Dallam A promoted to Division 1
In the Kendal & District Table Tennis League, Dallam A are Division 2 champions. A 9-1 victory against the youngsters of Natland E was enough to ensure promotion back to Division 1, where it seems likely they will be strengthened by the return of the talented James Neal. A hat-trick of wins for Matt Neal and John Fitzgerald and 2 for Peter Duxbury sealed the win. Devun Whitehead’s 4 game success against Peter Duxbury prevented a whitewash. Meanwhile, promotion contenders Burton D and Natland D were both held to 5-5 draws by Burton C and Burton B respectively.
In Division 1, Dalton B all but presented the title to compatriots Dalton A, by taking 3 points off IBIS. Wins for Gareth Brunton and Tony Whitehouse over Trevor Nicholson and victory in the doubles made sure that IBIS will finish runners up for the second season in a row. Dalton A now need only 3 points from their final match to be mathematically certain of the title. Steve Dixon and James McGrath were defiant however with 3 wins apiece, including victories over Gareth Brunton in two close 5 setters.
Dent have leapfrogged to the top of Division 3 with a comfortable 28-10 victory over Crook C and now seem certain to clinch promotion to Division 2. Steve Hawley and Ben Smith were both unbeaten in the singles.
The League’s annual tournament took place at the excellent Dallam School Sports Hall on Sunday, March 19th. Around 40 players, senior and junior, enjoyed a superb day with each event played through to the finals, which will be played on Tuesday, March 21st, at the IBIS Sports & Social Club in Kendal.
