Chris Penrose – superb hat-trick for Danbury A against “Champions elect”
Chris Penrose – new to the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League first division and better known as one of the leading players in the Romford League produced a performance which will make everyone sit up and take notice. He scored a superb hat-trick of wins as Danbury A lost 7-3 to the “champions elect” – OCA A, taking down Mark Mulley (10-12, 12-10, 9-11, 11-7, 11-7), Keiran Lally (11-6, 14-12, 8-11, 11-6) and Paul Lucas (4-11, 8-11, 11-5, 11-4, 11-4) – three very good wins. Chelmsford A beat Chelmsford B 7-3. Harry Chivers and James Donald were undefeated for Chelmsford A whilst Aidan Lees and Simon Jarvis both impressed for Chelmsford B by beating Saul Chivers. The 2023 Chelmsford Under 15 Singles Champion – Aidan Lees sparkled as he beat Saul 11-8, 11-7, 11-8 in the first game of the evening.
Division two has more twists and turns than a Wilbur Smith novel. With Danbury D not playing this week Galleywood A took full advantage to return to top spot by beating Danbury A 9-1. James Hicks and Peter Barrett were both undefeated whilst Neil Want was on target for the losers. He beat Gary Brignall (11-6, 9-11, 11-8, 8-11, 11-9). The battle to avoid relegation is very evenly matched in this division and Writtle C ran out 6-4 winners against a two-man OCA C. Gary Ward won twice to give Writtle the edge, beating David Porter (11-3, 11-4, 11-8) and Mick Richardson (11-9, 11-5, 11-4). Chelmsford C did well to beat Hatfield Peverel A 7-3. Victor Chan led the way with a hat-trick which included last gasp wins over Alastair Piper (8-11, 6-11, 11-9, 11-5, 11-9) and Julie Johnson (11-7, 11-13, 3-11, 11-5, 14-12). Writtle B scored an important 7-3 victory over OCA B. Matthew Brown was undefeated for Writtle and Phil Smith won twice, which included a very tight success against Robbie Burton (4-11, 9-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-9). It was honours even between Galleywood B and Chelmsford D. Nikita Tkachuk won his three singles for the Chelmsford side whilst Adi Kamma played his part by beating Mark Glenister (11-7, 6-11, 11-5, 9-11, 16-14).
Division three leaders Danbury F pulled further away by beating Writtle E 9-1. Gus Heath and Chris Buer were both undefeated for Danbury whilst Writtle had to wait until the eighth game to notch up their success. Dave Moles will no doubt consider it worth waiting. He beat Steve Buer (11-7, 11-8, 7-11, 11-7). Second placed Danbury G were held to a draw by Writtle D. No individual player remained undefeated and in the last game of the evening Alan Scammell secured a draw for the Danbury side by beating Malcolm Henstock (11-5, 11-13, 10-12, 11-5, 13-11). Aidan Lees won his three singles as Chelmsford E climbed into third place by beating OCA D 7-3. His game with Richard Baxter was a good one and he triumphed (11-4, 10-12, 11-8, 14-12). With a record of 90 % Lees has clearly outgrown this division. The impressive margin of victory (8-2) for Hatfield Peverel B over the higher placed Danbury K will have raised a few eyebrows. Neil Freeman and Robin Armstrong were both undefeated and Neil Freeman gave the Hatfield Peverel a winning start by beating Greg Cooper (11-5, 8-11, 12-14, 11-5, 11-9).
Chelmsford H, second to bottom in division four, took a big step towards avoiding relegation by beating OCA F 7-3. Cleon Fernandes led the way with three wins and he completed his hat-trick by beating Stuart Wintle (11-6, 12-10, 11-8). Third-placed Danbury M beat OCA E 6-4. Tim Pulham bagged a hat-trick defeating Bob Francis (11-9, 11-4, 11-6), David Newman (12-10, 11-9, 11-8) and Farooq Ahmed (11-8, 11-5, 11-8). Hatfield Peverel C (Peter Mortensen, Andy Whiley and Andy Simmonds) were in charge against Hatfield Peverel D and won 8-2. Peter Mortensen gave them that all important winning start by beating Bob Hillis (11-6, 6-11, 11-7, 9-11, 11-8) in the opening encounter.
The top of the table clash in division five resulted in a handsome 8-2 win for Highwood B against Highwood A although Highwood A still lead the way by eight points. Roger Patient and Dave Cockerel were both unbeaten for Highwood B. Roger Patient (95 % record) had to battle hard to defeat Nicole Pippen (11-9, 11-2, 10-12, 11-8) to complete his hat-trick. Highwood B were also held to a draw by Hatfield Peverel F. James Brookes was unbeaten and this included a 11-9, 12-10, 4-11, 11-8 victory against Roger Patient – only Roger’s second defeat in 38 games. James Brookes was also undefeated in the drawn match between Hatfield Peverel E and Hatfield Peverel F. Brookes had to dig deep to win his third singles, finally seeing off Davina Brazier (11-8, 9-11, 11-13, 11-5, 11-8). Danbury N beat Galleywood D 6-4. Graham Naggs led the way with three wins whilst Norman Hayes was within a whisker of repeating that feat. Steve Peacock pipped Hayes in five ends (6-11, 11-9, 11-7, 3-11, 14-12).
Chelmsford Tigers are the early leaders in Junior division 2A with nine points out of 10. Harrel Choo and Sami Osman beat Chelmsford Lions 5-0.
Chelmsford Antelopes were 3-2 winners against Chelmsford Cougars in Junior division 2B. Three games were decided in five ends and Yishai Choo was unbeaten for the Antelopes. He beat William Guilloux (11-8, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9) and Joshua Freeman (4-11, 11-7, 7-11, 11-7, 11-8). Danbury Griffins came out on top 3-2, against Billericay Bulldogs. Peter Harverson was undefeated for the Griffins, beating Freya Hart (11-7, 11-5, 12-10) and Francesca Hart (11-8, 17-15, 6-11, 9-11, 11-9).
Chelmsford Pumas beat Buttsbury Beavers 5-0 in Junior division 2C. Luka Riberiro and Ethan Li carried all before them. Luka Ribeoro gave the Pumas a winning start by beating Jago Ware (12-10, 13-11, 11-8).
Steve Kerns Press Officer Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League