KIRKBY UP TO SECOND AS CROOK STAY TOP

Kirkby Stephen A are only five points off leaders Crook B in Division Two of the Kendal and District Table Tennis League and have a crucial game in hand after winning their fifth straight match of the season this week.
The Eden Valley side maintained their one hundred percent winning start with a 9-1 demolition of Natland D.  Kirkby notched up an unassailable 9-0 lead courtesy of three victories apiece for Dave White, Peter George and star player Francesca Currie. Natland finally got on the scoresheet in the doubles when Liam Hogan and Rinaldo Colombi teamed up to beat Currie and White 11-6, 11-6, 11-9. The result leaves Kirkby five points behind leaders Crook B, with a game in hand, while Natland D lie in fifth place.
Crook B held onto top spot thanks to a 7-3 success against Kirkby Stephen B.  Gerry Baines got Kirkby off to a flying start, edging out Tony Cousins 11-6 in a dramatic five setter. Crook’s Tony Cousins, Bob Bagot and Ed Lister won the next three singles matches to forge a 3-2 Crook lead. Baines and Andrew Leach tried tirelessly to haul Kirkby back into the tie with victories against Lister, but Bagot’s three victories combined with Cousins’ brace ensured Crook swept to victory 7-3.
At the opposite end of the table, Dent climbed two points clear of the relegation zone after claiming their first triumph of the season, 8-2 against Natland E. Steve Hawley and Wayne Gardner remained unbeaten with three wins, while Natland’s points came courtesy of George Pickthall and Gavin Lowe’s successes against Danny Smith. The win lifts Dent up to seventh, while Natland are rock bottom with only four points to their name.
In Division Three, Dallam F caused a huge upset by beating leaders Burton E 19-14. Norman Philbey’s experience saw him win three matches for Dallam, while young Nina Duxbury impressed with victories against Jack Wheelhouse and Brian Gourlay. Burton’s Wheelhouse put this disappointment behind him to beat Anna Parkinson 11-7, 11-3, 11-6, while team mate Dave Salmon won two matches against Parkinson and Duxbury.
Crook C climbed into second position following a 27-6 drubbing of Natland F. Anthea Bevan was the only Natland player to taste victory as she beat Hugh Symmons 14-12, 11-5, 11-4. Crook though sealed their fifth success of the season thanks to Andy Gilchrist and Chris Mowat’s three wins.
In Division One, Dalton Cricket Club A continue to head the division, with Natland A and Ibis in hot pursuit. At the opposite end of the table, Dallam A and Natland C occupy the dreaded relegation places.