Press Report Issued 25 February 2018

Reece Seddon hat-trick gives Rawreth the edge

Reece Seddon was on top form for Rawreth in division one of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League. His hat-trick enabled Rawreth A to beat Chelmsford A 8-2. Included in his three wins was a 8-11, 11-7, 14-12, 11-8 win over Wal Bada - the best of the Chelmsford players and Seddon’s Doubles partner in his Mens Doubles success at the 2017 M&G Investments Chelmsford Closed Championships.

Writtle Excalibur A made it 12 wins out of 14 in division two and they stay top. However, they were hard pushed to beat third placed Hatfield Peverel A 6-4. No one player won all three singles but the Writtle trio - Richard Storey, Lee McHugh and Ryan Pitt all won twice. Gary Ward was the best of the Hatfield Peverel players. He beat Lee McHugh 11-5, 11-9, 8-11, 11-13, 11-9 but lost to Ryan Pitt 1-11, 11-7, 6-11, 11-9, 7-11. He was back on target against Richard Storey where he sneaked home 11-5, 11-2, 7-11, 9-11, 13-11. Three very hard fought games. Further down the table OCs B did well to beat fourth placed Danbury C 7-3. Robbie Burton was their “star act“. He beat Daniel Young 11-7, 6-11, 12-10, 8-11, 11-8 and Chris Buer 11-3, 13-11, 11-9 and he rounded off an excellent evening’s work with a 11-5, 11-7, 11-7 victory against Steve Buer. Danbury B were indebted to Glen Laing as they beat Liberal C 6-4. Laing completed his hat-trick with an excellent 12-10, 11-3, 7-11, 7-11, 14-12 victory against Andrew Huckson.

Maldon B - the outstanding side in division three scored their 13th win of the Season by beating third placed Hatfield Peverel B 6-4. Ciaran Whelan sat this match out but Hamish Innes was on hand to ensure that Maldon emerged on top. Neil Freeman and Dave Fiddeman both picked up two wins for Hatfield Peverel. Steve Scholz defeated Gareth Davies 13-11, 12-10, 8-11, 7-11, 11-9 in the closest game of the night. Second placed Writtle Excalibur B were held to a draw by Maldon C. John Holland was undefeated for Maldon whilst Phil Smith and Louis Brown both won twice for the Writtle Excalibur side. Louis Brown pulled level at 2-2 against John Holland but he eventually missed out in the decider 3-11, 6-11, 12-10, 14-12, 8-11. Chelmsford D won a hard fought match against Hatfield Peverel C 7-3. Five games were decided in the fifth end. Jarek Pietraszuk's hat-trick went a long way to ensuring that Chelmsford D came out on top. He needed five ends to get the better of Trevor Collin 11-7, 11-9, 9-11, 5-11, 11-6. Danbury E ran out narrow 6-4 winners against OCs D. No one player dominated and the Danbury duo of David Gatheral and Tim Pulham and the OCs pairing of Mick Richardson and David Porter all won twice. Mick Richardson was involved in three five setters. He beat Tim Pulham 9-11, 11-8, 3-11, 14-12, 11-7 and Ken Sheard 8-11, 11-9, 9-11, 12-10, 11-9 but he just failed to complete his hat-trick when he missed out 11-6, 4-11, 11-9, 4-11, 9-11 against David Gatheral. Chelmsford E were 7-3 winners against Danbury E. Richard Baxter led the way with three wins and Keith Martin won twice.

Danbury G stay top in division four. Team work was the order of the day as they beat Writtle Excalibur D 6-4. Mo Hardy, Nicky Reece Ford and Ivan Chaplin all won twice. Ian Hockley defeated Mo Hardy 13-11, 16-14, 9-11, 9-11,11-9 in the last game of the evening. A really hard fought encounter. Danbury J (David Hancox, Eamon Hall and Kevin Willis) ran out 8-2 winners against OCs G. David Bishop picked up two wins for the OCs side. This included a last gasp 12-10, 14-16, 12-10, 12-14, 11-9 victory against David Hancox. The match between OCs E and Writtle Excalibur C finished tied at 5-5. Adam Yardley was undefeated for the Old Chelmsfordians team. He fought back from 2-0 down to get the better of Steve Siggs 10-12, 10-12, 11-9, 12-10, 11-5. Danbury H beat OCs F 6-4 although it was Terry Dowsett who stayed undefeated for the Old Chelmsfordians side. Dowsett dropped the first game against Dave Powell but he came through comfortably in the end to win 7-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-2.

Division five produced three 8-2 scorelines. Highwood A were involved in two of them. They were impressive 8-2 winners against Chelmsford G. Martin Goddard led the way with a hat-trick whilst newcomer David Cockeril won twice. Francis Whitbread also won twice and this included a hard-fought 11-9, 120-12, 3-11, 11-9, 11-9 victory over Martin Hiskey. Highwood also beat Anglia Ruskin University 8-2 and Martin Goddard was again undefeated. Will Goodchild beat both Francis Whitbread and David Cockeril. Chelmsford H ran out 8-2 winners against Anglia Ruskin University. Dusan Duszkoty led the way with three wins whilst Jacqui Smith and Harry Buckle both won twice. The leaders Chelmsford F were hard pushed to beat Chelmsford J 6-4. Richard Gardiner won his three singles for Chelmsford J. He beat Jon Dyson in five ends 11-5, 11-8, 9-11, 6-11, 11-3. Galleywood B did well to beat OCs H 7-3. Good going as none of their players were able to beat Stuart Wintle. Colin Blore, Ron Salton and Nathan Blore all picked up two wins for Galleywood B.

Chelmsford Pumas (Joachin Mapes and Saul Chivers) made it five wins out of five in division 2C of the CLICK League. They beat Danbury Griffins (Callum Caldwell and Harry Squires) 5-0 and they also beat Buttsbury Badgers 4-1. Ned Ryder was undefeated although Aidan Tucker showed up well for the losers. He fought back from 2-0 down to get the better of Joachin Mapes 4-11, 6-11, 11-3, 11-9, 11-9. OCs Lions scored their first win by beating Danbury Griffins 3-2. Fraser Heard beat Harry Squires and Callum Caldwell.

In division 2B there were 5-0 wins for the two leading sides. Black Notley Buccaneers (Jonny Evans and Elliott Game) defeated Buttsbury Bulldogs whilst Danbury Demons (Ewan Hynd and Sam Ford) beat Chelmsford Leopards. Ewan Hynd had to pull out all the stops to get the better of James Donald 10-12, 14-12, 10-12, 11-3, 11-9. Danbury Demons - this time represented by Alex Porter and Dan Atkinson also beat Chelmsford Leopards 5-0.

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

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Press Report Issued 18 February 2018

Paul Davison hat-trick gives Liberal B the edge

The match between second-placed Danbury A and Liberal B in division one of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League was a cracker. Five games were decided in the fifth end and Liberal B ran out 6-4 winners. Paul Davison sealed the Liberal victory with a 12-14, 13-11, 16-14, 9-11, 12-10 win over Dave Richardson. Undoubtedly one of the closest games of the Season. Adam Buxton did well to beat Dave Richardson 14-12, 3-11, 11-8, 11-3 but he lost to Steve Whiteley 7-11, 6-11, 11-8, 5-11. The leaders Maldon A turned on the full power against Galleywood A and won 10-0. Alex Abbott, Trevor Lloyd and Colin Stallwood were all undefeated. James Hicks gave a good account of himself against Alex Abbott eventually losing in five ends (11-13, 11-7, 5-11, 12-10, 5-11).

In division two Chelmsford B stay second although they were hard pushed to beat OCs B 6-4. Robbie Burton scored a superb hat-trick for the Old Chelmsfordians side as well as a share in the doubles. He beat Mark Allaway 11-7, 11-7, 6-11, 11-5 , Victor Chan 11-7, 11-6, 11-8 and Rob Shrimpton 12-10, 6-11, 11-8, 11-4. Writtle Excalibur A stay top and they beat Chelmsford C 7-3. Matthew Brown and Ryan Pitt were both undefeated. Hatfield Peverel A who are third ran out 7-3 winners against Danbury D. The free-flowing Sam Lowman starred here with an excellent hat-trick for the Danbury side which included a last gasp 11-6, 13-15, 11-1, 9-11, 13-11 win over Gary Ward. Danbury C’s Daniel Young - one of the stars of the M&G Investments Chelmsford Closed Championships carried on where he had left off by winning all three singles against OCs C . Danbury C shaded the match 6-4.

The leaders Maldon B made it 12 wins out of 13 in division three by producing another commanding performance against Maldon C. The M&G Investments Chelmsford Closed Championships division three singles Champion Ciaran Whelan led the way as they won 8-2. Whelan blasted his way past John Holland 11-7, 11-7, 11-3. Holland showed up best of the Maldon C Players. He beat Coin Napper 11-9, 8-11, 7-11, 11-4, 11-9 and old rival Hamish Innes 11-1, 11-5, 9-11, 11-8. Hatfield Peverel B were convincing 9-1 winners over Danbury E. Neil Freeman and Dave Fiddeman were both undefeated. Tim Pulham was on target for Danbury E with a 12-10, 7-11, 11-9, 11-8 victory against Gareth Davies. Writtle Excalibur B also impressed this week. They ran out 9-1 winners over Danbury F. Phil Smith and Louis Brown were both undefeated. Dave Marsh was responsible for the sole Danbury F success and he beat Lin Roff in five ends (11-7, 13-11, 10-12, 6-11, 11-7). Chelmsford E beat Chelmsford D. The improving Connor Payne won his three singles and this included a 11-8, 11-4, 7-11, 11-8 win over Jarek Pietraszuk - the best of the Chelmsford D players. Further down the table OCs D went a long way to avoiding relegation by beating Hatfield Peverel C 6-4. Nat Ravlic won his three singles and this included a “fight-back” from 2-0 down to get the better of Trevor Collin 8-11, 8-11, 11-2, 11-9, 11-9.

Second-placed Danbury G did well to beat Danbury J 8-2 in division four. Danbury won three of the four games that were decided in the fifth end. League President Norman Smith was on fine form. He beat Kevin Willis (9-11, 17-15, 11-8, 13-11), Dave Hancox (11-9, 17-15, 5-11, 8-11, 12-10) and Allan Steel (11-6, 4-11, 11-7, 6-11, 11-7). OCs E are top but Danbury G have a match in hand. OCs E were well beaten 7-3 by a determined Maldon D side. Tom Elder led the way with a hat-trick and he received excellent support from Bryan Speller and Mervyn Perriman who both won twice. Bob Francis defeated Bryan Speller 11-7, 8-11, 9-11, 11-9, 12-10 in the closest game of the night. It was honours shared between Writtle Excalibur C and OCs F. Terry Dowsett retained his 100 % record with 32 wins out of 32. Further down the table OCs G beat bottom side Danbury K  6-4. Tanishq Kotwal and David Bishop both scored hat tricks for the OCs team. It was a similar story in the match between Danbury H and Writtle Excalibur D. Dave Goody and Dave Powell both won their three singles as Danbury H ran out 7-3 winners.

Division five produced four hard fought matches this week. Chelmsford F stay top but they were hard pushed to beat OCs H 6-4. Addi Kamma (one win), Amanda Hogger (two wins) and Jason Clark (two wins) all contributed but none of them could fine a way through the defensive wiles of Stuart Wintle. Highwood A are second but they could only draw with Chelmsford J. The M&G Investments Chelmsford Closed Championships division five singles Champion Richard Gardiner dominated here with three wins for the Chelmsford side. It was honours shared as well in the match between Hatfield Peverel D and Chelmsford H. Peter Mortensen was unbeaten for Hatfield Peverel whilst Dusan Doszkoty and Harry Buckle both picked up two wins for Chelmsford H. Chelmsford G shaded their match against Highwood B 6-4 although it was Highwood’s Melanie Bonnett who won her three singles. League stalwart John Wickins defeated Keith Pallett 11-9, 11-8, 9-11, 5-11, 14-12 in the closest game of the night.

Chelmsford Pumas lead the way with 17 points out of 20 in division 2C of the CLICK League. Saul Chivers and Ned Ryder were 5-0 winners against Chelmsford Tigers. Chelmsford Pumas also beat Chelmsford Jaguars 4-1. Joachin Mapes was undefeated whilst Nyree Marsh was on target for the losers. She beat Saul Chivers 8-11, 11-9, 7-11, 11-7, 11-5. Black Notley Barracudas are second but they lost 3-2 to Chelmsford Jaguars. Annabel Sweeney - the runner-up in the Junior Girls singles at the M&G Investments Chelmsford Closed Championships won both of her singles for the Jaguars. Black Notley Barracudas returned to winning ways against OCs Lions. Nicholas Grice was undefeated and he scored two hard-fought wins. It was 12-10, 10-12, 11-4, 19-17 against Tom Bird and 7-11, 14-12, 11-6, 7-11, 11-8 against Jake Iliffe. Buttsbury Badgers did well to beat Danbury Griffins 4-1. Daven Muldal won both of his singles for the Badgers.

Galleywood Eagles lead the way in division 2A but they were hard pushed to beat Danbury Dragons 3-2. Rio Teplizki won both of his singles for the Galleywood side whilst Ben Porter impressed for Danbury Dragons. He beat Aidan Noguchi 13-15, 12-10, 8-11, 11-5, 11-5.

In division 2B second placed Black Notley Buccaneers ran out 3-2 winners against Buttsbury Badgers. Jonny Evans won both of his singles beating Adam Wallace 11-9, 11-6, 6-11, 11-7 and Ben Brown 8-11, 11-7, 11-5, 11-5. Chelmsford Leopards beat Buttsbury Bulldogs 3-2. James Donald and Al Lane both won once but they both missed out against Harry Hutt. Danbury Demons stay top and they were impressive 5-0 winners against Buttsbury Bulldogs. Ewan Hynd and Daniel Atkinson were both undefeated.

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

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Press Report Issued 13 February 2018

Duncan Taylor takes first M&G Investments Mens Singles title

The M&G Investments Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League Finals Night at Old Chelmsfordians Association on Monday 12 February 2018 saw Duncan Taylor crowned as Mens Singles Champion for the first time whilst 16 year old Gracie Edwards was a very worthy first time winner of the counter part Ladies Singles.

The evening began with a Mens Semi-Final victory for Duncan Taylor against Essex Junior first team star Sam Hume. The match turned on the first end. There was never much in it but when Taylor shaded it 16-14 it was the boost he needed. He won the second comfortably 11-4 and although the third and was much closer Taylor kept his nose in front to seal victory 11-7.

In the second Mens Singles Semi Final top seed Trevor Lloyd prevailed over four ends against the hard-hitting Wale Bada. Wale hit some stunning forehand winners but Lloyd refused to be phased by it. He dealt well with Wale‘s tricky serves and blocked a fair number of Wale’s savage forehand hits back for outright winners of his own. Lloyd won 11-8, 11-7, 9-11, 11-8.

Duncan Taylor and Charles Sweeny became the seventh different pairing to win the Mens Doubles in seven years. Taylor - more defensive than attacking and Sweeny - the most stylish of attackers are a well honed partnership. Taylor doesn’t venture too far from the table in doubles and Sweeny gives little away. They won the first game 11-6 against Paul Davison and Gary Young and although there was nothing in it in the second and third ends Charles and Duncan shaded both games 11-9, 11-9.

There was consolation in the Under 21 Singles Final for 17 year old Sam Hume who won the title for a third successive time. His opponent - 13 year-old Daniel Young displayed bags of promise for the future and as the game progressed he became more and more assured. However Sam remained in control to win 11-5, 11-6, 11-9.

The Veterans Singles Final paired Trevor Lloyd with Duncan Taylor - the same Final as the Mens Singles - by no means a unique occurrence but pretty rare all the same. Duncan Taylor made the early running and he won the first end comfortably 11-5. Lloyd upped the ante considerably and won the second and third ends 11-6, 12-10 only for Taylor to sneak home in the fourth 11-8. This match was now too close to call but it was Trevor Lloyd who stayed ahead in the fifth end to win. He was always just ahead and he finally clinched victory 11-9.

Julie Johnson and Ryan Gooday had impressed last year by winning the Mixed Doubles title. And they played equally well this year. It was Jan Fuller and Paul Davison who win the first end 11-7 but it was Julie and Ryan who came good in games two, three and four. With Ryan’s fierce backhand topspin enticing mistakes from his opponents Ryan and Julie won 11-4, 11-8, 11-8.

The Ladies Singles Final paired twice Champion Dawn Baldry with the hard hitting Gracie Edwards. Gracie was a revelation in the first end and hitting with enormous power on the backhand she raced home 11-1. She literally did not miss a shot. Dawn is no quitter and she fought back strongly in both the second and third ends. However, Gracie had no intention of being denied and she came through to win 11-9, 11-9. A marvellous M&G Investments Chelmsford League Finals night debut for Gracie Edwards.

The Mens Final enabled older players to ask the question who the last defensive winner of the Mens Singles was. Chelmsford legend Charlie Wheeler was certainly in that category whilst it was alleged that Tony Condon was also something of a defensive player. Duncan Taylor decided to attack more in this Final and it paid dividends. 13 times West Wiltshire Mens Singles Champion Trevor Lloyd not only had to cope with Duncan’s repeated topspin forays but Taylor also seemed to find that little bit extra in the rallies where he was well away from the table. Duncan Taylor won an excellent match 11-9, 11-5, 9-11, 11-5 - his first Chelmsford Mens Singles title to add to his wins in the Burnham League in 2014 and 2015.

The League would like to thank the Mayor and Mayoress Councillor Duncan Lumley and Mrs Edna Lumley for attending the Finals Night as well as M&G Investments for their very generous sponsorship of the event. M&G Investments were represented by Mrs Anna Emtage - Charity and Community Relations Manager and
her colleague Geoff Curd.

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

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Press Report Issued 11 February 2018

Hatfield Peverel A impress in division two

Third-placed Hatfield Peverel A are realistically too far adrift to make the top two places in division two of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League. However if they continue to pair Peter Barrett and Gary Ward together regularly they should start to put pressure on the two teams above them. Barrett and Ward were both undefeated in their 8-2 win over Danbury D. Barrett fought back from 2-0 down to beat David Gatheral 9-11, 8-11, 11-7, 13-11, 11-8. Writtle Excalibur A stay top but they were hard pushed to beat OCs B 6-4. It was the new M&G Investments Chelmsford Tournament Division two Singles winner Lee McHugh who held the Writtle side together with a hat-trick. Kevin Worthington and Robert Burton both won twice for the OCs side. Danbury C stay fourth. Ian Whiteside, the runner up to Lee McHugh in a compelling Division two Singles final was undefeated in Danbury C‘s 7-3 win over Liberal C. Paul Lombardi showed up well here for the Liberal side with a fine win over Daniel Young 12-14, 11-7, 11-7, 11-9. Daniel Young makes his debut in the Chelmsford League Finals Night tomorrow in the Under 21 Singles Final. Chelmsford B stay second and they powered to a 9-1 win over OCs C. Robert Shrimpton, Victor Chan and Mark Allaway won all nine singles. The first match was the closest and Victor Chan shaded it in five ends against Charles Yeung 5-11, 11-6, 6-11, 11-4, 11-9.

Galleywood A are going through a lean patch in division one after a decent start to the Season. They were well beaten 9-1 by Danbury A for whom Dave Richardson and Peter Mynard were both undefeated. As is so often the case here the one win the losers picked up was pretty notable. Gary Brignall excelled to get the better of Steve Whiteley 6-11, 11-7, 11-5, 10-12, 11-9. Rawreth A beat Liberal B 6-4. Charles Sweeny held the Rawreth side together and he makes his bid to win the Chelmsford mens doubles title for the first time tomorrow when he takes on Paul Davison and Gary Young paired with the redoubtable Duncan Taylor. Adam Buxton impressed here for the Liberal side with a fine win over Kim Shead 11-5, 15-13, 9-11, 11-8.

Division three teams excel in sending results in quickly and there are no fewer than seven score sheets for this division this week. The leaders Maldon B made it 11 wins out of 12 with a 8-2 win over Danbury F. Steve Scholz and Mervyn Perriman were both undefeated. Perriman - standing in as a reserve came through three hard fought five enders. He beat John Robinson (8-11, 11-8, 11-8, 17-19, 11-5) and then Dave Marsh (11-9, 8-11, 9-1, 11-7, 11-9). He completed an excellent evening’s work with a 11-4, 9-11, 9-11, 11-9, 11-5 win over Herbie Smith. Second placed Writtle Excalibur B were also comfortable winners. Paul Sturton and Louis Brown were undefeated as they saw off Chelmsford D 9-1. Jarek Pietraszuk was on target for Chelmsford. He secured a fine 11-9, 7-11, 17-15, 13-11 victory over Lin Roff. Further down the table Hatfield Peverel C excelled to beat the higher placed Chelmsford E 7-3. Team-work was the order of the day here with Dave Carter, Bob Garson and Trevor Collin all winning twice. Dave Carter did well to beat Richard Baxter 7-11, 11-6, 11-8, 9-11, 11-5. Chelmsford E did better against OCs D, winning 6-4. Keith Martin led the way with a hat-trick but it was touch and go against Mick Richardson. Martin eventually shaded it 11-9, 8-11, 11-8, 11-13, 11-9. Danbury E impressed by beating Hatfield Peverel C 8-2. Peter Hance led the way with three wins whilst Trevor Collin won twice for the losers. The hard hitting Collin beat David Gatheral 7-11, 11-8 11-17, 5-11, 11-9 but he missed out in an equally enthralling encounter against Peter Hance 9-11, 11-9, 11-9, 6-11, 10-12. Maldon C with Dawn Baldry and Ev Lucas firing on all cylinders beat Danbury F 8-2. Both Dawn and Ev had to dig deep in their third games of the evening. Ev prevailed 13-15, 11-6, 12-14, 11-6, 11-9 against John Robinson whilst Dawn also had to fight hard to get the better of Dave Marsh 12-10, 11-8, 9-11, 7-11, 11-9. Maldon C also picked up five points by drawing with a two man Hatfield Peverel B team. Maldon stalwart Brian Riedling made his mark here. He fought back very strongly from 2-0 down to get the better of Neil Freeman 9-11, 8-11, 11-5, 11-4, 11-4.

The two leading sides in division four both won this week. The leaders - OCs E were 9-1 winners over Danbury K with Nat Ravlic and Bob Francis both winning their three singles. Ravlic rounded off what was a good team performance by the OCs side by defeating Roger Tiffin 5-11, 6-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-8. Second placed Danbury G won 8-2. Nicky Ford won his three singles and team-mates Maurice Hardy and Norman Smith both won twice. OCs F’s Terry Dowsett - a player better known in the first division remains undefeated. He won his three singles at a canter against Maldon D but it wasn‘t enough and Maldon shaded the match 6-4. Tom Elder and Kelly Yuenyongpknan both won twice. Maldon D may also break a record of sorts here. No fewer than 11 players have played for this side this Season. Terry Dowsett and Farooq Ahmed were both undefeated as OCs F beat Danbury K 7-3. Writle C ran out 6-4 winners over Writtle D in their Inter Club challenge match. Malcolm Storey and Dave Moles were both undefeated on this occasion. Danbury J did well to beat the higher placed Danbury H and they did it quite decisively as well - 7-3. Allan Steel led the way with a hat-trick. He beat Richard Allen (8-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-3), Brian Ellis (11-13, 11-6, 11-7, 11-7) and Dave Goody (11-1, 6-11, 11-9, 13-11).

Chelmsford F are a massive 18 points clear in division five. Jon Dyson and Richard Gardiner were both undefeated in their 9-1 victory over Chelmsford H. Ben Jackson was on target for Chelmsford H. He beat Adi Kamma in five close ends 7-11, 11-13, 13-11, 12-10, 11-7. Harry Buckle (Chelmsford F), another player to make his mark at the M&G Investments Chelmsford Closed Championships certainly stood out in his side‘s 6-4 win over second-placed Highwood B. This was a marathon match where five games were decided in a fifth end. Harry Buckle not only won his three singles but two of his wins were by the closest of margins. He beat Nicola Pippen 13-15, 9-11, 11-6, 11-4, 11-9 and Melanie Bonnett 11-4, 9-11, 7-11, 11-5, 11-9. Keith Fitzjohn and Nicola Pippen shaded an even tighter doubles encounter - 12-10, 21-23, 11-7, 7-11, 11-9 against Ben Jackson and Harry Buckle. Highwood A beat OCs H 6-4 - good going as none of their players were able to get the better of Stuart Wintle. Hatfield Peverel D did well to beat the higher placed Chelmsford G 7-3. Peter Mortensen led the charge with three wins. Chelmsford G in turn scored a fine 7-3 win over Highwood A. Martin Hiskey impressed by winning his three singles.

The CLICK League has been reformatted at Christmas. Results that stood out were a 4-1 win for Black Notley Bucaneers over Chelmsford Leopards. Jonny Evans impressed here with wins over James Donald (10-12, 5-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-7) and Sudheep Kamma (11-6, 11-5, 11-7). Galleywood Eagles - the team to beat in the first half of the Season carried on where they had left off. Aidan Noguchi was unbeaten in their 4-1 win over West Maldon. He beat Noah Sage (11-4, 1-17, 7-11, 11-2) and Oliver Wylie (11-9, 11-8, 11-5). Black Notley Barracudas were also 4-1 winners. Nicholas Grice was unbeaten in their 4-1 victory over Danbury Griffins. Harry Squires was on target for the losers. He defeated Patrick Sweeney by a last gasp 7-11, 12-10, 11-13, 11-6, 14-12 margin. Buttsbury Bears beat Danbury Dragons 4-1. Toby Kelly led the way with two wins for Buttsbury. In yet another 4-1 result Chelmsford Pumas saw off OCs Lions. Joachim Mayer won twice for the Pumas and he beat Fraser Heard 11-13, 6-11, 13-11, 11-6,11-9 in an excellent opening encounter. Vineeth Kamma (Galleywood Hawks) won both of his singles against Danbury Dragons but it wasn’t enough as Danbury shaded the match 3-2. Vineeth Kamma had a real a roller-coaster battle against Connor Hall and he finally prevailed 4-11, 11-7, 11-2, 6-11, 13-11.

All players and officials are reminded that the M&G Investments Chelmsford &District Table Tennis League Championships Finals Night takes place tomorrow (Monday 12 February 2018) at Old Chelmsfordians Association, Lawford Lane, Roxwell Road at 19.30 hours. Admission is free and there will definitely be a new Mens Singles Champion crowned this year. Trophies from all events will be presented. A report will follow later in the week.

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

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Press Report Issued 4 February 2018

Top four players through to Semi-Finals in the Mens Singles

The M&G Investments Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League Championships weekend is concluded and six players have dominated proceedings. Leading protagonists - Trevor Lloyd, Sam Hume, Duncan Taylor, Dawn Baldry, Gracie Edwards and Daniel Young all had weekends they will remember. However, the abiding  memory for many people was the marvellous entry of 48 players in the Junior events- the largest Junior entry for many years. It goes without saying that huge thanks are extended to the Coaching personnel who give of their time with such great enthusiasm and dedication.

It was a good weekend for the top four seeds in the Mens Singles. All four qualified for the Semi-Finals. The top seed - Trevor Lloyd came under the most pressure and at 8-10 in the fifth end in his last 16 match against Reece Seddon he looked to be a “goner“. With the Sports hall taking on an eery silence Lloyd somehow survived. Calling on all his experience Lloyd fought back and edged it 5-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-8, 12-10. Lloyd made no mistake in his Quarter Final clash against Paul Davison - the player who had taken away his 100 % record in the League. Lloyd powered through 11-7, 11-8, 11-5. Trevor Lloyd will face last year’s Veterans Champion Wale Bada in the Semi-Final. The hard-hitting Bada came up against the “Young family” as he progressed to the last four. He beat Daniel Young 11-5, 11-6, 11-5 and then Dad - Gary 9-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-6. Second seed - 17 year-old Sam Hume and leading Veteran defender Duncan Taylor dominated the bottom half of the draw. Hume raced past David Gatherall 11-6, 11-4, 11-2 and Lee McHugh 11-5, 11-5, 11-3 whilst Duncan Taylor looked very much on top of his game as he disposed of Babul McLeod 11-9, 11-5, 11-2 and Ryan Gooday 11-6, 11-7, 11-5. Results that caught the eye in the Group stages included wins for Keith Martin over Daniel Berry (11-8, 8-11, 11-7, 11-8) for Ian Whiteside against Robert Shrimpton (11-8,11-9, 11-6) and for Lee McHugh (11-
9, 13-11, 10-12, 11-8) against Reece Seddon.

The Ladies Singles Final will be between Dawn Baldry - Chelmsford Champion in 2016 and 2017 and newcomer - 16 years old Gracie Edwards - the Essex no. two Junior and England ranked no. 34 in that age category. These two players met in the Group stages and it was Gracie who came out on top in four ends (11-3, 11-7, 10-12, 11-2) but with two players to progress to the Semi-Final Dawn was still very much “in the picture”. In the other half of the draw 22 times Chelmsford Champion Julie Johnson had to use all her experience to see off Jan Fuller 11-8, 8-11, 8-11, 11-8, 12-10. Quite a battle. The Semi-Finals were compelling as well. Dawn Baldry produced a sparkling display to beat Julie 11-6, 12-10, 11-9 - which she had done at the same stage last year - whilst Gracie Edwards - kept her composure incredibly well to beat Jan Fuller 15-17, 11-7, 11-8, 9-11, 11-9. Gracie and Dawn met in last year’s Colchester League Ladies Singles Final and Dawn shaded a marvellous match 12-10 in the decider. A potentially very exciting clash awaits us on Finals Night.

The Mens Doubles is traditionally the most “open” of events. There have been six different sets of winners in the last six years. This year’s event produced a major shock. Lee McHugh / Peter Mynard ousted the holders Wale Bada / Reece Seddon 13-11, 6-11, 10-12, 11-4, 13-11 but they fell to former runners-up Charles Sweeny / Duncan Taylor 8-11, 6-11, 6-11 in the Semi-Final. In the other half of the draw scratch - pairing Trevor Lloyd / Neil Freeman came within “an inch” of making the Final. Freeman had replaced Gary Cattermole as Lloyd’s partner and could have had no inking that he would be so close to making a Finals Night appearance. They led second seeds - Paul Davison / Gary Young 9-6 in the fifth end in their Semi-Final with Freeman playing his part in keeping the Davison / Young onslaught quiet, in what was a truly spell-binding encounter. It really was the “last throw of the dice” for Davison / Young and they kept their nerve superbly in the most high pressure of situations to triumph 12-10, 7-11, 5-11, 11-4, 13-11.

Julie Johnson / Jan Fuller - successful on the National stage in the VETTS tournaments retained their Ladies Doubles title beating Dawn Baldry / Shirley Carroll 7-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-7 and Jacqui Smith / Gracie Edwards 10-12, 11-9, 11-6, 11-6. The big shock here was the superb win for scratch pairing Jacqui / Gracie who beat Dawn / Shirley 12-10, 12-10, 11-9. A marvellously well contested trio of matches and a well deserved first medal for Jacqui from these Championships.

The holders - Aunt and Nephew combination Julie Johnson and Ryan Gooday are through to the Mixed Doubles Final. They beat Robert Shrimpton / Jacqui Smith 11-4, 11-7, 11-2 in the penultimate round. The other Semi-Final was an absolute “corker”. Jan Fuller / Paul Davison who had defeated Lee McHugh / Shirley Carroll 11-2, 8-11, 11-5, 11-7 ousted second seeds Sam Hume / Gracie Edwards 6-11, 11-9, 12-10, 7-11, 11-9 after some stunning rallies.

The Under 21 Singles Final will be between Sam Hume - the winner in 2016 and 2017 and 13 year old Daniel Young. It was Young who made his mark here. He beat Peter Windley (11-6, 11-6, 11-6) and second seed Ryan Gooday (11-7,11-6, 11-6) in the Group stages to qualify as Group Winner. An even bigger shock occurred in Group no. one and the seeded Daniel Berry failed to qualify. He lost to both Toby Kelly (11-4, 11-13, 4-11, 11-7, 3-11) and to Matthew Elliott (7-11, 13-15, 7-11). Daniel Young’s hot form didn’t dessert him. He beat Connor Payne 11-8, 11-7, 8-11, 12-10 and Sam Lowman 5-11, 13-11, 11-9, 11-6 to clinch his Finals Night appearance. He will face Sam Hume who beat Ben Jackson 11-2, 11-7, 11-3 and Ryan Gooday 11-3, 11-7, 11-8. Daniel Young and father Gary have also repeated a feat which has not been achieved since the early 1970s. They have become the first father / son combination to reach Finals Night in the same year. Older players will remember - Geoff and David Newman - the last players to achieve this.

The Veterans Final will be between Duncan Taylor and Trevor Lloyd. The holder - Wale Bada fell at the Semi-Final stage in five ends to Duncan Taylor (4-11, 5-11, 11-9, 11-9, 7-11) whilst Taylor had also impressed by beating Colin Stallwood 12-10, 11-6, 11-9. In the other half of the draw Gary Young beat Paul Davison (11-5, 15-13, 11-13, 11-9) but Young met his match against an inform Trevor Lloyd. Playing with confidence and with the booming forehand at it’s very best Lloyd won 9-11, 11-6, 11-6, 11-7.

There was a first Chelmsford title for Trevor Lloyd / Colin Stallwood in the Veterans Doubles. They took the title with a 11-6, 12-10, 16-14 Final win over the top seeds Paul Davison / Gary Young.

There was a fourth win for the evergreen Ian Whiteside in the Over 60s Singles. Whiteside required four ends to beat Shirley Carroll 11-5, 12-10, 10-12, 11-9 and he sneaked home 6-11, 11-4, 9-11, 11-5, 12-10 in a tense Final against Mike Johnston.

Babul McLeod is now a three time Winner of the Over 50s Singles. He retained his title after a cliff-hanger of a Final against Julie Johnson who had beaten Keith Martin 11-6, 8-11, 4-11, 11-5, 13-11 to reach that stage. Keith Martin had ousted Dawn Baldry 9-11, 8-11, 11-5, 11-6, 11-8 a round earlier. Julie Johnson looked to be heading for victory in the Final and at 8-4 in the fourth end she must have thought she had done enough. It wasn‘t to be - Babul’s super spinny forehand (sidespin and topspin combined) didn’t let him down in his moment of real crisis and he pulled through to win 4-11, 11-6, 4-11, 11-8, 11-8. A marvellous Final.

The Junior Handicap Singles Final which was held over from the previous Friday when the earlier rounds were held saw two players with huge potential contest the Final. There was only one point difference on the Handicap rating and Aidan Noguchi came through to win 11-9, 10-12, 12-10, 11-against Matthew Elliott. There is no reason why these two lads can’t be playing in the first division in three years !.

There was no surprise in the Junior Girls Singles. Gracie Edwards took the title beating Annabel Sweeney in the Final 11-7, 11-1, 11-3. Annabel had come through a close match 11-5, 11-8, 5-11, 14-12 against Melina Abraham Victor in her Semi-Final.

It would have been a major shock if Sam Hume hadn’t retained his Junior Boys Singles title. He didn’t drop an end beating Jason Yeh (11-5, 11-2, 11-7), Connor Payne (11-6, 11-4, 11-7) and Daniel Young (11-3, 12-10, 11-2) in the Final. Daniel Young - the “busiest player” of the weekend by some distance, beat Matthew Elliott 9-11, 11-5, 11-3, 11-3 in his Semi-Final.

Sam Hume / Connor Payne scored their third successive win in the Junior Doubles. They beat Gracie Edwards / Daniel Young in a well contested Final 11-2, 8-11, 11-4, 12-10. Gracie Edwards / Daniel Young had to come back after losing the first end in their Semi-Final to get the better of Toby Kelly / Jason Yeh 9-11, 11-4, 11-8, 11-5.

Daniel Young, at 13 years of age, but already one of the leading Division two players in the League was a massive favourite for the Under 14 Singles title. He didn’t disappoint. He beat Callum Caldwell (11-2, 11-2, 11-2), Ben Porter (11-5, 11-4, 11-5), Charlie Craig (11-6, 11-5, 11-1) and Harry Buckle (11-7, 15-13, 11-2) in the Final. Full commendation here to Harry Buckle for pushing such a high ranked opponent so close. With 10 groups of players the entry in this event is hugely promising for the future of the League and let’s say it again - it needs to be said - huge thanks are extended to the Coaching personnel who give of their time with such enthusiasm and dedication.

Gracie Edwards made League history by becoming the first girl to win the Under 16 Singles. The event was reformatted in 2005 following a change in the age-groups at National level and older players will remember Julie Dowsett, Joanne Cook, Kate Gower, Alison Gower and Hannah Cook who all won the Under 15 Singles. But it is Gracie who takes the honours of becoming the first girl to win the Chelmsford Under 16 title. Her Final - and you will probably guess - against Daniel Young was a “roller coaster ride” of attacking Table Tennis and Gracie fought back from 2-0 down to win 7-11, 10-12, 11-9, 11-8, 11-7. Harry Buckle and Toby Kelly - two more players to watch out for in the future lost in the Semi-Finals.

Sunday’s play was dominated by the Divisional Singles. Lee McHugh, so impressive on the Saturday was the obvious favourite for the Division two Singles and he duly obliged. He beat Richard Storey (3-0), Peter Windley (3-1), Michael Johnston (3-2) and in the Final he came through in four action packed ends against Ian Whiteside (12-10, 12-14, 11-6, 11-7). Whiteside, playing as well as ever had beaten Neil Freeman (3-0), Victor Chan (3-1) and Robert Shrimpton (3-0).

The seedings went to plan in the Division three Singles. Ciaran Whelan, the favourite took the title with a four game win in the Final over David Gatheral (11-8, 11-2, 5-11, 13-11). Neil Freeman and Rod Maclennan were the losing Semi-Finalists. Maclennan made his mark by ousting Dawn Baldry 12-14, 11-7, 12-14, 13-11, 11-5.

The favourite also came out on top in the Division four Singles. Mervyn Perriman came through in five ends to capture the title against Malcolm Storey (8-11, 8-11, 11-3, 11-2, 11-8). Mark Glenister and Alan Steel both lost at the Semi-Final stage.

There is a new name on the Division five Singles trophy. Richard Gardner proved to be the man to beat with wins over Mark Glenister (3-0), Jamie Dowsett (3-0) and in the Final - Ben Jackson (9-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-5).

The Handicap Singles is still a popular event, although not quite as popular as in it’s hey day. Connor Payne (playing off a handicap of 55) came through to take the title leaving Mark Glenister, Daniel Anderson, Mervyn Perriman and Colin Barham trailing in his wake. His Final victim was Ciaran Whelan and he won decisively 21-6, 21-16. Ciaran Whelan had powered his way past Daniel Berry. Lee McHugh, Dave Carter and Gary Young to battle his way into the Final.

The weekend was concluded with the Handicap Doubles and the title went to Dawn Baldry / Dave Carter who beat Richard Gardner / Daniel Young 11-8, 14-21, 21-18 in the Final. The losing Semi-Finalists were Jamie Dowsett / Trevor Collin and Peter Windley / Daniel Berry.

The M&G Investments Chelmsford League Finals Night takes place on Monday 12 February 2018 at Old Chelmsfordians Association, Lawford Lane, Roxwell Road, Chelmsford at 19.30 hours. It should be very interesting this year with a new name certain to capture the Mens Singles crown. Admission is free.

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

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New name on the Chelmsford M&G Investments Mens Singles trophy this year

It’s that time of the year again and the 2018 M&G Investments Chelmsford & District Table League Table Tennis Championships take place at Hylands School next weekend (Friday 02 / Sunday 04 February 2018). Would all players please note that on Saturday 03 February 2018 access to Hylands School will only be via the main entrance to the School - off Writtle Road / Chelmsford Road (unless you are travelling on foot). The main entrance is some 400 yards beyond the Savernake junction. Access on Friday and Sunday will be via the normal Sherwood Drive. Admission to the event is free and it is hoped that former players will pop in over the three days. Finals Night takes place on Monday 12 February 2018 at Old Chelmsfordians, Roxwell Road, Chelmsford at 19.30 hours.

Perhaps for the first time in recent memory there will be no former Champions taking part in the blue riband event - the Mens Singles. Last year’s Champion Ross Saxby has left the area and the three previous winners - Tony Halling, Ben Warner and Steve Joslin haven’t played in the League this Season. 2012 / 2013 Champion Alex Abbott hasn’t entered. Trevor Lloyd, a highly experienced Wiltshire County player - relatively new to the area and very impressive in League matches this year is the top seed and Sam Hume, the very composed and improving Essex no. one Junior is seeded second. The joint no. three seeds are top Veterans Duncan Taylor and Wale Bada whilst the four joint no. five seeds are also likely to be equally competitive in the shake-up for honours. Stand up - Paul Davison, Gary Young, Ryan Gooday and Reece Seddon. Group 10 only contains three players but it has the potential to be the most hotly contested. Reece Seddon takes on Ciaran Whelan and Lee McHugh.

The year’s Ladies Singles looks especially interesting this year. The winner for the last two years - hard-hitting Dawn Baldry will have to face Shirley Carroll and another newcomer - Essex Junior first team player - Gracie Edwards in her Group and she will know that she will have to be at her very best to come out on top. In the other group Linda Roff takes on Jan Fuller and 22 times Champion Julie Johnson. A very difficult event “to call” although Julie Johnson’s massive “level of experience” may well stand her in good stead.

The Mens Doubles is often one of the most open of events and this year this looks like it will again be the case. The holders -Wale Bada and Reece Seddon take their place at the top of the draw whilst Paul Davison and Gary Young are seeded second. The joint no. three seeds - Gary Cattermole / Trevor Lloyd and Duncan Taylor / Charles Sweeny will also have high expectations of doing well.

The counter part Ladies Doubles only features three pairs but all three are capable of making their mark. The holders Julie Johnson / Jan Fuller will take on Lin Roff / Gracie Edwards and Dawn Baldry / Shirley Carroll.

The Mixed Doubles is another event where upsets aren’t uncommon. Ryan Gooday / Julie Johnson - the winners last year are favourites with the refreshingly young pairing of Sam Hume / Gracie Edwards seeded second. Other pairings who cannot be discounted are Gary Young / Linda Roff, Paul Davison / Jan Fuller, Lee McHugh / Shirley Carroll and former runners-up Ciaran Whelan / Dawn Baldry.

The number of entrants in the Veterans Singles is well down this year. The holder - Wale Bada is the top seed in the Over 40s event - with Trevor Lloyd who looks set for a very busy weekend, seeded second. Duncan Taylor and last year’s runner-up Paul Davison are the joint no. three seeds. Two other players equally capable of winning - Gary Young and Colin Stallwood make up the seeds. Group one looks interesting here. Duncan Taylor takes on Gary Cattermole and Keith Martin.

Babul McLeod, the Over 50s Singles winner in 2014 and 2017 is the no. one seed in the Over 50s Singles but it is Trevor Lloyd who will be the player to beat. Ian Whiteside and Julie Johnson are expected to reach the Semi-Finals. Ian Whiteside, a four times Champion in the Over 60s Singles is the top seed in this event with Michael Johnston and Trevor Carter likely to offer the stiffest challenges. Gary Young will be looking for his fourth success in the Veterans Doubles. He is paired with Paul Davison this year. Their opponents in the Final are expected to be Colin Stallwood / Trevor Lloyd.

Sam Hume is a heavy favourite in the Under 21s Singles. But with players of the calibre of Ryan Gooday, Sam Lowman, Daniel Berry and Daniel Young in the draw he won’t take anything for granted. It’s the same in the Junior Boys Singles and Sam Hume should take the title. His Final opponent is expected to be Daniel Young with Connor Payne and Matthew Elliott expected to “exit” in the Semi-Finals. Gracie Edwards will be looking to become the first female winner of the Under 16s Singles. She is expected to meet Daniel Young in the Final. Toby Kelly and Harry Buckle are seeded to reach the Semi-Finals. Daniel Young is a heavy favourite in the Under 14s Singles with Harry Buckle expected to contest the Final. Connor Payne / Sam Hume will be looking for win no. three in the Junior Doubles although they won’t have it all their own way if their Final opponents turn out to be Gracie Edwards / Daniel Young.

After a gap of two years the Junior Girls Singles returns to the programme. There are no surprises here and Gracie Edwards is a very heavy favourite with Annabel Sweeny expected to challenge her in the Final.

Sunday‘s events will be dominated by the Divisional Singles. These are always difficult to “call”. Those players who are so dominant in League matches don’t always have it all their own way in tournament conditions. Lee McHugh is the top seed in the Division two Singles with Ian Whiteside expected to challenge him in the Final. However the composition of three groups gives you a taste of how competitive this event is. Group one sees Daniel Anderson take on Daniel Young and Richard Baxter whilst Group three sees Ryan Pitt come “face to face” with Charles Yeung and Mike Johnston. Group seven is also compelling - Victor Chan takes on Trevor Carter and Richard Storey. Ciaran Whelan is favourite in the Division three Singles with David Gatheral seeded to reach the Final. Group three looks especially interesting here. Wiktor Delimat faces Dawn Baldry and Malcolm Storey. Mervyn Perriman is the top seed in the Division four Singles with Steve Siggs seeded second. Expect the experienced duo - the joint no. three seeds - League Secretary Dave Moles and former League Press Officer - Mo Hardy to challenge strongly for honours here. Martin Hiskey is expected to face Mark Glenister in the Division five Singles Final with Addi Kamma and Martin Goddard seeded to bow out at the Semi-Final stage.

With a massive entry of 46 players it was necessary to play the Junior Handicap Singles from the M&G Investments Chelmsford Championships at the Melbourne Athletics Centre on Friday 26 January 2018. Chelmsford Level II Coach Keith Martin summed it up “I’ve not seen so many Juniors taking part in a Chelmsford event for many years and better still the standard of play was very encouraging”. The Final will be played at the Championships next weekend and will feature Matthew Elliott and Aidan Noguchi. Elliott had a real “hum-dinger” of a battle against Connor Payne (with just one point separating the two players). Elliott edged this one - 12-10, 12-14, 7-11, 11-4,11-9 and he beat Melinda Abraham-Victor 11-6, 11-9, 11-5 to book his Semi-Final appearance. Here Elliott came though in four ends (11-4, 8-11, 11-7, 11-7) against Ben Porter - although it is clear that his opponent has a lot of potential for the future. Aidan Noguchi came through the other half of the draw but it could have been very different. In the first round Jason Yeh led Aidan Noguchi 9-1 in the final set. It was “last throw of the dice time“ for Noguchi and by increasing his consistency levels massively he fought back and pipped his opponent 6-11, 11-3, 11-8,9-11, 12-10. Vineeth Kamma axed the very promising Harry Chivers in a tight match (11-13, 12-10, 12-10, 11-5) and then Alex Porter by a last gasp 11-7, 8-11, 5-11, 11-9 , 13-11 margin. However, in the Semi-Final it was Noguchi - who clearly had the “bit between his teeth” after that match against Jason Yeh and further wins over Joachin Mapes (12-10, 11-8, 11-7) and Sam Mortimer - Ford (11-6, 13-11, 11-4) who came through. Noguchi beat Vineeth Kamma 11-1, 9-11,11-8, 11-6 to book his Final appearance.

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

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Press Report Issued 21 January 2018

Top class display from Colin Stallwood

Maldon A have recaptured the lead in division one of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League and they did this in style with a comprehensive 8-2 victory over second-placed Chelmsford A. Maldon now hold a four point lead over Chelmsford but more tellingly they also have a match in hand. Alex Abbott and Colin Stallwood were both undefeated whilst Trevor Lloyd won twice. Lloyd missed out against 2017 M&G Investments Chelmsford Closed Championships Veterans Champion Wal Bada in five ends (5-11, 9-11, 11-6, 11-6, 6-11). Colin Stallwood was on fine form for the Champions-elect and he beat Ryan Gooday (13-15, 11-8, 11-4, 11-5), Wal Bada (6-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-9) and Eddy Ogbebor (11-9, 11-8, 14-12) - an excellent hat-trick of successes. Danbury A are a clear third and they beat OCs A 8-2. Gary Young and Steve Whiteley were both undefeated for Danbury. Expect Gary Young to challenge strongly for the Veterans and Mens Singles titles at this year’s M&G Investments Chelmsford Closed Tournament.

Division two leaders Writtle Excalibur A produced a top notch performance against OCs C and ran out 10-0 winners. Ryan Pitt, Lee McHugh and Matthew Brown gave nothing away. Pitt won a hard-fought opening encounter with a 11-9, 10-12, 11-8, 8-11, 11-7 success against Peter Windley and that turned out to be a fair indication of the evening’s play. As hard as the OCs team tried Writtle Excalibur had all the answers. Chelmsford B stay second. Robert Shrimpton was undefeated as they beat Danbury C 7-3. Danbury’s Daniel Young had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Paul Nicol 7-11, 11-7, 11-7, 10-12, 11-9. Hatfield Peverel A are third and they produced their best performance of the Season to beat Liberal C 9-1. The “old guard” - John Gagg and Gary Ward were both undefeated. Ward was on top form. He beat Hannah Pitt (11-8, 11-9, 9-11, 11-7), Andy Huckson (11-7, 11-8,11-9) and Paul Lombardi (11-8, 11-5, 11-6). The match between Danbury B and Chelmsford C produced a closely fought encounter. No single player stayed undefeated and Danbury B shaded the match 6-4. The Danbury duo of Neil Want and Ken Sheard and Chelmsford’s Julie Johnson and Alistair Piper all won twice. Ken Sheard pipped Alistair Piper 9-11, 6-11, 11-4, 1-17, 13-11 in the closest encounter of the evening. Danbury D who are fourth beat OCs B 7-3. Sam Lowman won his three singles and with a 76 % record he is clearly enjoying a consistent Season. He showed a lot of composure to hit through the very solid defence of Robbie Burton 11-8, 11-7, 11-6.

Maldon B made it 10 wins out of 11 in division three by beating Chelmsford D 7-3. Gordon Fairchild scored an excellent victory over Ciaran Whelan (5-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-8) but he didn’t have the same impact against an unbeaten Hamish Innes (4-11, 8-11, 6-11). Jarek Pietraszuk was on target for Chelmsford and he came through a roller-coaster encounter with Colin Napper 11-2, 8-11, 11-9, 6-11, 16-14. Bottom side Hatfield Peverel C scored a welcome 6-4 win over Hatfield Peverel B. Their leading player Trevor Collin scored his second “full-house” of the Season with three good wins. He beat Gareth Davies (11-7, 17-15, 9-11, 11-5), Guy McKenzie (11-5, 14-12, 11-3) and Dave Fiddeman (11-8, 12-10, 8-11, 14-12). It was “honours shared” in the match between OCs D and Writtle Excalibur B. Louis Brown was undefeated for the Writtle Excalibur side. He beat David Porter 11-9, 7-11, 11-6, 9-11, 13-11 in his toughest examination.

Leaders OCs E were the week’s big winners in division four. Nat Ravlic and David Newman were both unbeaten in their 9-1 success against OCs G. David Newman fought back from 2-0 down to get the better of David Bishop 8-11, 7-11, 11-9, 13-11, 11-9. Second-placed Danbury G suffered their second defeat of the Season by losing 6-4 to Danbury H. Dave Goody was unbeaten for Danbury H and he completed his hat-trick with a five game win over Mo Hardy (11-4, 11-7, 8-11, 6-11, 11-4).

There was a big win for Hatfield Peverel D in division five. Alastair Brown, Peter Mortensen and Richard Drozd ran out 10-0 winners against Galleywood B. Highwood B are second - some way behind Chelmsford F and they consolidated their position with a 8-2 victory over OCs H. Nicola Pippen won her three singles and this included a fine 10-12, 11-4, 6-11, 12-10, 11-7 win over Stuart Wintle. By a quirk of the fixtures chart OCs H played Highwood B again 12 days later. This time Highwood won 7-3 and Stuart Wintle gained his revenge over Nicola Pippen (11-6, 11-8, 9-11, 13-11) but he missed out against an undefeated Melanie Bonnett rather decisively (5-11, 4-11, 5-11). Chelmsford G with Martin Hiskey on top form ran out 7-3 winners over Chelmsford J. The evergreen John Wickens came out on top 11-6, 8-11, 8-11, 11-7, 11-9 after a very tricky encounter against Jamie Dowsett.

Galleywood Hawks (Vineeth Kamma and Charlie Graig) ran out 5-0 winners in division 2A of the CLICK League against West Maldon. They looked to be in trouble in the doubles when trailing 2-0 against William Moore and Blaydon Farmer but they rallied really strongly to win 6-11, 5-11, 11-4, 11-7, 11-2.

All Junior players who have entered the Junior Handicap Singles at this year‘s M&G Investments Chelmsford Closed Championships should note that this event has been moved to this coming Friday (26 January 2018) at the Melbourne Sports Centre - the Chelmsford Club’s venue. Book in at 19.00 hours for a 19.15 start. If the event hadn’t been switched from the actual Tournament weekend the massive increase in the number of Junior entries would have led to the possibility of a mid-night finish on the Saturday.

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

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Press Report Issued 14 January 2018

Dave Cole leads Liberal to 8-2 win over Chelmsford A

Chelmsford A have taken the lead in division one of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League. However, Chelmsford A had little to celebrate as they were well beaten 8-2 by Liberal A and second placed Maldon A who have a match in hand remain the heavy favourites to retain their title. Four times M&G Investments Chelmsford Mens Singles Champion - the evergreen David Cole was undefeated for Liberal and he beat Eddie Ogbebor - Chelmsford A’s best player 11-8, 12-10, 7-11, 11-7. Ogbebor made his mark for the Chelmsford A team. He beat the very impressive Gracie Edwards (and you can definitely expect her to be a major contender for the Ladies Singles title in this year’s M&G Investments Chelmsford Closed Championships) 11-3, 8-11, 11-4, 11-8 as well as Keiran Lally by a last gasp 11-8, 11-5, 7-11, 6-11, 11-9 scoreline.

The leaders Writtle Excalibur A are unbeaten after 10 matches in division two. They didn’t have it all their own way against third-placed Danbury C where they were hard pushed to win 6-4. Ace defender Ian Whiteside downed the challenge of Lee McHugh 11-8, 8-11, 11-9, 11-9 and then Richard Storey 11-6, 13-11, 10-12, 13-11 but he missed out on his hat-trick of wins by losing 11-7, 12-10, 3-11, 11-6 to Matthew Brown. Chelmsford B stay second. They ran out 8-2 winners against Liberal C. Robert Shrimpton was undefeated for Chelmsford whilst Liberal’s Robin Armstrong impressed for the losers. He beat Victor Chan 11-8, 10-12, 11-6, 11-4.

Chelmsford D were the week’s big winners in division three. Jarek Pietraszuk and Wiktor Delimat were both undefeated in their 9-1 win over Danbury F. Jarek rounded off what was a very productive evening for the Chelmsford team with a 9-11, 11-3, 11-6, 11-8 victory over John Robinson. Writtle Excalibur B are on a rich vein of form and they beat Chelmsford C 7-3. Louis Brown led the way with a hat-trick. Chelmsford’s Richard Baxter was involved in two close fifth-setters. He missed out to Phil Smith 8-11, 13-11, 4-11, 11-7,11 11-13 but he defeated Connor Payne 14-12, 7-11, 1-11, 11-9, 11-8. Maldon C ran out 7-3 winners against Chelmsford D. Team-work was the order of the day here with Roger Hance, Ev Lucas and Brian Riedling all winning twice.

Division four leaders Danbury G had a night they will want to forget against third-placed Writtle Excalibur C. After a run of eight successive wins Danbury never looked like winning this match and it was Steve Sigs (two wins), Dave Moles (two wins) and Neil Thompson (three wins) who dominated. Thompson fought back from 2-0 down to beat League President Norman Smith 8-11, 7-11, 12-10, 11-6, 11-7. Maldon D relied on a solid team performance to beat Danbury J 7-3. Mervyn Perriman, Bryan Speller and Tom Elder all won twice. Speller fought back from 2-0 down get the better of Eamon Hall 6-11, 10-12, 11-4, 11-8, 11-9. The match between Writtle Excalibur D and OCs E finished tied at 5-5. Nat Ravlic won his three singles for the Old Chelmsfordians side.

Chelmsford F stay top in division five. Jon Dyson led them to a 7-3 win over Hatfield Peverel D. Dyson was also unbeaten as Chelmsford F defeated Galleywood B 8-2. The match between Amanda Hogger and Mark Glenister looks to have been the pick of the evening’s action. Glenister edged home after a really hard fought encounter (13-11, 12-10, 10-12, 12-10, 11-9). They don’t come much closer !. Highwood A are their closest challengers but they fell back. They were hard pushed to beat Highwood B 6-4 and they were held to a draw by Chelmsford H. Newcomer Dusan Doszkoty made a big difference here. The Chelmsford star won his three singles. He had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Francis Whitbread 11-5, 10-12, 12-14, 12-10,11-8. Dusan Doszkoty was also unbeaten in Chelmsford H’s 6-4 defeat to Chelmsford G. Michael Whelpdale sealed the victory for Chelmsford G in the last game of the evening. He beat Ben Jackson 11-9, 15-17, 11-12, 11-5, 11-7. Keith Fitz-John was on top form and he led Highwood B to a 8-2 win over Anglia Ruskin University. Taku Nerutanga came through over five hotly contested ends against Keith Pallett (14-12, 7-11, 7-11, 11-8, 11-9).

The CLICK divisions have been reformatted. Galleywood Eagles are off to a good start. They beat Galleywood Hawks 4-1. Aidan Noguchi and Rio Tiplizki won all four singles although Noguchi had a “scare” against Charlie Craig. He had to save a match point in the fourth end before he ran out a 8-11, 11-5, 8-11, 12-10, 11-5 winner. Black Notley Barracudas also won 4-1. Nicholas Grice led them to victory against Chelmsford Wildcats. Emilie Guilloux picked up the soles Chelmsford success. She beat Patrick Sweeney 11-5, 13-11, 8-11, 4-11, 11-8. West Maldon shaded it against Danbury Dragons 3-2. William Moore won twice. He beat Connor Hall 12-10, 11-7, 9-11, 11-9 and Ewan Hynd 11-13, 11-5, 12-10, 11-7.

In the Open KO Cup Chelmsford B secured an impressive 5-0 win over Chelmsford C. Victor Chan made his mark with an excellent 8-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-3 win over Waseem Quereshi whilst Jarek Pietraszuk did well to beat Jan Fuller 10-12, 11-5, 11-8, 11-6.

Danbury C (Dave Hancox, Eamon Hall and Allan Steel) made no mistake against Maldon A in the Division four Knock Out Cup. They won 8-1. Shirley Carroll impressed for the losers with a quick-fire 11-7, 11-6, 11-9 victory against Eamon Hall.

OCs A (Adam Yardley, James Mitty and Harry Rogers) ran out 8-1 winners against Danbury A in the Junior Knock Out Cup. Connor Hall did well to beat Adam Yardley 6-11, 12-10, 11-8, 6-11, 11-7 for Danbury’s sole success.
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All Junior players who have entered the Junior Handicap event at this year‘s M&G Investments Chelmsford Closed Championships should note that this event has been moved to Friday 26 January 2018 at the Melbourne Sports Centre - the Chelmsford Club’s Home venue. Book in at 19.00 hours for a 19.15 start. If the event hadn’t been switched from the actual Tournament weekend the substantial increase in the number of entries would have led to a possible mid-night finish on the Saturday.

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

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