HOTSHOTS RUN RIOT IN DERBY ENCOUNTERS
The top teams in Division One of the Kendal and District Table Tennis League took full points from derby matches played this week.
Current leaders Burton A smashed their B team 10-0 to leave themselves with a four point cushion at the summit. Burton B team had two excellent opportunities to get on the scoresheet but fell short when Peter Baxendale edged out Phil Goymer 11-8, 12-10, 10-12, 7-11, 11-9 in a five set classic. George Pickering had similar misfortune when he lost out narrowly 8-11, 11-9, 12-10, 7-11, 6-11 to Graham Coupe. The A team’s Chris Knowles contributed a marvellous performance as he won his matches in three sets.
Second placed Natland A disposed of their B team with similar efficacy as they triumped 10-0. Natland A’s John Fearon, Roger Pimblett and Harry Carter hardly had to break sweat as they comfortably secured their fourth straight victory of the season.
Dalton CC A made it four wins from three games as they demolished Dallam A 9-1. Paul Gosling beat Ben O’Flynn in four sets to earn Dallam’s only point of the night, while Jon Cooper and John Fitzgerald just missed out on trebling the Milnthorpe team’s haul as they succumbed 11-6 and 11-9 final set showdowns against O’Flynn. Dalton’s Keith Dymond and Ryan Smith looked more at ease and won their matches in three straight sets.
In Division Two, Natland C have momentarily taken over top spot thanks to an 8-2 success against Burton D. Andrea Jorkisch and Bernard Pickthall won three matches, while Peter Taylor chipped in with victories against Shelley Rhodes and James Burton. Burton got themselves on the score-sheet when Bryan Rhodes beat Taylor in four sets and then teamed up with wife Shelley Rhodes in the doubles to win 11-8, 11-4, 9-11, 14-12.
Kirkby Stephen B’s one hundred percent record came to an abrupt halt as they were held to a 5-5 draw by Burton C. Tony March and Peter Hunt won two games apiece for Burton, while Dan Stringer was Kirkby’s driving force as he recorded victories against James Burton and Hunt. The Eden Valley side salvaged a draw in the doubles when Stringer and Leach teamed up to beat Burton and Hunt in four sets.
In Division Three, Grayrigg B have maintained their one hundred percent winning start to the season after a 24-14 victory against Crook C. Grayrigg’s star player Kevin Hunter once again scooped the man of the match award with three victories, while team mates Margaret Dixon and Patrick O’Reilly chipped in with triumphs against Paul Metsers and Chris Mowat respectively. The result leaves Grayrigg with a four point cushion at the head of the table.
Elsewhere, Dallam E moved into second place with an 18-18 draw against Dent A and Natland E just lost out to Burton E 21-17 leaving them still rooted to the foot of the table.
