NATLAND SURGE TO DIVISION 1 SUMMIT

In form Natland A have surged to the top of Division One in the Kendal and District Table Tennis League after an 8-2 victory against Burton A made it seven wins from as many games for the table toppers.
Harry Carter got Natland off to a flying start by beating Martin Wakelin in straight sets, only for Burton’s Chris Knowles to level the tie at 1-1 thanks to an 11-8 triumph in the tense fifth end against John Fearon.  Natland then took command of the encounter by winning the next six singles games to move 7-1 in front thanks to Roger Pimblett’s impeccable contribution of three straight sets victories. Knowles once again proved to be a nuisance for Natland, as he fought off Carter 11-2, 9-11, 11-7, 11-8 to double Burton’s points haul. An 8-2 victory was confirmed when Pimblett and Carter triumphed in the doubles 11-6, 11-7, 11-6.
Dalton Cricket Club A remain in second position, three points behind the leaders, courtesy of a 9-1 drubbing of Dallam B. Keith Dymond and Ryan Smith won all three matches for Dalton, although Dymond was pushed to the brink of defeat in a narrow fifth set 11-6 victory against Paul Gosling. Dallam finally got on the scoresheet when John Fitzgerald beat Paul Ackred 18-16 in an exhausting fourth set.
At the opposite end of the table, ninth place Burton B have fallen perilously close to the relegation zone, as they were edged out 6-4 against mid-table Natland B. Natland’s Mark Ashburn won all three games, including a dramatic 11-8 victory in the final set against Peter Baxendale. Team mate Bernard Pickthall was also in fine form, beating Ian Brotherton and Tony March. Burton’s Baxendale ensured his side were not swept away, defeating Mick Taylor and Pickthall in three sets.
In Division Three, Dallam E won only their third match of the season with a 28-7 mauling of rock bottom Natland F. Dallam’s Stephen Troughton and Bradley Varey won all three matches, while team mate Stephen Gosling chipped in with an impressive four set success against Archie Catnach.
Crook C are up to second in the table thanks to a comprehensive 25-12 victory against Grayrigg B. Kevin Hunter tried tirelessly to prevent Crook surging to victory, beating both Chris Mowat and Andy Gilchrist, however Ed Lister’s man of the match winning performance ensured Crook’s sixth success of the season.
In Division Two, Kirkby Stephen A are the new leaders thanks to a 10-0 victory against Natland E, while Dallam D occupy second place, four points behind their table topping rivals.