This weeks matches in Division One of the Eastern Valley Table Tennis League saw a top of the table clash between Cwmbran Colts and Cwmbran Aztecs. It was the Colts who took a big step towards winning the title with a 22-12 win to extend their lead to 21 points. However, the Aztecs did provide the player of the match in Tony Collins with maximum wins, including inflicting the first league defeat for Lee Thomas since March 2015, also by Collins. For the Colts, Thomas, Lyndon Jones and Mathew Pearce all registered 2 wins.
Bottom team Bristol Nomads registered their first win of the season with a surprising 19-18 win over third placed Cwmbran Blues. The player of the match was the Nomads' John Jones with good wins over David D Lloyd and Joseph Sujanic. The Nomads' Peter Gordon also registered notable wins over the higher ranked Lloyd and Roger Grech and they were well supported by Andy Banks with his 6 points. For the Blues, Sujanic picked up 2 wins.
The final match in Division One saw YMCA Preachers gain a big 26-9 win over Blaenavon Aces to move within 3 points of third place. Ray Goulding edged out team-mate David Lloyd to the player of the match award, with both players winning 3 matches each. They were well supported by Claire Flannagan with her 2 wins and 8 points. For the Aces Ben Allen had a good first ever win over the higher ranked Flannagan.
In Division Two, Cwmbran Panthers extended their lead at the top with a competitive 21-14 win over Cwmbran Devils. Player of the match was the Panthers' Colin Price whose 3 wins included an exciting 5 set win over Roshan Rai, thus avenging an early season loss. Price was well supported by Howard Gaut and Will Smith-Haddon with their 2 wins.
Second placed Cwmbran Dynamos had a bye this week, but with 2 games in hand over the leaders they are still in a strong position.
North Gwent Cougars cemented their third place position with a 18-14 win over Cwmbran Fellows. Despite missing their top player Greg Price the Cougars were still too good for their opponents. Price's replacement Jonathan Deacon, making a return to league table tennis after many years absence, proved an able substitute with 2 wins. His only defeat was against player of the match Wayne Ford who gained maximum wins. The Cougars' Sam Slatter and Garin Edwards also gained 2 wins for their team. For the Fellows, Mick Mellor fought hard for his 5 points.
The final match in the division saw Cwmbran Eccentrics enjoy a narrow 17-16 win over Chepstow Chiefs. Player of the match was the Eccentrics' John Thomas with his maximum wins and was well supported by Lincoln Alford with his 7 points. For the Chiefs, Connor Pyke and Elliott Kempton picked up 2 wins each.
