Despite losing for the second week running Cwmbran Aztecs continue to lead Division One of the Eastern Valley Table Tennis League. Their latest defeat came against Cwmbran Colts 16-20, in a match that probably provided the most entertaining table tennis of the night. The Colts were without their number one player, Lee Thomas, but, Lyndon Jones proved more than an able deputy with his player of the match performance. His three wins included an exhilarating match against top Welsh Vet. Tony Collins that went to five sets and an exciting win over Mark Edmunds 18-16 in the deciding set. Jones was well supported by Mathew Pearce with his two wins. For the Aztecs, Collins only defeat was against Jones and Edmunds battled well for his seven points.
Cwmbran Blues continued their unbeaten start to the season with a close 18-17 win over Bristol Nomads to close the gap on the leaders to two points. Both teams were much changed for this match, however, it was one of the Blues' regular players, Roger Grech, who took the player of the match award, including a good win over Bhargav Chandra in five sets. Grech was well supported by Ian Maggs with his two wins. For the Nomads, Chandra won two matches and John Thomas fought well for his six points.
In the final match in Division One, YMCA Preachers and Blaenavon Aces fought out a 16-16 draw. The Aces were able to call on their number one player, Piotr Sniezek, for the first time this season and he went on to win three matches to pick up the player of the match award. The Aces' Ben Allen also did well with his two wins. For the Preachers Ray Goulding battled well for his two wins.
With the leaders of Division Two, Cwmbran Dynamos, having a bye this week, Cwmbran Panthers took the opportunity to grab top spot with their narrow 17-16 win over Cwmbran Devils. Ironically it was a performance from a player borrowed from the Dynamos that helped the Panthers to the top of the table. Richard Lownsbrough picked up two wins for the Panthers and with the help of two wins from Colin Price, managed to see them through. Despite being on the losing side the Devils' Roshan Rai collected the player of the match award with his three wins. Stan Williams fought well for his six points.
Cwmbran Eccentrics maintained their third position with a 19-15 win over Chepstow Chiefs. The Eccentrics' John Thomas had a busy night playing with his usual team plus being called upon to play three matches in Division One. Despite this hectic schedule he managed to pick up the player of the match award with his three wins. Eccentrics' Lincoln Alford picked up two wins and Alan Howse battled well for his four points. For the Chiefs Connor Pyke played well for his two wins including a good result over the experienced Lincoln Alford.
The final match in Division Two saw North Gwent Cougars gain wins in successive weeks by beating Cwmbran Fellows quite comfortably 22-9. Once again there is no stopping the Cougars' Greg Price who once again picked up the player of the match award to maintain his 100% record. He was well supported by Sam Slatter with his two wins and Garin Edwards with five points. What can I say about the Fellows, "could do better".
