Press Report Issued on 15 March 2020

League programme continues

The Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League Committee have followed the directive of Table Tennis England and at present League matches do not have to be postponed or cancelled if all players are fit to participate, notwithstanding the ever growing concerns regarding the Corona Virus. All players are advised to check the Table Tennis England Website regularly as matters can change on a daily basis. However, the League’s largest Club – Chelmsford Table Tennis Club who play out of the Melbourne Athletics Centre on a multi Table basis have taken the decision to stop hosting matches with immediate effect. This is in line with the many Sporting events that have been postponed throughout the World in the last few days.

In division one Chelmsford B did well to beat Liberal 6-4. Simon Jarvis led the way with a hat-trick which included wins over James Mullane (8-11, 13-11, 14-12, 11-7), Andy Huckson (11-8, 11-2, 9-11, 11-7) and Simon Webber (10-12, 11-7, 14-12, 11-9). Mark Allaway won once, an impressive 13-11, 9-11, 11-9, 8-11, 11-7 victory over James Mullane.

The fast improving Thomas Page shone as Maldon C beat Chelmsford D 7-3 in division two. His hat-trick of wins include a quick-fire 11-6, 11-7, 11-7 victory against Victor Chan.

Martin Knight’s hat-trick was the difference between the two sides as Danbury L beat OCs H 6-4 in division five. Knights downed the challenge of Michael Lucey – OC’s best player - 12-10, 11-5, 8-11, 11-5.

Danbury Dragons top division 2A of the Junior League with 15 points out of 20. They beat Chelmsford Jaguars 4-1 with Ben Porter dominating proceedings. Porter beat George Bilbao (11-5, 11-5, 11-4) and Todd Martin (12-10, 11-4, 11-3). Chelmsford Pumas are a clear third. They beat Danbury Demons 4-1. Sam Mortimer-Ford dropped the first end against Joachin Mapes but he fought back strongly to win 9-11, 11-3, 11-0, 11-7.

There was a first win for Buttsbury Bears in Junior division 2B. And it was a decisive one as well. They beat Chelmsford Falcons 5-0 with Ben Brown and Jacob Lawrence both remaining undefeated. Jacob Lawrence came out on top against Oliver Cheung 11-9, 11-7, 4-11, 11-9.  Jacob Lawrence was also undefeated as Buttsbury Bears lost 3-2 against Buttsbury Bats. He beat Ryan Beresford Cole over five ends 10-12, 3-11, 11-8, 11-7, 11-6 and George Hagland 11-9, 11-4, 11-9. Chelmsford Rhinos beat Chelmsford Leopards 3-2. Nikita Tkachuk beat both Cleon Fernandes (11-7, 11-6, 11-7) and Al Lane (11-6, 11-6, 11-7).

Danbury Griffins have surged clear in Junior division 2C. They beat OCs Lions 5-0. Dan Wise and Adam Thirkettle carried all before them.  They top the table with 22 points out of 30. Danbury Griffins also beat Buttsbury Bulldogs 4-1. Dan Wise won twice again. He beat Oscar Hutt 11-8, 10-12, 11-7, 11-9. Buttsbury Beavers are second with 16 points. Max Samuels powered to wins against the Writtle Raccoons duo of Oliver Plaw and Luke Rowse. Oliver Plaw was on target for the losers and he beat Leo Beadon 11-13, 11-8, 6-11, 11-6, 11-4. Buttsbury Beavers ran out 4-1 winners.   

Chelmsford Tigers have jumped above Buttsbury Badgers in Junior division 2D after beating their opponents 4-1. Harrison Hill was undefeated and he beat Joseph Hutt (11-9, 11-8, 11-7). Danbury Devils are one place above Chelmsford Tigers in third, and they beat Chelmsford Elephants 3-2. Will Ratcliffe was undefeated and he saw off Jesse Epstein (11-9, 11-6, 11-6) and Nathan Tew (12-10, 11-6, 11-4). Danbury Devils also beat Chelmsford Tigers 3-2. William Ratcliffe was again unbeaten. His game against Emilie Guilloux was a close one, and Ratcliffe sneaked home 13-11, 11-13, 11-3, 13-11.

There was a first defeat for Chelmsford Wildcats in Junior division 2E. They lost 3-2 to Chelmsford Eagles. Emile Guilloux won twice for the Wildcats. She beat Javier Sutherland-Moore (8-11, 7-11, 11-7.  12-10, 11-6) and Theo Hasevic (11-6, 8-11, 11-6, 11-8). Chelmsford Kangaroos with Eddie Pickwick winning twice beat Chelmsford Ospreys 3-2. Noah Baldwin was on target for the Ospreys with a 11-8, 12-10, 7-11, 11-8 victory against Alex Stephenson. Chelmsford Wolves came out on top 3-2 against Chelmsford Kestrels. Jishmant Shah beat Aarya Thomas 8-11, 11-9, 11-6, 6-11, 11-3. 

Steve Kerns Press & Publicity Officer Chelmsford District Table Tennis League

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Press Report Issued on 8 March 2020

It’s a five way battle to avoid relegation from division one

The battle to avoid relegation from division one of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League really couldn’t be tighter and a mere two points covers no fewer than five teams. You wouldn’t expect to see OCs A so close to the bottom but they lost 7-3 to fourth-placed Galleywood A; a big turnaround from the 8-2 defeat Galleywood suffered in the first half of the Season. Peter Barrett who has played well all Season really shone on this occasion. He beat Paul Lucas (4-11, 11-4, 7-11, 11-4, 11-7) and Terry Dowsett (15-13, 8-11, 5-11, 11-5, 12-10). James Hicks also excelled and he beat Paul Lucas (9-11, 6-11, 11-8, 11-4, 11-4). Well played indeed !. Danbury A stay second although they lost 8-2 to Chelmsford C. Danbury A were only able to field one player and although Gary Young won twice he missed out 13-11, 8-11, 13-11, 7-11, 8-11 to newcomer James Liddiard. Chelmsford A closed the gap in third place by beating Danbury B 6-4. This side have used 13 players this Season. Is this a record ? 2020 Chelmsford Mens Singles Champion Eren Gozcu led the way with a hat-trick. He beat Sam Lowman 11-7, 11-5, 11-9 and Dan Anderson 12-10, 11-7, 9-11, 11-6.    

Writtle C turned in a five star performance in division two to beat Maldon B 9-1.  Dave Calleja and Gary  Ward were both undefeated with Calleja setting the tone for the  evening by beating Steve  Scholz 11-3, 11-8, 7-11, 4-11, 13-11 in the first game of the night. Scholz also missed out narrowly against John Parodi (15-13, 7-11, 8-11, 13-11, 8-11). Danbury C are tied in second place with Writtle B and they beat Hatfield Peverel A 7-3. Gus Heath was again on top form. He defeated Gareth Davies (12-10, 11-6, 11-6), Neil Freeman (11-5, 11-7, 12-14, 11-3) and Alastair Piper (11-5, 13-11, 11-6). Neil Freeman scored a notable 11-5, 11-6, 10-12, 12-10 victory over Ian Whiteside.  

Runaway leaders Danbury E made it 14 wins out of 14 in division three by beating Writtle D 6-4. David Gatheral, an impressive winner of the division three Singles at the Chelmsford Championships has enjoyed a magnificent Season in the League as well as illustrated by his 94 % Singles record.   He was undefeated as his side beat Writtle D 7-3. He rounded off another successful evening with a 11-3, 11-4, 12-10 win over Trevor Collin. Danbury F, bolstered by the presence of Steve Noble ran out 7-3 winners against Hatfield Peverel C. Noble beat Nick Duce – the best of the Hatfield Peverel players 4-11, 11-8, 11-9, 5-11, 11-7.   OCs D who are a clear second beat Danbury H 6-4 after a hard fought match in which six games were decided in the fifth end. Mick Richardson (83 %) ensured OCs went home as “winners” by beating Sanjay Saptarshi 11-8, 11-7, 11-8 in the last game of the evening.   Eamon Hall won twice for Danbury. He beat Dave Porter (6-11, 11-8, 11-4, 5-11, 12-10) and Mick Hayes (11-5, 12-14, 11-5, 10-12, 11-9). It was “honours even” between Chelmsford E and Danbury J. No player stayed undefeated and Revox Mathews and Sudheep Kamma (Chelmsford) and Richard Allen and Dave Powell (Danbury) all stayed undefeated. Reserve Revox Matthews did well to beat Richard Allen 12-10, 11-5, 11-7. It was “all even” between Danbury G and OCs E as well. Nicky Reece-Ford won his three singles and this included a last gasp 13-11, 11-6, 9-11, 5-11, 12-10 win over Richard Baxter. Ford completed his hat-trick with another hard-fought 12-10, 10-12, 11-4, 11-8 win over John Newman.

The leaders Galleywood C beat second placed Chelmsford H 6-4 in division four, their sixteenth win of the Season to retain their 100 % record. Gary Copsey led the way this time with a hat-trick of four set wins. He beat Matthew Odiase (11-8, 8-11, 11-4, 11-4), Saul Chivers (11-5, 11-8, 7-11, 11-9) and Andy Swales (11-8, 12-14, 11-3, 11-8).  Chelmsford G (Adi Kamma, Like Richardson and Alex Tkachuk) powered to a 9-1 win over Writtle F. Ian Hockley was Writtle’s sole winner and he beat Alex Tkachuk 6-11, 14-12, 11-7, 8-11, 11-9. Adi Kamma was poised at two games apiece against Colin Griffiths but he surged clear in the decider to win 11-7, 11-5, 9-11, 10-12, 11-2. Chelmsford F ran out 8-2 winners against Danbury K. Dusan Doszkoty led the way with a hat-trick. He sealed his third win by downing the challenge of Jean Chasmer 11-9, 11-7, 11-3. Writtle E were “big” 9-1 winners against OCs G. Dave Moles and Alan Offord both bagged hat-tricks. Robert Boultwood was on target for the losers. He beat Neil Thompson 5-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-9. OCs F did well to beat Galleywood B 6-4, good going as all three players lost to Bryn Thomas. Thomas sealed his third win of the evening with a 9-11, 12-10, 11-4, 8-11, 11-3 success against David Newman.  It was “honours even” between Writtle F and OCs G. No one player stayed unbeaten and the Writtle duo of David Meah and Ian Hockley and OCs’ David Bishop and Robert Boultwood all won twice.  David Meah sealed the draw for Writtle by beating David Bishop 9-11, 11-2, 11-5, 10-12, 11-7 in the last game of the evening.

Highwood B returned to pole position in division five. They beat Hatfield Peverel E 7-3 after Francis Whitbread and Martin Goddard had both won their three singles. Whitbread’s third singles against Phil West didn’t go to five ends but the scores speak for themselves. Whitbread won 25-23, 11-13, 11-8, 11-8 – quite a battle !. Highwood B also beat Buttsbury 7-3. Frank Neill, Martin Goddard and Russell Downteon all won twice on this occasion.  Max Samuels won two close games for Buttsbury. He beat Frank Neill (9-11, 11-8, 11-6, 10-12, 11-8) and Russell Downton (6-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-13, 12-10). Highwood A are in hot pursuit, a mere one point behind. They drew 5-5 with Buttsbury. Melanie Bonnett was undefeated and she beat Tomas Krowlikowski 7-11, 9-11, 11-4, 11-8, 11-6 to secure her hat-trick. With a record of 93 % she has been the model of consistency this Season. Hatfield Peverel D (Richard Drozd, Aaron Cracknell and Andy Simmonds) ran out 10-0 winners against Hatfield Peverel F. Richard Drozd set them on their way with a hard-fought 11-9, 9-11, 8-11, 12-10, 11-8 win over Gary Simmonds and they never looked back after that. Team work saw Maldon E home 7-3 against Chelmsford K. Roger Warren, Rob Sach and  Kym Eames all won twice. Jacqui Smith was the most successful of the Chelmsford players and she impressed by beating Roger Warren 11-8, 13-11, 11-1. Chelmsford J ran out 7-3 winners against ARU. Bruce Li was undefeated and Rajesh Dewan won twice. This included a last gasp 11-5, 5-11, 11-5, 9-11, 12-10 victory over Jordan Corbett.

Chelmsford Jaguars (Alan Jiang and Oliver Cheung) overcame Danbury Demons 3-2 in division 2A of the Junior League. Elliot Gardiner won twice for Danbury Demons. He beat Alan Jiang 10-12, 11-6, 8-11, 11-6, 11-5 and Oliver Cheung 12-10, 12-14, 11-8, 11-7.

Chelmsford Rhinos (14 points out of 25) top the table in Junior division 2B. They beat Buttsbury Bears 4-1. Nikita Tkachuk was undefeated and he beat Ben Brown (11-4, 11-7, 11-9) and Aidan Turner (11-5, 11-9, 11-4). Buttsbury Bats did well to beat the higher placed Chelmsford Antelopes 4-1. George Hagland won twice and he beat Todd Martin after a real tussle (11-7, 7-11, 11-9, 7-11, 14-12).

Five results in Junior division 2C. Amazingly four of these games were decided 3-2. Leaders Danbury Griffins suffered their first defeat of the Season. They lost 3-2 to Chelmsford Panthers. Aarav Mehta caused them the most problems. He beat Adam Thirkettle 11-13, 14-12, 11-7, 11-7 and Callum Caldwell 11-5, 11-7, 11-7 and he combined with Soumil Jain to beat Thirkettle and Caldwell 8-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-8 in an evenly contested doubles encounter. Danbury Griffins returned to winning ways against Buttsbury Bears and they came out on top 3-2. Callum Caldwell was undefeated on this occasion. He defeated Max Samuels 13-11, 5-11, 3-11, 12-10, 11-8 in the closest game of the night. It was 3-2 again as Writtle Raccoons (Mimime Pummell and Archie Pummell) beat OCs Lions. Mimi Pummell beat Sam Lincoln 11-7, 11-13, 3-11, 11-8, 11-9 but she lost to Vydma Upadhyaya 6-11, 9-11, 8-11 who won twice for the Old Chelmsfordians team.  Buttsbury Bears defeated Buttsbury Bulldogs 3-2. George Standish held the key to this success. He beat Oscar Hutt 11-9, 9-11, 8-011, 11-6, 11-9 and Jamie Elliott 11-8, 12-10, 11-8.  Finally,   a result that wasn’t 3-2. Chelmsford Panthers ran out 4-1 winners against Buttsbury Bulldogs. Aarav Mehta was undefeated whilst Toby Hart beat Oscar Hutt 11-8, 6-11, 11-9, 11-8.

Chelmsford Owls suffered their first defeat in Junior division 2D. They were well beaten 4-1 by Chelmsford Elephants. Nathan Tew was undefeated for the Elephants. He beat Theo Hasevic 11-13, 11-7, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9 and Toby Hart 11-8, 11-4, 11-5. Toby Hart was on target for the Owls and he beat Jishant Shah 11-7, 11-9, 8-11, 11-9. Buttsbury Badgers ran out 3-2 winners against Buttsbury Bats. Seamus Mellon was undefeated on this occasion although they in turn lost 4-1 to Chelmsford Elephants. Ben Picwick’s “double” included wins over Zachary Samuels (11-4, 11-7, 11-8) and Ronnie Palmer (8-11, 11-8,11-6, 11-9).  

Chelmsford Wildcats (Georgina Riches and Emilie Guilloux) lead the way in Junior division 2E with 19 points out of 20. They beat Chelmsford Wolves 5-0. Georgina Riches had to work hard to beat Thelma Abraham – Victor 11-8, 8-11, 11-5, 11-9. Chelmsford Eagles (Ruben Sutherland Moore and Javier Sutherland Moore) did well to beat Chelmsford Kangaroos 3-2, good going as Harrison Hill was unbeaten for the Kangaroos. He raced to wins over Ruben (12-10, 11-5, 11-6) and Javier (11-6, 11-6, 11-7). Last but not least, Chelmsford Kestrels beat Chelmsford Ospreys 3-2. Max Flower was their match-winner. He beat Isabella Borgia 11-8, 12-10, 11-8 and Noah Baldwin 12-10, 3-11, 11-1, 7-11, 11-3.  

Steve Kerns Press & Publicity Officer Chelmsford District Table Tennis League

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Press Report Issued on 1 March 2020

James Denyer – first player to beat Alex Abbott this Season

Leaders Maldon A overcame the potentially tricky hurdle of third-placed Chelmsford A 7-3 in the first division of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League. The hard hitting James Denyer proved to be their main stumbling block and he became the first player to topple Alex Abbott this Season. Abbot’s record of 97 % (38 wins out of 39) is testimony as to how well he has played this year. Denyer came out on top 11-7, 13-11, 11-9 and he went on to beat Trevor Lloyd 11-9, 7-11, 11-6, 11-7 and John Poysden 11-6, 11-8, 11-5. Eagle eyed followers will also have noted that Maldon A have now lost a game and that is because they had to concede to Chelmsford C. However, they still look to be odds on favourites to win this division. Galleywood A did well beat Chelmsford B 8-2. Peter Barrett led the way with a hat-trick and the decision to include Charlie Craig as an “eleventh hour replacement” proved to be an inspired choice. He beat Robert Shrimpton 11-9, 14-12, 8-11, 12-10 – a magnificent performance. Charlie Craig also beat Vinnie Kamma 11-6, 6-11, 11-4, 11-6 for good measure. Writtle A have shown a marked improvement in recent weeks and this week they beat a two player Danbury A side 6-4. Lee McHugh led the way with wins over Eric Green (11-8, 11-9, 4-11, 11-7) and Daniel Young (11-7, 13-11, 6-11, 11-8). Danbury A returned to winning ways against Liberal, winning 7-3. Daniel Young, Gary Young and Steve Whiteley all won twice although they all missed out against an inform Paul Davison. In the best game of the night Paul Davison disposed of Daniel Young 13-15, 13-11, 11-9, 11-8. Danbury B moved up to fifth by beating Chelmsford C 7-3. Sam Lowman (69 %) was again to the fore with an impressive hat-trick which included a 9-11, 12-10, 8-11, 11-9, 11-6 win over Cristian Bernado whilst “evergreen” reserve Ian Whiteside played his part with a fine 11-5, 6-11, 14-12, 15-17, 12-10 victory over Wiktor Delimat. No shortage of top draw play in the first division this week.

Third placed Danbury C did well to beat second placed Writtle B 7-3 in division two. Ian Whiteside led the way with three wins which included hard fought battles against Phil Smith (11-5, 11-13, 11-7, 6-11, 11-8) and Paul Sturton (11-4, 12-14, 14-12, 6-11, 11-5). Fourth placed Maldon B were held to a draw by Hatfield Peverel A. Ciaran Whelan was unbeaten for Maldon and this included a 9-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-9 victory over Julie Johnson - the best of the Hatfield Peverel players. Julie Johnson beat Colin Napper 11-7, 12-10, 4-11, 8-11, 12-10 in the closest game of the evening. Maldon C did well to draw 5-5 with Danbury C. Rising star Tom Page played his part with a hat-trick and he managed to dispel Gus Heath 11-8, 11-3, 11-4 – good going as Heath has an excellent record of 76 % this Season. Page also beat another impressive newcomer – Lee Wicks 13-15, 11-9, 11-1, 12-10. A two man OCs C side did well to draw against Chelmsford D. John Newman came up trumps here with a fine 5-11, 13-11, 11-4, 6-11, 11-4 win over Victor Chan. Writtle C came out on top 6-4 against Danbury D. Dave Calleja led the way with three wins and this included a last gasp 11-6, 4-11, 9-11, 11-8, 12-10 win over Tony Forster.

Division three produced no less than five 7-3 results from five matches. What are the odds on that happening a second time ?. Danbury E remain firmly on course to take the title and David Gatheral (94 %) and Tim Pulham (86 %) were both undefeated against Danbury F. They also beat Danbury J 7-3. David Gatheral was again undefeated but he looked to be in deep trouble against Rob Kneale. However he turned it round and fought back strongly to win 5-11, 5-11, 11-7, 11-1, 11-4. Danbury H did well to beat the higher placed Writtle D. Eamon Hall led the way with three 3-0 successes and this included a 11-8, 11-9, 11-5 victory against Trevor Collin. Dave Hancox defeated Colin Barham 7-11, 11-8, 12-10, 9-11, 12-10 in the pick of the might’s action. It was 7-3 again as a two-man OCs D beat Danbury G. Mick Richardson and Mick Hayes were both undefeated. Nick Duce led the way as Hatfield Peverel C beat Danbury J. Duce completed his hat-trick with a “slightly unusual” looking 11-8, 9-11, 11-13, 11-1, 12-10 (“duce in the fifth”) win over Dave Powell. Guy McKenzie (who won twice) defeated Dave Powell 6-11, 11-4, 6-11, 11-9,11-7.

In division four second placed Chelmsford H were hard pushed to beat third placed OCs F 6-4. Saul Chivers proved to be an inspired selection and he scored three excellent wins downing the challenges of Barry Evans (11-7, 12-10), 11-8), David Newman (11-6, 10-12, 11-6, 11-7) and Fin Feil (11-8, 7-11, 11-9, 8-11, 11-8). Writtle E disposed of Danbury K 8-2. Malcolm Storey and Dave Moles both bagged hat-tricks. Malcolm Storey fought back strongly from 2-0 down to beat Mick Robinson 5-11, 9-11, 14-12, 11-8, 11-6. That third game proved to be crucial. It was 8-2 again, as Galleywood B beat OCs G 8-2. Colin Blore and Bryn Thomas were both undefeated whilst Ron Salton won once, beating Robert Boultwood 11-3, 6-11, 10-12, 11-9, 11-9. Chelmsford F ran out 7-3 winners against Maldon D. Dusan Doszkoty led the way with a hat-trick and he received excellent support from Rev Matthews and Joachin Mapes who both won twice. Galleywood B lost 6-4 to Chelmsford G. Sudheep Kamma (73 %) was undefeated for the Chelmsford side and he beat Bryn Thomas 11-4, 13-15, 7-11, 11-5, 12-10 in a fast and furious opening encounter. It was 6-4 again when Danbury K beat Writtle F. A good win for the Danbury side as Dave Meah was undefeated for Writtle F. Meah came out on top against Alex Porter 11-8, 11-5, 9-11, 8-11, 12-10 in the closest game of the evening.

Division five has been hyper active this week. Your scribe has developed “writers cramp” as a result !. Highwood A returned to the top, courtesy of their 7-3 wins over Chelmsford K and Hatfield Peverel F. Melanie Bonnett and Nicola Pippen were both undefeated against Chelmsford K whilst Melanie Bonnett was also unbeaten against Hatfield Peverel F. The last match of the evening was a “corker” and Deborah Ginn came up trumps 11-9, 11-5, 11-13, 4-11, 16-14 against Keith Fitz-John. Highwood B are just one point behind and they beat Chelmsford K 6-4. Frank Neill and Francis Whitbread both won twice to counter the three wins that Matthew Odiase scored for Chelmsford. The doubles proved to be the most evenly contested encounter of the night and Frank Neill and Francis Whitbread finally overcame Peter Davenport and Matthew Odiase 8-11, 12-10, 9-11, 11-5, 12-10. The rivalry between the two Highwood teams looks like it might extend all the way into the last round of matches. ARU Rhinos jumped up to fifth place by beating Maldon E 8-2. Jordan Corbett and Douglas Bawuah were both undefeated. In the case of Douglas Bawuah this was “by the skin of his teeth”. Bawuah beat Kym Eames 11-7, 11-9, 8-11, 8-11, 11-9 and Ross Wheeler 6-11, 11-13, 11-8,11-9, 11-9. Richard Drozd was unbeaten as Hatfield Peverel D ran out 7-3 winners against Danbury L. This was a hard fought affair with six games decided in the fifth end. Drozd completed his hat-trick with a 10-12, 11-7, 8-11, 11-8, 11-8 victory against Paul Thirkettle in the last game of the evening. The match between Gary Simmonds and Ken Wilding was even more dramatic and Simmonds sneaked home 21-19, 9-11, 11-9, 7-11, 11-8. Quite a battle !. Hatfield Peverel F shaded a close match 6-4 against Maldon E. No player remained undefeated and the Hatfield Peverel F duo - Deborah Ginn and Gary Simmonds and Maldon’s Ross Wheeler and Robin Sach all won twice. Deborah Ginn gave Hatfield Peverel a winning start by beating Kym Eames 11-7, 11-7, 10-12, 9-11, 11-7 in the first game of the evening. Hatfield Peverel D in turn did well to beat ARU Rhinos convincingly 9-1. Mick Carter and Andy Simmonds were both undefeated. Jordan Corbett was ARU’s sole winner. He beat Gary Simmonds 18-16, 11-9, 4-11, 6-11, 11-9. Bruce Li and Rajesh Dewan both bagged hat-tricks as Chelmsford J beat Danbury L 7-3. Ken Wilding defeated Shengbing Zhu 6-11, 11-8, 10-12, 11-9, 11-9 in the closest game of the night.

A strong Chelmsford B side ran out 5-0 winners against Buttsbury B in the Quarter Final of the Junior Knock Out Cup. Harry Buckle, James Donald and Vinni Kamma held the upper-hand against Ryan Beresford Cole, George Hagland and Jamie Elliott.

Chelmsford Leopards beat Chelmsford Antelopes 4-1 in Junior division 2B. Cleon Fernandez was undefeated whilst Al Lane came out in top 7-11, 11-9, 11-13, 11-8, 11-8 in a close encounter against Malachi O’Leary. Chelmsford Falcons ran out 5-0 winners against Buttsbury Bears. Oliver Cheung and Alan Jiang were both undefeated. Cheung had to dig deep to see off Oliver Barrett 14-12, 11-4, 4-11, 13-11.

Chelmsford Elephants beat Chelmsford Tigers 5-0 in Junior division 2D to move into second place. Nathan Tew and Ben Pickwick were both undefeated. Pickwick crashed to a 11-0 set-back in the third end against Prayak Gupta but he pulled through to win 11-4, 11-4, 0-11, 11-9. Chelmsford Owls top this division and they beat Danbury Devils 3-2. Good going as Calum Caldwell was undefeated for the Devils. He beat Luv Goel 11-5, 11-6, 11-5 and Toby Hart 11-5, 12-10, 12-10. Danbury Devils in turn beat Buttsbury Bees 3-2. William Ratcliffe won twice which included a 7-11, 13-11, 11-8, 11-5 victory against Seamus Mellon.

Chelmsford Wildcats made it three wins out of three in Junior division 2E and they top the table with 14 points out of 15. Emilie Guilloux and Thelma Abraham Victor were both undefeated against Chelmsford Ospreys. Thelma Abraham Victor defeated Hela Kolli 11-7, 5-11, 11-5, 11-8. Second placed Chelmsford Eagles have 13 points. They brushed aside Chelmsford Wolves 5-0. Javier Sutherland-Moore and Theo Hasevic were both undefeated. Theo Hasevic beat Harry Riches 8-11, 12-10, 11-7, 10-12, 11-6 in the closest game of the evening. Last but not least Chelmsford Kangaroos beat Chelmsford Kestrels 3-2. Harrison Hill impressed by beating Max Flower 11-5, 11-3, 11-5 and Aarya Thomas 11-6, 9-11, 15-13, 13-11.

Steve Kerns Press & Publicity Officer Chelmsford District Table Tennis League

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Press Report Issued on 21 February 2020

OCs B are in pole place in division two

Division two of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League looks to have become a two way battle for honours. The top two sides both won this week. Leaders OCs B ran out 8-2 winners against Writtle C. David Cole retained his 100 % singles record but Kevin Worthington has been the main stay of this side with an excellent return of 91 %. Worthington missed out 10-12, 7-11, 12-14 to Gary Ward on this occasion.  Ward also impressed by beating Steve Northcott, in a similarly close encounter 14-12, 11-7, 12-10. Writtle B were impressive 8-2 winners over third placed Maldon B a result that has effectively ended Maldon’s promotion challenge. Gary Cattermole and Phil Smith both bagged hat-tricks. Phil Smith was on top form downing the challenges of Steve Scholz (11-5, 11-8, 5-11, 11-6), Colin Napper (11-7, 11-5, 11-9) and Mervyn Perriman (11-3, 11-8, 11-6). Hatfield Peverel A did well to beat the higher placed Danbury D 7-3. Alastair Piper led the way with a hat-trick of wins beating Tim Cramphorn (8-11, 6-11, 11-4, 11-2, 11-4), Dick Wyman (12-10, 11-8, 3-11, 11-4) and Neil Want (12-10, 11-9, 7-11, 11-4).

In division one the big news is that Rawreth have withdrawn from the League and their results have been expunged.  Writtle A made a massive jump away from the relegation zone by beating Danbury B 9-1. Duncan Taylor, the newly crowned Southend Mens Singles Champion and Lee McHugh were both undefeated. Dan Anderson was Danbury’s sole winner and he beat Matthew Brown 11-4, 12-10, 12-10. OCs A also climbed up the table by beating Chelmsford B 7-3.  Paul Lucas and Terry Dowsett were both undefeated. Chelmsford’s Harry Buckle did well to beat Dan Berry 11-6, 9-11, 11-6, 11-7.

Second placed OCs D beat OCs E 8-2 in division three, their tenth win of the Season. David Porter was undefeated and his hat-trick included a last gasp 11-13, 11-6, 8-11, 11-6, 12-10 success against Richard Baxter. Writtle D ran out 7-3 winners against Danbury G. Newcomer Aaron Chandler won his three singles and this included a 11-13, 11-6, 11-5, 11-4 win over Nicky Reece-Ford, the best of the Danbury players. Danbury H also won 7-3, beating Danbury F . Another newcomer Sanjay Saptarshi led the way with a hat-trick. This included a 11-8, 11-8, 9-11, 11-5 victory against Dave Marsh.

Galleywood C are looking totally unstoppable in division four and they made it 15 wins out of 15 by beating Chelmsford F 8-2. Charlie Craig (92 %) was again their leading light with another unbeaten performance. OCs F came out on top against Chelmsford G 6-4 after a close match where no player stayed unbeaten. Farooq Ahmed and David Newman both won twice which gave OCs the edge. Farooq Ahmed edged home 8-11, 17-15, 11-7, 9-11, 11-9 against Adi Kamma. It was honours even between Maldon D and Writtle E. Bryan Speller saw off Dave Moles 11-4, 12-10, 10-12, 7-11, 11-9 over five gruelling sets.

OCs H were 6-4 winners over Chelmsford J in division five. Yet another new player – Finley Feil stole the show and he win his three singles. He powered home against Bruce Li (11-3, 11-8, 11-5), Craig Studley (11-1, 11-5, 11-6) and John Wickins (11-7, 11-7, 11-7). Hatfield Peverel E also won 6-4, beating Hatfield Peverel F. John Kuhl and Kath Little both picked up two wins to give Hatfield Peverel E the edge. Davina Brazier beat Phil West in five fluctuating ends (11-5, 3-11, 11-7, 13-15, 11-7). Bob Hillis won twice for Hatfield Peverel F and this included a 12-10, 10-12, 11-6, 11-7 victory against John Kuhl.

Chelmsford Pumas beat Chelmsford Jaguars 4-1 in division 2A of the Junior League. Saul Chivers led the way with wins over Niklita Tkachuk (11-8, 11-3, 11-6) and Todd Martin (10-12, 14-12, 7-11, 11-6, 11-7).

Chelmsford Rhinos were 3-2 winners against Chelmsford Falcons in division 2B. With the singles encounters shared at 2-2 it all came down to the deciding doubles and Ben Chivers and Nicholas Grice pipped Alan Jiang and Oliver Cheung 11-8, 12-10, 11-7 to secure the victory.

Chelmsford Panthers were impressive 4-1 winners against Writtle Raccoons in division 2C.  Malachi O’Leary won his two singles, beating Oliver Plaw (11-8, 11-4, 7-11, 11-8) and Luke Rowse (13-11, 11-3, 11-4). Writtle Raccoons also lost 4-1 to Buttsbury Beavers. Jamie Elliott was undefeated downing the challenges of Archie Pummell (14-12, 11-9, 11-3) and Mimi Pummell (6-11, 11-7, 11-6, 11-6).

Chelmsford Owls top the division 2D table with 19 points out if 20. James Finlay and Luv Bansall carried all before them, as they beat Chelmsford Tigers 5-0.  Luv Bansall beat Neriyan Tharmathass 11-5, 10-12, 11-7, 8-11, 11-5 in the opening singles to set them on their way. Chelmsford Owls also beat Buttsbury Badgers 4-1. Toby Hart led the way this time with wins over Leo Beadon (11-6, 11-2, 8-11, 14-12) and Jamie Elliott (9-11, 11-8, 11-6, 11-8).

Steve Kerns Press & Publicity Officer Chelmsford District Table Tennis League

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Press Report Issued on 16 February 2020

Danbury E – pushed all the way in the division three Knock Out Cup

Danbury E, runaway leaders of division three of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League were given the severest of examinations in the division three Knock Our Cup competition. With Gordon Gatheral losing 9-11, 9-11, 4-11 to Bob Garson they trailed Writtle D 2-4 and were in big trouble. Ken Sheard scored a vital 11-7, 11-3, 11-3 win over Colin Barham and 2020 division three Champion David Gatheral levelled the scores by beating Trevor Collin in five ends 11-4, 11-5, 8-11, 8-11, 11-7. Everything to play for, and it was David and Gordon Gatheral who came out on top. They beat Bob Garson and Colin Barham 11-6, 11-7, 11-13, 11-8 in the deciding doubles.

In division one Galleywood A did well to draw 5-5 with the higher placed Danbury A. Dave Richardson was unbeaten for Danbury but James Hicks and Peter Barrett both won twice for Galleywood “to balance the books”. Eric Green lost all three singles. He missed out 9-11, 16-18, 5-11 to James Hicks and then 12-14, 12-10, 9-11, 11-8, 10-12 to Peter Barrett. Despite no lack of effort he also lost 11-6, 6-11, 9-11, 12-10, 4-11 to Gary Brignall. James Hicks did well to beat Steve Whiteley 11-9, 11-8, 8-11, 15-13. Rawreth ran out 7-3 winners against Chelmsford C.  Charles Sweeny and Kim Shead both won their three singles on this occasion and they combined to beat Wiktor Delimat and Cristian Bernado 11-7, 9-11, 11-8, 8-11, 12-10 in the doubles.

Danbury C were 9-1 winners against OCs C in division two. Gareth Joice, such an impressive winner of the division two singles in the Chelmsford Championships couldn’t replicate that form here and he lost to Ian Whiteside (2-11, 6-11, 11-8, 5-11) to Steve Buer (3-11, 11-5, 11-7, 9-11, 5-11) and finally to Gus Heath (9-11, 11-8, 9-11, 7-11).  Ian Whiteside had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Charles Yeung 7-11, 11-9, 11-6, 6-11, 14-12.

OCs H beat Hatfield Peverel D 7-3 in division five. Stuart Wintle and Suzanne Shaw were both undefeated. Mick Carter beat Adrian North 8-11, 4-11, 11-9, 11-9, 16-14 in the closest game of the evening.

In division 2A of the Chelmsford Junior League Chelmsford Cougars made it 10 points out of 10 by beating Chelmsford Pumas 5-0. Harry Chivers and Vinnie Kamma were both undefeated.  Vinnie Kamma required four ends to beat Joachin Mapes 11-5, 11-7, 6-11, 11-8 whilst Harry Chivers was pushed to beat Ned Ryder 15-17, 11-3, 11-7, 11-8. 

Chelmsford Antelopes moved into pole position in division 2B by beating  Buttsbury Bears 5-0. Todd Martin and Nikita Tkachuk carried all before them. Todd Martin set the Chelmsford side on their way with a hard fought 14-12, 10-12, 11-5, 15-17, 11-5 win over Oliver Barrett. Cleon Fernandes was unbeaten as Chelmsford Leopards beat Buttsbury Bats 4-1. Ryan Beresford-Cole was on target for the losers with a fluctuating 11-13, 11-3, 6-11, 12-10, 11-4 win over Al Lane.  

Chelmsford Elephants scored their first win of the campaign, beating Buttsbury Bees 4-1  in division 2D. Nathan Tew won both of his singles including an opening game 8-11, 12-10, 11-7, 11-9 win over Aidan Tucker.

Chelmsford Wildcats lead the way in the League’s newest division – division 2E. They beat Chelmsford Kangaroos 4-1. Georgina Riches and Emilie Guilloux won their four singles but they missed out 9-11, 14-16, 14-12, 10-12 in a very hard fought doubles encounter against Harrison Hill and Eddie Pickwick. Chelmsford Eagles (Javi Sutherland – Moore and Ruben Sutherland – Moore made no mistake against Chelmsford Kestrels winning 5-0 whilst Chelmsford Ospreys also won 5-0. They beat Chelmsford Wolves. Hela Kolli defeated Max Flower 11-7, 13-15, 12-10, 11-7.  

Steve Kerns Press & Publicity Officer Chelmsford District Table Tennis League

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Press Report Issued on 11 February 2020

Eren Gozcu is the 2020 Chelmsford Mens Singles Champion

Top seed Eren Gozcu is the 2020 Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League Mens Singles Champion. A former top 12 England ranked Junior the 19 year old Colchester University student was many people’s tip to take the title and he delivered at the Chelmsford League Finals Night which was played at the Old Chelmsfordians Association on Monday 10 February 2020.

Gozcu was in action first and he beat Paul Davison 3-1 in the first Mens Singles Semi-Final. Davison came into his own in the third game and did well to steal it 12-10 after being 10-8 down. Davison made a promising start to the fourth game and led 4-1 but Eren Gozcu reasserted himself to win 11-4, 11-7, 10-12, 11-6.

The second Mens Semi-Final featured two players who are very strong on the back hand wing. Daniel Young - who has an excellent counter punch and Liam Squirrell whose spinny back hand “opener” wins him countless points. Daniel Young started the stronger and won the first end 11-8 but it was Liam Squirrell who took control and he won 8-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-8.

There were first Finals Night appearances in the Mixed Doubles Final for Weronika Bozek and Lee McHugh and they were always ahead against another new pairing Sarah Austin and Steve Kerns who never gave up and actually led 9-6 in the third end before succumbing 8-11, 3-11, 9-11.

Daniel Young was favourite for the Under 21 Singles title and despite getting off to a slow start he came through to win 11-8, 11-6, 11-6 against Thomas Page. Thomas impressed with his positive approach and rangy powerful forehand.

The action resumed after the interval with the hotly anticipated Veterans Singles Final. This match didn’t disappoint. Gary Young was the quicker into his stride and he raced into a 7-1 lead against Trevor Lloyd but thereafter the game ebbed one way and then the other. At 7-3 in the fifth end it looked as if Gary Young had done enough but at 9-7 it wasn’t quite so clear. However at 9-7 Young hit a rasping powerful forehand crosscourt winner to give himself Championship point. He took it at the first time of asking to win 11-7, 7-11, 12-10, 7-11, 11-7.    

Duncan Taylor / Charles Sweeny, the Mens Doubles Champions in 2018 are this year’s winners. They prevailed over five thrilling ends against Eren Gozcu / Lee McHugh. Having won the first two ends they led 7-4 in the third end only to succumb 11-9 whilst they led 10-8 in the fourth end only to miss out 12-10. A lesser pair might have fallen apart. They were having none of it. With Sweeny’s reliable backhand featuring a lot they sneaked ahead late on in the fifth end to win a superb Final 11-6, 11-7, 9-11, 10-12, 11-7.  

19 year old Weronika Bozek, new to the League was a heavy favourite to win the Ladies Singles title, and she duly beat Chelmsford Junior Girls Champion Nyree Marsh 11-5, 11-7, 11-8 in the Ladies Singles Final to give herself a hat-trick of successes. Nyree did very well to trade numerous quick-fire trade rallies with her experienced opponent who was ranked top 12 in Poland at Under 15 level. Again, it was the backhand wing of Weronika that impressed and she showed great variety on that side.

And so to the big one – the Mens Singles Final. For lovers of extra long rallies this might not have been the game they will have savoured as both Eren Gozcu and Lam Squirrell produce such powerful opening shots that rallies are often over in a flash. Occasionally the play did venture away from the Table and at no time was there ever more than a few points between the two players. It was Eren Gozcu who finally sealed victory in four pulsating  ends : 12-10, 10-12, 15-13, 16-14. The score line tells its own story. Eren follows Ugur Saglik in being the second successive winner from Colchester University.

The Chelmsford League Committee were delighted that the Deputy Mayor - Councillor Janette Potter was in attendance together with her Escort – Mrs. Gillian Smith.

Steve Kerns Press & Publicity Officer Chelmsford District Table Tennis League

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Press Report Issued on 9 February 2020

Alex Abbott – undefeated in 13 matches

Maldon A – runaway leaders in division one of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League took two more steps towards retaining their title. Alex Abbott their leading player was instrumental on both occasions and his record of 39 singles wins out of 39 speaks for itself. He has been the model of consistency. Maldon A beat Liberal 6-4 with the standout win here being Simon Webber’s fine 7-11, 11-3, 11-7, 11-5 victory over Trevor Lloyd. Maldon A also beat Writtle A 9-1. Lee McHugh was on target here for Writtle with a 10-12, 11-9, 11-4 11-9 win over John Poysden. McHugh also led Alex Abbott 2-1 before succumbing 11-9, 7-11,13-11, 4-11, 8-11. Danbury B did well to beat Liberal 6-4. Simon Webber was undefeated although he had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Cameron Gray 11-8, 11-9, 4-11, 9-11, 11-9. Webber produced a strong performance to beat Sam Lowman 7-11, 11-4, 11-6, 11-3. Chelmsford A ran out 6-4 winners against a two-man OCs A team. Paul Lucas won his three singles and this included a 11-6, 11-3, 13-5, 11-9 win over Casey Cross.

The leaders OCs B turned in a strong performance in division two to beat Hatfield Peverel A 9-1. Even more impressively this win was achieved without David Cole. Kevin Worthington, Stephen Northcott and Trevor Carter were all undefeated in their singles. Northcott fought back form 2-0 down to get the better of Gareth Davies 4-11, 9-11, 13-11, 11-3, 12-10. Second placed Writtle B were also on top form and they beat Danbury D 10-0. Paul Sturton, Gary Cattermole and Phil Smith carried all before them. Maldon B came out on top 7-3 in the Club derby against Maldon C. Ciaran Whelan was undefeated and this included a 11-7, 11-7, 10-12, 6-11, 11-6 victory over Thomas Page – one of the stars of this year’s Chelmsford Closed Championships.

There were three drawn games this week in division three, testimony to the evenly matched nature of the division. Danbury G drew 5-5 with Danbury F. Nicky Reece-Ford won his three singles downing the challenges of Terry Hyland (11-4, 12-10, 11-6), John Robinson (11-8, 11-4, 11-8) and Keith Flowers (13-11, 11-7, 11-7). It was honours even between Hatfield Peverel C and Danbury H as well. Martin Archie was unbeaten for Hatfield Peverel whilst newcomer Sanjay Saptarshi and the very promising Jenson Davis both won twice for Danbury. Archie beat Davis 8-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-8. Saptarshi fought back strongly in the last game of the evening to beat Phil Shippen 10-12, 12-10, 7-11, 11-4, 11-3. Rob Kneale was undefeated as Danbury J shared the points with Danbury H. Kneale beat Jean Chasmer (6-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-5), Dave Hancox (11-6, 11-9, 11-4) and Eamon Hall (11-9, 11-9, 11-4). OCs D are second and they beat Writtle D 6-4 – good going as all three OCs players lost to Trevor Collin. Chelmsford E ran out 7-3 winners over OCs E. Another hugely promising Junior Harry Buckle was undefeated for Chelmsford. He beat Richard Baxter, the best of the OCs players - 8-11, 11-6, 11-6, 11-3.

Galleywood C made it 14 wins out of 14 in division four. They lead the way with 103 points. Andy Hanlon and Charlie Craig – yet another vastly improved Junior were both undefeated in their 7-3 win against Writtle E. Craig scored impressive wins over Neil Thompson (9-11, 11-8, 11-5, 4-11, 11-4), Alan Offord (11-5, 11-5, 11-6) and Dave Moles (12-10, 11-5, 11-6). OCs F gave nothing away as they beat OCs F 10-0. Farooq Ahmed came out on top 8-11, 11-8, 7-11,11-8, 12-10 against Robert Boultwood in the closest game of the night. Galleywood B beat Danbury K 8-2. Bryn Thomas and Colin Blore were both undefeated and in the closest game of the night Nathan Blore fought back from 2-0 down to get the better of Roger Tiffin 5-11, 8-11, 11-9, 11-8, 12-10. Chelmsford H also won 8-2, beating Chelmsford G. Andy Swales and Sarah Austin were both undefeated. It was honours even when Writtle F met Maldon D. David Meah was undefeated for Writtle whist Shirley Carroll and Tom Elder both won twice for Maldon. Shirley Carroll edged her way past Andy Fox 11-9, 11-6, 8-11, 9-11, 11-9.

Highwood B and Highwood A are neck and neck in division five with 104 points from 15 matches. Highwood A missed out 6-4 to OCs H. No player stayed undefeated and the OC duo of Adrian North and Suzanne Shaw and Highwood’s Nicola Pippen and Keith Fitz-John all won twice. Keith Fitz-John beat Adrian North 11-5, 10-12, 7-11, 13-11, 13-11 in the closest game of the night and Steve Pratt sealed the win for OCs H by beating Keith Pallett 13-15, 5-11, 11-7, 14-12, 11-7 in the last game of the evening. Highwood A also beat ARU Rhinos 9-1. Frank Neill and Keith Fitz-John carried all before them. Douglas Bauwah was on target for the Rhinos with a five game win over Melanie Bonnett (8-11, 12-10, 3-11, 13-11, 11-7). The match between Hatfield Peverel E and Chelmsford J finished all square. Rajesh Dewani was unbeaten for Chelmsford whilst John Kuhl won twice for Hatfield Peverel. This included a hard fought 11-5, 11-9, 1-11, 9-11, 11-9 win over Craig Studley. Buttsbury edge home 6-4 against Hatfield Peverel E. Max Samuels led the way with a hat-trick which included a really hard fought 13-15, 11-5, 12-10, 12-14, 12-10 win over Debbie Ginn. Maldon E were 6-4 winners against Danbury L. Roger Warren led the way with a hat-trick and he sealed his team’s win by beating Anne Mills 9-11, 7-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-6 in the last game of the evening. Maldon E added eight points to their tally by beating OCs H 8-2. On this occasion OCs H were only able to field one player and Adrian North did well to beat both Brian Dixon (11-6, 11-9, 11-4) and Kym Eames (11-4, 14-12, 12-10). Adrian North missed out against Roger Warren 4-11, 11-8, 6-11, 10-12. Highwood B ran out 9-1 winners against Hatfield Peverel E. Frank Neill and Dave Cockrell were both undefeated whilst Alastair Brown was on target for the losers with a hard-fought 11-7, 4-11, 6-11, 11-5, 11-9 victory against Martin Goddard. Buttsbury in turn produced a polished performance to beat Chelmsford K 10-0. Frances Hutt, Thomas Krowlikowski and Keith Cullen gave nothing away.

Danbury Dragons and Chelmsford Cougar have both scored a maximum 10 points out of 10 in division 2A of the Chelmsford Junior League. Danbury Dragons (Ben Porter and Alex Porter) gave nothing away against Chelmsford Pumas and Chelmsford Cougars (Sudheep Kamma and Josh Bickles) were similarly dominant against Chelmsford Jaguars. 

Buttsbury Bats were 3-2 winners over Chelmsford Rhinos in division 2B. No single player stayed undefeated and the Buttsbury duo - Ryan Beresford-Cole and George Hagland and the Chelmsford lads – Nikita Tkachuk and Todd Martin all won once. Nikita Tkachuk beat Ryan Beresford-Cole in five ends (11-13, 11-5, 6-11, 11-3, 11-6).

Danbury Griffins are the early leaders in division 2C. They made it eight points out of 10 by beating Writtle Raccoons 4-1. Will Ratcliffe was undefeated whilst Archie Pummell was on target for the Writtle side. He beat Toby Restall 2-11, 11-7, 6-11, 11-7, 12-10. Buttsbury Bulldogs (Harry Hutt and Oscar Hutt) are off to a winning start. They beat Buttsbury Beavers 3-2, good going as Max Samuels won twice for the Beavers. 

Chelmsford Owls (Toby Hart and Luv Goel) are the early leaders in division 2D. They made it a perfect 10 points out of 10 by beating Buttsbury Bees 5-0. Danbury Devils are in second place and they beat Chelmsford Elephants 3-2. William Ratcliffe was unbeaten for the Devils in a close match where four games were decided in the fifth end. Lotte Mills lost twice by the closest possible margin. It was 11-9, 11-7, 4-11,9-11, 9-11 against Jesse Epstein and 6-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-9, 10-12 against Jishant Shah.

The League’s newest division – 2E is underway and Chelmsford Wildcats are the early leaders. Emilie Guilloux and Georgina Riches ran out 5-0 winners against Chelmsford Kestrels. Chelmsford Eagles also made a winning start. They beat Chelmsford Ospreys 3-2. Ruben Sutherland-Moore was undefeated. Chelmsford Kangaroos conclude this week’s report and they ran out 4-1 winners against Chelmsford Wolves. Jeremy Kammall won both of his singles. 

Steve Kerns Press & Publicity Officer Chelmsford District Table Tennis League

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Press Report Issued on 2 February 2020

Three new players in the Mens Singles Semi Finals

The 2020 Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League Closed Championships played at the Hylands School this weekend produced more than its fair share of excitement.  The Group stages in the Mens Singles were no exception. Wudong Liu scored a fine 12-10, 11-7, 11-4 win over the seeded John Poysden whilst Robert Shrimpton defeated another seed - Steve Kerns 6-11, 11-3, 11-5, 11-3. Lee McHugh who could consider himself unlucky not to be seeded found himself in the same group as Duncan Taylor and he pushed the 2018 Champion all the way before succumbing 4-11, 8-11, 11-5, 11-8, 12-10. Josh Bickles – one for the future did well to beat Charles Yeung – 9-11, 4-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-9 and Eren Gozcu had to battle hard to beat Peter Barrett 11-8, 11-7, 19-17.

Top seed Eren Gozcu battled his way through to the Mens Singles Semi Finals on Finals Night. He beat Eric Green 11-9, 9-11, 11-8, 11-6 and in a really high-class Quarter Final he saw off James Denyer (3-11, 16-14, 11-4, 11-6). One commiserates with a player of James Denyer’s standard on having to meet Eren Gozcu at the Quarter Final stage. James Denyer had earlier beaten Lee McHugh (4-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-7). Gozcu will meet Paul Davison on Finals Night. Davison’s renowned backhand was in the groove and he knocked out Reece Seddon 11-4, 8-11, 11-8, 12-14, 11-6 in the Quarter Final. Liam Squirrell and Daniel Young came through the bottom half of the draw. Squirrell defeated Wiktor Delimat (11-4, 11-4, 11-9), Peter Barrett (11-6, 12-10, 11-4) and finally Charles Sweeny (11-6, 11-6, 12-14, 11-5). Sweeny fought back from 2-0 down to beat Trevor Lloyd (6-11, 5-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-7).  Daniel Young, many people’s tip to cause a big surprise in this Tournament didn’t disappoint. The Burnham Mens Singles Champion last year he clearly has the temperament for the big occasion. Daniel Young was a last gasp winner against the hard hitting Simon Webber (11-8, 6-11, 11-13, 11-8, 12-10) and he looked to be on good form as he beat John Poysden (11-5, 9-11, 11-8, 11-5). Poysden had really excelled to defeat Gary Young (12-10, 6-11, 11-9, 11-9). Daniel Young was locked at 2-2 against Duncan Taylor in an enthralling Quarter-Final. Ace defender Duncan stole a 6-3 lead in the decider but it wasn’t enough. Daniel rallied and playing with huge conviction and determination he battled his way through to a superb 11-9, 9-11, 11-9, 4-11, 11-6 victory.  This means that there will be three new protagonists in this year’s Mens Singles Semi-Finals – Eren Gozcu, Liam Squirrell and Daniel Young.    

There will also be two new players in the Ladies Singles Final.  With 22 times Champion Julie Johnson having to withdraw before the day of the event it had an open look to it. This was exacerbated when Sarah Austin beat last year’s runner-up Jan Fuller 11-9, 11-6, 10-12, 11-8 in their Group stage. Nyree Marsh in turn did well to beat Sarah Austin (6-11, 12-10, 11-16, 16-18, 11-9) after a real hum-dinger of a battle.   Nyree Marsh battled her way into Finals Night beating Annabel Sweeney (11-4, 11-7, 11-9) and Melinda Abraham Victor (10-12, 11-4, 11-6, 11-7). Newcomer Weronika Bozek was hotly tipped to do well. She didn’t disappoint.  She beat Sarah Austin 11-3, 11-6, 11-6 and in the Semi-Final she saw off the 2016 and 2017 Champion – the hard-hitting Dawn Baldry (11-8, 10-12, 11-5, 11-3).

The Mens Doubles Final will also feature the all action Eren Gozcu. Paired with Lee McHugh they beat the hard-hitting Paul Davison / Simon Webber (11-6, 11-9, 5-11, 11-8) and in a really explosive Semi-Final they defeated last year’s winners – Liam Squirrell / Reece Seddon (12-10, 8-11,9-11, 11-8, 11-6). They will meet the 2018 Champions – Duncan Taylor and Charles Sweeny in the Final. Charles and Duncan did well to repel the challenge of Gary Young / Daniel Young 11-5, 11-9, 11-6 in the Semi-Final having also beaten Wiktor Delimat / Robert  Shrimpton (11-8, 11-7, 11-9).   

There are new Champions in the Ladies Doubles. Annabel Sweeney / Weronika Bozek beat Nyree Marsh / Melinda Abraham Victor 11-5, 11-4, 11-9 to book their Finals appearance and they beat 2015 Champions Shirley Carroll / Dawn Baldry 11-8, 11-7, 9-11, 11-4 in the Final.  

Top seed Trevor Lloyd, the 2018 Champion booked his Finals Night appearance in the Veterans Singles. He had a smooth run through to the Final beating David Gatheral (11-4, 11-4, 11-9), Dave Moles (11-4, 11-1, 11-4) and Eric Green (11-4, 11-5, 11-6). Dave Moles scored a really eye opening 11-9, 6-11, 4-11, 11-9, 11-6 win over Babul McLeod. Eric Green did well to beat John Poysden 11-6, 15-13, 4-11, 11-9. Lloyd will face Gary Young in the Final. Young beat Victor Chan (11-9, 11-8, 6-11, 11-8), Steve Kerns (11-8. 12-10, 11-9) and in a thrilling Semi-Final Young showed great patience and no shortage  of tactical awareness to beat Duncan Taylor 12-10,11-8, 5-11, 13-11. Taylor had beaten Paul Davison 11-4, 7-11, 11-9, 8-11, 14-12 in the Quarter-Final. The last few points of this match were the most compelling of the whole weekend.

Gary Young / Paul Davison made no mistake in the Veterans Doubles. They powered through to the title beating Neil Freeman / Michael Johnson (11-5,11-8, 11-7), Steve Whiteley / Eric Green (11-6, 11-8, 13-11) and they produced a flawless display to win the Final 11-7, 11-6, 11-7 against John Poysden / Trevor Lloyd. The Lloyd / Poysden pairing came through a widely fluctuating Semi Final 11-4, 5-11, 4-11, 11-3, 11-5 against a new pairing Steve Kerns / Duncan Taylor.

Steve Kerns is the Over 50s Singles Champion. He faced a tricky Group stage examination by Victor Chan and fell well short losing 10-12, 5-11, 3-11. More on Victor Chan later.  Steve Kerns, pumped up by this early reverse then battled through four very close games to win his first Chelmsford Singles title. Kerns beat Eric Green (9-11, 12-10, 10-12, 11-3, 11-7) and Ian Whiteside (15-13, 11-9, 12-10). Kerns trailed John Poysden, the 2015 Champion 7-3 in the fourth end in the Semi Final but he kept his nerve to sneak home 9-11, 11-9, 6-11, 11-8, 11-9. In the other half of the draw Victor Chan beat Charles Yeung 11-7, 11-2, 12-10 and then sensationally top seed Trevor Lloyd (11-7, 11-9, 9-11, 7-11, 11-5). Chan finally missed out 10-12, 11-13, 8-11 against Babul McLeod. McLeod, a three times Champion in this event had impressed with a 11-4, 11-4, 11-2 win over Mike Johnston and a 11-7, 11-6, 11-6 win over Gareth Joice. Kerns took a 2-1 lead in the Final against McLeod courtesy of a marathon 18-16 third game but he was outplayed in the fourth end and trailed 7-3 in the decider. One last massive effort was required and Kerns managed to haul himself back into contention to win 3-11, 11-8, 18-16,4-11, 11-9.

Trevor Lloyd, the holder - retained his Over 60s Singles title. He showed his class beating Babul McLeod 11-5, 11-4, 11-9 in the Semi-Final and he held off Eric Green 11-9, 11-5, 6-11, 5-11, 11-4 in the Final. Eric Green defeated John Poysden 11-6, 2-11, 12-10, 2-11, 13-11 in a thrilling Semi-Final.

Daniel Young, as befits his status as a Mens Singles Semi Finalist was a very heavy favourite in the Junior Boys Singles. To his credit he showed no intention of taking any opponent lightly. Young showed his class beating four players who are all making their mark. He beat Sudheep Kamma (11-5, 11-6, 11-7), Harry Buckle (11-8, 11-6, 11-7), Ben Porter (11-7, 11-7, 11-6) and in the Final Thomas Page 13-11, 11-6, 11-8. Ben Porter booked his Semi-Final appearance by beating James Donald after a thrilling Quarter Final encounter (9-11, 11-9, 11-9, 2-11, 11-9).  Thomas Page beat Josh Bickles 15-13, 9-11, 11-8, 10-12, 11-9 in his Semi-Final – another contender for the most dramatic match of the weekend.   

In the Under 16 Singles Daniel Young was again the player to beat and he again showed his opponents who was boss. He defeated Todd Martin (11-4,11-6, 11-8), Sam Mortimer-Ford (11-7, 11-4, 11-9), Josh Bickles (11-5, 11-6,7-11, 11-5) and in the Final Sudheep Kamma (11-7, 11-2, 11-8). Sudheep Kamma had disposed of Nikita Tkachuk (11-6, 12-14,11-3, 11-8), Saul Chivers (11-8, 11-7, 9-11, 11-8) and James Donald after a really hard fought match (11-9, 15-13, 9-11, 5-11, 15-13).

The standard in the Under 14 Singles was of a really high level. James Donald – who missed out so narrowly in the Under 16 Singles and Junior Boys Singles made no mistake this time. He took the title  with convincing wins over Elliot Gardiner (11-3, 11-6, 11-4), Jishkut Shah (11-3, 11-0, 11-5) and Sudheep Kamma (11-2,11-6, 11-6). James Donald was also in control in the Final beating Jenson Davis 11-3, 11-4, 11-9. The hugely promising Jenson Davis had impressed by beating Joshua Bickles (14-12, 11-7, 11-9) and Ben Porter (13-11,11-7, 11-4).  

There was a minor upset in the Junior Doubles. Second seeds – Charlie Craig and Harry Buckle took the title by beating the holders – Daniel Young / Aidan Noguchi in the Final. They ran out narrow 13-11, 12-10, 11-7 winners.  Charlie Craig / Harry Buckle beat Ben Porter / Sam Mortimer-Ford 11-9, 11-8, 6-11, 11-9 in their Semi Final after Porter / Mortimer-Ford had seen off Sudheep Kamma / Joshua Bickles really narrowly (11-6, 8-11, 11-9, 8-11, 12-10) a round earlier. Dan Young / Aidan Noguchi booked their place in the Final by beating James Donald / Nyree Marsh 11-7,11-7, 11-5.

Nyree Marsh retained her Junior Girls Singles title. She beat Melinda Abraham Victor 11-5, 11-9, 16-14 in the Final having seen off Annabel Sweeney 7-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-8 in the Semi Final. Melinda battled her way to the Final by beating Alesha Ellis-Austin 9-11, 14-12, 11-7, 11-7.  

Sunday’s play was dominated by the four Divisional events. Gareth Joice who was third seed emerged as the winner of the Division two Singles. He looked to be in good form beating Neil Freeman 11-5, 11-7, 11-5 and in the Semi Final he beat David Gatheral by a last gasp 11-5, 11-7, 7-11, 9-11, 12-10 margin. Gatheral had previously ousted the top seed Ciaran Whelan 11-3, 10-12,11-8, 11-3. In the other half of the draw Thomas Page scored a superb 11-5, 14-12, 11-6 win over second seed Paul Sturton. Rod MacLennan made his mark with a fine 11-8, 5-11, 10-12,11-9, 11-9 win over Saturday’s “giant killer” Victor Chan.  The final went to five ends and it was Gareth Joice who emerged as the winner 11-7, 12-10, 7-11, 10-12, 11-5 against the hard hitting Thomas Page.  

David Gatheral came into his own in the Division three singles. He beat Trevor Collin 11-5, 11-8, 11-6 and then Eamon Hall (11-3, 5-11, 11-6, 11-8) and he annexed the title with a 11-4, 11-6, 11-8 win over Mark Glenister. Full marks to Glenister who battled his way through to the Final with five game wins over Andy Hanlon (11-8, 8-11, 7-11, 11-5, 11-3), Jenson Davis (11-9, 6-11, 11-8, 11-13, 11-9) and Ken Sheard (16-14,9-11, 11-6, 9-11, 11-9). A very hard fought run through to the Final indeed.

The Division four singles didn’t go to plan. Takunda Nerutanga battled his way through to the Final with wins over Neil Thompson (11-9, 11-3, 11-6), Mark Glenister (11-9, 11-8, 11-8) and top seed James Donald (11-5, 11-6, 9-11, 11-7) but he met his match against Denis Crapnell in the Final. Crapnell ran out a 11-4, 11-7, 11-9 winner. Crapnell survived a major scare in the first round where he only overcame Will Goodchild 5-11, 11-7, 5-11, 11-5, 11-9 although he cruised past Alex Tkachuk (11-5, 11-4, 11-7) and Andy Hanlon (11-6, 11-4, 11-3).  

Rising star Joshua Bickles is the Division five Singles Champion. He defeated Takunda Nerutanga 11-5, 9-11, 11-9, 8-11, 11-8 in a tense Final having beaten newcomer Mike Lucey 11-6., 11-8, 11-7 in the Semi-Final.  Takunda Nerutanga beat Sudheep Kamma 11-5,11-9, 8-11, 11-9 to book his Final appearance having needed five ends to get the better of Melinda Abraham Victor a round earlier (11-9, 11-7, 8-11, 7-11, 11-3).

The Under 21 Singles had to be held over from Saturday. The Final will be held on Finals Night and it will be between Thomas Page and Daniel Young. Thomas Page won his Semi-Final 6-11,11-6, 14-12, 11-9 against Harry Buckle whilst Daniel Young saw off James Donald (9-11,11-7, 11-7, 11-6) and Vineeth Kamma (11-4, 11-1, 11-7).

The Mixed Doubles saw a number of pairings pull out after the event couldn’t be completed on the Saturday. Two new pairings Lee McHugh / Weronika Bozek and Steve Kerns / Sarah Austin will contest the Final on Finals Night.

It was no surprise that the Handicap Singles Final was fought out by two of the League’s top Junior talents. James Donald eventually captured the title with a really hard-fought victory against Joshua Bickles in the Final (21-19, 19-21, 21-17). James Donald had previously left a whole stream of players in his wake with a series of 2-0 wins. Donald beat Sarah Austin (21-15, 21-16), Neil Freeman (21-15,21-11), Colin Barham (21-13, 21-14) and Nyree Marsh (21-19, 21-19). His Semi-Final against Sudheep Kamma couldn’t have been closer and James won 15-21, 21-18, 22-20. Joshua Bickles also impressed massively. He beat Jordan Corbett (22-20, 17-21, 21-17), Annabel Sweeney (21-15, 21-1&), Eamon Hall (21-6, 21-7) and Lee McHugh (21-13, 21-19). Lee McHugh beat Thomas Page by a last gasp 21-18, 16-21, 22-20 margin.

Joshua Bickles / Will Goodhild are the Handicap Doubles Champions. They captured the title by beating Alex Tkachuk / Sudheep Kamma in a well contested Final 21-13, 18-21,21-18.

The League’s Junior Handicap Tournament hasn’t been completed and a report of that event will follow in due course.

All players are reminded that Finals Night takes place on Monday 10 February 2020 at Old Chelmsfordians Association, Roxwell Road at 19.30 hours. Admission is free. It’s a great chance to watch the League’s best players close hand.

Steve Kerns Press & Publicity Officer Chelmsford District Table Tennis League

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Press Report Issued on 26 January 2020

Gary Young can't prevent defeat for Danbury A in Division 1

In the first division there was a defeat for second placed Danbury A who lost 6-4 to Chelmsford B. Gary Young was undefeated for Danbury A whilst Robert Shrimpton, Mark Allaway and Simon Jarvis all won twice for Chelmsford. Mark Allaway excelled, beating Steve Whiteley 11-9, 11-8, 8-11, 4-11, 12-10. A strong Rawreth side ran out 8-2 winners against Liberal. Liam Squirrell and Charles Sweeny were both undefeated. Newcomer Steven Marr did well to beat Steve Pennell 11-6, 10-12, 13-11, 11-5 whilst Pennell pushed Liam Squirrell all the way before succumbing 11-6, 4-11, 8-11, 11-6, 9-11.    Galleywood A, reinforced with the inclusion of Peter Radford ran out 7-3 winners against Danbury B. Radford completed his hat-trick with a 10-12, 12-14, 14-12, 11-8, 11-7 win over the improving Sam Lowman. Dan Anderson made his mark with a fine 11-6, 11-9, 2-11, 9-11, 12-10 victory over Peter Barrett.

A mere seven points separate the top five sides in division two. Danbury C fell back. They lost 6-4 to Chelmsford D who were bolstered by newcomer James Liddiard who won his three singles. Liddiard competed his hat-trick by beating Gus Heath 11-13, 11-3, 6-11, 11-4, 11-4. He also beat Ian Whiteside 11-2, 11-9, 6-11, 13-11. OCs C did very well to draw with Maldon B – their best performance of the Season. Ciaran Whelan won his three singles for Maldon but OCs C produced a very good team performance to secure a draw. Charles Yeung beat both Colin Napper (7-11, 15-13, 11-8, 11-5) and Steve Scholz (7-11, 11-5, 1-16, 12-14, 11-9). John Newman also impressed. He defeated Steve Scholz 7-11, 8-11, 11-4,11-6, 11-1. Gary Ward led Writtle C to a 7-3 win over Hatfield  Peverel A. Ward secured his hat-trick with a  hard-fought 11-9, 13-11, 2-11, 5-11, 11-7 win over Neil Freeman. Maldon C did well to beat the higher placed Danbury D. Jan Fuller and Thomas Page – two players who will be hoping to make their mark at the Tournament both scored hat-tricks. Jan Fuller beat Tony Forster 11-9, 11-6, 9-11, 9-11, 11-9 in the last game of the night. In the battle of the top two sides Writtle B shared the points with OCs B. Kevin Worthington was on “stand-out” form for the Old Chelmsfordians side. He powered home 11-8, 11-7, 11-8 against Gary Cattermole. In what looks to have been the pick of the night’s action Gary Cattermole edged it : 5-11, 11-7, 12-10, 10-12, 11-9 against Trevor Carter.

Writtle D jumped into third place in division three, courtesy of their 9-1 win over OCs E. Dave Carter and Trevor Collin both bagged hat-tricks. They repeated the feat with a 9-1 victory against Danbury F. Newcomer Arron Chandler won his three singles. Terry Hyland did well to beat Dave Carter 11-6, 15-13, 11-8 for the losers.  OCs D are second and they won 8-2 against Danbury F. Mick Richardson and Dave Porter were both unbeaten. Porter did well to beat Dave Marsh 11-2, 6-11, 11-9, 11-9. Chelmsford E (Harry Buckle, Vineeth Kamma and Dave Parker) ran out 6-4 winners against Hatfield Peverel C – good going as Nick Duce was undefeated for the Hatfield Peverel team. Harry Buckle secured the Chelmsford E victory with an impressive 11-3, 11-4, 11-7 win over Guy McKenzie. Rob Kneale was unbeaten for Danbury J, who beat Danbury G 7-3. Maurice Hardy won the most widely fluctuating of five setters against Richard Allen 11-8, 8-11, 3-11, 11-1, 15-13.   

Second placed Chelmsford H romped to a 10-0 win in division four against Chelmsford F. Andy Swales, Matthew Odiase and Sarah Austin were all undefeated, Matthew Odiase set Chelmsford on their way with a hard-fought 5-11, 13-11, 12-10,  11-9 win over Rev Matthews. Chelmsford G were almost as emphatic. Adi Kamma, Sudheep Kamma and Luke Richardson ran out 9-1 winners against OCs G. Galleywood C stay top and their leading player - the inform Charlie Craig (91 %) was again outstanding. He powered his way past Ian Hockley (78 %) – the best of the Writtle E players 11-4, 11-4, 11-7. Hockley made his mark with a 8-11, 12-10, 11-9, 11-7 victory over Mark Glenister. Galleywood C ran out 7-3 winners.  Galleywood C also beat OCs F 6-4. Gary Copsey replaced Charlie Craig this time and he won his three singles. Robert Boultwood beat Aidan Noguchi 9-11, 11-7, 11-5, 9-11, 12-10 in the closest game of the evening.   It was a good week for the Galleywood teams, and Galleywood B won 8-2. Bryn Thomas and Colin Blore were both undefeated against Maldon D.  Danbury K beat OCs F 7-3 in a match where Denis Balic and Alan Scammell both won their three singles.    

Highwood A were the week’s big winners in division five and their 10-0 win over Danbury L means they have drawn level with Highwood B on 97 points. Nicola Pippen, Melanie Bonnett and Keith Fitz-John carried before them. Keith Fitz-John was locked at 2-2 against Norman Hayes but he powered home in the fifth end to win 11-4, 9-11, 13-11, 8-11, 11-1. Highwood B lost 3-7 to a very strong ARU Rhinos side. Nika Bozek and Takunda Nerutanga were both undefeated with Nika making it 18 wins out of 18 for the Season.  Chelmsford J produced a strong performance to beat Hatfield Peverel D 8-2. Rajesh Dewan and Craig Studley were both undefeated. Rajesh Dewan did well to beat Richard Drozd 11-8, 11-7, 9-11, 7-11, 11-8. Hatfield Peverel D in turn ran out 7-3 winners against Hatfield Peverel E. Mick Carter led the way with a hat-trick. Phil West did well to beat Richard Drozd in five ends (8-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-9, 11-7).   Hatfield Peverel also managed to win, and they beat Chelmsford K 6-4. Phil West scored a hat-trick and he beat Cristina Licuta (5-11, 11-8, 8-11,11-7, 11-4) to seal his third success of the night.

The Chelmsford Junior League has kicked off again with a separate mini-Season. Danbury Dragons moved straight into top place in Junior division 2A with a 5-0 win over Chelmsford Jaguars. Ben Porter and Jenson Davis were both undefeated. Expect them to do well at the Chelmsford Championships. Danbury Demons also made a winning start. Sam Mortimer-Ford led them to a 3-2 win over Chelmsford Pumas. Joachin Mapes prevailed in five ends against Finley Wheeler (11-9, 11-6, 7-11, 7-11, 11-8).

Chelmsford Leopards beat Chelmsford Rhinos 3-2 in Junior division 2B after Cleon Fernandes had beaten both Ben Chivers (8-11, 12-10, 9-11, 11-5, 11-5) and Alesha Ellis-Austin (11-8, 11-9, 11-4). Chelmsford Antelopes ran out 4-1 winners against Buttsbury Bats. The doubles looks to have been the pick of the action and George Bilbao / Todd Martin ran out 11-6, 11-8, 9-11, 8-11, 11-6 winners against Ryan Beresford Cole and George Hagland.

Danbury Griffins (Elliot Gardiner and Dan Wise) are the early leaders in Junior division 2C. They beat Buttsbury Beavers 4-1 in a match which Dan Wise dominated. He beat George Standish (11-7, 11-6, 11-7) and Aidan Tucker (11-3, 11-6, 11-3). OCs Lions shaded a close match 3-2 against Writtle Dragons. Tom Bird was unbeaten for the Old Chelmsfordians side and he sneaked home 6-11, 12-10, 9-11, 11-7, 12-10 after five pulsating ends against Ollie Plaw.

Chelmsford Owls were “out of the blocks quickly” in Junior division 2D. Toby Hart and James Finlay carried all before them, beating Chelmsford Elephants 5-0. Toby Hart encountered stern resistance from Nathan Tew but he emerged as a five game winner (9-11, 3-11, 11-5, 11-3, 11-5).  Danbury Devils ran out 4-1 winners against Chelmsford Tigers. Callum Caldwell was undefeated whilst Toby Hart did well to beat Dominic Kirk (9-11, 13-11, 11-5, 11-8) for the losers

Steve Kerns Press & Publicity Officer Chelmsford District Table Tennis League

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Press Report - issued on 26  January 2020

Preview of Individual Championships - Eren Gozcu is the player to beat

It’s that time of the year again, The 2020 Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League Individual Championships have attracted an impressive 126 entries and 53 of those players are Juniors.  Action kicks off at 19.00 hours on Friday evening (31 January 2020) at Hylands School, Chelmsford (Sherwood Drive entrance) and continues late into Saturday night (for a scheduled 21.40 hours finish) and all the way into Sunday evening. Admission is free and it is hoped that many former players will pop in over the weekend.

The blue riband event as always is the Mens Singles and the favourite this year is newcomer Eren Gozcu, the highest nationally ranked player in the field. 2018 Champion, ace defender Duncan Taylor is seeded second whilst the Maldon County Over 60s stars John Poysden and Trevor Lloyd are seeded third and fourth. Other players to look out for include the younger up and coming stars – James Denyer, Liam Squirrell, Reece Seddon and Daniel Young. Players who are also seeded to win their Groups include Babul McLeod, Charles Sweeny, Steve Kerns, Gary Young, Paul Davison and Eric Green. The trio of Lee McHugh, Simon Jarvis and Peter Barrett can consider themselves unlucky not to be seeded and will be out to prove a point. Notable absentees include last year’s Champion Ugur Saglik, 2012 and 2013 Champion Alex Abbott, four times Champion David Cole as well as Paul Lucas, Casey Cross, Sam Lowman and Terry Dowsett. This year the groups will only be made up of three players instead of four players in an attempt to shave two hours off a heavy playing schedule. Two players qualify from each Group. The composition of the groups invariably makes interesting reading and Groups one, two and eleven stand out. In Group one James Denyer faces Simon Webber and Dan Anderson whilst Group two pairs John Poysden, Ian Whiteside and Wudong Liu. Group 11 could be the pick of the action. Duncan Taylor is up against Lee McHugh and Victor Chan.

The Ladies Singles features four outstanding players. 22 times Champion Julie Johnson will be looking to add to her total and she faces stiff opposition from last year’s runner-up Jan Fuller, 2016 and 2017 Champion Dawn Baldry and newcomer Nika Bozek (who is undefeated in division five and looks to have several more gears at her disposal).

The Mens Doubles is often a pretty open event but last year’s Champions Reece Seddon / Liam Squirrell will be very hard to beat. John Poysden / Trevor Lloyd are seeded second.  Lee McHugh / Eren Gozcu and 2018 Champions Charles Sweeny / Duncan Taylor are the joint no. three seeds. Julie Johnson / Jan Fuller will be looking to win the Ladies Doubles for the fourth year in a row and their Final opponents should be 2015 Champions Dawn Baldry / Shirley Carroll. New pairing Julie Johnson / Gary Young are the top seeds in the Mixed Doubles and they are expected to face another new pairing Eren Gozcu / Nyree Marsh in the Final. Others to look out for include Liam Squirrell /Annabel Sweeney and Lee McHugh / Nika Bozek.

The Veterans events (Over 40 s Singles and Doubles) take place on Friday Night. Trevor Lloyd is top seed in the Over 40s Singles and he is due to play Duncan Taylor in the Final. John Poysden and Gary Young are seeded to reach the last four. Other seeds include Eric Green, Steve Kerns, Babul McLeod and Paul Davison. John Poysden / Trevor Lloyd are the top seeds in the Veterans Doubles and they are due to meet Gary Young / Paul Davison in the Final. The number of entrants in the Over 50 Singles – 22 is the same as in the Veterans Singles. Trevor Lloyd and John Poysden are the players to beat as well as 2014, 2017 and 2018 Champion Babul McLeod. The standard in the Over 60s Singles is very high with Trevor Lloyd, John Poysden, Eric Green and Babul McLeod all seeded to win their Groups.

The Finalists in the Under 21 Singles get to appear on Finals Night. Eren Gozcu is the favourite with Liam Squirrell seeded second. Group one should be very competitive. Daniel Young meets Nika Bozek and Thomas Page.

Daniel Young, an established member of the County Junior first team is a strong favourite to win the Junior Boys Singles with Thomas Page seeded to meet him in the Final. In a very competitive event Sudheep Kamma and James Donald are seeded to reach the Semi-Finals. The six other players who are seeded to win their Groups are Aidan Noguchi, Harry Buckle, Joshua Bickles, Sam Mortimer-Ford, Charlie Craig and Ben Porter.   Daniel Young is also the top seed in the Under 16 Singles, an event which has attracted a larger entry than the Junior Boys Singles. He is due to play the very promising James Donald in the Final with Sudheep Kamma and Joshua Bickles due to reach the Semi-Finals. The entry in the Under 14 Singles is also top class and this time James Donald is the favourite and he is seeded to meet Ben Porter in the Final. Joshua Bickles and Sudheep Kamma are again expected to contest the Semi-Finals. Others who are very capable of making their mark include Ben Porter, Harry Chivers, Jenson Davis, Oliver Cheung, Todd Martin and Charles Donald, The favourites in the Under 17 Doubles are Daniel Young / Aidan Noguchi with Charlie Craig / Harry Buckle seeded at no. two. Nyree Marsh / James Donald and Ben Porter / Sam Mortimer-Ford are expected to be contest the Semi-Finals. The Chelmsford Club have provided all the entries in the Junior Girls Singles and Essex Champion Nyree Marsh is due to play the player she beat in the Essex Final – Annabel Sweeney, again in the Final here.

Sunday’s play consists of the Divisional Singles and Handicap Singles and Doubles events. Ciaran Whelan is the top seed in the Division two Singles and he is seeded to meet Paul Sturton in the Final with Thomas Page and Gareth Joice expected to contest the Semi-Finals. David Gatheral is the favourite in the Division three Singles with Trevor Collin seeded second. This event is better supported than the Division two Singles and other potential Group winners include James Donald, Eamon Hall, Ken Sheard, Andy Hanlon, Ewan Hynd and Nick Duce. The Division four Singles is also well supported and this time James Donald starts as favourite. He is expected to play Andy Hanlon in the Final with Mark Glenister and Denis Crapnell due to reach the last four. Group two whets the appetite. Adi Kamma takes on Aidan Noguchi and Kevin Willis. Takunda Nerutanga is the player to beat in the Division five Singles and he is due to play newcomer Mike Lucey in the Final. Martin Goddard and Will Kwan are seeded to reach the Semi-Finals.    

Best of luck to all players taking part.

Steve Kerns Press & Publicity Officer Chelmsford District Table Tennis League

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Press Report - issued on 19  January 2020

Top class win for Lee McHugh

Third-placed Chelmsford A have utilised the services of 10 players this year in division one of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League. Pleasingly they have given young improving players the chance to experience life in the top division. Chelmsford A turned out a strong side against Writtle A and won 8-2. Casey Cross won his three singles but Lee McHugh impressed for Writtle. In what was the pick of the night’s action McHugh beat James Denyer 10-12, 13-11, 11-9, 2-11, 11-9 – a very good win in anyone’s book.  McHugh also lost to newcomer Bogdan Voitashyk 11-13, 6-11, 11-9, 8-11.  Voitashyk in turn had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Ryan Pitt 8-11, 8-11, 15-13, 11-8, 11-9. A totally different Chelmsford A side beat a two player Liberal team 6-4. Andrew Huckson was undefeated for Liberal and this included a really hard fought 9-11, 11-7, 8-11, 11-7, 12-10 victory against the hugely promising Harry Buckle. Richard Jennings impressed by getting the better of Shirish Basant Rai 11-4, 11-8, 10-12, 11-7. Writtle A fielded 2018 Chelmsford Mens Singles Champion Duncan Taylor against Chelmsford C and they won 6-4. Taylor stayed undefeated and he received excellent support from Richard Storey who beat both Wiktor Delimat (11-7, 11-9, 8-11, 11-9) and Mike Johnston (7-11, 7-11, 11-9, 11-6, 11-4).  Chelmsford C in turn drew 5-5 with a two man OCs A team. Terry Dowsett held the OCs team together beating Rajeev Mehta (11-4, 11-6, 11-7), Wiktor Delimat (11-7, 10-12, 11-3, 10-12, 11-4) and Cristian Bernado (11-8, 11-9, 11-5). The inform Alex Abbott made it 33 wins out of 33 as Maldon A scored their twelfth win of the Season by beating Galleywood A 7-3. Peter Barrett prevailed 4-11, 11-8, 5-11, 11-7, 12-10 in a furious five setter against John Poysden.  Chelmsford B edged home 6-4 against Danbury B. The hard-hitting Simon Jarvis (67 %) remained undefeated and he powered home 11-4, 11-6, 11-4 against Sam Lowman (70 %). Lowman beat Robert Shrimpton in five ends (15-13, 11-7, 7-11, 8-11, 11-4).

OCs B were the big winners in division two. Kevin Worthington, Steve Northcott and Dave Cole ran out 10-0 winners over Maldon C. Brian Riedling put up a superb showing against Dave Cole before succumbing 9-11, 11-7, 9-11, 11-9, 9-11. Maldon B did well to beat Chelmsford D 8-2.   Mervyn Perriman led the way with wins over Jarek Pietraszuk (11-8, 12-10, 11-5), Harry Buckle (11-6, 6-11, 11-3, 9-11, 11-5) and Rev Matthews (11-9, 11-8, 11-3). Jarek Pietraszuk scored a fine 11-6, 5-11, 12-10, 11-8 win Ciaran Whelan. Danbury D beat OCs C 7-3. Tim Cramphorn starred with three wins including a 11-8, 4-11, 11-2, 11-6 success over Gareth Joice.   

Division three produced two clear-cut wins. Leaders Danbury E saw off Chelmsford E 9-1 with David Gatheral and Tim Pulham both scoring hat-tricks. Chelmsford E had to wait until the last game of the night to get their name in the plus column. It was well worth the wait and Dave Parker scored a fine 15-13, 11-8, 11-4 win over Ken Sheard. Hatfield Peverel C were 8-2 winners against OCs E. Martin Archie and Nick Duce were both undefeated. Martin  Archie completed his hat-trick of wins  by defeating John Newman 11-9, 11-9, 11-13, 8-11, 11-9 in  a really hard-fought “Grand finale” to the evening. The match between Danbury J and OCs D finished tied at 5-5. No one player stayed undefeated but no one went home empty handed either. Dave Goody earned Danbury a share of the points by beating Mick Hayes 11-4, 11-5, 9-11, 4-11, 11-5 in a fluctuating last game of the evening. Dave Porter fought back from 2-1 down to get the better of Rob Kneale 6-11, 11-6, 6-11, 11-4, 11-7.

Galleywood C are storming away with division four. They made it 12 wins out of 12 by beating Galleywood B 7-3. Charlie Craig was undefeated and when he faced Colin Blore he didn’t put a foot wrong, Craig powered home 11-7, 11-2, 11-2.  In his other two singles Blore showed how impressive this was. He beat Gary Copsey 11-8, 11-9, 11-4 and Mark Glenister 11-9, 11-9, 8-11, 9-11, 14-12. Chelmsford H are second and they beat OCs G 6-4. Andy Swales led the way with a hat-trick. He beat Robert Boultwood (11-8, 11-7, 11-4), Amanda Hogger (7-11, 11-5, 11-4, 11-9) and David Bishop (9-11, 11-8, 11-6, 11-9). Writtle E ran out 8-2 winners against Chelmsford F. Malcolm Storey and Ian  Hockley both bagged hat-tricks. Storey sent Writtle E on their way with a narrow 7-11, 11-8, 11-5, 6-11, 11-8 win over Rev Matthews in the first game of the evening. OCs F stay third and they beat Maldon D 8-2. Richard Upson and  Farooq Ahmed were both undefeated. Farooq Ahmed secured his third win of the evening by beating Shirley Carroll 9-11, 11-5, 7-11, 11-6, 11-5. Robert Boultwood prevailed in the closest game of the night : 8-11, 11-7, 6-11, 11-7, 13-11 against Bryan Speller. The match between Chelmsford G and Danbury K finished tied at 5-5. Kevin Wilis was undefeated for Danbury K. He beat Jason Clark (11-6, 11-9, 11-8), Alex Tachuk (11-8, 11-7, 12-10) and Adi Kamma (11-6, 11-7, 11-8).

Highwood B have regained the lead in division five by one point. But Highwood A who have a match in hand are in the driving seat. Martin Goddard’s hat-trick gave them the ascendency against Danbury L who they beat 6-4. Paul Thirkettle did well for the losers.  He beat Russell Downton 11-9, 11-6, 9-11, 11-6 and Frank Neill 11-13, 11-9, 12-14, 11-8, 11-5.  Buttsbury and Danbury L drew 5-5. 12 year-old Ollie Barrett’s hat-trick stood out. He won all three games in the fifth end. He beat Norman Hayes 8-11, 7-11, 13-11, 11-9, 11-9 (a great advertisement for the Sport where two players with a 73 year age differential produce such a close game) and then Ken Wilding (13-11, 7-11, 11-7, 9-11, 11-12). He completed a memorable evening with a 7-11, 11-8, 2-11, 11-8, 11-2 win over Anne Mills. Buttsbury beat ARU Rhinos 6-4. Tomas Krolikowski, Frances Hutt and Keith Cullen all won twice although they all missed out to Nika Bozek who retained her 100 % record. One strongly suspects that Nika may have a couple of gears left at her disposal !. Chelmsford J (Craig Studley, Will Kwan and Rajesh Dewan) ran out comfortable 9-1 winners against Maldon E. Brian Dixon impressed for Maldon by beating Will Kwan 12-10, 11-3, 8-11, 12-10. Maldon E also lost 8-2 to Hatfield Peverel D. Andy Whiley and Richard Drozd were both undefeated. Andy Whiley fought back from 2-1 down to get the better of Rob Sach 11-9, 12-14, 6-11, 11-7, 11-8. Chelmsford K ran out 6-4 winners against Hatfield Peverel F. Jacqui Smith and Matthew O’Diase were both undefeated. League stalwart  Alastair Brown fought back from 2-0 down to get the better of Ray Booty 2-11, 9-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-4.     

Next week’s report will feature a detailed review of the Chelmsford Championships which take place over the weekend of Friday 31 January 2020 to Sunday 02 February 2020 at Hylands School.

Steve Kerns Press & Publicity Officer Chelmsford District Table Tennis League

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Press Report - issued on 12 January 2020

Two excellent wins for Simon Jarvis

Maldon A made it 11 wins out of 11 in the top division of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League by beating Chelmsford B 8-2. Their leading player Alex Abbott enjoyed another unbeaten night to make it 30 singles wins out of 30.  The hard-hitting Simon Jarvis (63 %) excelled for the losers and he beat both Trevor Lloyd (5-11, 4-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-6) and John Poysden (12-10, 11-6, 12-10), Two very good wins. In an evenly contested division it is perhaps surprising to see Chelmsford B in bottom place and they will be keen to extricate themselves from this position. Second placed Danbury A trail Maldon a by 19 points and they took full advantage of the fact that OCs A were a player short  to win 9-1. Gary Young and Eric Green were both undefeated. Eric Green impressed by beating Dan Berry (11-8, 11-1, 11-8) and Terry Dowsett  (11-5, 11-4, 7-11, 12-10). Galleywood A fielded new signing Peter Radford against a two player Rawreth side and they took full advantage winning 8-2. Radford (currently ranked no four nationally at Over 70s level) was undefeated whilst Kim Shead did well for the Southend side. He beat James  Hicks (11-9, 9-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-7) and Peter Barrett (11-6, 13-11, 11-5) and he pushed Peter Radford to five ends before succumbing 11-9, 5-11, 4-11, 12-10, 6-11. With a record of 75 % Rawreth will be looking to utillise the services of Kim Shead more.

Writtle B lead the way in division two with 65 points out of a possible 100. They scored their seventh win of what has been a really good campaign by defeating Hatfield Peverel A 7-3. Paul Sturton (92%) and Phil Smith (83 %) have both had the “bit between their teeth” this year and they were both unbeaten. Sturton impressed with a hat-trick of 3-0 wins. He beat Gareth Davies (11-5, 11-8, 11-2), Neil Freeman (13-11, 12-10, 12-10) and Guy McKenzie (11-7, 12-10, 11-3). Writtle C beat Maldon C 10-0. What sounds like a routine win was anything but. Writtle won all four five enders by two point margins in the decider. Dawn Baldry just couldn’t “get over the finishing line”. She missed out to Gary Ward (11-9, 6-11, 12-10, 7-11, 9-11) and to John Parodi (11-7, 9-11, 13-11, 7-11, 11-13). Brian Riedling had a real tussle with Dave Calleja before losing (11-9, 11-7, 7-11, 4-11, 9-11). Danbury D beat Chelmsford D 6-4 courtesy of a Tim Cramphorn “full-house”.  Cramphorn beat Victor Chan – the best of the Chelmsford players 11-4, 14-12, 10-12, 11-6 whilst Victor Chan made his mark with wins over Tim Pulham (9-11, 11-5, 12-10, 11-7) and Ken Sheard (11-9, 9-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9 – quite a battle this one !).      

Division three leaders Danbury E (79 points out of 100) are still undefeated and they made it 10 wins out of 10 by beating Hatfield Peverel C 6-4. Tim Pulham led the way with three wins whilst Nick Duce won twice for Danbury E.  He beat David Gatheral 11-5, 11-13, 11-7, 6-11, 11-7 for a stand-out victory. Gatheral defeated Martin Archie 12-10, 9-11, 11-9, 11-13, 11-8 in the last game of the night to seal the victory for Danbury E. Danbury  F (Dave Marsh, Keith Flowers  and John Robinson) were 8-2 winners against OCSs E. John Newman won twice for the Old Chelmsfordians side beating Dave Marsh (11-9, 11-8, 10-12, 5-11, 11-8) and John Robinson (11-6, 11-8, 11-8). Harry Buckle turned in a five star performance for Chelmsford E against Danbury H. The match finished tied at 5-5. Harry Buckle beat Ewan Hynd (9-11, 8-11, 11-7, 12-10, 13-11) and Eamon Hall (10-12, 11-8, 4-11, 11-5, 15-13). Two really hard fought wins. Writtle D came out on top – 6-4 against Danbury J. Dave Carter was undefeated and he beat Dave Powell 11-8, 8-11, 11-9, 10-12, 12-10  in his toughest examination of the evening.

Ewan Hynd and Harry Buckle - two of the fast-improving younger players in the League - faced each other in the recent Division 3 match between Danbury H and Chelmsford E. Harry just came out on top 9-11, 8-11, 11-7, 12-10, 13-11

Division four produced three 8-2 results this week. They were all the case of the higher placed team asserting themselves against lower placed sides. Maldon D with Tom Elder and Bryan Speller both staying undefeated beat Chelmsford G 8-2. Second-placed Chelmsford H led by James Donald dominated against Writtle E. James Donald beat Malcolm Storey (11-5, 11-4, 11-7), Neil Thompson (11-8, 9-11, 11-3, 14-12) and Dave Moles (11-5, 11-5, 8-11, 11-3).  Third placed Danbury K also won 8-2, against OCs G. Denis Balic was undefeated. He sealed his trio of wins by beating David Bishop, the best of the OCs players 8-11, 11-5, 11-4, 9-11, 11-6 in the last game of the night. The match between Chelmsford F and Writtle F finished tied at 5-5 after five games were decided in the fifth end. Chelmsford  F excelled in the five setters, winning four of them. Revox Matthews sealed the draw for his side and remained undefeated by beating Ian Hockley 11-9, 11-8, 5-11, 9-11, 11-9 in the last game of the night. Matthews had also fought back from 2-0 down to get the better of David Meah  9-11, 6-11, 11-9, 16-14, 11-6.

Highwood B stay top in division five and they beat OCs H 8-2. Frank Neill was undefeated whilst Suzanne Shaw impressed for the OCs team.  She beat Russell Downton (14-12, 11-8, 11-7) and Dave Cockrell (11-6, 5-11, 12-10, 11-9). Chelmsford K ran out 6-4 winners Against ARU Rhinos. Newcomer Matthew Odiase was the difference here, and he looks strong at this level. He beat Jordan Corbett (11-5, 11-6, 11-7), Douglas Bawuah (11-9, 11-6, 11-7) and Steve Peacock (11-6, 11-5, 11-5). Highwood B are a clear second and they beat Chelmsford J 6-4. Martin Goddard led the way with a hat-trick and this included tight wins against Bruce Li (18-16, 10-12, 11-7, 14-12) and Will Kwan (10-12, 15-13, 11-6, 12-10).

Chelmsford players enjoyed a fair degree of success at the recent Essex Junior Closed Tournament played at the BATTS Club in Harlow.  Pride of place goes to Nyree Marsh who won the Under 18 Girls Singles beating Annabel Sweeney (11-4, 8-11, 11-3, 11-5) in the Final. Nyree beat Mabel Shute (Woodford Wells) 14-12, 11-6, 14-12 in her Semi-Final whilst Annabel defeated Emily Kidd (Southend) 11-6, 11-6, 11-9 in the penultimate round. Nyree was pushed to beat another Chelmsford player- Melinda Abraham Victor 11-8, 11-7, 7-11, 7-11, 11-4 in their Group encounter.   There was further success for Nyree who won the Girls Under 18 Restricted Singles beating Melinda Abraham Victor 11-2, 13-11, 12-10 in the Final this time.

The experienced Daniel Young met his match in the Semi-Final of the Under 18 Boys Singles. He missed out over five high-class ends against Daniel Zeffie (Southend) 6-11, 11-8, 8-11, 12-10, 8-11. Zeffie was beaten in the Final by Jaden Aulakh (Fusion) 11-8, 11-7, 11-3. Daniel Young had ended the hopes of Joshua Bickles 11-6. 11-1, 11-6 in the Quarter Final.

James Donald was Runner-Up in the Under 13 Boys category where he lost to outstanding prospect Maliha Baig (Woodford Wells) who had been allowed to play in the Boys event as a “special request”. The Final was fast and furious and it was Maliha who prevailed 7-11, 11-8,  9-11, 11-6, 11-2. James Donald beat Sudheep Kamma 11-8, 11-9, 11-18 in his Semi Final whilst Maliha beat another Woodford Wells player – Rees Cristina 11-6, 11-4, 12-14, 11-8 in her Semi-Final.

Joshua Bickles and Vineeth Kamma both made it to the Semi-Finals of the Boys Under 18 Restricted Singles. They both lost to Colchester players with Toby McLewin going onto beat Bright Bedding 9-11, 11-5, 8-11, 11-8, 11-7 in a fiercely fought Final. Sudheep Kamma was a Quarter-Final loser in this event. He lost to Charlie Kauders-Boothby (Southend) 5-11, 11-7, 11-5, 8-11, 6-11.

Top seed and outstanding prospect Charles Donald was crowned Under 11 Open Singles Champion. He overcame Shrinand Vijaykrichnan (Southend) 11-3, 6-11, 11-7, 8-11, 15-13 in an absolutely thrilling Semi Final and Evie Knaapen (again Southend)  11-9, 11-3, 11-8 in the Final. Evie beat Luv Goel 11-6, 3-11, 11-3, 11-6 in the Semi-Final after Luv had beaten the seeded Scarlotte Mills (once again Southend) 11-13, 9-11, 11-2, 11-3, 11-4.

Older players will remember ex Southend United FC Manager and player Steve Tilson, He was Chelmsford Table Tennis League Mens Doubles Champion in 1986 (with Dave Birkett) and in 1998 (with Reagan Nettleingham), as well as Chelmsford Mixed Doubles Champion in 1998 (with Sarah Davison) and perhaps most impressive of all - Essex Closed Mens Singles Champion in 1996.  Hullbridge Sports Club are putting on an “Evening with Steve Tilson” where he will talk about his experiences as a Southend player and Manager.  The event takes place on Saturday 15 February 2020 at Hullbridge Sports & Social Club at 19.30 hours. Tickets can be purchased from the Club bar or by contacting Lesley Pettifer on 07872 062735 or 01702 230420. Tickets cost £ 10 and sales have been very good.

Steve Kerns Press & Publicity Officer Chelmsford District Table Tennis League

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 Press Report - issued on 4 January 2020

Dave Richardson undefeated for Danbury A

Second placed Danbury A made it seven wins out of 10 in the first division of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League with a solid 8-2 win over Danbury B. Danbury A have utilised the services of eight players and this time it was Dave Richardson who led the way with a hat-trick. Richardson (with a playing record of 71 %) faced Sam Lowman 70 % and it couldn’t have been closer. Richardson came out on top 15-13, 11-9, 11-9. Sam Lowman excelled in his other two singles with wins over Reece Seddon (11-9 11-7, 11-9) and Eric Green (11-9, 11-7, 11-6).  The match between Liberal and Chelmsford C finished all square. Liberal’s Paul Davison dominated with wins over Cris Bernardo (11-9, 11-6, 11-6), Mike Johnston (11-7, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9) and Harry Buckle (11-5, 11-7, 11-8).

Danbury C stay top in division two and they impressed with an excellent 8-2 win over third placed Maldon B. Gus Heath (76 %) and Ian Whiteside (79 %) both bagged hat-tricks and Steve Buer weighed in with two wins. Gus Heath downed the challenges of Colin Napper (11-6, 11-6, 11-7), Steve Scholz (12-10, 7-11, 11-7, 11-5) and Mervyn Perriman (7-11, 11-8, 11-6, 11-9). Bottom placed OCs C scored their first win of the Season – a convincing 8-2 victory over Writtle C. The addition of Steve Muth to their ranks made a big difference and Muth and Gareth Joice were both undefeated. Muth sailed through his three singles, beating John Gagg (11-6, 11-8, 11-5), Dave Calleja (11-2, 11-4, 11-7) and John Parodi (11-9, 11-7, 11-9).  If Muth and Joice play regularly expect this team to climb the table.  

Danbury J jumped above Danbury F in division three with a 7-3 win. Rob Kneale and Dave Goody both won their three singles. Dave Goody opened proceedings with a 7-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-9, 12-10 victory over Keith Flowers. Chelmsford E came out on top 6-4 after a closely fought match against Danbury G. No one player stayed undefeated and the Chelmsford duo – Vineeth Kamma and Harry Buckle and Danbury’s Nicky Ford all won twice. Vineeth Kamma pipped Jenson Davis 7-11, 11-3, 4-11, 11-5, 12-10 after five action packed ends.   

In division four the match between Writtle F and Writtle E finished tied at 5-5. Ian Hockley (80 %) was undefeated for Writtle F although he had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Dave Moles (9-11, 11-8, 11-7, 5-11, 11-9). Maldon D were 8-2 winners over OCs G. Denis Crapnell was undefeated.

Highwood A were held to a draw in division five by Hatfield Peverel D. Melanie Bonnett remained unbeaten whilst Keith Fitz-John was involved in two fiercely fought five enders.  He missed out against Richard Drozd 12-14, 10-12, 11-3, 14-12, 12-14 (quite a battle) but he beat Gary Simmons 11-9, 11-4, 8-11, 7-11, 16-14. Highwood B stay top and they beat Chelmsford J 6-4. Francis Whitbread and Martin Goddard won twice for Highwood whilst Will Kwan and Bruce Li both picked up two wins for the Chelmsford side. Will Kwan prevailed over five hard fought ends against Martin Goddard 11-9, 11-13, 9-11, 11-8, 11-9. Danbury L emerged as 6-4 winners against Chelmsford K. Martin Knights, Norman Hayes and Ken Wilding all won twice but they all met their match in Jacqui Smith. In the last game of the evening Jacqui Smith sealed her hat-trick with a hard-fought 11-5, 11-7, 11-13, 10-12, 11-7 victory against Martin Knights.    

Buttsbury Bulldogs were in action twice in Junior division 1B. They lost 5-0 to Chelmsford Tigers. Todd Martin and Nikita Tkachuk were both unbeaten.  Todd Martin had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Joseph Hutt 11-8, 11-8, 7-11, 9-11, 11-8.  However, they did well to beat Buttsbury Bears 3-2, good going as Ben Brown won both of his singles for the Bears. Oscar Hutt came through in five ends to beat George Standish 11-9, 11-9, 6-11, 6-11, 11-6.

Buttsbury Bats (34 points) have been crowned Champions in Junior division 1C. They lost a hard fought match 4-1 to Buttsbury Beavers, missing out in both the games that were decided in the fifth end. Jacob Lawrence beat George Hagland 11-3, 11-13, 5-11, 11-9, 11-7 and Leo Beadon beat Ryan Beresford Cole 13-11, 6-11, 11-9, 7-11, 11-8. Buttsbury Bats made no mistake against Chelmsford Eagles winning 5-0. This time Ryan Beresford Cole and George Hagland carried all before them. Chelmsford Wildcats completed their programme with a 3-2 win over Chelmsford Eagles. Alesha Ellis Austin and Emilie Guilloux both won once to counter the two wins of Nikita Tkachuk. Buttsbury Beavers in turn finished their Season in second place after beating Chelmsford Antelopes 3-2 after what can only be described as a “Marathon match”. Four of the five games went to five ends. Jacob Lawrence won both of his singles. He beat Malachi O’Leary 11-4, 6-11, 11-4, 11-9 and George Bilbao 11-9, 8-11, 11-8, 4-11, 11-6.      

OCs Lions (32 points) are the Junior division 1 D Champions by one point. With Vyoma Upadhyaya leading the way they beat both Chelmsford Elephants and Danbury Devils 3-2. Danbury Devils finished second by one point and in the last game of the Season when the two sides met it was the Devils who led 2-1. Vyoma Upadhyaya came to the rescue with a nervy 11-2, 5-11, 6-11, 11-8, 11-6 win over Ewan Sturrock and Upadhyaya and Tom Bird sealed the title with a very hard fought doubles win : 11-6, 11-9, 17-15 against Ewan Sturrock and Lotte Mills. Buttsbury Bees completed their fixtures by beating Buttsbury Badgers 4-1. Joseph Hutt came through in four ends to beat Ronnie Palmer 11-3, 11-7, 11-13, 11-3.

Three matches have taken place in the Handicap Knock Out Cup. Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) have again won another closely contested encounter. This time they beat Chelmsford E 5-4. Five games went the distance and the much improved Takunda Nerutanga (playing off a handicap of 47) won his three singles. Nerutanga beat Harry Buckle (50) 21-14, 21-15, then crucially Vineeth Kamma (48) 19-21, 21-19, 23-21 and finally David Parker (53) 18-21, 21-8, 21-18. With Both Nerutanga and Weronika Bozek remaining undefeated in division five this team could be one to watch in this Competition. This team has returned to the League after a brief “hiatus” and their players – Takunda Nerutanga, Weronika Bozek and other regulars – Stephen Peacock and Jordan Corbett are clearly relishing the challenge. It is hoped that they may enter a second side next year, and that will be very welcome news to the League Committee. OCs H have also won 5-4, and they came back from 4-2 down to progress to the next round.  In what looks to have been a “turbo-charged” finish Mike Morecroft (29) beat Bryan Speller (51) 21-15, 21-13, then Josh Peasgood (24) beat Tom Elder (54) 21-4, 21-11 and Robert Boultwood (42) beat Denis Crapnell (48) 21-17, 21-10. A real turnaround after OCs had clearly looked to be struggling !.  Buttsbury ran out 5-3 winners against Chelmsford. James Donald (45) was unlucky to be on the losing side. He beat Jacob Lawrence (13) 19-21, 21-12, 21-14 in what looks to have been the pick of the action.

Writtle E are through to the next round in the Division four Knock Out Cup. They beat OCs F 5-0, a result that certainly flattered them as they won three successive five enders. What’s more they were 2-0 down all three times !.  Dave Moles beat Farooq Ahmed 6-11, 7-11, 11-9, 15-13, 11-9; Malcolm Storey defeated Richard Upson 9-11, 8-11, 14-12, 11-8, 11-8 and Alan Offord beat David Newman     7-11, 8-11, 15-13, 13-11, 11-8. OCs F must have been left wondering what they needed to do to win a game.   Writtle  F (Ian Hockley, David Meah and Colin Griffiths) are also through safely. They beat Highwood B 5-1.  Russell Downton was on target for the losers. He beat Colin Griffiths 11-9, 4-11, 11-9, 7-11, 11-7.

Older players will remember ex Southend United FC Manager and player Steve Tilson, He was Chelmsford Table Tennis League Mens Doubles Champion in 1986 (with Dave Birkett) and in 1998 (with Reagan Nettleingham), as well as Chelmsford Mixed Doubles Champion in 1998 (with Sarah Davison) and perhaps most impressive of all - Essex Closed Mens Singles Champion in 1996.  Hullbridge Sports Club are putting on an “Evening with Steve Tilson” where he will talk about his experiences as a Southend player and Manager.  The event takes place on Saturday 15 February 2020 at Hullbridge Sports & Social Club at 19.30 hours. Tickets can be purchased from the Club bar or by contacting Lesley Pettifer on 07872 062735 or 01702 230420. Tickets cost £ 10 and sales have been very good.

Steve Kerns Press & Publicity Officer Chelmsford District Table Tennis League

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Press Report - issued on 15 December 2019

Sweeny and Shead combine for convincing Rawreth victory

Rawreth scored their fourth win of the Season in the first division of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League – a convincing 9-1 victory over Chelmsford B. Kim Shead and Charles Sweeny both secured hat-tricks whilst Rob Shrimpton was on target for the losers with a 7-11, 11-6, 18-16, 12-10 win over Babul McCleod. Galleywood A, who have played a match more moved up to fourth. They did well to beat the higher placed Chelmsford A 6-4. Peter Barrett just missed out on a hat-trick by losing to Casey Cross 12-10, 13-15, 6-11, 11-4,  10-12 in his third singles. Writtle A won twice. Duncan Taylor was undefeated as they beat Liberal 6-4. He received excellent support from Peter Layzell who beat both James Mullane (11-7, 11-7, 11-13, 11-9) and Simon Webber (11-8, 9-11, 11-4, 3-11, 12-10).  Writtle A also beat OCs A 7-3. Matthew Brown and Lee McHugh were both undefeated. Matthew Brown scored an excellent 10-12, 11-5, 7-11, 12-10, 11-6 win over Terry Dowsett.

OCs B had David Cole to thank as they beat Chelmsford D 7-3 in division two. Keith Martin showed up well for the losers beating both Stephen Northcott (11-7, 11-6, 11-2) and Mick Richardson (2-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-8) whilst Mick Richardson impressed by beating Victor Chan 11-8, 11-5, 11-7. Hatfield  Peverel A ran out 7-3 winners against Maldon C with Julie Johnson and Neil Freeman both winning their three singles. Maldon C fielded a team of three ladies – pretty rare, in fact very rare at this level and Julie Johnson won three very hard fought matches. She beat Jan Fuller 11-6, 8-11, 7-11, 12-10, 14-12 and then Dawn Baldry 11-9, 13-11, 11-5 and finally Kelly Yuenyongpknan 11-9, 11-7, 6-11, 11-6. Neil Freeman had to pull out all the stops to beat Dawn Baldry 11-4, 5-11, 11-6, 9-11, 11-8.    

Danbury E are definitely the team to beat in division three. They made it nine wins out of nine with an emphatic 10-0 victory over OCs E. Tim Pulham , David Gatheral and Ken Sheard were all undefeated although they all had their work cut out against John Newman who went down fighting in his three encounters. Newman lost 11-6, 10-12, 2-11, 11-13 to Ken Sheard, then  9-11, 14-12, 11-7, 8-11, 9-11 against Tim Pulham and finally 2-11, 7-11, 11-6, 11-6, 3-11 to David Gatheral.  OCs D are second but they met they met their match in Chelmsford E’s  Harry Buckle who bagged a hat-trick. He won two five enders. It was 11-7, 11-8, 8-11, 5-11, 11-1 against Mick Richardson and it “went all the way” against Dave Porter before Harry prevailed 11-5, 3-11, 12-10, 6-11, 12-10.  The match finished tied at 5-5.

Galleywood C are in a rich vein of form in division four. They are a mixture of experience and youthful promise and this week they beat Chelmsford G 8-2 – to notch up their tenth win of the Season. Andy Hanlon and Charlie Craig were both undefeated whilst Aidan Noguchi won twice. Andy Hanlon had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Sudheep Kamma 12-10, 5-11, 11-9, 8-11, 11-8 whilst Sudheep Kamma was on target for the losers with a 11-5, 9-11, 11-6, 11-9 victory against Aidan Noguchi. Galleywood B were also winners. Colin Blore and Gary Copsey both won their three singles against Chelmsford F in their 7-3 victory . Rev Matthews was on target for the losers with a hard-fought 12-14, 9-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-5 win over Will Goodchild. Chelmsford H who are second struggled to beat a two-player Danbury K 6-4. James Donald ensured they emerged as the winners by beating Jean Chasmer  11-5, 11-6, 11-7 and Kevin Willis 11-8, 7-11, 11-4, 11-9.

Both division five matches produced 6-4 scorelines. Nika Bozek was undefeated as she led ARU to victory against Hatfield Peverel F. With 12 wins out of 12 she is clearly a player to watch. Debbie Ginn made her mark with a fine 13-11, 8-11, 6-11, 11-3, 11-5 victory against Mubarak Sulaiman. The match between Hatfield Peverel E and Maldon E was a good one. No single player remained undefeated and no one went home empty handed either. Maldon E shaded it, courtesy of the fact that both Roger Warren and Ross Wheeler won twice. Davina Brazier who won twice for Hatfield Peverel sneaked home 10-12, 11-4, 11-3, 7-11, 11-9 against Ross Wheeler. The game between Phil West and Rob Sach fluctuated wildly before Phil West triumphed 8-11, 5-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-2.

In Chelmsford Junior League division 1A Chelmsford Cougars  finished their Season strongly to finish a clear second. Josh Bickles and Sudheep Kamma were both undefeated in their 5-0 win over Chelmsford Leopards. Josh Bickles had to work hard to get the better of Cleon Fernandes 11-9, 3-11, 12-10, 13-11. The Cougars also beat Chelmsford Pumas 4-1. Josh Bickles was again undefeated and he has a record of 88 % for the Season. Saul Chivers impressed for the Pumas with a 11-7, 11-5, 11-9 win over Sudheep Kamma. Chelmsford Jaguars completed their campaign with a 5-0 win over Chelmsford Rhinos. Nyree Marsh and Annabel Sweeney were both undefeated. The Jaguars finished third.   

In division 1B Danbury Demons - the Champions completed their mini Season with a 5-0 win over third-placed Buttsbury Bears. Both Jenson Davis (100 %) and Elliot Gardiner (70 %) were undefeated. Elliot Gardiner ”knew he had been in two games”. He beat Max Samuels 11-8, 11-7, 7-11, 11-9 and Aidan Tucker 11-6, 11-8, 8-11, 13-11. Chelmsford Falcons completed their Season with two wins. It was 5-0 against Buttsbury Bulldogs. Oliver Cheung and Charlie Donald were unbeaten. Charlie Donald came through a “thriller” against Harry Hutt 9-11, 11-7, 8-11, 11-9, 13-11. The Falcons also beat Chelmsford Panthers 4-1. Oliver Cheung and Alan Jiang were unbeaten in their singles but they missed out 11-8, 11-8, 9-11, 7-11, 9-11 in a rousing doubles encounter against Malachi O’Leary and Toby Hart.  

Division 1C produced two 4-1 results. Chelmsford Antelopes are top at present but Buttsbury Bats and Buttsbury Beavers can both overhaul them. Todd Martin was unbeaten as the Antelopes beat Danbury Griffins. Callum Caldwell was successful for the Griffins with a 11-7, 11-9, 11-9 win over Ravit Dewan. Buttsbury Bats, with Ryan Beresford Cole wining both his singles beat Danbury Griffins. Ryan Beresford Cole was tested by Callum Caldwell before he won 11-6, 7-11, 6-11, 11-8, 11-6. Aidan Thirkellte scored a hard-fought 11-5, 13-11, 14-16, 5-11, 11-8 win over  George Hagland.

Joseph Hutt starred in division 1D but his two wins wasn’t enough to enable Buttsbury Bees to take the spoils against Danbury Devils. Hutt beat Ewan Sturrock 11-4, 11-6, 11-4 and Toby Restall 11-7, 11-6, 9-11, 11-7 but Danbury Devils shaded the match 3-2. Danbury Devils also beat Chelmsford Wolves 4-1. Toby Restall was undefeated this time. He beat Georgina Riches 10-12, 11-5, 11-7, 11-3 and Jack Doyle 11-8, 11-3, 12-10.

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

Steve Kerns Press & Publicity Officer Chelmsford District Table Tennis League

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Press Report - issued on 8 December 2019

Casey Cross undefeated with three hard-fought five set wins

Chelmsford A impressed by beating their colleagues Chelmsford B 9-1 in the Chelmsford  & District  Table Tennis League. Casey Cross and Eren Gozcu were both undefeated with Casey Cross wining all three of his matches deep in the fifth end. Casey defeated Simon Jarvis (11-8, 8-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-8), Rob Shrimpton (11-9, 8-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-7) and finally Victor Chan (8-11, 7-11, 11-7, 11-2, 13-11, a  very  hard earned maximum. Wudong Liu won twice and this included  a fine 6-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9, 11-4 victory over Rob Shrimpton. Maldon A pulled even further ahead with a 9-1 victory over second placed  Danbury A.  They now have a formidable 86 points out of a possible 100. Trevor Lloyd and Alex Abbott were both undefeated whilst Reece Seddon was on target for the losers with a 13-11, 5-11, 11-6, 11-5 win over John Poysden. Trevor Lloyd came through against Reece Seddon over four very hard fought games : 16-18, 11-9, 17-15, 12-10. The match between Chelmsford C and Galleywood A finished tied at 5-5. James Hicks was undefeated for Galleywood whilst Cristian Barnado and Wiktor  Delimat both scored excellent wins over Peter Barrett. Barnado beat Barrett 11-9, 11-6, 11-13, 8-11, 11-8 in the closest game of the night.

Writtle B lead the way in division two and they scored their sixth win of the Season by beating Maldon C  6-4. Paul Sturton and Phil Smith both bagged hat-tricks. Both Sturton (91 %) and Smith (81 %) have played really well to date. Phil Smith had to pull out all the stops to beat Tom Page 13-15, 11-7, 11-6, 8-11, 13-11. Hatfield Peverel A ran out 7-3 winners against OCs C. Julie Johnson, Gareth Davies and Neil Freeman all won twice but they all fell short against Gareth Joice who scored three excellent wins. It just wasn’t Charles Yeung’s night. He lost all three encounters deep in the third end. Yeung missed out 8-11, 3-11, 11-7, 11-9, 10-12 to Neil Freeman,  14-12, 11-8, 8-11, 6-11, 13-15 against Gareth Davies and  11-13, 13-11, 17-15, 4-11, 7-11 to Julie Johnson. So near but yet so far !.Gary Ward was on good form as he led Writtle C to a 6-4 victory against Chelmsford D. Ward’s hat-trick included a 11-8, 11-5, 11-7 win over Victor Chan  - who won twice for the Chelmsford side. The match between Danbury D and Danbury C finished tied at 5-5. Neil Want and Tim Cramphorn (Danbury D) and Gus Heath and Ian Whiteside (Danbury  C) all picked up two wins. Want did well to beat Whiteside 11-6, 6-11, 11-5, 6-11, 11-6.

The leaders Danbury E, made it eight wins out of eight in division three as they defeated Danbury H 8-2. David Gatheral and Tim Pulham both won their three singles.  Gatheral had to work hard against Ben Porter and despite falling two games behind he fought back strongly to win 3-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-6. With a record of 95 % Gatheral is having an outstanding Season.  Hatfield Peverel C ran out 7-3 winners against Danbury G. Martin Archie was undefeated and this included a fine 11-5, 11-4, 13-11 win over Nicky Reece-Ford.

Galleywood C are setting  a hot pace in division four and they scored their ninth win of the Season as they defeated OCs G 10-0. Gary Copsey, Andy Hanlon and Charlie Craig carried all before them. OCs F moved into second place by beating Chelmsford F 7-3. David Newman won his three singles and this included a 11-8, 8-11, 5-11, 11-4, 11-4 victory against Dusan Doszkoty who won twice for the Chelmsford team.  Chelmsford H are third although they have a game in hand. They beat Writtle F 7-3. Sarah Austin, Andy Swales and James Donald all won twice although they all missed out against Ian Hockley. Saving the best to last Hockley completed his hat-trick in the last game of the evening with a 7-11, 5-11, 11-6, 11-3, 15-13 win over Sarah Austin. Writtle E did well to beat Galleywood B 6-4, good going as  Colin Blore won his three singles for the Galleywood side. Will Goodchild was involved in two hard-fought  five enders. He beat Dave Moles 12-10, 10-12, 3-11, 11-9, 11-9 but he missed out 12-10, 11-7, 10-12, 6-11 ,12-14 against Malcolm Storey. Danbury K ran out 6-4 winners against Maldon D. Newcomer Alan Scamell led the way with a hat-trick. He set the ball rolling by beating Denis Crapnel 11-8, 4-11, 6-11, 11-4, 11-8 in his opening encounter.

Chelmsford J jumped into third place in division five as they beat Buttsbury 8-2. Will Kwan was undefeated and he received good support from Shengbing  Zhu and Bruce Li who both won twice. Tomasz Krolikowski picked up two wins for the Buttsbury side.  Highwood A are top but they had to work hard to beat Maldon E 6-4. Nicola Pippen and Keith Fitz-John (Highwood A) and Roger Warren and Rob Sach (Maldon E) all won twice. Roger Warren prevailed 13-11, 6-11, 9-11, 13-11, 11-9 after a fiercely fought encounter against Nicola Pippen. Highwood B are second (although they have a game in hand) and they beat Hatfiield Peverel D 6-4. Martin Goddard and Francis Whitbread both won their three singles. Whitbread had to pull out all the stops to get the better of  Richard Drozd 12-14, 11-6, 11-8, 5-11, 15-13. Yet another match finished 6-4 with OCs H beating Chelmsford K 6-4. Michael Lucey was undefeated for the Old Chelmsfordians side and he looks strong at this level. Danbury L ran out 7-3 winners against Hatfield Peverel F. Martin Knights was undefeated. The match between ARU Rhinos and Hatfield Peverel  E was a good one. No player went home empty handed and no one won all three singles either. Steve Peacock and Jordan Corbett both picked up two wins for the Rhinos whilst John Kuhl won twice for  Hatfield Peverel. Jordan Corbett had a fierce battle with John Kuhl and he eventually came through 7-11, 11-5, 9-11,1 1-8, 11-9.

All conquering Danbury Dragons made it 10 wins out of 10  (47 points out of 50) in division 1A of the Chelmsford Junior League. Ewan Hind and Sam Mortimer-Ford ran out 5-0 winners against Chelmsford Leopards. Ewan Hynd (16 wins out of 16) and Ben Porter (10 wins out of 10) both maintained perfect records over the mini-Season whilst Sam Mortimer Ford (86 %) only lost twice.   

Danbury Demons can’t be caught in division 1B. They beat Chelmsford Tigers 5-0. Finley Wheeler and Jenson Davis carried all before them. Alex Porter and Jenson Davis have both scored 10 wins out of 10.

In division 1C there was a fine 4-1  win for Chelmsford Eagles over the higher placed Chelmsford Antelopes. Nikita Tkachuk  was undefeated beating Todd Martin 11-5, 11-4, 11-6 and Toby Hart 11-5, 10-12, 11-3, 11-.4 Chelmsford Wildcats also won 4-1. Alesha Ellis-Austin beat both Adam Thirkettle (11-7, 11-7, 11-13, 11-3) and Dominic Kirk (11-2, 11-6, 6-11,11-8).

Chelmsford Elephants ran out 4-1 winners against Chelmsford Wolves in division 1D. Luv Goel won twice for the Elephants whilst Kush Goel (Chelmsford Elephants) and Harry Riches (Chelmsford Wolves) also picked up their first wins.

All players are reminded that this Friday (13 December 2019) is the closing date for entering the 2019/20 Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League Championships which take place over the weekend of Friday 31 January 2020 to Sunday 02 February 2020 at Hylands School. A separate Finals Night takes place on Monday 10 February 2020 at Old Chelmsfordians Association, Lawford Lane. Entry forms have been sent to all League players and entries must be submitted either electronically or by post to the Tournament Organiser – Arthur Clark. Payment must accompany entries and late entries are not allowed.

Steve Kerns Press & Publicity Officer Chelmsford District Table Tennis League

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ARU Rhinos win nine game thriller

ARU Rhinos, sixth in division five won the closest contest in last week’s Handicap Cup action in the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League. Their side of Douglas Bowuah (handicap of 30), Mubarak Sulaiman (28) and Jordan Corbett (24) kicked the first division stars – OCs A into touch 5-4. Dan Berry (69) gave OCs the impetus for the fight by beating Jordan Corbett 21-18, 17-21, 21-18 in the first game and Terry Dowsett (73) defeated Mubarak Sulaiman 10-21, 23-21, 21-19 to keep OCs in the hunt. With the scores poised at 4-4 the mighty Paul Lucas (93) faced Jordan Corbett but he made very little impact and Corbett surged home 21-4, 21-8.

Chelmsford B (a “composite team” of Rob Shrimpton (71), Josh Bickles (30) and Wiktor Delimat (64)) ran out 5-3 winners against Danbury K. Josh Bickles  surged to three very emphatic wins – 21-4, 21-8 against Kevin Willis (48), 21-3, 21-6 against Ken Sheard (60)  and 21-10, 21-16  against Jean Chasmer (41). Clearly Josh’s handicap will need careful reassessment. Danbury H – Ben Porter (44), Sam Mortimer- Ford (44) and mentor Eamon Hall (55) also look strong and they beat OCs D 5-0 in the second round. Sam Mortimer-Ford raced to a 21-7, 21-13 win over Mick Richardson (63). Danbury J -Dave Powell (53), Dave Goody (52) and Richard Allen (47) ran out 5-3 winners against Highwood A. Three games were decided in the third end and Danbury won two of them. Richard Allen defeated Keith Fitz-John (39) 15-21, 21-19, 23-21 and Dave Goody beat Keith Fitz-John 20-22, 21-13, 21-18.   Chelmsford J are safely through to the third round. Will Kwan (36), RaJeshj Dewan (31) and Bruce Li (39) beat Galleywood 6-2. Bruce Li sealed their victory with a 21-19, 19-21, 21-18 win over Mark Glenister (52). Bruce Li had also got the better of Charlie Craig (40) 17-21, 21-18, 21-15. Danbury B are out . They lost 5-2 to Danbury L – Finley Wheeler (30), Dan Wise (19) and Elliot Gardiner (17). First division star Dan Anderson (69) met his match against Elliot Gardiner despite winning the first game 23-21. Thereafter Elliot surged home 21-6, 21-1. Dan Wise sealed the victory for his side by beating Dan Anderson 21-15, 20-22, 21-11. Danbury J – Rob Kneale (53), Dave Powell and Richard Allen also won their second round match. They beat Writtle D 6-0. Richard Allen started the ball rolling with a 21-10, 21-17 success against Colin Barham (50).

Danbury C were 5-3 winners against OCs C in the division two Knock Out Cup. Ian Whiteside and Chris Buer were both undefeated in their singles encounters. Chis Buer sealed the win for his team with a 11-6, 6-11, 11-5, 11-7 win over Gareth Joice. The improving Charles Yeung made his mark with a fluctuating 9-11, 11-8, 11-5, 7-11, 11-2 win over Steve Buer.    

Danbury H ran out 8-2 winners against OCs E in division three. Dave Hancox and Ewan Hynd were both unbeaten for Danbury whilst John Newman impressed for the OCs side by beating Luca Bailey 5-11, 15-13, 11-8, 6-11, 11-9. Reserve Ewan Hynd looked very good as he beat Barry Evans (11-13, 11-8, 11-7, 11-6), Bob Francis (11-2, 11-8, 11-5) and John Newman (13-11, 6-11, 15-13, 11-8).

 Buttsbury were in action twice in division five. Keith Cullen and Tomasz Krolikowski were both undefeated as they beat Maldon E 9-1. Ollie Barrett won twice and this included a very hard fought 9-11, 11-3, 11-3, 9-11, 12-10 win over Rob Sach. Keith Cullen fought back from 2-0 down to get the better of Rob Sach 11-13, 7-11, 11-4, 12-10, 11-5. Fielding a different side – Ben Brown, Oscar Hutt and Frances Hutt - Buttsbury beat Hatfield Peverel D 6-4. Frances Hutt was unbeaten with wins over Debbie Ginn (11-5, 11-5, 11-8), Gary Simmons (11-5, 11-7, 11-5) and Bob Hillis (9-11,11-9, 11-1, 11-5).

Division 1A of the Chelmsford Junior League produced two 5-0 scorelines. Second placed Chelmsford Cougars (Josh Bickles and Sudheep Kamma) defeated Chelmsford Rhinos (James Killeen and Nicholas Grice). That is six wins out of eight for the Cougars.  Runaway leaders Danbury Dragons - Ewan Hynd and Sam Mortimer-Ford (who have 42 points out of 45) gave nothing away against Chelmsford Jaguars (Annabel Sweeney and Melinda Abraham Victor).

Danbury Demons (seven wins out of eight) top the division 1B table with 35 points. Alex Porter and Finlay Wheeler were both undefeated as they beat Chelmsford Panthers (George Spicer and Malachi O’Leary) 5-0. Alex Porter remains undefeated with10 wins out of 10.  Buttsbury Bulldogs won 4-1. Chelmsford Panthers were again on the losing end. Harry Hutt was unbeaten. He defeated George Spicer (11-1, 11-7, 11-3) and Theo Griffiths (11-9, 11-3, 11-9).

Buttsbury Bats top the division 1C table with 24 points and they have a game in hand on Buttsbury Beavers who also have 24 points. George Hagland and Ryan Beresford-Cole were both undefeated in their 5-0 win over Chelmsford Wildcats . Ryan Beresford-Cole had to work hard to get the better of Alesha Ellis-Austin 11-7, 8-11, 11-7, 11-8. Chelmsford Antelopes also beat Chelmsford Wildcats, this time 4-1.  Todd Martin was undefeated whilst Georgina Riches was on target for the losers with a 15-13, 11-7, 11-8 win over Ravit Dewan. Buttsbury Beavers (Aidan Tucker and Leo Beadon) did well to beat Chelmsford Eagles 3-2 as Aarav Mehta won twice for the Eagles. He beat Leo Beadon (11-5, 11-9, 11–2) and Aidan Tucker (11-4, 10-12, 12-10, 11-7).  Chelmsford Wildcats scored their second win of the Season by beating the higher-placed Buttsbury Beavers 3-2. Allesha Elis-Austin won twice, beating George Standish (11-6, 11-7, 11-6) and Leo Beadon (9-11, 13-11, 11-6, 5-11, 11-9).

Last but not certainly not least, Buttbury Bees ran out 4-1 winners in division 1D over the leaders OC Lions. This result moves the Bees to within three points of OCs Lions. Joseph Hutt led the way with wins over Tom Bird (11-3, 11-4, 11-7) and Samuel Lincoln (11-4, 11-9, 11-4) whilst Zachary Samuels played his part with a last gasp 9-11, 11-8, 6-11, 11-8, 12-10 win over Samuel Lincoln.     

All players are reminded that the closing date for the 2019/20 Chelmsford Championships is Friday 13 December 2019. The event takes place at Hylands School over the weekend of Friday 31 January 2020 to Sunday 02 February 2020.  A separate Finals Night takes place on Monday 10 February 2020 at Old Chelmsfordians Association, Lawford Lane. Entry forms have been sent to all League players. Entries must be submitted either electronically or by post to the Tournament Organiser – Arthur Clark and payment must accompany such entries. Late entries will not be tolerated.

Steve Kerns Press & Publicity Officer Chelmsford District Table Tennis League

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Press Report - issued on 24 November 2019

Eric Green impresses for Danbury A  

Eric Green has been having a fine Season in division one of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League as can be illustrated by his record of 76 %. He was unbeaten as Danbury A defeated Rawreth 7-3. Green beat Charles Sweeny 4-11, 11-7, 11-5, 4-11, 11-5. OCs A did well to beat Liberal 6-4, good going as Paul Davison won his three singles for Liberal. Davison looked sharp throughout the evening downing the challenges of Dan Berry (11-6, 11-5, 11-4) , Terry Dowsett (11-8, 11-7, 8-11, 11-2) and Paul Lucas (9-11, 9-11, 11-4, 13-11, 11-5). Galleywood A scored their third win of the Season beating Liberal 7-3 with Peter Barrett calling the shots. Gary Brignall won twice for Galleywood beating Steve Pennell (12-10, 7-11, 11-7, 12-10) and Adrian Pitt (11-13, 9-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-3) whilst James Mullane won twice for Liberal. This included a 12-10, 11-8, 11-8 victory against Gary Brignall.  Writtle A in turn scored their first win of the Season at the expense of Galleywood A. Duncan Taylor was their “talisman” (Burnham League players will understand this !) and he won his three singles as Writtle edged home 6-4. James Hicks pushed Lee McHugh all the way before succumbing 8-11, 11-7, 11-5, 10-12, 13-15 whilst Peter Barrett beat Lee McHugh 8-11, 11-2, 11-8, 10-12, 11-7. Chelmsford A are third with 40 points and they drew with second placed Danbury A. Newcomer Eren Gozcu was unbeaten for Chelmsford and he saw off Gary Young 9-11, 9-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-9. Chelmsford B led by an undefeated Rob Shrimpton ran out 6-4 winners against Chelmsford C. Shrimpton completed his hat-trick beating Wiktor Delimat – the best of the Chelmsford C players 8-11, 8-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-9. Rawreth had Liam Squirrell unbeaten as they shaded a close match 6-4 against Danbury B. Newcomer Matt Stringer picked up two wins for Danbury B. Maldon A stretched even further ahead by beating Danbury B 8-2. Trevor Lloyd and Alex Abbott both secured hat-tricks with Alex Abbott making it 24 wins out of 24. Jan Fuller beat Cameron Gray 11-7, 6-11, 7-11, 11-3, 12-10 in the closest game of the night.

Maldon B scored their sixth win of the Season in division two - defeating Danbury D 8-2. They are equal top  with 52 points with Writtle B. Ciaran Whelan (three wins), Colin Napper (two wins) and Steve Scholz (two wins) all played a part in this success. Danbury C edged out a two man OCs B 6-4. Chris Buer starred with wins over Trevor Carter (11-3, 17-15, 11-4) and Kevin Worthington (11-4, 11-7, 11-6). Danbury C also scored well against Writtle C winning 8-2 with Chris Buer and Ian Whiteside notching hat-tricks this time. Gary Ward was on target for the losers with a 11-7, 11-7, 10-12, 11-7 win over Gus Heath. OCs C were a player short against Maldon C and did well to draw 5-5. Gareth Joice called the shots with wins over Brian Riedling (8-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-4), Dawn Baldry (3-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-6) and Jan Fuller (11-5, 11-5, 11-9). Chelmsford D were 6-4 winners against Hatfield Peverel A. Keith Martin was undefeated for Chelmsford and he beat Neil Freeman 11-9, 11-7, 11-5.

Danbury E are the new leaders in division three. They picked up two 7-3 wins. Tim Pulham and David Gatheral were both unbeaten in their victory over Danbury G  whilst Ken Sheard (who only won once against Danbury G) led the way with a hat-trick against second placed OCs D. Sheard edged home in four hard fought games each time. He beat Mick Hayes (9-11, 13-11, 11-2, 11-8), Mick Richardson (11-5, 11-8, 8-11, 13-11) and David Porter (11-7, 8-11, 11-6, 12-10). Danbury G were well served by Peter Hance as they beat OCs E 8-2 whilst Writtle D and Chelmsford E shared the points in ones of those rare matches where no one player remained undefeated and no player went home empty handed. Dave Parker fought back well to get the better of Dave Carter 1-11, 7-11, 11-4, 11-7, 11-8 whilst Dave Carter did well to beat Harry Buckle 11-6, 11-7, 11-4.  Vineeth Kamma won a close encounter against Dave Meah (11-9, 12-10, 9-11, 11-8). Danbury H drew 5-5 against Danbury G.  Newcomer Daniel Piggott (who looks strong for this level) raced through his three singles beating Peter Hance (11-5, 11-4, 11-8), Mo Hardy (11-2, 11-7, 11-8) and Nicky Reece Ford (11-5, 11-4, 11-5).

Plenty of action in division four this week. Galleywood C with eight wins out of eight lead the way. Gary Copsey was undefeated as they beat Maldon D 8-2. League stalwart Tom Elder fought back from 2-0 down to get the better of Mark Glenister 3-11, 9-11, 11-5, 12-10, 12-10.  Galleywood C also beat Danbury K 6-4. No single player dominated and Charlie Craig and Aidan Noguchi won twice for Galleywood whereas Kevin Willis and Denis Balic picked up two wins for Danbury K. Denis Balic edged home against Charlie Craig 11-5, 11-9, 6-11, 6-11, 13-11. This match also produced a 23.40 hours finish - too late in the eyes of many !.  Team work was the order of the day as Writtle F beat Galleywood B 6-4. David Meah, Brian Steward and Andy Fox all won twice. Brian Steward had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Ron Salton 11-7, 9-11, 5-11, 11-5, 11-9 having previously lost to Will Goodchild 11-6, 11-9, 9-11, 7-11, 9-11. Galleywood also lost 7-3 to Chelmsford H. Outstanding prospect James Donald was undefeated for the Chelmsford side and he fought back from 2-0 down to beat Colin Blore 10-12, 9-11, 11-9, 11-6, 11-8. James Donald was also undefeated as Chelmsford H beat Maldon 8-2. This time he had to dig deeply to get the better of Garry Eames 4-11, 7-11, 11-6, 11-2, 11-8. Donald has a record of 88 % to date.  Another up and coming player – Sudheep Kamma dominated as Chelmsford G beat Chelmsford F 7-3. Kamma won his three singles and he received good support from Alex Tkachuk who won twice. Revox Matthews won twice for Chelmsford F and this included a hard-fought 8-11, 12-10, 11-4, 12-14, 11-8 success against Luke Richardson. Chelmsford F also drew with OCs G. Revox Matthews and Dusan Doszkoty won twice to counter the hat-trick that David Bishop scored for the Old Chelmfordians team. OCs F, 6-4 winners over Writtle E complete the results for this division. Farooq Ahmed was their match-winner with a hat-trick. Dave Moles fought back from 2-1 down to beat Robert Boultwood 11-5, 11-13, 6-11, 11-6, 11-7.

Highwood B stay top in division five. Frank Neil was unbeaten as they ran out 7-3 winners against Maldon E. Eight games were decided by 3-1 scorelines in what was a well contested match. ARU did well to beat OCs H 7-3. Takunda Nerutanga and Weronika Bozek were both undefeated whilst Suzanne Shaw, Adrian North and Mike Morecroft all won once for the losers. Hatfield Peverel F added six points to their total by beating OCs H 6-4. Mick Carter led the way with a hat-trick and this included an opening game 5-11, 4-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-5 win over Robert Boultwood. Chelmsford J, with unbeaten returns from Bruce Li and Shengbin Zhu were 7-3 winners over Chelmsford K. Paul Bullock, Jacqui Smith and Ray Booty all won once for Chelmsford K. Highwood A are a clear second, only two points behind Highwood A. They beat Hatfield Peverel E 8-2. Keith Pallett and Keith Fitz-John were both undefeated. Nicola Pippen was involved in two five enders. She beat Kath Little 11-5, 8-11, 10-12, 11-9, 11-9 but she missed out against Phil West 9-11, 12-10, 7-11, 11-9, 9-11. Danbury L ran out 8-2 winners against Hatfield Peverel E. Norman Hayes and Paul Thirkettle both scored hat-tricks. Four games were decided in a fifth end and Danbury L won three of them. Paul Thirkettle beat Bob Hillis 12-10, 12-10, 6-11, 5-11, 11-9 in the closest game of the night.

The match went to form in division 1A of the Junior League with Chelmsford Jaguars beating Chelmsford Leopards 4-1. Nyree Marsh was undefeated. She beat Cleon Fernandes 11-5, 11-9, 2-11, 11-7 and Al Lane 11-3, 11-9, 11-7. Chelmsford Rhinos only lost to the higher placed Chelmsford Pumas 3-2. Saul Chivers was unbeaten for the Pumas with wins over Nicholas Grice (11-1, 11-5, 14-12) and Ben Chivers (6-11, 11-5, 11-4, 11-8).

Chelmsford Tigers (Affan Hadi and Rayyan Hadi) impressed in division 1B. They beat the higher placed Chelmsford Pumas 5-0. Rayyan Hadi gave them the best possible start with a 13-11, 6-11, 9-11, 11-4, 16-14 win over George Spicer and they never looked back. Chelmsford Falcons are a clear second. Oliver Cheung and Charlie Donald were 4-1 winners against Buttsbury Bulldogs. Charlie Donald beat Jacob Lawrence 11-6, 8-11, 11-8, 9-11, 13-11 and Oliver Cheung beat Ben Brown 11-9, 4-11, 11-9, 8-11, 11-9. Chelmsford Falcons also beat Buttsbury Bears 4-1. Alan Jiang and Charlie Donald won their four singles but missed out 9-11, 9-11, 16-14, 10-12 in a very close doubles against Max Samuels and Ollie Barrett.  In a match where all four players won one singles Buttsbury Bulldogs beat Chelmsford Tigers 3-2. The Buttsbury duo – Harry Hutt and Oscar Hutt and the two Tigers – George Bilbow and Todd Martin were all on the scoresheet.

Buttbury Bats (Ryan Beresford-Cole and George Hagland) were 5-0 winners against Chelmsford Eagles in division 1C. George Hagland beat Aarav Mehta 11-9, 9-11, 9-11, 11-9, 11-8 in the closest game of the night.

Division 1D leaders OCs Lions were the week’s  big winners in this division. Vyoma Upadhaya and Tom Bird ran out 5-0 winners against Buttsbury Badgers. Vyoma Upadhaya defeated Seamus Mellon in five fluctuating ends (9-11, 11-6, 11-3, 5-11, 11-4). Buttsbury Bees beat Chelmsford Elephants 4-1. Joseph Hutt won twice, beating Eddie Pickwick (11-4, 11-7, 11-2) and Ben Pickwick (8-11, 11-9, 11-3, 7-11, 11-8). Danbury Devils complete this week’s results with a 3-2 win over Buttsbury Bees.  Toby Restall was undefeated whilst Joseph Hutt was on target for the losers with a hard fought 9-11, 13-11, 14-12, 11-8 win over Lotte Mills.

Steve Kerns Press & Publicity Officer Chelmsford District Table Tennis League

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Press Report - issued on 17 November 2019

Danbury A score emphatic 10-0 win over Chelmsford C

Danbury A have jumped into second place in the first division of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League. Gary Young, Dave Richardson and Daniel Young were all undefeated as they scored their fifth win of the Season, an emphatic 10-0 victory over Chelmsford C. Gary Young completed their victory with a last gasp 11-6, 7-11, 9-11, 11-7, 14-12 success against Wiktor Delimat. Danbury B did well to draw with the higher placed Chelmsford  A. Casey Cross was undefeated for Chelmsford and he beat Sam Lowman - the best of the Danbury players 9-11, 11-8, 6-11, 11-4, 11-7. Cameron Gray did well to beat Victor Chan 11-7, 5-11, 10-12, 11-9, 11-9. Wtittle A shared the points with Chelmsford B. Lee McHugh was undefeated for Writtle and he sealed the draw for his side with a 12-10, 3-11, 4-11, 11-7, 11-7 victory against Rob Shrimpton.

There was a first defeat for Maldon B in division two and they were on the wrong end of a heavy 9-1 loss to a very strong OCs B team. Dave Cole and Kevin Worthington both bagged hat-tricks and Steve Northcott won twice. Steve Scholz was on target for the losers with a 11-7, 11-9, 9-11, 11-7 win over Steve Northcott. Chris Buer led Danbury C to a 6-4  victory against Hatfield Peverel A . Buer had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Alastair Piper 11-13, 6-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-9 whilst Gus Heath was similarly pushed to defeat Neil Freeman 10-12, 5-11, 11-8, 11-7, 12-10. Writtle B excelled against Chelmsford D winning 10-0. Paul Sturton, Rod Maclennan and Phil Smith called the shots. Maclennan in particular hit some real form racing to wins over Jarek Pietraszuk (11-9, 11-8, 11-9), Keith Martin (11-8, 4-11, 11-5, 11-6) and Victor Chan (11-6, 11-6, 11-6).

Division three produced two 6-4 results. Danbury F did well to beat Chelmsford E – good going as they only had two players. John Robinson and Dave Marsh carried all before them.  John Robinson did well to beat Vineeth Kamma 11-5, 8-11, 11-9, 19-17. Hatfield Peverel C came out on top against Writtle D despite the fact that Trevor Collin was unbeaten for Writtle. Colin completed his evening’s work with a 6-11, 11-9, 11-6, 7-11, 11-7 win over Martin Archie having previously beaten Nick Duce 11-4, 11-13, 11-5, 11-7.  

Team-work was the order of the day as Writtle F beat OCs F 7-3 in division four. Ian Hockley, David Meah and Colin Griffiths all won twice.  Meah fought back from 2-0 down to get the better of David Newman 7-11, 4-11, 11-8, 11-6, 11-9 in the closest game of the night. The other two matches were 5-5 draws. Jason Clark was undefeated for Chelmsford G who shared the points with Writtle B whilst Jenson Davis won his three singles as Danbury K drew with Chelmsford F. Davis came through against Joachin Mapes after five fluctuating ends 9-11, 11-5, 11-1, 12-14, 11-5.  

Highwood A defeated Buttsbury 9-1 in division five. Melanie Bonnett and Nicola Pippen both won their three singles. Oliver Barrett beat Keith Fitz-John 11-7, 8-11, 12-10. 12-14, 11-3 for the losers. However Highwood A were on the wrong end of a 6-4 defeat against Highwood B who stay top with eight wins out of eight. Frank Neill excelled with wins over Nicola Pippen (9-11,11-6, 11-13, 11-9, 11-9), Melanie Bonnett (4-11, 5-11, 11-7, 11-3, 11-9) and Keith Fitz-John (7-11, 11-9, 3-11, 11-5, 11-7) . Three really hard fought wins !  Hatfield Peverel D led by an Andy Whiley hat-trick ran out 8-2 winners against Chelmsford K. Richard Drozd was on target for Hatfield Peverel with a hard-fought 12-10, 9-11, 11-7, 8-11, 11-8 success against Jacqui Smith.   Elsewhere Chelmsford J defeated Hatfield Peverel F  9-1. Rajesh Dewan and Craig Studley were both undefeated. Debbie Ginn was the loser’s sole winner and she beat John Wickins 11-3, 7-11, 11-6, 12-10.

Danbury Dragons stay top in division 1A of the Junior League. They made it 37 points out of 40 by beating Chelmsford Cougars 3-2. Ewan Hynd won twice beating Josh Bickles 11-9, 11-3, 11-7  and Harry Chivers 11-9, 11-5, 11-4. Danbury Dragons stretched even further ahead by beating Chelmsford Pumas 5-0. Ewan Hynd and Ben Porter carried all before them on that occasion. Chelmsford Cougars came out on top 4-1 against Chelmsford Jaguars. Josh Bickles won both of his singles whilst Nyree Marsh was on target for the losers with a five game win over Harry Chivers (13-11, 7-11 , 11-7, 4-11, 11-6). Chelmsford Leopards did well to beat Chelmsford Rhinos 3-2, Cleon Fernandes and Al Lane both won once to counter the two wins that Ben Chivers picked up for the Rhinos.

Danbury Demons (30 points out of a possible 35) lead the way in division 1B. Alex Porter and Jenson Davis carried all before them as they beat Buttsbury Bears 5-0. Charlie Donald was undefeated as Chelmsford Falcons ran out 4-1 winners against Chelmsford Tigers. Rayyan Hadi beat Alan Jiang 3-11, 8-11, 11-7, 12-10, 12-10 in the closest game of the night.

Division 1 C is closer and Buttsbury Beavers and Chelmsford Antelopes both have 19 points from six matches. The Beavers won 3-2 after Jacob Lawrence had beaten both Adam Thirkettle (11-5, 6-11, 11-4, 6-11, 11-5) and Calum Caldwell (11-9, 11-5, 11-6). Leo Beadon won once, a last gasp 16-14, 11-8, 7-11, 9-11, 14-12 victory against Callum Caldwell. Ryan Beresford Cole was undefeated as Buttsbury Bats ran out 4-1 winners against Danbury Griffins. Beresford Cole beat Dominic Kirk 11-2, 11-7, 11-6 in his second singles.

Buttsbury Badgers had Seamus Mellon undefeated as they beat Chelmsford Elephants 4-1 in division 1D. Mellon had to dig deep to get the better of Luv Goel 8-11, 11-9, 14-12, 8-11, 11-7. Chelmsford Wolves also won 4-1. Georgina Riches won twice whilst Hela Kolli chipped in with a 11-8, 11-4, 12-14, 5-11, 11-9 victory against Sam Lincoln. Chelmsford Wolves also beat Buttsbury Bees 3-2. Georgina Riches was again unbeaten and this time Prayak Gupta came good with a 4-11, 12-10, 7-11, 11-6, 11-9 win over Zachary Samuels. Buttsbury Badgers complete this week’s results by beating Danbury Devils 4-1. Ronnie Palmer won a cliff-hanger 10-12, 11-5, 11-2, 8-11, 12-10 against Lotte Mills whilst Seamus Mellon was equally pushed before he prevailed 11-8, 10-12, 5-11, 11-3, 12-10 against Toby Restall.

Steve Kerns Press & Publicity Officer Chelmsford District Table Tennis League

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Press Report - issued on 10 November 2019

Paul Davison stars as Liberal draw against Chelmsford B

Paul Davison was on good form for Liberal in division one of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis  League and his hat-trick enabled his side to draw against Chelmsford B.  Davison beat Rob Shrimpton 11-8, 11-9, 11-8 and Simon Jarvis 9-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-9. Leaders Maldon A scored their eighth  win of the Season, a very impressive 10-0 destruction of Rawreth. Alex Abbot made it 21 wins out of 21 and John Poysden and Trevor Lloyd were also undefeated. Poysden was locked in battle at 2-2 with Charles Sweeny but he surged clear in  the decider to win 11-8, 9-11, 8-11, 11-9, 11-3. OCs A led by Paul Lucas beat Galleywood A 8-2. Terry Dowsett defeated Steve Kerns 11-6, 8-11, 11-2, 11-6 but he missed out to Peter Barrett 8-11, 11-6, 7-11, 11-13. Dan Berry also won twice and this included a last gasp 9-11, 14-12, 5-11, 11-5, 13-11 victory over Peter Barrett.

Maldon B lead the way in division two and they impressed by beating Writtle C 8-2. Colin Napper and Ciaran Whelan were both undefeated. Colin Napper hit top form defeating Gary Ward 11-7, 11-9, 9-11, 11-7, John Parodi 11-4, 10-12, 9-11, 11-3, 11-6 and Dave Calleja 11-4, 11-7, 11-7. Writtle C did better against Writtle B and they drew 5-5. Gary Ward was undefeated this time and he earned his side a share of the points by beating Paul Sturton 11-5, 11-13, 11-8, 11-9 in the last game of the evening.. OCs B ran out 7-3 winners against Dabury D. Kevin Worthington and Steve Northcot both bagged hat-tricks. Worthington has a record of 14 wins out of 15. Maldon C were 7-3 winners against Chelmsford D in a match which was notable for the fact that 11 year old James Donald made his division two debut,   one of the youngest players to appear at this level. He fared best against Thomas Page and just missed out over five action packed ends 11-4, 6-11, 9-11, 12-10, 8-11. Keith Martin excelled and he beat Thomas Page   15-13, 8-11, 11-4, 11-8.

Leaders OCs D were 6-4 winners in division three but it was 13 year old Ewan Hynd who stole the show. A product of the Danbury Coaching system he turned in a superb performance to win all three singles. He fought back from 2-0 down to defeat Mick Hayes 13-15, 7-11, 11-8, 11-6, 11-7 and he then defeated Mick Richardson (MIck’s first defeat of the Season) 13-11, 3-11, 12-10, 11-6. He completed a sensational hat-trick with a 11-13, 11-9, 11-5, 11-9 success against League Chairman Dave Porter. Danbury E  stay second. Tim Pulham led them to a 8-2 win over Writtle D and he completed his trio of wins with a very hard fought 16-14, 11-7, 9-11, 8-11, 14-12 victory over Trevor Collin. Danbury J  ran out 7-3  winners against Chelmsford E. Dave Goody was undefeated whilst 15 year Vineeth Kamma won twice for the losers. Vineeth Kamma missed out against Dave Goody 10-12, 8-11, 11-7, 11-7, 7-11 but he beat Dave Powell 11-8, 12-10, 12-10 and Richard Allen 6-11, 15-13, 11-7, 11-7. Hatfield Peverel C defeated Danbury F 8-2. Martin Archie and Nick Duce were both undefeated.

Galleywood C stay top in division four and it was yet another very promising young player – 15 year-old Charlie Craig who led the way. He won his three singles beating Sarah Austin 11-8, 11-8, 7-11, 9-11, 11-9, Andy Swales 11-7, 11-6, 11-7 and James Donald 11-3, 11-9, 11-9. Sarah Austin impressed by beating Gary Copsey 11-7, 9-11, 11-3, 11-9 whilst Andy Swales defeated Andy Hanlon 11-5, 11-5, 8-11, 4-11, 14-12. Writtle F were 7-3 winners against Chelmsford G. Ian Hockley led the way with a “full house”  and he completed his hat-trick with a 11-5, 7-11, 9-11, 11-7, 11-6 victory against Adi Kamma – the best of the Chelmsford players. Writtle E beat OCs G 8-2. Neil Thompson and Dave Moles were both undefeated. David Bishop beat Alan Offord 11-13, 11-9, 11-7, 5-11, 13-11 in the closest game of the night. OCs F did well to beat Galleywood B 6-4 – good going as Bryn Thomas was unbeaten for the Galleywood side. Richard Upson and Farooq Ahmed both won twice for the Old Chelmsfordians team.

Highwood B made it seven wins out of seven in division five beating Hatfield Peverel E 9-1. Martin Goddard and Francis Whitbread were both undefeated. Phil West beat Russell Downton 11-6, 11-6, 5-11, 11-8 for the losers. Hatfield Peverel F ran out 6-4 winners against Hatfield Peverel D – courtesy of a hat-trick for Mick Carter whilst Maldon E beat Chelmsford K 8-2. Rob Sach won his three singles and he received good support from Brian Dixon and Kym Eames who both won twice. Paul Bullock picked up two singles for the losers. Stuart Wintle was undefeated as OCs H beat Danbury L 7-3. Wintle sealed his hat-trick with a very hard fought 11-9, 5-11, 12-10, 7-11, 12-10 win over League stalwart - 85 year old Norman Hayes.

Buttsbury Bears jumped into third place in division 1B  of the Chelmsford Junior League by beating Chelmsford Panthers 4-1. Ben Brown won both of his games beating George Spicer 11-3, 11-6, 11-8 and Theo Griffiths 9-11, 11-6, 11-4, 11-9. Danbury Demons stay top. They made it five wins out of six by beating Buttsbury Bulldogs 4-1. 13 year old Jenson Davis retained his 100 % Singles record (six wins out of six) by beating Ollie Barrett 11-7, 11-5, 14-12 and Oscar Hutt  11-7, 11-0, 11-4.

Buttsbury Bats did well to beat the higher placed Chelmsford Antelopes in division 1C. George Hagland and Ryan Beresford Cole both won once and although they both missed out against Todd Martin they sealed an important Doubles win 11-8,1 1-6, 11-9 against Martin and Ben Pickwick to clinch the 3-2 victory.      

Steve Kerns Press & Publicity Officer Chelmsford District Table Tennis League

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Press Report - issued on 3 November 2019

Paul Sturton on top form for Writtle B

The division two match between Writtle B and Danbury C was a good one in the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League and it finished tied at 5-5. Paul Sturton won his three singles beating Steve Buer (11-2, 11-6, 7-11, 11-6), Chris Buer (11-8, 11-5, 11-5) and Gus Heath (11-6, 11-4, 14-12). Three good wins !. Chelmsford D had both Jarek Pietraszuk and Victor Chan undefeated as they beat OCs C 8-2.

Leaders Maldon A made it seven wins out of seven by beating OCs A 6-4 in the top division. John Poysden impressed by beating Paul Lucas 11-9, 12-10, 11-6 but he was in turn on the wrong end of a 1-11, 11-3, 6-11, 4-11 set-back against Terry Dowsett. Paul Lucas powered his way past Trevor Lloyd 11-3, 11-3, 11-7.

OCs D top the table in division three with 38 points out of 50. They impressed by beating Danbury G 8-2. Mick Richardson won his three singles and he beat Nicky Reece Ford, the best of the Danbury players 12-10, 11-6, 11-6. The match between Danbury J and OCs E finished as a 5-5 draw. Dave Goody was undefeated for Danbury.  

Chelmsford J were the big winners in division five. Craig Studley and Bruce Li were both undefeated as they beat Danbury L 9-1. Studley defeated Ken Wilding in five fluctuating ends 11-5, 7-11, 11-7, 9-11, 11-4. Highwood A are in second place, just one point behind their B team. Melanie Bonnett was undefeated as they beat Chelmsford K 7-3. Paul Bullock won twice for the Chelmsford side beating Keith Pallett (11-4, 7-11, 11-9, 7-11 11-6) and Keith Fitz-John (7-11, 11-9. 11-4, 12-10). Hatfield Peverel led by an undefeated Grigor Abaryan ran out 6-4 winners against Hatfield Peverel E. Abaryan completed his hat-trick with a 11-7, 9-11, 11-6, 8-11,11-5 win over Phil West. Hatfield Peverel F also drew 5-5 with Maldon E. This time Grigor Abaryan and Bob Hillis both won twice for Maldon although all three Hatfield Peverel players missed out against Colchester League stalwart Roger Warren. In a nail-biting last game of the evening Roger Warren beat Gary Simmons 13-11, 11-13, 11-2, 12-14, 11-9 to complete his trio of wins.

Chelmsford Pumas ran out 4-1 winners against Chelmsford Jaguars to consolidate second place in division 1A of the Chelmsford Junior League.  Joachin Mapes and Saul Chivers won all four singles but they missed out 6-11, 4-11, 9-11 in the doubles against Annabel Sweeney and Melinda Abraham Victor.    

Chelmsford Panthers beat Buttsbury Bulldogs 4-1 in division 1B. George Spicer won twice with five game wins over Oscar Hutt (6-11, 9-11, 11-6, 15-13, 11-3) and Harry Hutt (6-11, 11-5, 11-5, 2-11, 11-7). Buttsbury Bears also won 4-1. Oliver Barrett led the way with two wins as they beat Chelmsford Tigers. Affan Hadi was in target for the losers with a 6-11, 11-9, 11-5, 11-9 victory against George Standish.

Chelmsford Widlcats were in action in division 1C. They lost 4-1 to Buttsbury Bats. Ryan Beresford-Cole won twice for the Bats and he was tested by Alesha Ellis-Austin before he triumphed 11-9, 11-7, 11-9.

The Handicap Knock Out Cup has also kicked off with games being played on the best of three up to 21 points basis. OCs H emerged as 5-4 winners over Chelmsford K although all nine games were decided 2-0. Robert Boultwood (playing off a handicap of 0) won his three singles for OCs in commanding fashion and it is clear that when he is integrated into the League his handicap will be adjusted. Chelmsford H – Victor Chan (65), James Donald (44) and Andy Swales (41) ran out 5-3 winners against Chelmsford G. Jason Clark (45) beat James Donald 21-15, 20-22, 21-17 in the closest game of the night. Chelmsford E led by rapidly improving Junior Harry Buckle (42) ran out 5-3 winners over Writtle E. Buckle looked to be far too strong for his handicap and he clinched the win for his side with a 21-16, 21-11 win over Malcolm Storey (51).  Another fast improving Junior Sudheep Kamma (28) was also undefeated and he also raced through his  two singles. Again a case of the Player’s handicaps having to be reassessed. Writtle C (John Parodi (59) / John Gagg (59)/ Gary Ward (71)) have done well in this Competition in the past. This year they fell at the first hurdle (5-1) to Buttsbury. George Standish (11) and Tomasz Krolkowski (30) were both undefeated. Gary Ward was on target for the losers with a 21-19, 21-16 success against James Hughes (43). Galleywood are also through to the next round. They beat Danbury F 5-1. Mark Glenister (52) and Charlie Craig were both undefeated. Andy Hanlon (60) won once and he secured the Galleywood victory with a 13-21, 21-14, 21-17 win against Dave Marsh (62). Danbury K – Roger Tiffin (47), Jean Chasmer (41) and Jensen Davis (21) are also through to the next round and they ran out comfortable 5-0 winners against OCs F. Danbury B defeated Highwood B 5-2.  Sam Lowman (74) had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Frank Neil (47) 21-19, 18-21, 21-19 whilst Dave Cockrell (41) did well to beat Dan Anderson (69) 21-19, 20-22, 21-7.

Steve Kerns Press & Publicity Officer Chelmsford District Table Tennis League

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