WHITEWASH KEEPS NATLAND TOP
Natland A have forged a slim one point cushion at the top of Division One in the Kendal and District Table Tennis League following their sixth straight victory of the season.
Natland’s latest win came courtesy of a 10-0 whitewash of Dallam A with John Fearon, Harry Carter and Roger Pimblett winning their matches in three and four sets. The defeat leaves Dallam in seventh position eight points above the dreaded relegation zone.
Second placed Burton A kept the pressure on Natland with a mirror image 10-0 triumph against strugglers Natland B. It was another comfortable night for Graham Coupe, Chris Knowles and Peter Baxendale as the Burton trio won three matches apiece. The defeat leaves Natland B in the relegation zone, three points from safety.
In Division Two, Burton C and Natland C are tied at the head of the table, having both played seven matches. Burton posted a big win this week after mauling Dallam C 9-1. Burton’s Graeme Wheelhouse and Peter Hunt netted three wins apiece, while Tony March claimed a brace. Dallam opened their account when Mike Jackson defeated Tony March 11-4, 11-5, 8-11, 13-11.
Crook B earned only their second victory of the season following a 9-1 success against Grayrigg A. John Wood and Bob Bagot remained unbeaten for Crook, while team mate Hugh Symmons beat Sam Housego and Doug Baxter to add two further points to the Crook tally. Grayrigg deservedly hauled themselves on the scoresheet when Ben Littlewood beat Symmons 8-11, 16-14, 11-9, 11-9. The win leaves Crook in fourth place, however Grayrigg remain rooted to the foot of the table, a massive twenty-three points from safety.
Kirkby Stephen C and Burton D played out an entertaining 5-5 draw. In the night’s opening encounter Gerry Baines toppled James Burton 11-9 in a thrilling fifth set and then went on to defeat Shelley Rhodes in four sets. Eric Robinson contributed wins against Bryan and Shelley Rhodes, adding further to the Eden Valley side’s total. Burton rallied hard towards the close of proceedings and salvaged a draw thanks to Bryan Rhodes and James Burton’s two wins apiece.
In Division Three, Dent A have a nine point advantage at the summit of the table thanks to a 24-12 success against Burton E. Dent’s Steve Hawley once again gained a hat-trick of wins and was ably supported by team mate Ben Smith who won two matches. Smith only just missed out on his third victory when he lost to Jack Wheelhouse 11-6 in the deciding set.
Second placed Dallam D are hot on the heels of leaders Dent following a 27-11 derby triumph against their E team. Stephen Gosling and Stephen Troughton won three matches, although Dallam E’s George Duxbury prevented Bradley Varey from bagging a clean sweep after triumphing 6-11, 11-1, 11-3, 11-6 against the D team player.
Elsewhere, Crook C won their first match of the season 19-15 with Chris Mowat scooping the man of the match award.
