Tag Archives: Essex Junior Table Tennis

Essex Assessment Trials

Details of the trials have been announced and can be seen below or via the following link . https://forms.gle/nCTYeot1NsewhZmz8

Essex Assessment Trials 2023 – Entry Form

This is the entry form for the 2023 Essex Assessment Trials for Essex junior and cadet players. The aim of the Trials is to produce a snapshot ranking list of the Essex players based on their performance at the Trials which will be considered with National Ranking data to guide selection for the County’s Junior and Cadet teams,

We have an announcement to make! This year we have entered a second cadet team into the lowest cadet county division.  There are now two junior teams and two cadet teams each requiring three boys and two girls. So, more opportunity to play for Essex! If you require any information or advice about the Essex Assessment Trials, please contact Martyn Green on martyn.green5@ntlworld.com or 07478 078780

Once you have completed this entry form, we will email confirmation of entry within a few days. Payment details for the entry fee are below. The Table Tennis England qualifying date for age categories is December 31. Juniors are defined as any individual under 19 years old on December 31, 2023. Cadets are any individual under 15 years old on December 31, 2023. Seeding will be based on August’s Table Tennis England National Ratings where available or else by the organisers’ estimation of standard. We invite junior and cadet players of all ages and abilities to enter these trials – we would love to see you playing and hope to spot a lot of talent for this season’s teams and the teams of seasons to come.

Organising Committee
Tournament Organiser: David Gatheral (TO2)
Committee Member: Martyn Green
Committee Member: Neil Brierley

Dates: Saturday, 16th September and Sunday, 17th September 2023
Venue: Mildmay Sports Hall, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1SQ
Entry Deadline: no later than 6pm, Tuesday, 12th, September 2023
Entry Fee: £12.00 (siblings £10.00 each)

Anticipated Schedule
Cadet (U15) boys: Saturday – 9am to late afternoon.
Cadet (U15) girls: Saturday – 12pm to late afternoon.
Junior (U19) girls: Saturday – 12pm to late afternoon.
Junior (U19) Boys: Sunday – 9am to late afternoon.

This schedule could change depending on entries. There are no U11 or U13 events this year, but we will have prizes for the highest ranked U11 boy, U11 girl, U13 boy and U13 girl as well as prizes for the highest ranked cadet boy and girls and the highest ranked junior boy and girl.

GDPR
The last two questions pertain to the storage and use of personal data. Please indicate whether you consent for Essex County Table Tennis Association to store and use the information you provide in this form for
a) the purposes of running the 2023 Essex Assessment Trials and;
b) for notifying parents of other junior tournaments and coaching opportunities in Essex and further afield.
Player and parent data will be deleted once a player reaches the age of 19 on 31st December of any playing season or earlier if the parent writes to the General Secretary of the Essex County Table Tennis Association.

Player’s first name?*

Player’s second name?
Player’s TTE number? 
Player’s Date of Birth?
Player’s postcode?
Player’s nationality?
Player’s county of affiliation?
Which Assessment Trial would the player like to enter?
*Junior Girls (Saturday 16th September – afternoon) Junior Boys (Sunday 17th September – morning and afternoon) Cadet Girls (Saturday 16th September – afternoon)Cadet Boys (Saturday 16th September – morning and afternoon)

Name of player’s primary table tennis club?
Name of player’s primary table tennis coach?
Parent’s first name?
Parent’s second name?
Parent’s mobile number?
Parent’s email address?
I consent to the data I enter in this application form to be stored and used by the Essex County Table Tennis Association for the following purposes. I understand that player and parent data will be deleted once a player reaches the age of 19 on 31st December of any playing season or if the parent writes to the General Secretary of Essex County Table Tennis Association
1. Running the 2023 Essex Assessment Trials. (Required for participation)

2. Notifying me of other junior tournaments and coaching opportunities.

Please pass these details on to you relevant coaches.

CHELMSFORD X – UNDISPUTED SUMMER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

It’s been over a month since the last report but the Central Essex Summer Table Tennis League has been concluded. Matches were delayed due to people being advised not to travel on those days when temperatures broke UK records.

The refreshingly youthful Chelmsford X are the first division Champions and their 5-0 win over second placed Chelmsford A gave them a substantial winning margin of seven points. Harry Buckle and Saul Chivers were both undefeated with Saul Chivers’ 13-11, 3-11, 16-14, 11-4 victory over Wilson Tram catching the eye. Harry Chivers was also an integral part of this team and he was undefeated in his eight singles.  Hockley A (Duncan Taylor and Ian Wall) completed their programme with a 5-0 win against OCA A. Ian Wall saw off Paul Lucas 11-9, 8-11, 11-6, 8-11, 11-9 in the game of the night. Lucas was in turn well beaten by ace defender Duncan Taylor on this occasion; 11-7, 11-5, 11-4. Represented by brothers Mark and Matthew Mulley OCA A in turn ran out 5-0 winners against Chelmsford B.     

Danbury B are division two Champions and they captured the title in style by beating second placed Galleywood A 5-0. Sanjay Saptarshi and Dan Piggott were both undefeated. Sanjay Saptarshi (12 wins out of 12) held this side together and here he beat Bryn Thomas (11-6, 8-11, 13-11, 11-0) and James Hicks (11-9, 8-11, 9-11, 8-11, 11-9). Neil Freeman impressed for Ramsden A who beat Danbury E 3-2. He beat both Gus Heath (6-11, 11-7, 8-11, 15-13, 11-8) and John Tendler (9-11, 12-10, 11-9, 9-11, 11-5) – two very hard fought wins. Danbury D completed their fixtures with a 3-2 win over Cold Norton. Chris Buer led the way with wins over Dick Wyman (11-6, 11-9, 11-9) and Neil Want (11-9, 9-11, 6-11, 13-11, 11-5).

Division three has been quite low scoring and Hockley B have taken the title with 18 points from six matches. They finished one point ahead of Chelmsford D who they lost to 2-3 in their last match. Nikita Tkachuk (nine wins out of 10) was unbeaten for Chelmsford and he saw off Dan Patynski (11-4, 9-11, 11-6, 12-10) and Stuart Adshead (11-5, 11-8, 8-11, 11-7). OCA C finished just one point back in third place. They finished the Season strongly by beating Danbury G 4-1. Richard Baxter came through a widely fluctuating five ender against Dave Marsh (6-11, 12-10, 11-3, 5-11, 12-10). Ramsden B ran out narrow 3-2 winners against Chelmsford F. John Gagg won twice for Ramsden B whilst newcomer Aidan Lees pipped John Parodi 13-11, 11-6, 9-11, 5-11, 12-10 in the closest game of the evening.

Blackwater A (Alan Scammell – 88 %, Denis Balic – 75 % and Roger Slade – 50 %) top the division four table with 22 points out of 30. Chelmsford E finished second with 18 points and they beat Danbury H 4-1.   Rev Matthews (88 %) showed up well with wins over Alan Dadswell (8-11, 11-6, 11-5. 11-4) and Denis Crapnell (6-11, 14-12, 11-5, 7-11, 11-9). Buttsbury A ran out 5-0 winners against Ramsden C. Caroline Cole had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Kevin Smart (9-11, 11-9, 8-11, 11-8, 12-10). OCA E completed their Season in style by beating the higher placed Buttsbury A 4-1. David Porter dominated proceedings. OCA D came out on top 3-2 in the inter club battle against OCA E. Farooq Ahmed was undefeated for the E side and he beat Tom Barker (11-1, 10-12, 12-10, 11-7) and Mick Hayes (11-7, 5-11, 5-11, 11-9, 11-8).

Buttsbury B (21 points) are the division five champions and they finished one point ahead of OCA F. When the two teams met it was OCA F who came out on top 3-2. Jamie Elliott was undefeated for Buttsbury and he retained his 100 % record with a last gasp 10-12, 11-7, 10-12, 11-5, 12-10 win over Farooq Ahmed. Buttsbury B also beat Danbury K 3-2. Roy Gandy was on target for Danbury with a 11-9, 17-15, 11-8 win over Ben Brown. OCA F finished their Season with a 3-2 win over Chelmsford Leopards. Mick Hayes fought back from 2-0 down to defeat Jishant Shah 4-11, 4-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-8. Chelmsford Leopards also lost 3-2 to Danbury K. Martin Knights defeated Felix Reeve 12-10, 10-12, 9-11, 11-9, 11-9 in the closest game of the evening. Galleywood B scored their third win of the Season by beating Blackwater B 4-1. Kath Little was on target for Blackwater B with another really hard fought win. She beat Will Goodchild 12-14, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9, 12-10.

Chelmsford G (Alesha Ellis-Austin – 88 %, Emilie Guiloux – 38 %, Ben Chivers – 100 % and Todd Martin – 100 %) duly claimed the division six title with 27 points out of 35, although they missed out 3-2 to Writtle. They lost three five enders on this occasion. Emilie Guilloux lost out to Paul Aarons over five fluctuating ends (6-11, 11-4, 4-11, 11-6, 8-11). Buttsbury C (Lucy Elliott and Callum Walker) finished strongly to beat Chelmsford Lions 5-0 and Danbury L (Ron Tam and Nigel Barrick) ran out 5-0 winners against Chelmsford Tigers. Danbury L who finished with a flourish also beat Chelmsford Lions 4-1. Felix Reeve gave the Lions a great start by beating Ron Tam 13-15, 11-3, 4-11, 11-6, 11-8 in a well contested opening singles. Blackwater C were 4-1 winners over Writtle. Colin Griffiths gave Writtle a winning start on this occasion by getting the better of Dave Benstead 5-11, 11-8, 11-2, 8-11, 11-7.

Steve Kerns Press Officer Central Essex Summer Table Tennis League

Chelmsford hosts first 1* tournament for cadets and juniors

On Saturday 3 September, Chelmsford is holding its first official computer ranked 1* junior and cadet tournament. It is at a great venue at Mildmay Sports Hall at Anglia Ruskin University with 8 good tables and large 5m by 10m courts. There is free parking, changing rooms with showers and lockers and we will have some refreshments for the players and parents. Spectators are welcome!  

The great thing about computer ranked tournaments is that players earn national ranking points and will be included in the England & Wales national rankings list each month so they can see where they fit in the national context and try to get a higher ranking than their friends. Another great thing about 1* tournaments is that players get to play new people from different places and that can help them develop as players. The Chelmsford 1* aims to be generous – there will be prizes for the best junior, best cadet best female junior, best female cadet, best U13, best U11 as well as some consolation prizes for others that do well. If we get a full entry of 48 players, the total prize fund will be £300. Above all, our tournaments should be fun events for players to compete with friends and make new friends. 

The entry form is online and there are lots more details about the tournament on it. It is £20 to enter, and the day will start around 9:30 am and finish in the late afternoon, probably around 4:30pm to 5:30pm – the closing date for entries is Monday 29 August after which the draw will be made – entries after this date are possible but there is a surcharge and no guarantee of entry.  

Date: Saturday 3rd September 2022 

Times: 9:30am to 5:30pm
Venue: Mildmay Hall, Anglia Ruskin University, Alan Cherry Drive, CM1 1QT
Closing Date: Monday, 29 August 2022 

Events: Cadet (U15) competition / Junior (U19) competition
Entry Fee: £20 

Please find the entry form here: https://forms.gle/B8nVQXpgco5Psbhj7. Email me or call me if you need any help or information.  

Players will need to have Table Tennis England ‘Compete’ membership which they will also need to play local league and other competitions. Please ensure it is up to date by visiting TTE Compete Membership 

All the best! 

David Gatheral 

CDTTL Coaching Officer 

07857 718351 

The X Factor!

Chelmsford X – hard hitting brothers Saul and Harry Chivers lead the way in division one of the Central Essex Summer Table Tennis League with a commanding 19 points from five games. A 3-2 win against Danbury A came about via an unbeaten performance from Harry Chivers who got the better of Babul McLeod (11-7, 11-6, 9-11, 11-4) and Eric Green (5-11, 6-11, 12-10, 11-4, 11-5). A 5-0 victory against Chelmsford C puts them firmly in the driving seat. Harry Chivers fought back from 2-0 down to beat Paul Nicol 9-11, 9-11, 11-4, 11-7, 11-5. Chelmsford C produced an inspired performance to beat Hockley A 4-1. Mark Allaway excelled, beating Ian Wall (4-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-9) and Oliver George (11-6, 11-9, 11-8). OCA A’s Paul Lucas retained his 100 % record against Chelmsford A but it was Chelmsford who won 3-2. Lucas was hard pushed to beat Wilson Tram 9-11, 9-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-6. Danbury A emerged as 4-1 winners against Chelmsford B. Eric Green beat Waseem Qureshi (14-12, 11-7, 11-5) and Simon Jarvis after a tight 11-9, 13-11, 9-11, 11-9 encounter.

Leaders Danbury B made it six wins out of six in division two by beating Ramsden A 4-1. Dan Anderson, in his first appearance of the Season stole the show. He beat Gary Ward (11-5, 9-11, 5-11, 11-5, 11-5) and Trevor Collin (11-4, 8-11, 11-3, 11-7).  Danbury E were very much in charge against Danbury winning 5-0. Gus Heath and John Tendler gave nothing away. Danbury E also beat Galleywood A 3-2. John Holland was undefeated for Galleywood and in a very hard doubles finale  Tendler and Gus Heath beat John Holland and Bryn Thomas 14-12, 10-12, 11-5, 13-15, 11-9.  No less than five other matches were also decided by 3-2 margins in this division. Chris Buer won twice as Danbury D edged out Danbury C, and they beat Ramsden A by the same margin. Chris Buer was again unbeaten whilst Steve Buer had to dig deep to beat Tony Ayliffe 11-6, 5-11, 14-12, 6-11, 11-8.   It was that familiar 3-2 scoreline again as Danbury D beat Cold Norton. Sanjay Saptarshi (10 wins out of 10) retained his 100 % singles record with wins against Neil Want (11-2, 7-11,11-6, 11-9) and Dick Wyman (11-7, 11-4, 11-7). Bryn Thomas was on fine form as Galleywood A defeated Danbury F. He beat Tony Forster (11-9, 6-11, 12-10, 11-6) and Ken Sheard (11-4, 11-7, 11-8). Danbury F in turn did well to beat Danbury D. Good going as Chris Buer was unbeaten for Danbury D with wins against Tony Forster (11-0, 11-8, 12-10) and Ken Sheard (11-6, 14-12, 11-7).   

Hockley B remain undefeated in division three but four of their five wins have been by 3-2 margins so it is easy to see why this division is still fairly closely balanced. Aaryan Vatsa and Keith Abbott beat John Parodi and Robert Kemp 5-11, 11-9, 11-5, 11-9 in the doubles to secure a 3-2 victory against Ramsden B whilst Joerg Poeschus won twice as they beat OCA B. Poeschus ran out a 13-11, 11-13, 9-11, 11-9, 11-5 winner after a gruelling encounter against Mick Richardson. Chelmsford D were also 3-2 winners against OCA B.  Mick Richardson won twice for the Old Chelmsfordians side beating A lex Tkachuk (11-6, 7-11, 11-7, 11-6) and Nikita Tkachuk (11-8, 11-8, 11-8) – Nikita’s first loss of the Season. Alex Tkachuk pipped Luke Richardson 11-6, 9-11, 11-5, 9-11, 13-11 in the closest game of the night. Danbury G put in a strong performance to beat Chelmsford F 5-0 with David Marsh and David Meah carrying all before them. Ramsden B also ran out 5-0 winners against OCA D, although the doubles could clearly have gone the other way.  John Gagg and John Parodi pipped Amanda Hogger and Richard Upson 13-11, 12-10, 9-11, 8-11, 12-10. Chelmsford F beat Chelmsford D 3-2, although it was Nikita Tkachuk who was unbeaten for Chelmsford D and he has a record of 88 % (seven wins out eight). Here he beat Joachin Mapes (3-11, 11-9, 11-7, 14-12) and Harrison Hill (7-11, 11-2, 11-5, 11-6).  

4-1 results were the order of the day in division four with five of the six games decided by that margin. The leaders Blackwater A were involved in three such matches. They beat Danbury H 4-1 with Alan Scammell winning his two singles. It was a hard slog against Gordon Gatheral but Scammell finally won 8-11, 11-7, 8-11, 11-6, 11-8.  They also beat Ramsden C 4-1 with Denis Balic winning two very close games. He beat Sue Body (7-11, 11-5, 9-11, 11-9, 11-8) and Colin Barham (11-9, 9-11, 11-5, 7-11, 14-12). However they were on the wrong end of a 4-1 result against Chelmsford E. Rev Mathews beat both Alan Scammel (3-11, 11-9, 11-8, 8-11, 11-8) and Roger Slade (11-5, 11-5, 4-11, 11-6). Chelmsford E with Keith Martin unbeaten were 4-1 winners against OCA E whilst Buttsbury A beat OCA D 4-1. Paul Sturton beat Tom Barker 11-6, 11-7, 11-7. Denis Crapnell’s two wins gave Danbury L the upper hand as they got the better of Ramsden C 3-2. Crapnell beat Kevin Smart (11-8, 11-4, 11-6) and Dave Carter (11-7, 7-11, 11-4, 11-5).

Buttsbury B – 5-0 winners against Chelmsford Leopards have a healthy five point lead in division five. Alex Ware and Ben Brown called the shots although Ben Brown had to work hard to beat Jishant Shah 8-11, 12-10, 11-6, 6-11, 11-7. Chelmsford Leopards did better against Blackwater B and Dion Fernandes and Cleon Fernandes won comfortably 5-0. Blackwater B in turn beat Danbury K 3-2. Kath Little gave them an important winning start by beating Martin Knights 9-11, 11-6, 11-8, 9-11, 13-11.   OCA F beat Galleywood B 4-1. Stuart Wintle defeated Steve Peacock 12-10, 9-11, 15-13, 11-7. Galleywood B also lost 3-2 against Chelmsford Leopards. Dion Fernandes defeated Ron Salton narrowly 11-2, 10-12, 9-11, 11-9, 11-8 after Salton had suffered a heavy first end set-back. OCA F were 4-1 winners against Ken Wilding. Matthew Porter beat Ken Wilding 10-12, 11-9, 5-11, 6-11, 13-11 in a game that went all the way “to the wire”.     

Chelmsford H and Chelmsford G are tied on 25 points in division six, although it is Chelmsford G who have a game in hand who are in the driving seat. When the two teams met it was Chelmsford H who won 3-2. No single player remained undefeated and Peter Davenport and Jacqui Smith beat Alesha Ellis -Austin and Emilie Guilloux 7-11, 11-9, 11-7, 12-10 in the deciding doubles.  Chelmsford G returned to winning ways by beating Blackwater C 4-1. Todd Martin had to pull out all the stops to beat Dave Benstead 7-11, 11-9, 5-11, 13-11, 11-8. Chelmsford H were even bigger winners. Peter Davenport and Shengbing Zhu defeated Chelmsford Lions 5-0. However Chelmsford H missed out 3-2 against Danbury L, despite the fact that Jacqui Smith won her two singles. She beat Jo Hart 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 and Ron Tam 11-2, 11-4, 11-9.  Danbury L in turn beat Writtle 3-2. Danbury’s Ron Tam was involved in two epic games. He beat Paul Arrons (9-11, 7-11, 11-1, 11-6, 11-9) and Colin Griffiths (11-9, 11-5, 21-19) Yes 21-19 !. Danbury L met their match against Blackwater C where they lost 4-1. Blaydon Farmer was unbeaten for Blackwater. Blackwater C were also on form against Buttsbury C with Dave Benstead and Anne Brewer giving nothing away. Buttsbury C emerged as 3-2 winners against Chelmsford Tigers. Noah Middleton beat Atharv Gupta 10-12, 11-8, 7-11, 11-5, 14-12 in the closest game of the evening. Chelmsford Lions scored their first win of the Season, beating Chelmsford Tigers 5-0. William Guilloux and Emilie Guyilloux were in control here. Blackwater C (Chris Rollinson) and Dave Benstead) did well to beat Writtle 4-1 despite losing the first game when Colin Griffiths beat Dave Benstead (5-11, 11-8, 11-2, 8-11, 11-7).     

Steve Kerns Press Officer Central Essex Summer Table Tennis League

Unbeaten start for Hockley’s ‘newcomer’ Andy Cunningham

A very strong Hockley A side produced the most eye catching result in the top division of the Central Essex Summer League this week with a 4-1 win over Danbury A. It was Danbury A who drew the first blood with Eric Green beating Duncan Taylor 11-5, 9-11, 11-3, 11-9. What a good start. However, it was Hockley who had the ace in the pack – Andy Cunningham – former Kent Men Singles Champion and new to the Southend area. He defeated Keith Adams 4-11, 11-5, 8-11, 11-9, 11-8 and Eric Green 11-4, 11-6, 9-11, 12-10. One suspects he will make quite an impact on local Table Tennis. OCA A were bolstered with the appearance of Paul Lucas against Chelmsford C. Lucas’ 3-0 wins over Victor Chan and Paul Nicol gave them the edge and they won 3-2. OCA A also beat Chelmsford C 4-1 after a fiercely fought match where all four singles were decided in the fifth end. Joshua Bickles excelled to beat Mark Mulley 6-11, 2-11, 11-8, 11-6, 11-8 whilst Paul Lucas had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Saul Chivers (5-11, 11-8, 11-6, 3-11, 11-6) and Joshua Bickles (11-5, 9-11, 7-11, 11-8, 11-9). Simon Jarvis won twice to give Chelmsford B the ascendancy against Chelmsford A with wins against James Donald (11-6, 6-11, 6-11, 11-6, 11-7) and Wilson Tram (11-7, 13-11, 11-5).  The table isn’t conclusive at this stage and although Chelmsford C are top with 13 points they have played five matches and all other teams have game(s) in hand.   

Danbury B lead the way in division two and Sanjay Saptarshi (eight wins out of eight) was undefeated as they beat Danbury C 3-2. Galleywood A have moved into second position and they beat Danbury D 4-1. John Holland and James Hicks won all four singles and they both did well to beat Chris Buer. Hicks beat Chris Buer narrowly 11-9, 10-12, 11-9, 11-8 whilst Holland triumphed in five ends (11-6, 6-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-8). Danbury F ran out 4-1 winners against Cold Norton. Ken Sheard and Tony Forster won all four singles with Forster pipping Tim Cramphorn 11-6, 7-11, 6-11, 11-8, 13-11.

Division three leaders Danbury G lost 4-1 to Hockley B and Hockley only trail them by one point and they have a game in hand to boot. Dan Patynski gave them a lift with wins against David Marsh (11-6, 11-7, 9-11, 11-2) and David Meah (8-11, 11-9, 11-3, 7-11, 11-7). Ramsden B edged a close match 3-2 against OCA B, although Michael Richardson won his two singles for the Old Chelmsfordians side. John Gagg beat Luke Richardson in five ends (4-11, 11-6, 9-11, 11-5, 11-7). OCA C also came out on top 3-2, edging out Chelmsford E. Richard Baxter had to dig deep to beat Joachim Mapes 11-7, 9-11, 11-5, 12-14, 11-8.

Blackwater A made it four wins out of four in division four by beating Buttsbury A 4-1. They have a massive seven point lead over Chelmsford E. Roger Slade led the way with wins over Caroline Cole (11-5, 11-8, 11-7) and Jamie Elliott (3-11, 14-12,11-4, 11-8). OCA D beat Chelmsford E 3-2 in a match where no one player stayed undefeated. OCA D sealed their victory in the all important doubles encounter with Tom Barker and Mick Hayes getting the better of Dave Parker and Charlie Donald 4-11, 12-10, 11-9, 7-11, 11-9.  OCA E also won 3-2. Dave Porter dominated against Danbury K, beating Alan Dadswell (11-9, 11-2, 9-11, 11-6) and Denis Crapnell (11-6, 11-7, 11-6).

Buttsbury B suffered their first loss in division five, a 3-2 setback against Galleywood B. No one player remained undefeated and Galleywood’s Nathan Blore and Stephen Peacock beat Lucy Elliott and Keith Cullen 8-11, 11-9, 12-10, 11-8 in the doubles to seal a Galleywood victory. Danbury J raced into a 2-0 lead against Danbury K but Danbury K hit back. A 11-9, 11-7, 11-9 doubles win for Ken Wilding and David Smith over Graham Naggs and Roy Gandy eventually sealed the 3-2 victory for Danbury J.

Just one result in division six with the leaders Chelmsford G overpowering Buttsbury C 5-0. Emilie Guilloux and Todd Martin carried all before them. With 23 points out of 25 Chelmsford G are in a class of their own in this division.

Steve Kerns Press Officer Central Essex Summer Table Tennis League

Summer League kicks off with big wins!

The Central Essex Summer Table Tennis League is underway with six mini divisions and as usual it features teams from the Chelmsford League and as well as neighbouring Leagues. Often you find very familiar opponents playing for teams you wouldn’t necessarily associate them with.

There have been a surprisingly high number of 5-0 scorelines in the first division, four to be exact. Chelmsford A (James Donald and Wilson Tram) scored a fine 5-0 win over Chelmsford C. James Donald beat Shirish Basant Rai 13-11, 7-11, 8-11, 11-7, 11-8 in the opening game and they never looked back after this. Chelmsford X were even more dominant against Hockley. Brothers Saul and Harry Chivers not only won 5-0 but they captured all five games 3-0. Chelmsford X repeated the feat against Chelmsford B. Harry Buckle and Harry Chivers were the aggressors this time. No mean feat as the Chelmsford B side included Simon Jarvis. Danbury A also won 5-0 (with the five 3-0 wins) against OCA A. Eric Green and Babul McLeod were the inform players.  Danbury A did well to beat Chelmsford A 3-2. Eric Green excelled. He beat James Donald (11-5, 11-9, 3-11, 6-11, 11-7) and Wilson Tram (11-5, 11-9, 11-7). Chelmsford C beat Chelmsford B 3-2. Shirish Basant Rai dominated with excellent wins over Waseem Qureshi (11-7, 12-10, 11-3) and Simon Jarvis (11-7, 11-5, 9-11, 11-7).  Perhaps the result of this round occurred at the Melbourne Centre where Chelmsford C beat Danbury A 4-1. Shirish Basant Rai had another match to remember. He beat Eric Green 7-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-8 and Babul McLeod 11-9, 11-9, 11-8.  In the game of the night Babul McLeod retrieved a 6-10 deficit in the fifth end to beat Paul Nicol 2-11, 13-11, 11-8, 12-14. 17-15. Quite a battle !.

Danbury B have made a good start in division two. Sanjay Saptarshi and Eamon Hall raced to a 5-0 win over Danbury D. Well played Eamon Hall. He scored two superb wins against Steve Buer (3-0) and Chris Buer (3-1). Sanjay Saptarshi was also on form against Danbury F. He defeated both Tony Forster (3-1) and Ken Sheard (3-1) as Danbury B won 3-2. The last game of the match went all the way and Forster and Sheard pipped Dan Pigott and Sanjay Saptarshi 11-9, 3-11, 11-9, 3-11, 12-10 in a widely fluctuating doubles. Danbury B made it three wins out of three by beating Danbury C 3-2. Sanjay Saptarshi retained his 100 % record with wins over Sam Phillips and David Gatheral.  Galleywood A notched up two wins. John Holland and Mark Glenister defeated Danbury C 3-2 after John Holland had won twice. He beat David Gatheral 4-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-8. With James Hicks replacing Holland they beat Cold Norton 5-0. Mark Glenister scored a five game win over Tim Cramphorn (11-8, 6-11, 12-10, 6-11, 11-5). Galleywood lost narrowly 3-2 to Ramsden A. Gary Ward was the Ramsden sharp shooter. He saw off Bryn Thomas (11-9, 10-12, 6-11, 11-7, 11-8) and John Holland (5-11, 11-5, 11-6, 11-5).  Cold Norton ran out 4-1 winners against Danbury E with Dick Wyman and Neil Want taking all four singles. The match between Danbury C and Danbury F saw no single player remain undefeated. Danbury C won 3-2 courtesy of a 11-6, 11-7, 10-12, 11-8 doubles victory for David Gatheral and Sam Phillips against Tony Forster and Peter Lucraft. Danbury E did well to beat Danbury D 3-2; good going as Chris Buer was unbeaten for Danbury D. John Tendler pipped Steve Buer 11-7, 6-11, 8-11, 11-7, 12-10 after a real nail-biter.        

Division three looks like being closely fought. Of the seven scorecards received six matches were decided 3-2. The exception was the 4-1 win that Chelmsford D recorded against Ramsden B. Nikita Tkachuk beat John Gagg (3-1) and Rob Kemp (3-1). Where do you start when you report on the other games ?.  Chelmsford D also beat Danbury G 3-2. Nikita Tkachuk was again to the fore with wins over Dave Marsh (3-1) and Dave Meah (3-0). Nikita and Alex Tkachuk sealed the victory by beating Dave Marsh and Dave Meah 8-11, 11-4, 5-11, 11-9, 11-7 in a well contested doubles encounter. The match between Chelmsford D and OCA C saw three games decided in the fifth end. Richard Baxter was undefeated for the Old Chelmsfordians team and Richard Upson came through a five end thriller against Adi Kamma (11-8, 11-7, 5-11, 10-12, 16-14). Robert Kemp was undefeated for Ramsden B against Danbury G but it was Danbury who emerged as 3-2 winners. Kemp prevailed against Dave Marsh, just, 12-10, 12-10, 10-12, 11-7. Chelmsford F edged home 3-2 against OCA B. Charlie Donald (two wins) and Harrison Hill (one win) came out on top in the singles. Michael Richardson drew a rare blank losing 8-11, 11-8, 9-11, 6-11 to Harrison Hill and 7-11, 11-8, 9-11, 10-12 to Charlie Donald. Luke Richardson did well to beat Harrison Hill 11-9. 9-11, 12-10, 11-6. Hockley B led by an undefeated Joerg Poeschus beat Chelmsford F whilst Hockley B beat OCA C. Dan Patynski beat Richard Baxter 7-11, 11-1, 11-5, 9-11, 11-9; Richard’s first loss of the Season.   

Blackwater A are off to a flying start in division four. Alan Scammell and Denis Balic beat OCA D 5-0 and OCA E 4-1. Farooq Ahmed was on target for OCA E with a hard-fought 8-11, 11-9, 11-6, 8-11, 11-9 victory against Denis Balic. Buttsbury A did well to beat Chelmsford E 4-1. Kevin Willis was undefeated beating Dave Parker 11-6, 8-11, 11-8, 11-7 and Rev Mathews by a last gasp 6-11, 7-11, 11-9, 11-9, 12-10 margin. Chelmsford E did better against Ramsden C, wining 3-2. This time Rev Matthews won his five ender. He beat Dave Carter 11-7, 12-10, 7-11, 7-11, 11-8.  Danbury L won twice, 3-2 on each occasion. Denis Crapnell was undefeated against both OCA D and Buttsbury A. Caroline Cole was on target for Buttsbury A, defeating David Smith 9-11, 11-6, 11-4, 9-11, 13-11. OCA D surged into a 3-0 lead against Ramsden C. Three five enders went their way with Tom Barker giving them a winning start with a 11-8, 12-10, 9-11, 3-11, 16-14 victory against Colin Barham.  Ramsden C hit back with Dave Carter defeating Tom Barker 11-7, 11-18, 12-10 and they eventually lost 2-3. Ramsden C in turn beat OCA E 3-2. No one player dominated and the Ramsden players – Kevin Smart and Colin Barham and the OCA duo – Farooq Ahmed and Dave Bishop shared the singles.

Buttsbury B made a winning start in division five. Jamie Elliott and Ben Brown ran out 5-0 winners against Blackwater B and with Lucy Elliott replacing Ben Brown they beat Danbury J 4-1. Galleywood B were 4-1 winners against Danbury K. in a match where Will Goodchild was undefeated. Nathan Blore edged out Steve Martin 8-11, 11-7, 11-9, 8-11, 11-9. In another 4-1 result Chelmsford Leopards beat Danbury J. Cleon Fernandes led the way with an unbeaten outing.  It was 4-1 again when OCA F beat Danbury K. Matthew Porter was poised at two games all with Martin Knights but he raced away with the fifth end to win 11-7, 7-11, 9-11, 11-9, 11-2, not a result you might have expected after four evenly contested games. Danbury J (Ken Wilding and Graham Naggs) called the shots against Blackwater B and they ran out 5-0 winners.  In a closer game Blackwater B beat OCA F 3-2. Phil West gave Blackwater a winning start by beating Matt Porter 11-5, 11-5, 8-11, 8-11. 12-10.

Chelmsford G look to be the team to beat in division six. Ben Chivers and Alesha Ellis-Austin ran out 5-0 winners against Chelmsford Tigers and Todd Martin and Ben Chivers saw off Danbury L, again, 5-0. Todd Martin had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Jo Hart 11-8, 11-9, 9-11, 4-11, 11-9. Chelmsford G made it three wins out of three by beating Chelmsford Lions 4-1. Pavanaj Srinavasamurthy was on target for the losers with a 5-11, 11-6, 7-11, 12-10, 11-9 win over Emilie Guilloux. Blackwater C are in second place and Dave Benstead and Jackie Treacy also won 5-0, beating Chelmsford Tigers.  Blackwater C won a closer game, 3-2 against Chelmsford Lions. Luv Goel was undefeated for Chelmsford Lions with wins over Chris Rolison (11-7, 11-7, 12-10) and Blaydon Farmer (11-6, 17-15, 11-5). In another close game Blackwater C beat Chelmsford H 3-2 – Dave Benstead winning twice. He had to dig deep to get the better of Peter Davenport 11-7, 7-11, 15-13, 12-10.   Chelmsford H impressed against Buttsbury C with Sheng Bing Zhu and Jacqui Smith carrying all before them, winning 5-0, whilst Writtle won all four singles against Buttsbury C but missed out in the doubles. Noah Middleton / Viraan Babbar did well to beat Paul Aarons / Paul Cockrell 11-5, 11-4, 5-11, 11-9.  Buttsbury C also missed out 4-1, against Danbury L. Callum Walker came good, with a hard fought 8-11, 11-9, 11-5, 7-11, 11-9 win against Jo Hart.  Chelmsford H added three points to their tally by beating Writtle 3-2. Sheng Bing Zhu won the tightest game of the night; 12-10, 11-3, 8-11, 10-12, 13-11 against Barry Gould. Writtle in turn beat Chelmsford Tigers 5-0, with Barry Gould and Paul Arrons calling the shots.  

Steve Kerns Press Officer Central Essex Summer Table Tennis League

Nikita Tkachuk gives Chelmsford F the edge

Chelmsford F did well to beat Danbury J in the division three knock out cup final in the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League having finished 17 points behind them in the league competition. In what was a very hard fought final the Chelmsford F team – Nikita Tkachuk, Alex Tkachuk and Luke Richardson prevailed 5-3. Nikita Tkachuk scored a vital 11-4, 7-11, 11-9, 15-17, 11-8 victory against John Robinson and he sealed the win for his side by beating Dave Marsh 11-4, 6-11, 11-6, 11-7. Dave Meah will consider himself unlucky to have been on the losing side as he beat both Luke Richardson (11-4, 18-16, 3-11, 11-1) and Alex Tkachuk (5-11, 11-8, 6-11, 11-8, 11-5).  

Danbury L secured the league and cup double in division four by beating second placed Writtle E 5-1. It wasn’t plain sailing but the Danbury L side (Mervyn Perriman, Denis Crapnell and Denis Balic) raced into a 4-0 lead before the Writtle duo of Neil Thompson and Dave Moles gave their side a lifeline by beating Mervyn Perriman and Denis Crapnell 11-8, 6-11, 2-11, 11-7, 11-9 in the middle doubles. It wasn’t enough and Maldon’s “Mr. Reliable” Denis Crapnell (who had a 100 % singles success rate in league matches) sealed the Danbury victory by defeating Malcolm Storey 11-6, 11-8, 11-4.

Buttsbury also made it a league and cup double by beating Chelmsford H 7-2 in the division five knock out cup final. Frances Hutt, Jamie Elliott and Oscar Hutt raced into a 5-0 lead. Frances Hutt had been poised at 2-2 against Peter Davenport but she made no mistake in the decider winning 14-12, 7-11, 6-11, 11-8, 11-4. Oscar Hutt played his part with a 4-11, 11-8, 1-16, 11-9 success against Paul Bullock whilst Jamie Elliott had done well to beat Jacqui Smith 11-2, 11-3, 11-7.

At the recent Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League AGM the Chelmsford League Committee have said “good bye” to Arthur Clark who has retired as Junior Match Secretary and Tournament Organiser after many years of service. The fact that Arthur was made a Life Member of the League in 1993 tells you just how long he has been involved. He is also a three time recipient of the League’s Rosebery / Pope & Smith Award – in 1988, 2002 and 2012. Lee McHugh replaces Arthur as Junior Match Secretary with David Gatheral taking over as Tournament Organiser. Matthew Brown, a recipient of the Rosebery / Pope & Smith award in 2011 has retired as League Treasurer and Competitions Secretary.  Discussions are ongoing to fill these positions.

Belated congratulations are extended to John Holland who won the Over 80s Mixed Singles title at the VETTS National Championships at Aldersley, Wolverhampton in May. John recovered from 10-7 down in the fifth end to pip Ray Dixon (Staffs) 11-7. 10-12, 11-5, 9-11, 13-11 in a thrilling final. Former Chelmsford Mens Singles Champions Lorestas Trumpauskas (Chelmsford Champion in 1999, 2000 and 2001) and Neil Charles (Chelmsford Champion in 2008, 2010 and 2011) contested the Over 50s Mens Singles Final with Lorestas coming out on top 11-9, 11-7, 9-11, 11-5.  Rather annoyingly neither of them look much different from when they played in the Chelmsford League.

 Anyone who has lost two decent bats with Butterfly Roundel Rubbers is requested to contact Kath Little (mobile no. 07762 312838). Kath reports that the bats “were placed in someone else’s bag probably by mistake, perhaps a couple of months ago, and probably at Danbury TTC, West Maldon TTC or at a tournament”. Kath has been given the task of reuniting them with their rightful owner.

Steve Kerns Press Officer Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League

Writtle A win Open Knock Out Cup Final

Writtle A are the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League 2021/2 Open Knock out Cup Champions after beating Chelmsford B 5-4 in a top-class final.  It was a match the young Chelmsford side came very close to winning having stormed into a stunning 4-2 lead. The opening doubles is always a vital encounter if a team is planning an upset and Chelmsford B (Harry Buckle and Saul Chivers) made a great start by beating Lee McHugh / Arron Chandler 11-5, 7-11, 11-7, 11-6. Game on. Writtle hit back in the second game – Duncan Taylor arguably the most experienced player in the League, despatched Charlie Craig (10-12, 11-8, 11-2, 11-8). The third game was a big one and Harry Buckle restored the Chelmsford lead with a fine 11-9, 11-3, 6-11, 11-6 win over Lee McHugh. Game four was another big one, and Arron Chandler levelled the scores, to 2-2, by fighting back from 2-0 down to beat Saul Chivers 9-11, 4-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-5. The middle doubles saw Harry Buckle and Charlie Craig secure a fine 12-10, 13-11, 11-8 win over Duncan Taylor and Lee McHugh and Charlie Craig extended his side’s lead to 4-2 by defeating Arron Chandler 11-6, 11-5, 9-11, 9-11, 11-7. Chelmsford B had one hand on the trophy. However,  Writtle were far from finished and they fought back strongly. Lee McHugh beat Saul Chivers 11-9, 3-11, 11-8, 11-8 and Duncan Taylor defeated Harry Buckle 11-6, 11-8, 9-11, 15-13.  It all came down to the final doubles and Duncan Taylor and Arron Chandler sealed the victory for their team with a 12-10, 11-8, 11-8 win over Charlie Craig and Saul Chivers. What a good final !.  Lee McHugh, the Chelmsford League Coaching Officer deserves the final word on what was a great match – “Competing against those I coach (especially juniors) is not an experience I can say I genuinely enjoy, however what I can say is that I’m very proud of how far they have come in the sport…….”. Hear, hear.

The Chelmsford Junior Knock Out Cup Final was between Chelmsford A and Chelmsford B and  Chelmsford A (Harry Buckle, Charlie Craig and Josh Bickles) ran out 5-1 winners. All games were well contested and Saul Chivers was on target for the B team with a 11-6, 8-11, 12-10, 11-3 victory over Charlie Craig. Charlie Craig / Josh Bickles had given their side a vital winning start by beating Saul  Chivers / Nikita Tkachuk 11-9, 11-5, 9-11, 11-9 in a hard fought opening doubles encounter. Josh Bickles eventually sealed the win for his side with a very hard fought 11-9, 2-11, 19-17, 11-9 victory over Harry Chivers. With Chelmsford Mens Singles Champion Daniel Young also eligible it has to be said that the strength in depth of the Junior players at the Chelmsford Club is fantastic.

All players are reminded that the 2022 Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League Annual General Meeting will take place at 19.30 hours at Old Chelmsfordians Association, Lawford Lane, Roxwell Road on Thursday 26 May 2022. All clubs should be represented.

John Holland’s hat-trick for Galleywood A

Galleywood A were in action twice in the first division of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League. By beating Danbury C 8-2 they moved off the bottom. Both sides fielded reserves and Galleywood fared best. The evergreen John Holland led the way with a hat-trick and this included a 11-7, 8-11, 6-11, 11-9, 11-3 win over Sam Phillips and a really hard fought 14-12, 1-8, 7-11, 9-11, 14-12 win over David Gatheral. Steve Kerns saw off Ken Sheard 11-5, 10-12, 11-6, 9-11, 11-7. Galleywood rounded off their Season with a 4-6 defeat to Danbury B. Dan Anderson was undefeated for Danbury B and this included a desperately close 11-13, 12-10, 6-11, 11-6, 15-13 win over James Hicks. Gary Brignall scored the stand-out win of the night – a superb 11-9, 11-7, 17-15 victory against Sam Lowman.

Division two produced a remarkably close finish for second place. Hatfield Peverel A (95 points), Chelmsford D (95 points), Writtle C (94 points) and Danbury D (94 points) were all involved in what must surely be the closest finish on record. Danbury D beat Danbury G 6-4 in a match where no one player stayed undefeated. Gus Heath and Ian Cranstone both won twice for Danbury D as did David Gatheral and Sanjay Saptarshi for the G team. Gus Heath gave his side a perfect start with a 11-8, 12-10, 1-11, 11-7 win over Sanjay Saptarshi whilst Ian Cranstone did well to beat David Gatheral 11-7, 9-11, 14-12, 6-11, 13-11.

Second-placed Maldon A produced a strong performance in division three to beat Chelmsford F 8-2, their seventeenth win of the season. Lloyd Bennett-Smith led the way with a hat-trick whilst the emerging Nikita Tkachuk won twice for the Chelmsford team. All four Maldon players – Hamish Innes (83 %), Brian Riedling (58 %), Dawn Baldry (80 %) and Lloyd Bennett-Smith (89 %) had excellent seasons and they look well equipped to make their mark next year in division two.  Danbury K led by a hat-trick of wins from Peter Hance were 7-3 winners over Danbury H. Hance was pegged back to 2-2 by Dave Powell but he pulled through to win 11-5, 11-7, 5-11, 8-11, 11-8. OCA D also won 7-3. Richard Baxter and Connor Payne were both undefeated against Hatfield Peverel B.

Chelmsford Pumas beat their nearest rivals – Buttsbury Bees 4-1 in junior league division 2A. Cleon Fernandes led the way with wins over Jamie Elliott (11-9, 11-8, 7-11, 11-9) and Ben Brown (11-6, 11-7, 11-6). Cleon Fernandes was also in action for Chelmsford Leopards against Buttsbury Bats and his wins over George Hagland (11-6, 11-7, 11-6) and Oscar Hutt (9-11, 11-8, 11-2, 11-13, 11-7) were again instrumental in his side winning 4-1.  In yet another match which was decided 4-1 Chelmsford Pumas beat Writtle Rattlesnakes. Harrison Hill was undefeated this time beating Mime Pummell (11-7, 11-9, 11-8) and Archie Pummell (11-5, 9-11, 18-16, 11-9).

Buttsbury Badgers took two big strides towards winning junior league division 2B. They beat Chelmsford Jaguars 5-0 with Oscar Hutt and Harry Hutt carrying all before them and they also beat Chelmsford Antelopes 4-1. Oscar Hutt again dominated proceedings with wins over Samaksh Sirohi (11-6, 11-7, 11-3) and Richard Carter (14-12, 8-11, 10-12, 11-6, 11-7). Chelmsford Jaguars scored their first win of the season by beating Chelmsford Wildcats 4-1. Emilie Guilloux shone here, retaining her 100 % record with wins over Atharv Srivastava and Richard Carter. Chelmsford Jaguars made it win number two with a 4-1 victory against Writtle Racoons. Emile Guilloux was again undefeated beating Luv Goel (11-4, 11-9, 11-7) and Kush Goel (11-4, 11-5, 11-5). In yet another game decided 4-1, Writtle Racoons ran out 4-1 winners against Chelmsford Antelopes. Luv Goel won twice and Kush Goel picked up one win, a close one (11-4. 9-11, 3-11, 11-8, 11-9) against Aryan Gupta.

The leaders Buttsbury Bulldogs were in action three times in junior division 2C. They beat Chelmsford Jaguars 5-0. Callum Walker and Joseph Hutt had to work hard for this victory and Joseph Hutt was stretched to beat Daniel Lewis (9-11, 11-8, 15-13, 15-13). They also beat Buttsbury Beavers 3-2 although Lucy Elliott won twice for the Beavers. Good wins as well; (6-11, 11-7, 12-10, 11-7) against Callum Walker and (11-9, 11-8, 11-6) against Joseph Hutt. They made it three wins by beating Chelmsford Eagles 4-1. Joseph Hutt was undefeated this time. Lucy Elliott was again to the fore as Buttsbury Beavers defeated Chelmsford Lions 3-2. She won her two singles and partnered Noah Middleton to a hard-fought doubles success (11-7, 8-11, 9-11, 14-12, 11-7) against Atharv Gupta and Aarav Toshnival.  Felix Reeve won twice to guide Chelmsford Cougars to a 4-1 win over Chelmsford Eagles and Buttsbury Beavers edged out Chelmsford Eagles 3-2. Lucy Elliott was again undefeated although Yishai Choo went down battling. Lucy won this one; 11-5, 11-1, 10-12, 11-9.     Yishai Choo also beat Noah Middleton in five ends (9-11, 6-11, 11-6, 11-4, 11-8).

Nyree Marsh wins Team Handicap Cup

Chelmsford H are the 2021-2 Handicap KO Cup Champions in the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League. Their team of Nyree Marsh (handicap of 30), Cleon Fernandes (21) and Harry Chivers (63) beat Buttsbury B (Jamie Elliott, Lucy Elliott and Oscar Hutt) 5-1 in the final. For Nyree Marsh, the winner of the Handicap Singles at the Chelmsford Tournament in January this was an impressive and possibly unique double. Nyree sealed her team’s win by beating Jamie Elliott (48) 21-17, 22-20. Harry Chivers who has progressed from division four (where he had a 100 % record) to division two (where he has a 70 % record) in the same season gave his side a winning start by beating Oscar Hutt (21) 21-19, 21-15, whilst Cleon Fernandes (21) played his part by beating Oscar Hutt 21-13, 21-18. In their Semi-Final Chelmsford H overpowered Danbury M – Ken Wilding, Paul Thirkettle and Anne Mills 5-0 whilst Buttsbury B defeated Maldon C (Dawn Baldry, Andrea Alleyne and Ella Sach) 5-1.

The Open KO Cup final will be between Writtle A and Chelmsford B. Writtle A – Duncan Taylor, Lee McHugh and Arron Chandler were stretched to beat Danbury B 5-3. Lee McHugh played his part in their victory by fighting back from 2-0 down to beat Sam Lowman (9-11, 4-11, 11-2, 11-4, 11-6) and Dan Anderson (14-12, 11-9, 11-9). Duncan Taylor sealed their win by beating Sam Lowman 11-6, 11-8, 7-11, 11-5. Chelmsford B – Harry Buckle, Charlie Craig and Saul Chivers beat Danbury A 5-2.   Chelmsford B suffered an early setback when Eric Green beat Harry Buckle 11-7, 11-3, 11-5 but three five game wins gave them the ascendancy. Charlie Craig beat Babul McLeod 13-15, 11-5, 11-8, 9-11, 12-10 to give them a 2-1 lead and he sealed his side’s victory by beating Bruce Kettle 9-11, 11-8, 11-6, 11-6.  Saul Chivers played his part by beating Bruce Kettle 11-4, 12-10, 7-11, 11-7.

Danbury D won the division two KO Cup final with a thrilling 5-4 win over Danbury G. David Gatheral scored two big wins for the G side, beating Chris Buer (11-8, 11-7, 8-11, 11-6) and Ian Cranstone (8-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-8) whilst Ian Cranstone kept his side in the hunt with a last gasp 11-4, 9-11, 9-11, 11-9, 12-10 victory against Eamon Hall. The deciding doubles always had a five game look about it and Gus Heath and Ian Cranstone came through in five ends against Sanjay Saptarshi and Eamon Hall 11-2, 11-7, 8-11, 9-11, 11-8. Champions !. In their semi-finals Danbury D beat Chelmsford D 5-2 and Danbury G defeated Writtle B 5-1. Sudheep Kamma had impressed for Chelmsford D with a fine 9-11, 11-8, 11-7, 10-12, 11-9 win over Ian Cranstone.    

The division three KO Cup final will be between Danbury J and Chelmsford F. Danbury J beat Chelmsford H 5-3. Dave Marsh scored two important wins beating Joachin Mapes (11-6, 12-10, 11-2) and Paul Nichol (11-9, 11-6, 11-5) whilst Denis Crapnell (playing up from division four) played his part with wins over Todd Martin (2-11, 11-4, 8-11, 11-7, 11-8) and Joachin Mapes (11-9, 11-4, 11-4). Chelmsford F ran out 5-1 winners against Writtle D. Andy Swales sealed their win with a hard fought 11-8, 11-6, 6-11, 10-12, 11-8 success against Colin Barham.

Writtle E will face Danbury L in the division four KO Cup final. The semi-finals were contrasting affairs. Writtle E defeated OCA E 5-4. Four games were decided in the fifth end and crucially Writtle won three of them. Neil Thompson beat David Bishop (10-12, 11-7, 11-9, 10-12, 11-8) whilst Thompson and Dave Moles defeated David Newman and David Bishop in the middle doubles (13-15, 7-11, 13-11, 11-9, 11-9). It all came down to the last game and Dave Moles / Colin Griffiths beat David Newman / Russell Hall 11-7, 11-8, 3-11, 9-11, 11-8 to book their final place. The other semi-final saw Danbury L (Mervyn Perriman, Denis Crapnell and Denis Balic) secure a 5-0 win over Chelmsford G.

The division five KO Cup final will be between Buttsbury and Chelmsford J. Buttsbury (Frances Hutt, Jamie Elliott and Oscar Hutt) were 8-1 winners against Danbury N. Frances Hutt played her part with a five game win over Steve Martin (8-11, 11-3, 11-4, 10-12, 11-7). Chelmsford J were 5-3 winners against Danbury M. Jacqui Smith beat Ken Wilding by a last gasp 6-11, 12-10, 9-11, 16-14, 12-10 margin. Peter Davenport made no mistake against Ken Wilding and he won 11-5, 11-6, 11-6 to secure the win for his side.

Chelmsford B are through to the Junior Cup final. Their side of Saul Chivers, Harry Chivers and Nikita Tkachuk were 7-0 winners over Buttsbury. Jamie Elliott gave a great account of himself against Harry Chivers before losing 14-12, 6-11, 9-11, 5-11. Chelmsford B will face the mighty Chelmsford A in the final.