Nomads Ocelots put out their strongest side so far this season in Division Three of the Clacton League and were rewarded with a first success of the current campaign.
The Ocelots were 8-2 winners against Holland Lancasters, Andrew Cousins, making a first appearance of the season, and Mike Wellum, continuing his excellent return to League table tennis, both staying unbeaten. Hazel Blanche picked up a singles win for the Ocelots, as did Dave Wright and Peter Evans for the Lancasters.
Brotherhood H were forced to field a guest against Nomads Leopards but trebles from Dan Grindrod and Danny Still saw them safely home to a comfortable 7-3 victory.
Bob Keefe’s impressive start to his Clacton League career continued with a hat-trick for Holland Vulcans against Windsor Magpies, plus a shared doubles success with James Horsler. Alas, it was the Windsor Magpies who prevailed 6-4, John Plummer, Dave Sweetland and Alan Rutledge all winning twice.
Nomads Lions seemingly can’t do wrong in Division One, powering to another 10-0 victory, this time over Brotherhood B. Adam Cuthbert, Jason Lloyd and Ethan Lloyd were the winning trio.
There were hat-tricks for Greg Green and Gill Locke as Nomads Panthers defeated Windsor Hawks 8-2. Andy Vincent and Felipe Rodriguez took a point apiece for the Hawks, Vincent giving Green a fright before eventually going down 11-8 in the fifth.
There were two 10-0 results involving teams from the Brotherhood and Windsor clubs, both of which ended in favour of Brotherhood.
Brotherhood A made quick work of a Windsor Eagles’ side who were forced to field a guest player, Kevin Gowlett, Danniel Young and Gary Young staying unbeaten.
The Brotherhood C v Windsor Buzzards match was somewhat more competitive but Brotherhood’s John Cleasby, Martin Edwards and Graham Playle proved too good in the end, with only Edwards’ 11-6 in the decider win against Andy Foster going the distance.
In Division Two, three each for Mark Boyland and John Gallagher, and a couple for Mark Beckham, gave Brotherhood G a 9-1 victory over Windsor Kestrels. Peter Aumord took the Kestrels’ point with a victory over Beckham whilst Jonathan Found came nearest to getting a second, going down 11-7 in the decider to Gallagher.
The ‘G’ side are now one point ahead of club-mates Brotherhood F, 8-2 victors this week over Nomads Jaguars. Neil Chegwidden and Mark Salter both stayed unbeaten, Chegwidden needing the full five sets to beat Andy Hart 11-5 in the fifth and Chris Petrou 11-6 in the fifth. Brotherhood’s Tricia Salter enjoyed a good win over Bob Jillins.
Brotherhood D, playing with a reserve, won three of the four matches which went the distance to edge past Nomads Tigers 6-4. Kevin Pryor’s hat-trick for the winners included a nail-biting 12-10 in the decider victory over Matt Sage. Brotherhood skipper Fred Gallone picked up a couple, defeating Tom Wilkin 11-4 in the decider but losing by the same score to Sage. Sage won two for the Tigers, Wilkin and Alex Baldock one each.
Finally, Joe Sherwin continued his good form for Brotherhood J, taking an impressive hat-trick in his side’s 6-4 success over Windsor Harriers. There was one each for Lucy Carvell and Ruby Gallagher, Carvell’s 11-9 in the fifth win against Isabel Barton ultimately proving the match-winner.
* The League’s first Tournament of the season, the Drawn Doubles, takes place on Saturday 22nd November at Windsor’s St James’ Hall venue. Players should be in attendance by 9.30 am when the draw will take place.
* For details of the Windsor Club’s Quiz Evening being held on Saturday 29th November at the Brotherhood Hall, contact Jenny Higgins (Tel : 07790 240566).
RESULTS
Division 1
Brotherhood C 10 Windsor Buzzards 0;
Nomads Panthers 8 Windsor Hawks 2;
Nomads Lions 10 Brotherhood B 0;
Windsor Eagles 0 Brotherhood A 10;
Division 2
Brotherhood D 6 Nomads Tigers 4;
Brotherhood J 6 Windsor Harriers 4;
Nomads Jaguars 2 Brotherhood F 8;
Windsor Kestrels 1 Brotherhood G 9.
Division 3
Holland Lancasters 2 Nomads Ocelots 8;
Brotherhood H 7 Nomads Leopards 3;
Windsor Magpies 6 Holland Vulcans 4.
Report by Tony Oswick