 3-2 winners against Buttsbury A. The game between Connor Payne (playing off a Handicap of 33) and Tom Picton (playing off a Handicap of 32) could not have been closer and it was Payne who emerged as a last-gasp 6-11, 11-9, 11-13, 11-5, 16-14 winner. Chelmsford J also beat Buttsbury B 4-1 and Connor Payne won twice this time whilst Chelmsford J ran out 3-2 winners against Chelmsford H. Jamie Peckham won twice on this occasion.

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

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Press Report - Issued on 20 March 2016

Gary Young undefeated as Danbury A close in on first division title

Danbury A, long time leaders of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis first division took another step towards winning the title by beating fourth placed Galleywood A 7-3. Gary Young - their most regular player this Season stayed undefeated but he had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Lucy Wang 13-11, 9-11, 11-7, 9-11, 12-10. Charles Sweeney repeated his first half win over Steve Kerns but he missed out against Lucy Wang 11-5, 8-11, 11-8, 11-4.

Second division leaders Chelmsford A were held to a draw this week by Danbury D. Waseem Qureshi was undefeated for the Chelmsford side whereas Lewis Ewers and Chris Buer both won twice for Danbury. Lewis Ewers just prevailed 11-2, 15-13, 9-11, 8-11, 12-10 against Mick Richardson in the closest game of the evening. Elmtree Excalibur B did well to beat the higher placed Hatfield Peverel B 7-3. Ryan Pitt and Richard Storey both picked up maximum returns.

Maldon C were comfortable 8-2 winners over Hatfield Peverel C in the third division. Tom Elder picked up a hat-trick and Dawn Baldry and Brian Riedling both won twice. Trevor Collin picked up two wins for the losers. Elmtree Excalibur stay top and they beat Danbury F 7-3. Paul Sturton (three wins), Rod MacLennan (one win) and Lin Attridge (two wins) all played a part in this success.

In division four Chelmsford E did well to beat Danbury K 7-3. Richard Baxter and Richard Upson both won their three singles encounters. The match between OCs F and Chelmsford D finished all square. Jarek Pietraszuk won his three singles for the Chelmsford side and he completed his hat-trick with a 11-9, 11-7, 11-8 success
against Charles Yeung. The match between Galleywood C and Danbury J also finished tied at 5-5. David Gatherall won twice for the Galleywood side but he couldn’t complete his hat-trick. That honour went to Rob Kneale who came out on top in their encounter 11-4, 8-11, 6-11, 11-6, 11-4.

In division five Danbury L recorded two 10-0 wins. Mick Robinson, Roger Tiffin and Norman Hayes were all
on target against both Elmtree Excalibur E and Chelmsford G. Leaders Writtle were held to a draw by Highwood despite the fact that Frank Neill won his three singles for Writtle. Martin Goddard and  Kevin Barber both won twice for the Highwood team. Goddard gave Highwood an excellent start by getting the better
of Colin Griffith 11-2, 11-5, 9-11, 7-11, 11-7 in the first game of the evening.

The Cup competitions have been running simultaneously with the League matches. Galleywood (Peter Radford, Steve Kerns and Lucy Wang) ran out 5-0 winners over Elmtree Excalibur in the Mixed Cup Competition Semi-Final. In the game that Elmtree really had to win to mount a serious challenge Steve Kerns fought back from 2-1 down to beat Simon Webber 7-11, 11-5, 10-12, 11-6, 11-3. Galleywood will meet OCs A in the Final. OCs ran out 5-4 winners over Maldon B. John Cleasby (two wins), Trevor Carter (one won), Sue Hickman (one win) plus one doubles success saw OCs come out on top.  

Division two leaders Chelmsford progressed from their Quarter-Final but they only just made it past Elmtree Excalibur, the division three pace-setters. Elmtree’s Phil Smith was the outstanding player in this match and he beat Ryan Gooday in five ends and then crucially Waseem Qureshi 11-4, 11-6, 5-11, 12-10 to level the scores at 4-4. With everything to play for it was the Chelmsford duo of Waseem Qureshi and Mike Johnston who defeated Phil Shippen and Rod Maclennan in four ends (11-5, 8-11, 11-8, 12-10) to secure their Semi-Final place. Galleywood B ran out 5-3 winners against OCs A. James Hicks played his part with a 11-9, 11-4, 9-11, 13-
11 victory against Frank Hodge and a 11-5, 11-2, 11-13, 11-3 victory against Daniel Berry.

There were wins for Danbury B (Dave Goody, Rob Kneale and Dave Powell ) and Chelmsford (Jarek Pietrascuk, John Barrett and Jason Clark) in the Four Down Knock Out Competition. They beat Galleywood and Elmtree Excalibur respectively.

Steve Kerns - Press & Publicity Officer - Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League
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Press Report - Issued on 13 March 2016

Paul Davison hat-trick gives Elmtree Excalibur A the ascendancy

Bottom side Elmtree Excalibur A impressed this week in the first division of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League and ran out 8-2 winners against Danbury C. The 2016 M&G Investments Chelmsford Closed Tournament Mens Doubles Champion Paul Davison was the difference between the two teams and his hat-trick of wins gave Elmtree the advantage. Davison had to pull out all the stops against the hard-hitting Dave Richardson and he eventually squeezed home 9-11, 11-8, 11-9, 10-12, 11-9. Quite a battle. Second-placed Bocking trail the leaders Danbury A by 22 points and they could only beat Danbury C 6-4. Rik James was undefeated for Bocking whilst Gary Cattermole was involved in two lengthy five-enders. He beat Eric Green 9-11, 11-8, 10-12, 11-8, 11-9 but missed out against Steve Whiteley 11-6, 11-5, 13-15, 7-11, 7-11.

Danbury D are making a light charge in division two and they have moved into third place by beating Elmtree Excalibur B 10-0. Steve Buer, Chris Buer and Matthew Brown were all undefeated. James Hicks led Galleywood B to a 7-3 victory over OCs C. Bryn Thomas beat Frank Hodge 5-11, 11-9, 11-2, 8-11, 12-10 in a widely fluctuating five-ender.

In division four Danbury H (Maurice Hardy, Norman Smith and Ivan Chaplin) consolidated second place by beating Chelmsford E 8-2. ChelmsfordE (Karl Baldwin, Richard Upson and Richard Baxter) were convincing 10-0 winners over bottom side Hatfield Peverel D whilst Chelmsford D (Jarek Pietraszuk, John Barratt and Jason Clark) ran out 7-3 winners against Hatfield Peverel D even though none of their players were able to get the better of Keith Cullen. In the closest game of the evening Cullen beat John Barratt 9-11, 10-12, 11-6, 11-8, 12-10.

Hatfield Peverel E impressed in division five with Andy Simmonds scoring a hat-trick in their 7-3 victory over OCs G. Richard Drozd and Peter Mortensen both picked up two wins. Chelmsford G also won 7-3 against Hatfield Peverel E in  a match where no one player remained undefeated. The Chelmsford trio of Michael Whelpdale, Steven Chambers and John Wickens all won twice.      

In the CLICK League Handicap Knock-Out Cup there were wins for Buttsbury B and Chelmsford J. Buttsbury’s Chris Stevens and Alex Headley ran out 5-0 winners against Chelmsford H whilst Chelmsford’s Jamie Penkman and Connor Payne defeated OCs J 4-1.

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

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Press Report - Issued on 6 March 2016

Chelmsford A look odds on to win second division title

 A convincing 9-1 victory for Chelmsford A over Danbury E mean they hold a massive 20 point lead over Liberal at the top of the second division of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League. What‘s more they also have a game in hand. Mike Johnston and Waseem Qureshi were both undefeated whilst Tony Forster showed up well for Danbury E by beating Ryan Gooday. A solid team-effort saw Elmtree Excalibur B beat Galley wood B 7-3. Ryan Pitt, Richard Storey and Peter Layzell all won twice. Ryan Pitt set the Elmtree team on their way by getting the better of James Hicks 11-6, 4-11, 12-10, 8-11, 12-10 in the opening game of the evening. Daniel Berry was undefeated as OCs C beat Hatfield Peverel B 7-3. Berry scored three good wins over Peter Brownlow (3-1), John Gagg (3-0) and John Parodi (3-1). Bottom side Hatfield Peverel A continue to battle on but they made little impact against Danbury D and lost 9-1. The Danbury side - Steve Buer, Chris Buer and Matthew Brown won all nine singles.

The first division produced two hard-fought 5-5 draws. Alex Abbott was undefeated as Maldon A shared the points with Galleywood A. Lucy Wang won twice for Galleywood which included a superbly executed 11-8, 11-6, 11-5 victory over John Poysden. Bottom side Elmtree Excalibur A drew with second placed Bocking A. Keiran Lally was undefeated for Bocking whilst Simon Webber and Alistair Hill both impressed for Elmtree by getting the better of Garry Cattermole.

There was an upset of sorts in division three when Maldon B beat the leaders Elmtree Excalibur C 7-3 who weren’t the same force without their top player - Phil Smith. 2016 M&G Investments Chelmsford Closed Tournament Ladies Singles Champion Dawn Baldry was undefeated and Tom Elder won twice. Maldon C ran out 6-4 winners over Danbury F. No single player stayed undefeated and Danbury’s Dave Marsh and Maldon’s Colin Napper and Mervyn Perriman all won twice. Chelmsford C did well to beat OCs D 6-4 despite the fact that Nat Ravlic won his three encounters for the Old Chelmsfordians team. Bob Francis fought back from 2-0 down to get the better of Tom Barker 7-11, 10-12, 11-7, 11-4, 12-10.

In division four Galleywood C ran out 6-4 winners over Elmtree Excalibur D. David Gatherall led the way with a hat-trick for the Galleywood team whilst Scott Perry defeated Steve Siggs 11-9, 10-12, 7-11, 11-9, 12-10 in the closest game of the evening.

Nicola Pippen hit top form for Elmtree Excalibur E in division five and she notched up a superb hat-trick of wins to hold the leaders Writtle to  a draw. Nicola beat Brian Steward (3-0), Frank Neill (3-1) and Andy Fox (3-2) - an excellent trio of wins. The match between Hatfield Peverel E and OCs H also finished as a 5-5 draw. Tanishq Kotwal won his three singles for the OCs side. Maldon D were bolstered by the inclusion of Jan Fuller in their line-up. Rather uniquely she had played for Maldon A in division  one the night before and she won her three singles as Maldon beat Galleywood D 8-2.

OCs J were the big winners in the CLICK Handicap Competition this week and they beat Buttsbury B 5-0. Adam Chalk (playing off a Handicap of 24 and Harry Rogers playing off a Handicap of 20) were both undefeated. Black Notley ran out 4-1 winners after Ewan Phillipson and Lawrence Granthamm had come out on top against Buttsbury A (James Hughes and Tom Picton) whilst Chelmsford H (Callum Day and Harry Matthews) ran out 3-2 winners over Buttsbury B.  

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

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Press Report - Issued on 28 February 2016

Brandon Crouchman hat-trick not enough for OCs

Maldon A scored their sixth win of the Season in the first division of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League, beating the higher-placed OCs A 6-4. This was despite the fact that it was OCs Brandon Crouchman who remained undefeated. The match between Danbury B and Galleywood A finished tied at 5-5. Keith Adams won his three singles for Danbury. Leaders Danbury A took another step towards capturing the title by beating OCs B 9-1. Gary Young and Reece Seddon were both undefeated.

In division two the match between Hatfield Peverel B and Rawreth & Hullbridge ended in a 5-5 draw. Gary Ward dominated proceedings and bagged a hat-trick of wins. Danbury D had Steve Buer on top form as they defeated Elmtree Graphics B 6-4. Steve Buer completed his trio of wins by getting the better of Lee McHugh 8-11, 11-4, 11-9, 6-11, 11-9. Second-placed Liberal in turn ran out 6-4 winners over Rawreth & Hullbridge. Hector Rogers starred for the Braintree based team and won his three singles. The match between Danbury E and Hatfield Peverel A finished tied at 5-5. Neil Freeman remained undefeated for the Hatfield Peverel team.

Dave Marsh was on top form in division three as Danbury F beat OCs E 6-4. Marsh secured the Danbury victory in the last game of the night by downing the challenge of Ashton Parker narrowly 11-4, 9-11, 12-10, 11-9. OCs D also won 6-4. Their victims were Hatfield Peverel C and Tom Barker showed up best with a hat-trick of wins.

In division four Galleywood C ran out 7-3 winners against Danbury H. David Gatherall and Mohammad Mohseni both picked up three wins. Mohseni had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Ivan Chaplin 9-11, 11-7, 15-13, 6-11, 11-8. OCs F were also 7-3 winners. Charles Yeung took top billing with three victories. Steve Siggs proved to be a tough nut to crack and he only succumbed 7-11, 11-9, 5-11, 11-4, 10-12. Leaders Danbury J beat Hatfield Peverel D 9-1. Rob Kneale and Dave Goody were both unbeaten for Danbury whilst Barry Evans made his mark for the losers by beating Dave Powell 11-3, 11-6, 9-11, 11-13, 11-6.

Danbury L, third in division five scored a convincing 8-2 win over fourth placed Highwood. Mick Robinson and Norman Hayes both picked up three victories and Roger Tiffin won twice. OCs H (Alan Whitmore, Tanishq Kotwal and Tejas Kotwal) were 6-4 winners over Galleywood D 6-4 - good going as it was Galleywood's Roger Wilson who remained undefeated,

In the CLICK League there were 4-1 wins for OCs J and Buttsbury A. OCs J (Alan Whitmore and Harry Rogers) overcame Buttsbury B (George Cobley and Chrois Stephens) with Harry Rogers leading the way whilst James Hughes was unbeaten as Buttsbury A defeated Chelmsford A.

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

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Press Report - Issued on 21 February 2016

Reserve Brignall produces top class performance for Galleywood A

The most eye-catching performance in the first division of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League this week came from a reserve - Gary Brignall - who deputised for Galleywood A. He registered a fine hat-trick of wins as Galleywood A beat Danbury C 7-3. Brignall downed the challenges of Eric Green (3-1), Steve Whiteley (3-1) and Ian Whiteside (3-0). OCs B went a long way in their bid to avoid relegation by beating Danbury B 8-2. Kevin Worthington and Trevor Carter both picked up hat-tricks and Carter defeated Glen Laing 9-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-7, 14-12 in the closest game of the night. OCs A with Brandon Crouchman staying undefeated beat Danbury C 6-4 and Crouchmam was also unbeaten as OCs A defeated Danbury 6-4. Maldon A ran out 8-2 winners over OCs B in a match where Alex Abbott and John Poysden both won their three singles. Steve Northcott and reserve Daniel Berry both did well to get the better of Hamish Innes.

Division two leaders Chelmsford A (Waseem Qureshi, Ryan Gooday and Mike Johnston) took another step towards the title with a 10-0 victory over Hatfield Peverel A whilst Liberal (Steve Pennell, Adam Buxton and Hector Rogers) are looking good for second place. They beat Hatfield Peverel B 7-3. Adam Buxton picked up three good wins with victories over John Gagg (3-1), Peter Brownlow (3-1) and Gary Ward (3-2). This turned out to be a very long match with only one game decided three straight. Danbury D led by an undefeated Chris Buer did well to beat the higher-placed OCs C 8-2 whilst Chris Hancox and Gordon Gatherall both won twice as Danbury E beat Elmtree Excalibur B 6-4. Phil Smith won twice for the Elmtree side.

Elmtree Excalibur C failed to win for the first time this Season in division three when they were held to a 5-5 draw by OCs D. Phil Smith retained his 100 % record for the Season and he made it 30 wins out of 30 although he was pushed hard by Nat Ravlic who only succumbed 11-7,11-9, 4-11, 8-11, 11-4. Chelmsford B consolidated second place by beating Danbury F 7-3. Alastair Piper, Dave Parker and Mick Richardson all won twice although none of them were able to get the better of Dave Marsh. Two games went to a decider. Alastair Piper beat Peter Hance 7-11, 10-12, 11-9, 12-10, 11-9 and Mick Richardson also defeated the luckless Hance 7-11, 11-5, 7-11, 11-9, 11-9. The match between OCs E and Maldon B finished tied at 5-5. Five games were decided in the fifth end and Ashton Parker won his three singles for the Old Chelmsfordians side. It was touch and go against Dawn Baldry and Parker edged home 11-3, 7-11, 11-5, 6-11, 11-9 after a widely fluctuating encounter. Chelmsford C with Mark Allaway staying undefeated ran out 8-2 winners over Hatfield Peverel B. Allaway completed his hat-trick by getting the better of Ray Eldridge narrowly 7-11, 11-9, 12-10, 11-9 in the last game of the night.

Only two points separate Danbury H and Danbury J at the top of division four. Danbury J won 7-3 against Chelmsford D and Dave Goody led the way with three singles wins. He completed his hat-trick with a last gasp 11-9, 5-11, 6-11, 12-10, 11-9 victory over Jaroslaw Pietraszuk in the last game of the evening. The match between Elmtree Excalibur D and Hatfield Peverel D went pretty much to form with Elmtree winning 7-3. Dave Moles was unbeaten for the Elmtree side and Alan Offord won twice.

This week's division five results all reflected closely fought matches. Hatfield Peverel E ran out 6-4 winners over Chelmsford E. Richard Drozd beat Connor Payne 6-11, 11-9, 5-11, 1-19, 15-13 in the closest game of the evening. Leaders Writtle ran out 6-4 winners over third-placed Maldon D. Frank Neill who had lost to Jan Fuller (3-1) and to Clive Forster (3-2) beat Shirley Carroll 11-5, 11-9, 16-14 to secure the Writtle victory. Galleywood D's match against OCs E finished tied at 5-5. Mark Glenister won his three singles for the Galleywood side.

Buttsbury A with 13 wins out of 14 top the table in the CLICK League. Tom Picton and James Hughes were both undefeated in the singles encounters in their 4-1 victory over OCs J. Buttsbury B also won 4-1. They beat Chelmsford J with Nathan Fry winning twice. Chelmsford H were narrow 3-2 winners over Black Notley. Lawrence Grantham won twice for Black Notley beating Harry Matthews 11-8, 10-12, 11-9, 11-7 and Callum Day 11-7, 11-2, 11-8. Chelmsford H were also in action against Chelmsford J and they won 3-2. Callum Day and Harry Mathews both won twice although they both fell short against Connor Payne. Payne defeated Matthews 10-12, 11-6, 7-11, 11-9, 11-9 in the closest game of the evening.

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

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Press Report - Issued on 14 February 2016

Colin Napper and Mervyn Perriman secure hard-fought victory in final doubles

Maldon B advanced to the Semi-Finals of the Two Down Knock-Out Cup in the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis league by beating Danbury B 5-4. This victory owed a lot to their successes in all three doubles clashes and Colin Napper and Mervyn Perriman eventually secured the victory by getting the better of Dan Anderson and George Ashley 11-9, 11-5, 7-11, 8-11, 11-8 in a very tight last doubles encounter. Dan Anderson had previously won both of his singles for Danbury B downing the challenge of Colin Napper 11-4, 11-8, 11-7 and Ciaran Whelan 11-6, 11-8, 8-11, 11-7.

Hatfield Peverel A are also through to the Semi-Finals of the Two Down Knock Out Cup and they also came through a riveting match 5-4 by seeing off the challenge of Danbury A. Peter Brownlow and John Parodi were the heroes this time and they eventually beat Chris Buer and Matthew Brown 9-11, 11-9, 8-11, 12-10, 11-9 after a very tight game to secure the victory. Matthew Brown had excelled for Danbury. He beat John Parodi 11-6, 12-10, 11-9 and most impressively Peter Brownlow 11-7, 11-8, 11-3.

In the Four Down Knock-Out Cup - Chelmsford (Jaroslaw Pietrascuk, John Barrett and Ian Austin) ran out 5-3 winners over Danbury D. Jaroslaw Pietrascuk was the differnce between the two teams and he shared in both doubles successes and also beat Roger Tiffin (7-11, 14-12, 11-8, 11-2) and Norman Hayes (11-2, 11-7, 11-8) in his singles encounters.

Chelmsford represented by Rob Shrimpton, Richard Upson and Richard Baxter won a hard-fought encounter against  Elmtree Excalibur A 5-3 in the Handicap Knock-Out Cup. Three games were decided over the full three ends format. Chelmsford’s Richard Upson (playing off of a Handicap of  56) beat Rod MacLennan (60) 21-17, 16-21, 21-15 whilst Elmtree’s Paul Sturton (64) defeated Richard Baxter (56) 18-21, 21-17, 21-15 and Chelmsford’s Robert Shrimp ton (66) beat Rod MacLennan (60) 21-17, 20-22, 21-16.

In the League first division there was an 8-2 win for second-placed Bocking over fourth-placed Galleywood A. Rik James was undefeated for Bocking whilst Super Veteran John Holland excelled for Galleywood. Holland beat both Sam Hume (11-7, 11-9, 9-11, 12-10) and Gary Cattermole (11-7, 13-11, 11-9). OCs B scored their second win of the Season as they defeated Danbury B 7-3. Steve Northcott, Trevor Carter and Kevin Worthington all won twice although none of their players were able to get the better of Eric Green.

In the second division Galleywood B ran out 8-2 winners over the higher placed Rawreth & Hullbridge. James Hicks and Gary Brignall both won their three singles. Hicks defeated Simon Jacob 11-9, 2-11, 5-11, 11-6, 14-12 in the closest game of the night. Galleywood B were also involved in a 5-5 draw with Liberal and again James Hicks excelled. He made his mark with three excellent wins, beating Hector Rogers (3-0), Steve Pennell (3-1) and Adam Buxton (3-0). Impressive indeed.

The division three encounter between Maldon C and OCs D finished tied at 5-5. Colin Napper was undefeated for Maldon and his trio of wins included a 11-8, 11-6, 6-11, 11-13, 11-9 success against Tom Barker. Napper also did well to defeat Nat Ravlic 7-11, 11-5, 11-8, 11-9.

In division four Elmtree Excalibur D did well to draw against the higher-placed Chelmsford D. No singles player stayed undefeated and Chelmsford’s Jason Clark and Jaroslaw Pietrascuk  and Elmtree’s Dave Moles all won twice. Elmtree’s Alan Offord fought back from 2-0 down to get the better of Jason Clark 3-11, 6-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-9.

Writtle have moved into pole place in division five by beating OCs G 8-2. Francis Whitbread won his three singles and Andy Fox and Colin Griffith supported him by both winning twice. Maldon D are tied on 95 points with second-placed Danbury L and Roger Hance won his three singles as they ran out surprisingly comfortable 8-2 winners over Danbury L. Hance beat Norman Hayes (11-4, 8-11, 11-8, 11-9), Roger Tiffin (9-11,11-7, 13-11, 12-10) and Mick Robinson (12-10, 11-7, 11-5). Chelmsford G were 6-4 winners against OCs G. John Wickens, Michael Whelpdale and Steve Chambers all won twice although they all missed out against David Bishop.

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

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Press Report - Issued on 9 February 2016

Tony Halling - 2016 Chelmsford Mens Singles Champion

Tony Halling, the 2015 Southend Mens Singles Champion and many people’s tip to capture the title didn’t disappoint and he was crowned the 2016 M&G Investments Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League Mens Singles Champion at Old Chelmsfordians Association on Monday 08 February 2016.Known for the variety and strength of his serves Halling displayed a sureness of touch as well as calmness and confidence under
pressure and a dazzling forehand  as he beat Dave Cole 3-1 (11-7, 11-9, 9-11, 11-5) in the Semi-Final and Rik James (9-11, 11-3, 11-8, 11-2) in the Final.

Rik gave it all in the first game of the Final and for a fleeting moment it seemed as if  he might just be on the way to capturing the title for a second time. Tony however had other ideas and he powered his way back to level the scores at 1-1. The third game was vital here and when Tony clinched it he was able to relax. In the fourth game he hit some truly superbly placed forehands as he powered his way to a 11-2 victory.

In his Semi-Final Rik had survived a prolonged onslaught of fierce forehand attacking strokes from Keiran Lally who shaded the first end and stayed in contention throughout four very close games. Rik finally scraped home 10-12, 11-7, 11-7, 15-13 after a series of excellent deuce points in the fourth end.

The Ladies Singles Final featured two ladies who like to take the ball early and who both hit very hard particularly on the backhand. Rallies were short and sharp and at times ferocious as Dawn Baldry captured the title for the first time with a four game win over Jan Fuller (11-6, 11-8, 7-11, 11-7).

There was an initial success for Melanie Bonnett and Steve Kerns in the Mixed Doubles Final. Four times runners-up in this event they got off to a good start in the Final against Linda Attridge and Dave Cole and won the first end decisively 11-4. The second end was very much a reversal of fortunes as Linda / David equalised  by the same scoreline. At this point you would probably have favoured Linda / David but with Melanie playing an ever increasingly assertive role Melanie / Steve shaded the third game 13-11. They in turn made a good start in the fourth end which they managed to hold and this was sufficient to enable them to run out 11-4, 4-11, 13-11, 11-6 winners.

The Under 21 Singles Final was always going to be a top class game and 15 year-old left-hander - Essex no. one Junior Sam Hume turned in a remarkably consistent and mature display to topple the holder and last year’s Mens Singles losing Finalist Brandon Crouchman 11-9, 13-11, 11-6. Without wishing to put undue pressure on Sam it seems very likely that he will also be challenging strongly for the Mens Singles title within the next three
years.  

Rik James carried his excellent form into the Veterans Final, a repeat of last year’s Finals night battle against Dave Cole. Again this match was decided 3-1 but this time it was Rik who ran out the winner. Some of the rallies were truly breath-taking as Rik chased down Dave’s angled hits from all over the court. It was certainly a case of Rik James playing at his very best as he ran out a 12-10, 11-8, 8-11, 11-8 winner.

The 2016 Mens Doubles Champions are new pairing Paul Davison and Alex Abbott. They won two very close
encounters in the Tournament weekend against Tony Haling / Ben Warner and Gary Young / Steve Kerns and they carried that form in to the Final by seeing off last year’s Champions - the hard-hitting duo of Brandon Crouchman / Scott Dowsett in four ends - 11-6, 12-10, 11-13, 11-2.

Special guests for the evening included the Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress Councillor Philip Wilson
and  Mrs Angela Wilson as well Mrs Anna Emtage the Charity and Community Relations Manager at M&G Investments.

With the reporting on the 2016 M&G Investments Individual Championships having taken priority in the last two
weeks it is now time to update everyone on the latest rounds of League action.

The two outstanding sides in the first division were both held to draws this week and in the case of the leaders Danbury A this represented the first match that that they have failed to win. They were held 5-5 by Maldon A for whom Alex Abbott and Colin Stallwood (in his first appearance of the Season) both won twice. Stallwood did well to beat both Charles Sweeney (3-1) and Gary Young (3-2). Perhaps significantly bearing in mind his form in the Chelmsford tournament Tony Halling won three times for Danbury and this included a quick-fire 11-7,
11-5, 11-7 victory over Alex Abbott.  Second placed Bocking A were held by OCs A. Brandon Crouchman was the top player on view and he scored hard-fought 3-2 victories over both Sam Hume and Gary Cattermole.

A dramatic improvement in form has seen Liberal move into third place in division two. They beat Danbury D decisively 9-1. Both Hector Rogers and Steve Pennell stayed undefeated for the Braintree based side. Liberal were even more impressive against Danbury E and their side of Dean Andrews, Steve Pennell and Hector Rogers defeated Danbury E 10-0 - something of a rarity at this level. Steve Pennell eventually beat Tony Forster 11-6, 7-11, 9-11, 11-1, 12-10 after a strangely fluctuating match. Danbury D also missed out 6-4 against Rawreth & Hullbridge. Gus Heath was the Rawreth match-winner with an excellent hat-trick of wins over Chris Buer,  Steve Buer and Matthew Brown - all achieved in convincing three-straight fashion. Hatfield Peverel B inspired by an undefeated Gary Ward ran out 7-3 winners over Galleywood B. Gary Brignall excelled for the losers and he
recorded two excellent wins over Peter Brownlow (3-0) and John Parodi (3-1).

Chelmsford B scored two very useful 8-2 wins in division three to climb into fourth place. They beat Maldon B with Mick Richardson (three wins), Alastair Piper (two wins) and Dave Parker (two wins) all playing their part in the success. Mick Richardson started the ball rolling by getting the better of Brian Riedling 11-2, 11-5, 5-11, 5-11, 12-10 in a widely fluctuating opening encounter and he also had to fight hard to see off the challenge of Dawn Baldry 11-9, 7-11, 11-6, 9-11, 11-8. Alastair Piper was undefeated in his side’s victory over Danbury G. He looked sharp as he brushed aside the challenges of George Ashley (3-1), Dan Richardson (3-1) and Dan Anderson (3-0). Elmtree Excalibur C look to be near certainties to win this division and in Phil Smith they have a talisman who is yet to lose.  Smith made it 27 wins out of 27 as the Elmtree side beat Hatfield Peverel C 7-3. Trevor Collin won twice for the losers with excellent victories over Lin Attridge and Rod Maclennan. Danbury F had an undefeated Dave Marsh (who boasts an impressive 82 % singles record to date) to thank as they beat Maldon B 6-4. Herbie Smith defeated Dawn Baldry 11-8, 13-11, 10-12, 7-11, 12-10 in the closest game of the evening. In the derby
match between OCs D and OCs E it was the E side who came out on top 7-3. David Porter won his three singles for the E team.      

In division four the leaders Danbury H scored their eighth win of the Season by beating Hatfield Peverel D 6-4. Maurice Hardy (two wins), Norman Smith (two wins) and Ivan Chaplin (one win) all played their part although they all fell short against Keith Cullen. Danbury H didn’t fare so well against OCs F though and lost 7-3. Charles Yeung led the way with an excellent trio of wins.  Danbury K (Eamon Hall, Dave Hancox and Kevin Willis) made no mistake in beating bottom team Hatfield Peverel D 10-0. Hatfield Peverel will no doubt feel that it might have
been a very different evening had Alistair Brown not succumbed 9-11, 11-7, 13-15, 11-9, 13-15 to Dave Hancox in the opening game of the match. Chelmsford E impressed by beating the higher-placed OCs F 7-3. Richard Upson and Richard Baxter were both undefeated with Richard Baxter getting the better of Adrian North 5-11, 11-7, 11-9, 10-12, 12-10 in the tightest encounter of the evening. Danbury J ran out 7-3 winners over Elmtree Excalibur D after Robert Kneale and Dave Powell had both won their three singles. The match between Steve Siggs and Robert Kneale couldn’t have been much closer with Kneale eventually triumphing 12-10,13-15, 12-10, 12-14, 11-9.

Danbury L (Mick Robinson, Norman Hayes and Craig Foster) lead the way in division five and they made no mistake by beating OCs H 9-1. Tanishq Kotwal was on target for the losers and he beat Craig Foster
in five ends. Danbury L scored another clear-cut victory by getting the better of OCs G 9-1. Norman Hayes and Ray Cheung were both undefeated on this occasion and they received backing from Mick Robinson who won twice. A combined team effort enabled Highwood to beat Elmtree Excalibur E 7-3. Martin Goddard, Kevin Barber and Tim Smith all won twice to counter the two wins that Melanie Bonnett picked up for the Elmtree side. Two games stood out in this match and Melanie Bonnett was involved in both of them. She defeated Kevin Barber 7-11, 11-9, 11-6, 3-11, 14-12 but she also missed out against Tim Smith 11-8, 7-11, 7-11, 11-7, 10-12. Writtle are in second place and they beat OCs G 8-2. Frank Neill (three wins), Colin Griffiths (two wins) and Andy Fox (two wins) all played their part in this success.

Buttsbury A lead the way in the CLICK League and they ran out 4-1 winners over Black Notley. James Hughes beat both Lawrence Grantham (3-2) and Peter Hull (3-0). OCs J were also 4-1 winners over BNCA with Adam Chalk (two wins) and Alan Whitmore (one win) both contributing to the victory. Buttsbury B were narrow 3-2 winners over Chelmsford H. Matthew Elliott beat both Peter Davenport (11-9, 11-9, 11-5) and Harry Matthews (11-13, 12-10, 11-5, 11-4).

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

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Press Report issued on 31 January 2016

Mens Singles Semi-Finalists have a very familiar look about them this year

All four Mens Singles Semi-Finalists in this year's M&G Investments Chelmsford & District Closed Table Tennis Championships have experience of playing on Finals Night and three of the players are former winners of the title. Finals Night takes place on Monday 8 February 2016 at Old Chelmsfordians Association, Lawford Lane, Chelmsford at 19.30 hours and admission is free.

David Cole, a four time former Champion booked his appearance in the Semi-Finals by ousting Steve Kerns in five ends (5-11, 11-8, 11-9, 7-11, 11-7) and then last year's Champion Ben Warner 6-11, 11-5, 11-3, 11-4. David will play Tony Halling, a Semi-Finalist in Chelmsford in 2014 and last year's Southend Mens Singles Champion. Tony cruised past Robert Shrimpton 11-5, 12-10, 11-3 and last year's runner-up Brandon Crouchman 11-5, 11-4, 11-7. In the Quarter-Final Paul Davison fared little better with Tony powering his way to a 11-5, 11-2, 11-6 success.

In the other half of the draw Rik James, the Champion in 1998 impressed greatly with 3-0 wins over Scott Dowsett, Gary Cattermole and Mindaugas Sinkas. Gary Cattermole had seen off the challenge of the seeded Sam Hume in five ends. Rik will play another player with a fine tournament pedigree - Keiran Lally, the Chelmsford Champion in 2003. Keiran looked to be in fine form as he ousted Simon Webber 11-3, 11-6, 11-4 and then second seed Alex Abbott 11-4, 6-11, 15-13, 12-10 in the Quarter-Final.

The excitement wasn't just confined to the main rounds of the Competition. Group no. 12 was full of surprises. Chris Hancox scored a superb win over Scott Dowsett (9-11, 12-10. 9-11, 11-8, 12-10) but Scott still went through on count-back as he defeated John Cleasby 11-9, 12-10, 11-9. Group 13 also produced a close finish and Steve Kerns finished as runner-up (behind Rik James) by defeating Charles Sweeney 11-5, 9-11, 7-11, 11-8, 12-10.

The Ladies Singles Final will be between Dawn Baldry and Jan Fuller. Dawn booked her place in the Final with a 3-0 victory over Jacqueline Smith whilst Jan had to fight back from 2-0 down to see off the challenge of Lin Attridge. This game went "all the way to the wire" before Jan finally sneaked home 8-11, 4-11, 11-9, 11-8, 12-10. In another close match, this time in the Group stages Jan Fuller just managed to get the better of Shirley Carroll 11-5, 7-11, 10-12, 11-7, 13-11.

The Mens Doubles featured some of the most fiercely contested matches of the weekend as is often the case. The holders - Scott Dowsett and Brandon Crouchman are again in the Final but they had all manner of problems in booking that Finals night berth. New pairing Sam Hume and Gary Cattermole just wouldn't give in and they only succumbed 8-11, 11-7, 6-11, 13-11, 10-12 after a truly spell-binding match. The other half of the draw was equally well contested and another new pairing - Paul Davison / Alex Abbott finally made it through to the Final. They beat Steve Kerns / Gary Young 8-11, 12-10, 11-6, 11-13, 11-8 in the penultimate round having seen off the challenge of second seeds Tony Halling / Ben Warner 11-5,11-3, 6-11 9-11, 13-11 a round earlier. Kerns / Young had ousted Rik James / Dave Cole 11-9, 11-0, 9-11, 13-11 in the Quarter-Finals.

So often in the frame for honours in the past Melanie Bonnett / Nicola Pippen finally captured the Ladies Doubles title. They scored two notable victories, defeating Dawn Baldry / Shirley Carroll 11-6, 11-7, 11-7 and Lin Attridge / Jan Fuller 11-8, 10-12, 11-9, 11-8.

Melanie Bonnett will also feature in the Mixed Doubles Final. Paired with Steve Kerns they defeated last year's Champions - Steve Whiteley / Shirley Carroll in five ends 11-7, 5-11, 11-9, 10-12, 11-3. They will face the formidable challenge of David Cole / Lin Attridge in the Final. David and Lin impressed greatly with a 11-7, 11-6, 11-9 victory over Ciaran Whelan / Dawn Baldry. The other fancied pairing - Alex Abbott / Jan Fuller had been beaten in the first round in four ends by Whelan / Baldry 11-9, 11-13, 11-2, 11-4.

This year's Veterans Singles Final will be a repeat of last year's Final. Dave Cole will be bidding for his sixth title and he looked to be at his best as he ousted the challenges of Adam Buxton (11-4, 11-9, 11-8), David Gatherall (11-9, 11-5, 11-3) and Gary Young (11-8, 11-9 , 10-12, 11-5). In the bottom half of the draw second seed Alex Abbott was a Quarter-Final faller over four ends to Steve Kerns (9-11, 11-3, 6-11, 7-11) but Steve could make little impression against Rik James in the Semi-Final with Rik frequently bamboozling Steve with his huge variety of top spin shots. Rik raced to a 11-9, 11-4, 11-6 success and he will be bidding for his fourth title, having last won in 2010.

Dave Cole / Rik James were also successful in the Veterans Doubles, a title they last won in 2010. In a fluctuating Final they beat Gary Young / Steve Kerns - the holders in five ends. Rik / Dave finally triumphed 11-8, 8-11, 9-11, 11-9, 11-6.

The Over 50s Singles had a very "open" feel to it with the top seed - Rik James withdrawing. Steve Kerns, the second seed beat Steve Whiteley 3-1 but he could find no way past the back -hand counter-punching skills of John Cleasby. John came through their Semi-Final quite comfortably 11-8, 11-7, 11-8 to book his Final appearance and he duly defeated Lin Attridge 7-11, 11-7, 13-11, 11-8 to capture the title. Lin had battled her way to the Final with three hard fought successes. She beat David Parker 7-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-7, 11-9 and then Steve Siggs 9-11, 12-10, 11-8, 11-5 and most impressively Mike Johnston 11-7, 11-9, 6-11, 11-3.

Former Chairman of the League - Ian Whiteside - the Veterans Champion as far back as 1987 is this year's Over 60s Singles Champion. He beat three fancied contenders to capture the title. Ian saw off the challenge of Steve Whiteley by a last gasp 8-11, 13-11, 11-8,9-11, 11-9 scoreline and then John Cleasby surprisingly comfortably 11-4, 11-7, 11-6 and in the Final Ian defeated Trevor Carter 11-2, 11-7, 11-13, 11-9.

The Under 21 Singles Final will be played on Finals Night and it will feature Brandon Crouchman - the Champion in 2011 and 2015 and Essex no. one Junior - Sam Hume. Brandon booked his Final appearance by getting the better of Daniel Berry 11-7, 11-8, 11-5 after Daniel had upset the seedings by getting the better of Scott Dowsett 9-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-3. Hume made no mistake in his Semi-Final with a 11-2, 11-1, 11-9 victory over Ryan Gooday. Ryan Gooday scored a big win in the Group stages of this event and he defeated the 2014 Champion Scott Dowsett 11-9, 11-6, 11-5.

There was further success for Sam Hume who won both the Junior Boys Singles and the Under 16 Singles titles. In the Junior Boys Singles Sam beat Daniel Berry 11-6, 11-9, 11-1 in the Semi-Final and Ryan Gooday 12-10, 6-11, 11-4, 11-7 in the Final. Ryan had booked his Final appearance with a 11-4, 11-5, 11-6 victory over Nathan Fry. At Under 16 level Sam Hume was perhaps not surprisingly in a class of his own. He raced to the title with 3-0 wins over Adam Chalk, Matthew Elliot and Nathan Fry. Nathan had fought hard to make the final beating James Hughes by a "roller-coaster" 11-7, 14-12, 11-13, 14-16, 11-5 margin and Alex Healey (12-10, 11-2, 11-7).

There was even more success for Sam Hume in the Junior Doubles. Paired with Connor Payne the pairing fought back from 2-0 down to get the better of top seeds Ryan Gooday / Daniel Berry 3-11, 8-11, 11-4, 11-9, 11-8 in the Final.

Lewis Wilson is the 2016 Under 14 Singles Champion. He annexed the title with a 3-0 win over Harley Dawson in the Semi-Final and a 3-1 victory against Rio Tiplizki in the Final. After losing the first end Lewis came through strongly to win 7-11, 11-4, 11-7, 11-6.

Daniel Berry captured the Junior Handicap Singles title with wins over Adam Chalk (3-0), Harrison Matthews (3-1), Ryan Gooday (3-2) and Harry Rogers (3-0). The Final against Harry Rogers was particularly closely fought with Daniel winning 12-10, 12-10, 14-12.

Sunday's play was dominated by the Divisional Singles clashes and there was a third successive triumph for Waseem Qureshi in the Divison two Singles. Waseem beat Daniel Berry 11-7, 11-9, 12-10 in the Final having beaten Ryan Pitt 11-7, 11-9, 11-9 in the Semi-Final and Peter Windley 11-9, 11-8, 12-10 in the Quarter-Final. Daniel Berry battled his way through to the Final by getting the better of Chris Hancox (9-11, 11-5, 11-8, 11-7), Daniel Richardson in five ends (12-10, 9-11, 11-8, 8-11, 11-4) and Ciaran Whelan (6-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-8).

Ciaran Whelan, the no. one seed came out on top in the Division three singles. He needed four games to get the better of Cameron Gray 11-6, 9-11, 11-7, 11-5 followed by three very close games as he saw off Dan Anderson (11-9, 11-9, 11-9) and in the Final he beat David Gatherall 11-8, 11-5, 11-6. David Gatherall had seen off Steve Siggs (12-10, 11-7, 11-4), Daniel Richardson (11-8, 8-11, 11-9, 11-6) and most impressively Robert Shrimpton in the semi-Final (11-7, 11-5, 4-11, 11-4).

Roger Hance, another player who was the top seed was the winner of the Division four singles title. It took five very close games for him to finally get the better of Mark Glenister in the first round (6-11, 13-11, 6-11, 11-9, 11-9) and he beat Colin Barham 16-14, 11-8, 11-4 in the Semi-Final. He captured the title by getting the better of Charles Yeung 11-6, 8-11, 11-8, 11-7 in the Final. Charles Yeung had battled his way to the Final with hard-fought wins over David Gatherall (11-8, 11-6, 5-11, 11-6) and Dave Moles (11-8, 8-11, 9-11, 11-6, 11-5).
From a small entry Roger Hance also came out on top in the Division five Singles. He beat Mark Glenister 11-4, 11-9, 13-15, 11-8 in the crunch encounter.

Entries were down in this year's Handicap Singles event. Mark Glenister (playing off a handicap of 51) always looked a strong contender to take the title and he did so without dropping an end. He bear Reece Seddon (21-15, 21-12), Charles Yeung (21-14, 21-18), Dan Anderson (21-15, 21-12), Ken Sheard (21-17, 21-16) and in the Final he defeated Ryan Gooday (21-12, 21-16).

In the Handicap Doubles it was Ciaran Whelan paired with Ken Sheard who came out on top. They beat Trevor Collin / Mark Glenister in the Final to capture the title.

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

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Press Report issued on 24 January 2016

Entries are up for M&G Investments 2016 Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League Championships

Entries are up for the 2016 M&G Investments Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League Closed Championships with 86 players having entered this year. The preliminary stages will take place over the weekend of Friday 29 to Sunday 31 January 2016 at Hylands School, Chelmsford Road, Chelmsford, CM1 3ET. Admission is free and all who are interested in watching are very welcome to drop in over the weekend.

The Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League Committee are extremely grateful for the very generous sponsorship they have received of the Tournament from M&G Investments which dates back to 1999. Anna Emtage - Charity & Community Relations Manager at M&G Investments had this to say "M&G Investments is delighted to sponsor the 2016 Tournament. This will be the Company's sixteenth consecutive year of sponsorship and I am sure the competition will be as exciting as ever."

The blue riband event as always is the Mens Singles and last year's Champion Ben Warner will be out to regain his title. He will face fierce competition from the second seed - last year's Southend Mens Singles Champion - Tony Halling and a plethora of other strong players which include the other ten seeded players who are favourites to win their Groups. These are four times Champion David Cole, three other former Champions Alex Abbott (the winner in 2012 and 2013), Rik James (the Champion in 1998) and Keiran Lally (the winner in 2003), last year's runner-up Brandon Crouchman, 2014 runner-up Mindaugas Sinkus, impressive newcomers Sam Hume and Reece Seddon and former Semi-Finalists Paul Davison and Gary Young.

With two players to qualify for the main draw from each group two groups stand out. Group 13 is certainly going to be  "unlucky" for someone as it features Rik James, Steve Kerns, Charles Sweeney and Cameron Gray whilst Group 12 pairs up Brandon Crouchman, Scott Dowsett, John Cleasby and Chris Hancox.

In recent years the Mens Doubles has been one of the most open events and this year is no exception. There are only four seeded pairs. The holders Brandon Crouchman and Scott Dowsett are top seeds whilst Tony Halling / Ben Warner are seeded second. The joint third seeds are 2014 Champions - Gary Young / Steve Kerns and another strong pairing - Mindaugas Sinkus / Keiran Lally. Somewhat surprisingly last years runner's up - Dave Cole / Rik James and new pairing Paul Davison / Alex Abbott are not seeded this year.

Julie Johnson hasn't played in the League this year owing to injury so her seven year run of Ladies Singles titles will certainly be coming to an end. In Julie's absence Dawn Baldry is favourite and she will face tough opposition from Jan Fuller, Shirley Carroll, Lin Attridge and Jacqueline Smith.

Last year's Champions Shirley Carroll / Steve Whiteley start as favourites in the Mixed Doubles and they face tough opposition from new pairing Lin Attridge / David Cole as well as Jan Fuller / Alex Abbott and last year's losing finalists - Ciaran Whelan / Dawn Baldry.

David Cole is top seed in the Veterans Singles as befits his status as Holder and in a strong event he is seeded to meet Alex Abbott in the final. Third seeds Rik James and Gary Young will both be out to deny them their Finals Night appearance whilst the other players who are seeded to win their groups - Glenn Johnson, John Cleasby, Steve Kerns, Ian Whiteside, Steve Whiteley and Hamish Innes will all be hoping to upset the rankings.

The holders Gary Young / Steve Kerns will be hoping to win the Veterans Doubles again but they will be tested by last year's runners-up Dave Cole / Rik James as well as other tricky pairings such as Andrew Huckson / Adam Buxton, John Cleasby / Gary Cattermole, Steve Whiteley / Ian Whiteside and Alex Abbott / Jan Fuller.

The Under 21 Singles should be hotly contested this year and the holder Brandon Crouchman, who played so well in last year's tournament will face really tough competition from newcomer Sam Hume as well as the 2014 Champion Scott Dowsett and Ryan Gooday and Daniel Berry.

The Divisional Singles events will dominate Sunday's play and Waseem Qureshi will be trying to win the Division two event for a third successive year. He will face tough opposition from the likes of Ryan Gooday, Robert Shrimpton, Daniel Berry, Neil Freeman, Andrew Huckson, Ryan Pitt and Peter Windley.

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

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Press Report issued on 17 January 2016

Danbury A race to yet another 10-0 win

One of the main features of this year’s action in the first division of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League (and not necessarily one of the best features either) is the number of matches which have been decided 10-0. Leaders and probable Champions Danbury A who have scored 93 points out of a possible 100 to date lead the way and they again won 10-0 this week defeating Danbury B. Minda Sinkus, Gary Young and Reece Seddon were all undefeated. Second-placed Bocking also won 10-0 against OCs B. Rik James, Dave Cole and Sam Hume were equally dominant.

In contrast to division one where Danbury A are setting an unstoppable pace division two is proving to
be much more closely fought. Chelmsford A lead the way with 68 points out of 100 and this week they were held to a 5-5 draw by fourth-placed Liberal. Steve Pennell shone for Liberal with a hat-trick of victories whilst Ryan Gooday and Waseem Qureshi both won twice for the Chelmsford side. Ryan Gooday secured the
draw for the Chelmsford team by getting the better of Hector Rogers 7-11, 15-13, 8-11, 11-5, 13-11 in the last game of the night. OCs C had Daniel Berry to thank as they beat Hatfield Peverel A 6-4. Berry recorded a hat-trick of wins over Gareth Davies (3-0), Neil Freeman (3-2) and Paul Mulley (3-0). Rawreth &
Hullbridge ran out 6-4 winners against Danbury E. Barrie Delf won his three singles. Hatfield Peverel B have jumped into third place. They beat Danbury D 7-3 after Gary Ward had won his three singles. Steve Buer won twice for the Danbury team and this included a last-gasp 7-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-13, 12-10 success against John Parodi - which was the closest game of the evening.

Chelmsford C were the week’s big winners in division three and they impressed by beating OCs 9-1. Calvin Harvey (three wins), Victor Chan (two wins) and Paul Nicol (three wins) were all on top form. The match between Danbury F and Danbury G finished tied at 5-5. Dave Marsh won his three singles for Danbury F
whilst George Ashley and Cameron Gray both won twice for Danbury G. Chelmsford B climbed into third place by beating OCs D 7-3. Alastair Piper dominated proceedings beating Nat Ravlic (3-0), Charlie Mariner (3-0) and Tom Barker (3-1). Tom Barker came through a very hard test against Dave Parker (12-10, 9-11, 11-7, 9-11, 11-9).

In division four second-placed  Danbury J recorded their fifth win of the Season by beating Danbury K 8-2. Dave Goody led the way with a hat-trick whilst team-mates  Rob Kneale and Dave Powell both won twice. Goody
was locked against Kevin Willis at 2-2 in their last match of the nigth encounter before he surged clear in the fifth end to seal a 11-7, 11-9, 5-11, 6-11, 11-1 victory.

Second-placed Writtle were 9-1 winners in division five against Chelmsford F. Frank Neill (three wins), Colin Griffiths (three wins) and David Meah (two wins) dominated with Jacqui Smith replying for the losers.
John Wickins did well to win his three singles for Chelmsford G who beat Hatfield Peverel 7-3. Wickins defeated Andy Whiley (3-0), Peter Mortensen (3-2) and Andy Simmonds (3-1). OCs H ran out 6-4 winners against Elmtree Excalibur E although it was Elmtree’s Melanie Bonnett who starred. She beat Tanishq Kotwal (3-0), Tejas Kotwal (3-1) and Lawrence Bartlett (3-0).

Buttsbury A (James Hughes and Tom Picton)  continue to set the pace in the CLICK League and they ran out 4-1 winners against Buttsbury B. Tom Picton won both of his singles which included a very hard-fought 11-9, 11-8, 5-11, 6-11, 11-8 success against Matthew Elliott.

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

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Press Report issued on 10 January 2016

Steve Pennell in fine form - but Liberal drop back to fourth place

Liberal were involved in two close matches in division two of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League but despite two excellent performances from Steve Pennell who was undefeated in his six singles they failed to win either match and they have now dropped back to fourth place. They drew 5-5 with Rawreth A - with Pennell completing his hat-trick of wins by fighting back from 2-0 down to get the better of Simon Jacob 2-11, 7-11, 11-8, 11-9, 12-10. Pennell had previously defeated Gus Heath 6-11, 11-6, 11-5, 11-8 and Paul Churn 9-11, 12-10, 11-6, 11-8. Liberal also missed out against Hatfield Peverel B 6-4. Pennell impressed here by downing the challenge of the hard-hitting Gary Ward - 11-8, 4-11, 12-10, 11-9.

Elmtree Excalibur C have stolen a march on their rivals in division three and they now lead the table by
seven points with a game in hand. Phil Smith led the way with a hat-trick of wins against Danbury F whilst Dave Marsh won twice for the losers in a match in which Elmtree emerged as 8-2 winners. Marsh defeated Louis Brown 9-11, 11-9, 12-14, 11-5, 13-11 in the closest game of the night. Danbury F fared better against Chelmsford  C - Dave Marsh was again their most successful player in a match which they won 6-4. Marsh
impressed in all three of his singles. He beat Bob Francis 11-6, 11-7, 11-7 and then Paul Nicol 15-17, 12-10, 11-8, 11-5 and finally Mark Allaway in five ends : 10-12, 11-7, 11-8, 9-11, 11-7.

In division five there was an evenly contested match between Chelmsford G and Galleywood D. It finished tied at 5-5 after Mark Glenister had won his three singles for the Galleywood side and Michael Whelpdale and John Wickens had both won twice for  the Chelmsford team. The very experienced Danbury L team who are currently in second place were handsome 10-0 winners over Chelmsford F. Norman Hayes, Roger Tiffin and Dave Whiting were all undefeated.

In the CLICK League Buttsbury B - Alex Headley (one win) and Matthew Elliott (two wins) ran out 4-1 winners against Old Chelmsfordians J. The doubles turned out to be the most gripping encounter of the evening and Headley and Elliott finally defeated Harry Rogers and Alan Whitmore 11-8, 5-11, 13-11, 13-15, 12-10 to secure their 4-1 victory. Chelmsford J beat Black Notley 3-2. Chelmsford‘s Connor Payne played the starring role by beating  Lawrence Grantham 7-11, 11-9, 12-10, 14-12 and Peter Hull 11-6, 11-6, 11-5.   

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

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Press Report - Issued on 03 January 2016

Louis Brown seals Elmtree victory after tight encounter

The Christmas break in the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League gives teams a chance to play their Cup matches and this year’s Handicap Knock Out Cup produced a number of closely fought clashes. Handicap Cup Matches are played over the old format of best of three games up to 21 points.

Elmtree emerged as 5-4 winners over OCs A. Louis Brown (playing off a Handicap of 58) who had lost his previous two singles to David Porter and Terry Dowsett emerged as the unlikely hero by beating Mick Hayes (minus 57) decisively 21-15, 21-11 in the all important final encounter.  

Danbury D also ran out as 5-4 winners. They beat Elmtree Excalibur C in a match where Rob Kneale (minus 57) starred. He beat Alan Offord (21-14, 21-18), Steve Siggs (21-14, 17-21, 21-13) and with the scores tied at 4-4 he saw off the challenge of Dave Moles (17-21, 21-18, 21-13).

Danbury E also made it through to the third round of the Handicap Cup Competition by beating Hatfield Peverel A 5-3. Roger Tiffin (minus 53) was their star-performer and he contributed two-straight victories over Gareth Davies (21-19, 21-12) and Guy McKenzie (22-20, 21-14).  Kevin Willis overturned the loss of the first leg by sealing the victory by getting the better of Gareth Davies quite decisively 17-21, 21-6, 21-9.

OCs A booked their place in the Semi-Finals of the Mixed Knock-Out Cup by beating Elmtree Excalibur A 5-3. Elmtree’s Paul Sturton was involved in two five enders. He beat Trevor Carter 11-6, 8-11, 11-9, 3-11, 11-3 after a widely fluctuating encounter but he missed out against John Cleasby  13-15, 9-11, 11-4, 11-5, 8-11 in the match which ultimately secured the OCs’ side’s victory. Lin Attridge overturned a narrow first end defeat to get the better of Sue Hickman 20-22, 11-9, 11-8, 11-4.

Elmtree C also progressed in the Mixed Knock-Out Cup and they beat their B side 5-2. Melanie Bonnett made her presence felt by beating both Nicola Pippen 11-7, 11-9, 11-8 and Keith Pallett 11-7, 11-5, 11-5.

Happy New Year to all the players and officials of Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League

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

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Press Report - Issued on 20 December 2015

Alex Abbott undefeated for Maldon A

Division one of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League produced two hard-fought matches this week. Maldon A had Alex Abbott to thank as they beat Danbury B 6-4. Abbott won his three singles and John Poysden won twice. In the best game of the evening (and also one of the closest of the Season) Keith Adams defeated Poysden 12-10, 13-11, 10-12, 12-14, 12-10. Alex Abbott downed the challenge of Keith Adams 11-6, 12-10, 11-9. Galleywood A did well to draw against OCs A. Lucy Wang made a big difference and in her first game after a two-month break she beat both John Cleasby and Terry Dowsett. An undefeated Brandon Crouchman was OCs’ best player.

Elmtree Exclaibur C aren’t top of division three but they look increasingly like the team to beat. They trail Danbury G by four points but crucially they have two matches in hand. This week they defeated third placed OCs E 7-3. Phil Smith was their match-winner and he defeated Ashton Parker - the best of the OCs players decisively 11-5, 11-7, 11-8.

Danbury H move into the Christmas break as leaders of division four and they produced a work-manlike performance to defeat Danbury J 7-3. Nicky Reece-Ford and Norman Smith both bagged hat-tricks. Norman Smith fought back strongly from two games down to get the better of Dave Goody 7-11, 6-11, 11-2, 11-7, 11-6.

Danbury L moved back into contention for honours in division five by beating Galleywood D 9-1. Norman Hayes (three wins), Roger Tiffin (three wins) and Mick  Robinson (two wins) all played a part
in this success. Norman Hayes gave them a successful start by getting the better of Roger Wilson 14-12, 11-4, 7-11, 8-11, 11-9 in a hard-fought opening encounter. The match between Elmtree Excalibur E and
Chelmsford G finished tied at 5-5. Jacqui Smith impressed for the Chelmsford team. She beat Keith Fitzjohn 5-11, 11-9, 7-11, 11-9, 11-7 and Keith Pallett 5-11, 11-5, 11-6, 12-10.

Buttsbury A are the runaway leaders of the CLICK League and Tony Picton (two wins) and James Hughes (one win) overcame Chelmsford H 4-1. Harrison Matthews picked up the sole success for Chelmsford H.  

A Merry Christmas and  a Happy New Year to all Chelmsford League players and League Officials

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

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Press Report - Issued on 13 December 2015

Waseem Qureshi - as reliable as ever       

The evenly matched nature of division two of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League was very evident this week.  Leaders Chelmsford A were held to a 5-5 draw by Rawreth & Hullbridge. Waseem Qureshi won his three singles by beating Barrie Delf (5-11, 11-6, 11-9, 9-11, 11-6), Gus Heath (11-1, 11-7, 6-11, 11-4) and Paul Churn (11-7, 8-11, 11-9, 6-11, 11-9). The match between second-placed  Danbury D and third-placed Galleywood D also finished tied at 5-5. Galleywood’s James Hicks remained undefeated whilst Colin Blore beat Mathew Brown 9-11, 7-11, 11-7, 11-5, 11-8 for a very hard-earned success. Hatfield Peverel B were indebted to Gary Ward as they beat Danbury C 6-4. Ward completed his  trio of wins with a 10-12, 7-11, 12-10, 12-10, 11-5 win over Chris Hancox in the last game of the evening.  

In the first division this year’s leaders - the all conquering Danbury A (Gary Young, Reece Seddon and Duncan Taylor) hammered a below-strength Danbury C 10-0. They look to be strong favourites to capture the title. Dave Richardson - one of the “success-stories of the Season” in the top division missed this match but with Richardson restored to the side Danbury C scored a fine 6-4 win over Maldon A. Richardson’s hat-trick of wins included a notable 4-11, 11-7, 11-8, 2-11, 11-9 victory over John Poysden. Elmtree Graphics A were convincing 9-1 winners over OCs B. Simon Webber and Paul Davison were both undefeated whilst Trevor Carter made his mark for the losers by defeating Alistair Hill 10-12, 13-11, 11-8, 11-8.

There was a shock of sorts in division three this week. Leaders Danbury G were beaten 6-4 by eighth-placed  Maldon B. Tom Elder (three wins), Brian Riedling (one win) and Dawn Baldry (two wins) all played their part in this success. The inter-club battle between Chelmsford C and Chelmsford B finished tied at 5-5. Al Piper (Chelmsford B) won his three encounters. Danbury F (Herbie Smith, Dave Marsh and Nick Reece-Ford) all contributed to their side’s 8-2 win over OCs D whilst Maldon B (represented by their usual trio of Brian Riedling, Tom Elder and Dawn Baldry) defeated  OCs D 7-3.

Galleywood C moved into third place in division four by beating Hatfield Peverel D 9-1. David Gatherall and Colin Barham both picked up hat-tricks of wins.  However, they didn’t fare so well against OCs F and they lost 7-3. Charles Yeung was unbeaten  for the OCs side whilst Adrian North picked up two wins. Elsewhere, Elmtree Excalibur D ran out 9-1 winners against Danbury K. Dave Moles and Alan Offord won their three singles. Chelmsford D had Jarek Pietraszuk to thank as they beat Chelmsford E 7-3. Jarek’s hardest encounter was against Richard Baxter and he eventually won
5-11, 8-11, 11-3, 11-9, 11-7.

Division five saw five matches decided by clear-cut margins. Second-placed Maldon D were the most emphatic winners of all and they beat Chelmsford F 10-0. Roger Hance, Denis Crapnell and Shirley Carroll were all undefeated. Two matches were decided by 9-1 scorelines. Elmtree Excalibur E (Melanie Bonnett, Keith Fitzjohn and Nicola Pippen) beat Chelmsford G whilst Danbury L (Norman Hayes, Mick Robinson and Roger Tiffin) defeated Chelmsford G. Hatfield Peverel E scored a very impressive 8-2 win over the higher-placed Highwood. Keith Cullen and Paul Mulley both notched up a full-house of wins whilst OCs. Highwood in turn tasted victory against OCs H, also winning 8-2. Martin Goddard won his three singles and Kevin Barber and Russell Downton both won twice.

Buttsbury A consolidated their  leading position in the CLICK League by beating OCs J 4-1. James Hughes (two wins) and Tom Picton (one win) both played well.

All players are again reminded that the M&G Investments Chelmsford Closed tournament takes place over the weekend of Friday 29 to Sunday 31 January 2016 at Hylands School. The Closing date for entries is this Friday - 18 December 2015 and since the draw will take place a day after the Closing date there will definitely not be any late entries allowed this Season. With events ranging from Under 14 Singles to Over 60s  Singles,  Divisional Singles for all the main Divisions as well as Handicap Singles and Handicap Doubles there are events to cater for everyone.  It is hoped as many players enter as possible this year. Entries should be sent to the Competition Organiser - Arthur Clark as soon as possible.       

Steve Kerns - Press & Publicity Officer - Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League
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Press Report - Issued 6 December 2015

Tony Halling - Man on a mission

Leaders Danbury A retained their 100 % record for the Season and by beating second-placed Bocking 7-3 they took a giant step towards winning the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League first division title. 2015 Southend Mens Singles Champion Tony Halling in his second appearance was the main difference between the two sides and he defeated all three Bocking players 3-0 - David Cole (11-8, 11-2, 11-8) , Gary Cattermole (11-9, 11-9, 11-6) and Rik James (13-11, 11-7, 11-2). Rik James impressed for Bocking by beating 2015 Chelmsford Mens Singles Champion Ben Warner over five widely fluctuating ends (15-13, 4-11, 11-2, 2-11, 11-7) whilst Warner made his mark by getting the better of Dave Cole, again over five ends (1-11, 11-7, 11-4, 9-11, 11-5).  Galleywood A (Peter Radford, Steve Kerns and John Holland) gave nothing away by beating OCs B 10-0. John Holland defeated Kevin Worthington 11-4, 12-10, 10-12, 7-11, 11-8 in the best game of the night.

Liberal suffered their first defeats of the Season in division two, succumbing 7-3 to Elmtree Excalibur B and 6-4 against OCs C. Elmtree’s Lee McHugh had to work hard for his two wins. He beat Adam Buxton (11-9, 4-11, 11-13, 12-10, 11-8) and Hector Rogers  (9-11, 11-9, 11-8, 1-11, 11-9). Frank Hodge and Daniel Berry both picked up two wins for the OCs team whilst OCs reserve Dave Porter made his mark with a 8-11, 11-9, 5-11, 14-12, 11-8 victory over Andrew Huckson. Rawreth & Hullbridge ran out convincing 9-1 winners over Hatfield Peverel A. Gus Heath and Paul Churn both bagged hat-tricks.  Leaders Chelmsford A are looking increasingly like the team to beat this year and with Ryan Gooday on top form they ran out 8-2 winners against Hatfield Peverel B. Gooday completed his hat-trick with a hard-fought 4-11, 11-6, 2-11, 11-3, 11-9 victory over Gary Ward - the best of the Hatfield Peverel players.

In division three Chelmsford B were involved in two 7-3 results. They lost to Elmtree Excalibur C after Excalibur’s  Phil Smith had retained his 100 % Singles record for the Season. Chelmsford’s Alistair Piper made his mark by beating Paul Sturton 11-7, 9-11, 11-8, 11-8. With Alistair Piper again to the fore they beat Hatfield Peverel C Trevor Collin produced his best form of the Season for the losers and he beat both Robert Shrimpton and Keith Martin.

Danbury H look a good bet for honours in division four. With Maurice Hardy on unbeaten  form they defeated Elmtree Excalibur D 7-3. Hardy had to pull out all the stops to get the better of a determined Dave Moles 7-11, 9-11, 12-10, 11-9, 12-10. Danbury J gave a good account of themselves against Chelmsford C, winning 7-3.  Dave Goody  completed his trio of wins by getting the better of Richard Upson 7-11, 11-9, 12-10, 11-9.

Galleywood  D did very well to draw with leaders Writtle in divison five. Mark Glenister led the way with three victories. Maldon D, who are in third place kept up the pressure on the teams above them by seeing off OCs G 7-3. Shirley Carroll and Clive Forster both won their three singles. Shirley Carroll eventually pipped Stuart Wintle 4-11, 11-5, 10-12, 11-9, 11-9 in the closest game of the evening. Danbury L were also 7-3 winners; they beat Hatfield Peverel E. Roger Tiffin won his three singles on this occasion. Elmtree Excalibur E scored their first win of the Season by beating Galleywood D 6-4. Keith Pallett, Nicola Pippen and Keith Fitzjohn all won twice although they all came up short against Roger Wilson.         

All players are again reminded that the M&G Investments Chelmsford Closed tournament takes place over the weekend of Friday 29 to Sunday 31 January 2016 at Hylands School. The Closing date for entries is 18 December 2015 and as the draw will take place a day after the Closing date there will definitely not be any late entries allowed this Season. With events ranging from Under 14 Singles to Over 60s  Singles,  Divisional Singles for all the main Divisions as well as Handicap Singles and Handicap Doubles there are events to cater for everyone.  It is hoped as many players enter as possible this year. Entries should be sent to the Competition Organiser - Arthur Clark as soon as possible.    

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