IBIS EXTEND LEAD AT THE TOP
Ibis maintained their one hundred percent winning record in Division 1 of the Kendal and District League, inflicting a crushing 8-2 defeat upon Glaxo B. This latest victory sees the table topping Kendal side extend their lead to 21 points over rivals Glaxo A.
Ibis ground Glaxo down early on, as they raced to an unassailable 5-0 lead, which included an incredible 8-11, 9-11, 12-10, 14-12, 11-7 win for James McGrath against Gareth Brunton. Brunton later made amends for his earlier defeat by edging past Trevor Nicholson in five entertaining sets 5-11, 11-5, 11-13, 11-6, 11-9. Ibis went further in front at 7-1 when McGrath eased past Les Shaw and Steve Dixon scraped past an unfortunate Brunton 11-8 in a thrilling encounter. Glaxo doubled their points haul when Tony Whitehouse defeated Nicholson 11-5 in yet another fifth set marathon. Ibis rounded off a drama filled night of table tennis when Dixon and McGrath teamed up in the doubles to win 11-4, 8-11, 12-10, 11-9. Despite the defeat, Glaxo B have climbed into fourth place.
BurtonA clinched their third win of the season with a 7-3 victory against mid-table Crook A. Chris Knowles and Julie Stitch got Burton off to a flying 2-0 lead, after beating Phil Swift and John Howarth respectively. Howarth’s match against Stitch went the full distance with the Burton player edging it 11-8 in a thrilling final set. Mike Taylor and Swift fought back for Crook with triumphs against Martin Wakelin, although Burton went 3-2 ahead when Knowles beat Howarth 15-13 in a gut wrenching deciding set. In the second period, Burton took control of the tie when Stitch and Knowles completed their three victories and a three set success in the doubles. A late straight sets success for Howarth against Wakelin could not prevent Burton from taking the win 7-3.
In Division 2, Burton C are up to second place in the table, three points behind the leaders Natland D following a 7-3 victory against Crook B. Burton’s Graeme Wheelhouse earned three wins and was ably supported by team mates James Burton and Daniel Herd, who both won two matches each. Crook’s points came from Ed Lister’s marathon 11-6 triumph in the fifth set against Herd and Brian Tigg’s wins against Herd and Burton. The defeat leaves Crook in fourth spot, two points from a promotion place.
Grayrigg A remained rooted to the foot of the table after a crushing 10-0 defeat at the hands of Kirkby Stephen B. The closest Grayrigg came to getting on the scoresheet was Kevin Hunter’s unfortunate five set 16-14, 11-5, 7-11, 6-11, 13-11 defeat to a relieved Gerry Baines. Kirkby’s Eric Robinson and Chris Horn looked more assured, with both players comfortably winning their three games.
Grayrigg B earned only their third victory of the season in Division 3 with a narrow 21-19 success against Dallam F. Ben Littlewood and Olly Philpott-Smith were instrumental in Grayrigg’s success, as they both earned two victories apiece. Team mate Sam Housego chipped in with a three set victory against Matthew Pritchard. Dallam’s points came courtesy of two wins apiece for Bradley Varey and Stephen Troughton. Despite the triumph, Grayrigg B remain rooted to the foot of the table, while Dallam F are positioned fifth.
