The young Chelmsford B side – 6-4 losers to Galleywood A the week before, redeemed themselves in division one of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League by beating Danbury A 6-4. Saul Chivers, Harry Buckle and Charlie Craig all won twice although they all missed out against an inform Bruce Kettle. In a high class match the Chelmsford side acquitted themselves superbly. Charlie Craig defeated Dave Richardson 8-11, 11-7, 7-11, 11-7, 11-8 and Saul Chivers sealed the win for his team with a 11-9, 3-11, 11-7, 5-11, 13-11 victory over Richardson. Chelmsford B enter the Christmas break in second place. Danbury A fared better against Danbury B and won 7-3. Dave Richardson led the way and his trio of wins included a fine 8-11, 11-9, 11-13, 11-5, 12-10 victory over Sam Lowman and a 11-9, 9-11, 6-11, 11-6, 11-9 success against Dan Anderson.

The points were shared in division two, where Danbury D drew 5-5 with Danbury E. Chris Buer was unbeaten and he sealed the draw for his side with a 7-11, 14-12, 11-7, 11-13, 11-8 victory against Neil Want. Steve Buer won an even closer encounter. He beat Dick Wyman 11-8, 18-20, 13-11, 4-11, 11-8. Quite a battle.

The division three match between Danbury K and Writtle D also finished tied at 5-5. Writtle D led 5-3 but Danbury K finished the stronger. Alan Dadswell beat Colin Barham 11-4, 11-1, 12-10 and Nick Reece-Ford completed his hat-trick by beating Dave Carter 13-11, 11-3, 11-6 to earn Danbury K a share of the points.

Maldon B did well to beat the higher placed Writtle E 6-4 in division four. Shirley Carrol excelled. She beat Neil Thompson (7-11, 11-6, 11-5, 11-8), Ian Hockley (11-7, 6-11, 11-8, 12-10) and Malcolm Storey (6-11, 17-15, 11-7, 11-13, 11-9).

Division five leaders Buttsbury missed out 7-3 against OCA F. Frances Hutt was undefeated but Harry Hutt and Oscar Hutt were unable to add to the title. David Bishop, Stuart Wintle and Suzanne Shaw all won twice for the old Chelmsfordians team.

The Chelmsford Junior Leagues aren’t quite finished yet and the teams have up to 14 January 2022 to complete their fixtures. Division 1A is finalised and Buttsbury Bees, the Champions beat Chelmsford Pumas 5-0. Jacob Lawrence (86 %) and Jamie Elliott (92 %) were both undefeated. Chelmsford Tigers emerged as 3-2 winners against Buttsbury Bats. Singles were shared and Aarav Mehta and Soumil Jain (Tigers) and George Hagland and George Standish (Bats) all won once.

Buttsbury Badgers lead the way in division 1B but this week they lost 3-2 to second placed Writtle Rattlesnakes. Harry Hutt (79 %) was undefeated for the Badgers despatching Archie Pummell (11-6, 11-9, 6-11, 11-8) and Mimi Pummell (13-11, 11-7, 11-6). Buttsbury Badgers did better against Buttsbury Beavers and won 5-0. Harry Hutt and Joseph Hutt carried all before them. Chelmsford Jaguars did well to beat Chelmsford Beavers 3-2. Lotte Mills won twice, beating Joseph Hutt (11-5, 11-7, 11-5) and Oscar Hutt (13-11, 11-2, 11-7).  

In division 1C – the Champions Chelmsford Antelopes scored their ninth win of the Season beating Buttsbury Bulldogs 5-0. Samaksh Sirohi (100 %) and Arnav Kumar (93 %) were both undefeated. Writtle Racoons won twice. Luv Goel picked up two wins in their 4-1 victory over Chelmsford Eagles. Atharv Gupta was on target for Chelmsford Eagles, beating Kush Goel (11-9, 11-7, 12-14, 11-4).  Writtle Racoons also beat Chelmsford Falcons 4-1. Luv Goel again won twice, beating Kehsaw Barrie (11-3, 11-5, 6-11, 11-7) and Kologn Barrie (11-4, 11-3, 11-7).   

The 2021/ 2 Chelmsford League Championships will be held over the weekend of Friday 28 to Sunday 30 January 2022 at St. John Payne’s Catholic School, Chelmsford, CM1 4BS. The closing date for entries is 02 January 2022 and the entry form can be found on the League’s Website.  

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all players

Steve Kerns / Press Officer / Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League