Week 16 Report 2018-19

Week 16 Report 2018-19

In the battle at the top of Division One, the narrative took yet another swing as Smugglers this time closed the gap on table toppers Misfits. Smugglers did so, by piling yet more misery onto Chumleigh B’s season as they won 8-2 with both Peter Hedge and Martin Babulik picking up trebles. This reduced the gap because Misfits could only just edge past Holsworthy A with a 6-4 win, thanks to a brilliant treble from Peter Kneil. The treble made up for an off-colour Martyn Beer, who lost two, following some great performances from both Steve Cragg and Helen Murgatroyd. Misfits now hold a 10 point lead as we head into the last couple of weeks of the season, whilst Holsworthy A have now dropped back below Nets and Edges into fifth.

It’s been a close competition between the next three sides below for 3rd, 4th and 5th over the last few weeks and this week saw two of that trio take each other on. This was in the form of Spin Doctors and Nets and Edges, whose close league battle could really be seen through the score as it ended 5-5 on the night. Michael Sussex landed a brilliant three, beating the imperious David Streak in a gruelling five-setter, whilst David Ewen and Dave Morgan picked up handy singles to ensure the Doctors maintained the gap in third.

After Wim Faassen’s big result against Ben Taylor last week, Balls of Fury continued their strong momentum, putting Chumleigh A to the sword in an 8-2 win. Wim picked another treble along with Lee Farrant, whilst Tim Strand also picked up two as his season continues to go from strength to strength. A victory from Johnathan Taylor and a good win in the doubles gave Chumleigh their only two points of the night.

Herons suffered yet another loss at the hands of McDonalds & Co but did muster three points, meaning they clawed a point back on Chumleigh B at the bottom of the table. It was a great treble for James Raymont who firstly picked up his first ever league victory against Rob Gale, whilst also beating old teammate Robert Herman in a mammoth five setter where every game happened to go the distance. On another arduous night for Rob Gale he lost to Harry Thomas in tough five-setter that finished 19=17 in the last, whilst Robert Herman secured Herons only singles points, taking wins over both Harry and Jack Thomas. The Robs then combined well to take an important doubles win from two sets behind and secure that vital third point.

In Division 2 it looks like Holsworthy D are more than likely going to take title, after yet another strong victory this time against Despicables. Dave Sillifant took a strong treble, beating the in-form reserve Thomas Venn who had to settle for a double on this occasion as Holsworthy ran out 8-2 winners.

Second placed Littleham did their best to keep pace with the leaders after securing a 10-0 unblemished card against The Vice. It was a side on song as they reduced the gap to only 11 points at the top. Below them Holsworthy B seemed to have cemented their third place finish as they also left nothing to chance, dispatching of the Dolphins 8-2, in a good night for Barry Stearman who scored himself a nicely worked treble. Sam Coutu-Oughton was the only Dolphin to show any resistance picking up a double for his side.

In a stellar week for the Holsworthy sides in Division 2, the C team also produced a fine result beating the Top Spin Tail Spinners 7-3. Although it was perhaps a much closer contest than perhaps the score suggested with no player from either team achieving a maximum on the night. Samuel Jennings of Holsworthy C got the star man award but it seemed like a strong and well contested night for all involved.

In what was the most even scorecard of the week in Division 2, Paddlers drew 5-5 with the Chumleigh Chiefs at home. Joey Butt secured yet another great double for Chiefs whilst the number one man in the division Tim Cooke won yet another three for Paddlers, ensuring they walked away with the draw.

Compiled by Roib Herman

 

Author: via North Devon Table Tennis League
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