Writtle A turned out a strong team against Chelmsford A in the first division of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League and they ran out relatively convincing 8-2 winners. This result sees Writtle climb off the bottom of the table. Writtle’s Duncan Taylor (pictured) won his three singles and he was well supported by Lee McHugh and Arron Chandler who both won twice. Saul Chivers made his mark for the losers with a fine (11-9, 11-9, 12-10) win over Lee McHugh.
Dawn Baldry was on top form for Maldon B in division three. Her hat-trick of wins was instrumental in Maldon earning a draw against the higher-placed Chelmsford F. Dawn beat Dusan Doszkoty (16-14, 11-6, 11-6), Takunda Nerutanga (11-8, 11-6, 11-9) and Waseem Qureshi (11-8, 11-5, 11-5).
OCA E did well to beat OCA F 6-4 in division four, good going as they were a player short. David Newman led the way with three wins, beating Stuart Wintle (11-9, 11-6, 11-9), Amanda Hogger (11-5, 11-8, 8-11, 11-7) and Matthew Porter (11-5, 11-8, 11-2).
In division five Chelmsford J ran out 7-3 winners over the team immediately below them – ARU. James Grimston’s hat-trick gave Chelmsford J the ascendancy. He had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Nathaniel Acquah (3-11, 11-4, 7-11, 11-9, 11-7).
Buttsbury Bulldogs were in action twice in Junior division 1A. They lost 3-2 to Danbury Dragons after a well contested match in which the Buttsbury duo of Calum Walker and Charlie Ware and the Danbury parring of Oli Ware and Oliver Martin all won once. Oliver Martin pipped Calum Walker (10-12, 11-8, 10-12, 11-2, 16-14). Quite a battle !. They also lost 4-1 to Chelmsford Lions for whom Annabel Sweeney was undefeated. Joseph Hutt beat Sammy Hodge (11-9, 5-11, 8-11, 11-5, 12-10) in what was arguably the pick of the night’s action.
Buttsbury Bees lead the way in Junior division 1B. Charlie Ware won twice against Buttsbury Beavers but it was the Beavers who came out on top 3 -2. Buttsbury Bees returned to winning ways against Danbury Griffins, racing home 5-0. Francesca Hart and Freya Hart were both undefeated. Chelmsford Antelopes also ran out 5-0 winners, giving nothing away against Buttsbury Beavers. Gil Martins and Ben Robinson both stayed undefeated. Gil Martins had to dig deep to beat Vivaan Babaar (17-15, 11-7, 12-10).
A strong looking Danbury A side beat Chelmsford D 5-0 in the Open KO Cup. Chris Penrose, Eric Green and Dave Richardson carried all before them. Chris Penrose had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Nikita Tkachuk (11-8, 11-4, 6-11, 8-11, 11-9).
Buttsbury advanced in the Ladies KO Cup. Caroline Cole and Frances Hutt were 5-0 winners over Chelmsford B (Annabel Sweeney and Jacqui Smith). Caroline Cole was extended to five games by Jacqui Smith before she won (11-9, 6-11, 1-11, 11-7, 11-3).
The closest game of the Handicap KO Cup competition took place between Writtle C and Highwood A. Four games were decided deep in the third end and Writtle C ran out 5-4 winners. Gary Ward (playing with a handicap of 75) looked to have done enough against Melanie Bonnett (51) but it was Melanie who prevailed (21-12, 18-21, 22-20). John Gagg (58) also went to “the wire” against Melanie but he came through (21-19, 14-21, 24-22). The last game of the night featured Gary Ward and Keith Pallett (36) and Gary took it (21-18, 21-18). Chelmsford G came from behind to beat Chelmsford B 5-4. Chelmsford G trailed 4-3 but they won the last two games rather comfortably. Todd Martin (41) cruised past Wiktor Delimat (67) (21-5, 21-10) and Harrison Hill (58) was equally comfortable against Simon Jarvis (78) (21-5, 21-10). A case of the younger fast improving players having too much of a start ?. Danbury B ran out 5-4 winners against Chelmsford C although they had effectively sealed the win when the score reached 5-3 in their favour. Sam Lowman (81) scored a vital 21-15, 7-21, 21-18 victory over Annabel Sweeney (40). Writtle B – Rod Maclennan (60), Phil Smith (67) and Richard Storey (70) produced a good performance to beat Danbury H 5-0. Rod Maclennan defeated John Robinson (55) 21-16, 18-21, 21-17) to give Writtle B a 2-0 lead. Danbury K, a team with very evenly matched handicaps advanced to the next round by beating Chelmsford J 5-1. Mervyn Perriman (59), Denis Crapnell (58) and Greg Cooper (56) all played their part in this success. Peter Davenport (36) was on target for the losers beating Mervyn Perriman (21-18, 21-9). Chelmsford F ran out 5-0 winners against Galleywood; Alex Tkachuk (51), Dion Fernandes (37) and Cleon Fernandes (40) were in charge on this occasion. Danbury N are also through to the next round. Their team of Graham Naggs (38), Steve Martin (40) and Oliver Martin (34) ran out 6-3 winners against Buttsbury C. Jamie Elliott (56) won his three singles for the Buttsbury side including a hard fought (21-18, 13-21, 21-18) win over Oliver Martin in the first game.
Merry Christmas and a very happy new year to all those connected with the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League
Steve Kerns Press Officer Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League