Colebridge Pasties, who are now based at Solihull in the Stratford league’s only dedicated facility, opened their campaign against fellow joint reigning champions Shottery A who have been strengthened by the acquisition of 17 year old  Craig Witheford. A product of Littleton table tennis club, the youngster narrowly lost his opening set to Tom Shortley, but thereafter never looked seriously troubled as he went on to deliver a match-winning treble. Gary Stewart and Stephen Foster added braces, although neither were able to get the better of Shortley, who also combined with Mike Evetts to secure the doubles. Mike Credland was close to increasing the Pasties’ haul before succumbing to Foster in the only contest to go the full distance as Shottery took the match 7-3. Both teams are again likely to be in the mix for honours in a league which has become increasingly competitive by the addition of Snitterfield and JLM Falcons who both gained their second victories of the new season.

Snitterfield came away from Ashorne 9-1 to the good with John Price and Alan Cotton untroubled. Don McAdam provided their other scores, but was denied a perfect performance by Roger Pye in the only game to go to a fourth set.

Fellow newcomers JLM Falcons defeated Henley B 8-2 with Luke Moffat maintaining his unbeaten start, and Kevin Taylor and Doug Payne each adding two wins. Two of Payne’s contests went to the wire with contrasting fortunes as he narrowly defeated Mark Chase but lost out to Robert McCluskey. The villagers’ other success was also achieved the long way with Stuart Latham-Marr eventually overcoming Taylor. 

Blazing Paddles got off to a winning start when they entertained Henley A. Nello Mauri led the way with a maximum achieved without reply. Harry Azima was also unbeaten but was made to work hard by Peter Quince before clinching the decider 13-11. Quince was again pipped at the post by Dave Fordham who lost out in similar manner to Dave Hatcher despite earning five more points than his opponent over the course of their encounter. Geoff Shephard also overcame Fordham to gain the visitors’ other point as they ended up on the wrong end of an 8-2 scoreline.