The first week’s matches in the Hastings & District Table Tennis League saw some close contests in Division One, with last year’s top three all winning, but dropping a point.

Champions Hollington Academy A had a tough start at Bexhill C but a maximum from Paul Barry and two wins for Nathan Darby gave them a 6-4 win.

Graham Gillett won twice for Bexhill while Barry had to beat John Wilson in the final set to ensure victory.

Bexhill A cut it even finer as they came back from 2-4 down to Hollington Academy B before winning 6-4. David Rayment was unbeaten for Bexhill with Rob Warner winning two, as did Academy’s Rose Rainton.

At 4-4, Ryan Warner beat Sheila King, on debut for Academy, in five games before Rayment beat Sam Collins, also in five.

Saints A had a slightly more comfortable 7-3 win at Tackleway C thanks to maximums from Dave Butler and Andy Syrett although  two of Syrett’s wins went to deuce in the decider.

Promoted Bexhill G made an excellent start with a 5-5 draw at Hollington Academy C for whom Fraser Kent had a straight games maximum. Ryan Heselden won twice for the Academics.

Two contenders in Division Two, Tackleway D and relegated Bexhill D, fought out a 5-5 draw with Trevor Towner (Bexhill), Owen Hatter and Alan Blackman (Tackleway) all winning twice. Bexhill looked home and hosed at 5-2 but Zac Allen beat Phil Toze before Hatter beat John Bradbury in five games for the draw.

Shaun Godfrey’s maximum ensured a 5-5 draw for Hollington A against NALGO A for whom Paul Hyland and Mike Courtnage both won two.

Hollington Academy D beat Bexhill H 8-2 with three wins for Kevin Barry and two each for Dave Watters and Pete Watters while Dan Starnes, on his Hastings debut, won two for the losers.

Tigers A beat Hollington B with three wins from Dave Mitchell and Roger Smith and two from Chris Woods.

Third Division Willett & Phillips beat Monarchs B 6-4 with Ken McEwan unbeaten and two from Phil Bailey while Peter Harding won two for Monarchs.