HIGH FLYERS CLASH IN SECOND DIVISION CHRISTMAS CRACKER

First met second in Division Two of the Kendal and District Table Tennis League this week, as Natland C and Burton C locked horns in the battle for top spot.

Burton immediately did themselves a disservice by only fielding a two man team, but this failed to dampen their spirits as Graeme Wheelhouse and Tony March defeated Liam Hogan early on11-8, 11-6, 11-3 and 4-11, 11-13, 11-4, 11-5, 11-7 respectively. Peter Taylor gave Natland a glimmer of hope when he eclipsed March 11-8, 11-5, yet Burton wrestled back control thanks to Wheelhouse’s three victories. After March beat Pickthall in four sets, Burton arrived at the doubles with a 5-4 advantage. The match looked to be heading for a draw when Natland snatched the opening two sets 13-11, 11-8, however Burton ground out a 6-4 victory following 11-8, 11-7, 11-4 victories in the final three sets. The win leaves Burton C in top spot, one point ahead of Natland C.

Dallam C held promotion chasing Natland D to a 5-5 draw, leaving the latter nine points off the top two places.  Natland’s Liam Hogan earned a hat-trick of victories, which included a marvellous five set success against Peter Duxbury. Team mate Howard Pimblett recorded a brace as he beat Stuart Allan and Mike Jackson. The tenacious Milnthorpe side’s relentless battling display saw them deservedly scrape a draw thanks to Allan’s two victories and a last gasp triumph in the doubles 11-9, 12-10, 11-2.

Natland A look to be moving inexorably closer to defending their title in Division One courtesy of a 10-0 thrashing of relegation threatened Crook A. This was the league leaders’ ninth straight victory, which sees them with a thirteen point cushion at the head of the table. The defeat leaves Crook only four points clear of safety.

Dalton CC A strengthened their fourth place position following a comprehensive 9-1 victory against Burton B. Keith Dymond and Ryan Smith remained unbeaten for Dalton, although Smith came through a bruising tussle with Alan Holt which the Dalton player only just edged 13-11, 6-11, 8-11, 12-10, 11-5. Burton hauled themselves on the score-sheet when Holt deservedly defeated Paul Ackred 11-8, 4-11, 11-9, 12-14, 11-9.

In Division Three, Dallam D have surged to the summit of the table having beaten lowly Natland E 27-8. This was the young Milnthorpe side’s eighth win of the season and came courtesy of Stephen Troughton’s three victories. Team mates Stephen Gosling and Bradley Varey won two matches apiece to pave the way to yet another win. Natland, who have made excellent progress since the start of the season, scored their points thanks to Devun Whitehead and Archie Catnach’s triumphs against Gosling and Troughton respectively. The triumph leaves Dallam with a thirty-one point cushion at the table summit.

An intriguing battle for second and third position is emerging with Dent A and Grayrigg B battling it out for the other promotion place. Dent beat Crook C 22-10 to leave them with a slim nine point lead over Grayrigg, with the latter having a crucial game in hand over their rivals.