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
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
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.
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).
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.
OCA B’s 7-3 win over Hatfield Peverel A in division two of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League represented a top-class performance by the OCA side. Kevin Worthington bagged a hat-trick and Gareth Joice and Trevor Carter both won twice. However it was Hatfield Peverel A who had the greater cause to celebrate. The three points they picked up meant they finish second with 95 points, ahead of Chelmsford D (who also scored 95 points) by virtue of that fact that they won more matches. In a totally unprecedented evenly matched division Writtle C finished fourth with 94 points. Carrying the flag for Hatfield Peverel A were Martin Archie (73% ) with backing from Neil Freeman (49 %) and Gareth Davies (48 %).
There were still some outstanding games in division three. Maldon A, the runners-up, turned on the style to hammer fourth placed Chelmsford E 9-1. Lloyd Bennett-Smith (88 %) and Hamish Innes (84 %) were both undefeated. Adi Kamma showed up well for the losers with a 11-9, 13-11, 11-8 win over Brian Riedling. Danbury K did well to beat the higher placed Writtle D 6-4. Nicky Reece-Ford was unbeaten with wins over Malcolm Henstock (14-16, 11-5, 11-2, 11-7), Peter Layzell (11-7, 10-12, 11-7, 11-3) and Colin Barham (11-8, 6-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-5).
Buttbury Bees edged ahead 3-2 against Chelmsford Leopards in division 2A of the Junior League. Jamie Elliott won both of his singles beating Jishaant Shah (10-12, 11-3, 11-5, 11-7) and Cleon Fernandes (11-13, 11-7, 11-9, 11-7).
Chelmsford Antelopes (Samaksh Sirohi and Arnav Kumar) stay second in division 2B of the Junior League after beating Chelmsford Jaguars 5-0. They trail Buttsbury Badgers by 10 points but intriguingly they have two games in hand.
Chelmsford B (Harry Buckle, Charlie Craig and Josh Bickles) were 5-0 winners against Chelmsford D In the Open KO Cup. Sudheep Kamma did well to take a game off Harry Buckle before succumbing 7-11, 11-9, 4-11, 5-11. Chelmsford B now face a mouth-watering semi final clash against Danbury A.
The Division two Cup final will be an all Danbury affair. The division two Champions – Danbury G (Sanjay Saptarshi, Daniel Piggott and Eamon Hall) beat Writtle B 5-1. Daniel Piggott impressed greatly downing the challenges of Paul Sturton (11-6, 11-8, 11-6) and Trevor Collin (11-3, 11-8, 11-7). They will meet Danbury D (Chris Buer, Gus Heath and Ian Cranstone) in the final. Danbury D did well to beat Chelmsford D 5-2. Gus Heath excelled beating Harry Chivers (11-7, 11-4, 11-7) and Vineeth Kamma (9-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-7); the win over Vineeth sealing their victory.
Writtle E are through to the Division four Cup final. They beat OCA E 5-4 in a roller coaster semi-final, fighting back from 2-0 and 4-3 down. The last two games were tense affairs. Neil Thompson (who had previously pipped David Bishop 10-12, 11-7, 11-9, 10-12, 11-8) beat David Newman (11-5, 15-13, 11-9) and in a nail-biting concluding doubles Neil Thompson / Dave Moles saw off David Newman / Russell Hall (11-7, 11-8, 3-11, 9-11, 11-8). The great comeback was repelled.
Chelmsford J (Peter Davenport, Jacqui Smith and Paul Bullock) have fought their way through to the Division five Cup final. They beat Danbury M 5-3 after a hard fought semi-final. Jacqui Smith was involved in two five enders. She beat Ken Wilding (6-11, 12-10, 9-11, 16-14, 12-10) but missed out (14-12, 4-11, 9-11, 11-5, 5-11) to Anne Mills. Peter Davenport was undefeated with wins over Martin Knights (11-6, 11-2, 11-7) and Ken Wilding (11-5, 11-6, 11-6).
Buttsbury B are through to the Handicap KO Cup final. Their team of Jamie Elliott (handicap of 48), Oscar Hutt (handicap of 21) and Lucy Elliott (handicap of 8) always had the edge against Maldon C. Ella Sach (handicap of 29) gave Maldon a life line by beating Oscar Hutt (18-21, 21-15, 22-20) but Buttsbury were in the driving seat and Jamie Elliott defeated 2022 Chelmsford Ladies Champion Dawn Baldry (handicap of 67) 20-22, 21-12, 21-13 to give his team a convincing 5-1 victory.
Steve Kerns Press Officer Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League
Runaway leaders Chelmsford A have been crowned Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League first division Champions and such is their level of dominance that they still have two matches left to play. Galleywood A put up a fight before losing 8-2. Gary Brignall powered his way to a quick fire 11-7, 11-5, 11-6 win over Kim Shead and James Mullane excelled. He beat James Liddiard 9-11, 8-11, 11-9, 11-7, 13-11 – a gem of a win !. James Hicks wasn’t able to register a victory but he pushed Mens Singles Champion Dan Young all the way before succumbing 11-8, 11-5, 5-11, 6-11, 9-11. OCA A jumped into second place. The brothers Mulley – Matthew and Mark were undefeated as they beat Danbury A 8-2. Mathew Mulley made it 18 wins out of 18 and he powered his way to three singles wins. He beat Eric Green (11-4, 12-10, 11-7), Bruce Kettle (11-8, 11-8, 11-7) and Dave Richardson (11-5, 11-7, 12-10). A strong Writtle A side dented the hopes of Danbury B of finishing second by beating them 7-3. Lee McHugh and Duncan Taylor were both undefeated. Lee McHugh was pushed by Sam Lowman before he prevailed 11-6, 11-8, 7-11, 9-11, 11-7. Chelmsford B, who are fifth, scored their sixth win of the Season, a narrow 6-4 victory over Danbury A. Harry Buckle led the way with three wins whilst Eric Green and Dave Richardson both won twice for Danbury. Richardson pipped Charlie Craig 6-11, 11-7, 5-11, 12-10, 12-10 in the closest game of the night.
With six scorecards to account for in division two it’s hard to know where to start. The battle at the bottom of the table couldn’t be closer with a mere two points covering fifth placed Writtle B and ninth placed Danbury E. The leaders Danbury G took a step closer to the title by beating second placed Writtle C 6-4. Sanjay Saptarshi was again their match winner and he beat Gary Ward 11-9, 9-11, 11-6, 6-11, 11-7 – Gary’s second defeat of the Season. Another player to turn in a top-notch performance was Harry Chivers and his excellent hat-trick helped Chelmsford D draw 5-5 with Danbury D. Rising star Chivers gave Chelmsford the best possible start, by beating Chris Buer 12-10, 11-7, 7-11, 11-7. Fourth placed Hatfield Peverel A defeated Danbury E 8-2. Martin Archie led the way with a hat-trick but he had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Tony Forster (11-4, 6-11, 11-13, 11-7, 11-9) and Dick Wyman (11-5, 11-5, 3-11, 4-11, 11-9). The match between OCA B and Danbury D finished tied at 5-5. OCA‘s Kevin Worthington and Trevor Carter and Danbury’s Gus Heath and Ian Cranstone all won twice. Trevor Carter defeated Gus Heath in five ends (4-11, 11-5, 11-13, 11-9, 11-6). Chelmsford D did well to beat OCA C 6-4, good going as Mick Richardson was undefeated for OCA C. Dave Porter beat Sudheep Kamma 11-9, 12-10, 5-11, 4-11, 11-9 in the closest game of the evening. OCA B ran out 7-3 winners against Danbury E. Kevin Worthington led the way with three wins. He pipped Dick Wyman 12-10, 11-4, 6-11, 12-14, 11-8.
In division three Danbury J consolidated third place by beating Hatfield Peverel B 8-2. Dave Marsh led the way with three wins which included a hard-fought 7-11, 11-8, 11-7, 3-11, 11-9 victory over Paul Mulley. OCA D ran out 7-3 winners against Danbury H. Richard Baxter led the way with three wins and Richard Upson won twice. The match between Writtle D and Chelmsford E was a 5-5 draw. Jarek Pietraszuk won his three singles for the Chelmsford side and this included a hard-fought 7-11, 11-7, 11-5, 10-12, 11-8 success against Peter Layzell.
Danbury L with 105 points can’t be overtaken in division four. They could only field two players against second placed Writtle E but with Denis Crapnell (27 wins out of 27) carrying all before him they won 6-4. Crapnell looked a class apart, racing to 3-0 wins over Malcolm Storey (11-5, 11-3, 11-5), Colin Griffiths (11-5, 11-5, 12-10) and Dave Moles (11-7, 11-2, 11-6). Writtle E also lost 6-4 to Highwood A. This match saw Keith Fitz-John turn in a masterful display. He beat Colin Griffiths (11-13, 11-4, 11-5, 8-11, 11-6) in his opening singles and followed this up with two more cracking wins – 11-6, 11-7, 14-12 against Neil Thompson and 11-4, 12-10, 11-6 against Malcolm Storey. In yet another match decided 6-4 Galleywood C beat Maldon B. Colin Blore led the way with three wins. Galleywood also lost 7-3 to Chelmsford H. Harrison Hill gave yet another glimpse of his huge potential by staying unbeaten. He defeated Colin Blore 11-6, 11-8, 11-6.
Buttsbury remain on target to win division five. Oscar Hutt, Frances Hutt and Alex Ware ran out 9-1 winners against Hatfield Peverel E and Jamie Elliott, Ray Horton and Oscar Hutt defeated Danbury M 7-3. Jamie Elliott stayed unbeaten and with 20 wins out of 20 he has had an outstanding Season. He beat Ken Wilding (6-11, 11-9, 11-3, 11-4), Martin Knights (11-8, 11-3, 11-7) and Paul Thirkettle (7-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-2). Buttsbury also beat Maldon C 9-1. Ben Brown and Jamie Elliott were both undefeated this time. Danbury N were 8-2 winners against Chelmsford J. Steve Martin and Graham Naggs both won their three singles. John Wickins fought back from 2-0 down to defeat Ron Tam 4-11, 6-11, 11-5, 11-9, 12-10. Ella Sach, was another player to win her three singles and she led Maldon C to a 6-4 win against Hatfield Peverel D. Ella trailed Phil West in her third singles but she came through very strongly to win 12-10, 7-11, 8-11, 11-6, 11-1. Hatfield Peverel C beat OCA F 6-4 in a match where no one player stayed undefeated and no one went home empty handed. Suzanne Shaw made her mark with a fine 11-7, 6-11, 5-11, 11-6, 12-10 victory against Richard Drozd.
Buttsbury Bees beat Writtle Rattlesnakes 3-2 in Junior League division 2A. Ben Brown defeated Archie Pummell (11-8, 11-7, 11-7) and Mimi Pummell (11-8, 11-5, 11-4).
Buttsbury Badgers, leaders of Junior League division 2B scored their third win by beating Chelmsford Antelopes 4-1. Harry Hutt beat both Richard Carter (11-8, 11-7, 11-8) and Samaksh Sirohi (8-11, 4-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-6). Chelmsford Antelopes in turn ran out 5-0 winners over Chelmsford Wildcats. Richard Carter beat Harel Choo in five games (11-7, 11-9, 9-11, 9-11, 11-4).
Both games in Junior League division 2C resulted in 4-1 wins. Chelmsford Eagles (Yishai Choo and Freya Hart) beat Chelmsford Lions. Aarav Toshniwal was on target for the losers with a 11-9, 11-7, 9-11, 3-11, 12-10 win over Yishai Choo. Buttsbury Beavers (Tommy Hudd and Lucy Elliott) were also successful. They defeated Fraser Holmes and William Guilloux 11-7, 8-11, 11-9, 9-11, 12-10 in a gripping doubles encounter.
In the Handicap KO Cup Danbury M (Paul Thirkettle, Ken Wilding and Martin Knights) came out on top 5-3 against Chelmsford E even though Rev Mathews was undefeated for Chelmsford. Playing off a handicap of 60 Matthews did well to beat Ken Wilding (handicap of 25) 13-21, 22-10, 21-18, Paul Thirkettle (handicap of 40) 14-21, 21-18, 21-17 and Martin Knights (handicap pf 40) 23-21, 6-21, 21-14. Buttsbury B – Lucy Elliott (handicap of 8), Oscar Hart (handicap of 21) and Jamie Elliott (handicap of 48) ran out 7-2 winners against Danbury N. Jamie Elliott gave them a winning start with a 21-11, 13-21, 21-10 win over Roy Gandy (handicap of 49) and they never looked back after that. Maldon C are also safely through to the next round. Andrea Alleyne (handicap of 47), Ella Sach (handicap of 24) and Kym Eames (handicap of 29) ran out 5-1 winners against Danbury J. Andrea Alleyne clinched their victory with a convincing 21-14, 21-8 win over Dave Marsh (handicap of 66).
Chelmsford B (Josh Bickles, Charlie Craig and Saul Chivers) progressed in the Open KO Cup by beating Chelmsford D 5-1. The last two games produced stirring battles. Harry Chivers / Sudheep Kamma beat Josh Bickles / Charlie Craig in the middle doubles by a mind-blowing scoreline of 13-11, 11-5, 7-11, 9-11, 24-22 (yes 24-22) and Charlie Craig had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Victor Chan (14-12, 5-11, 11-5, 9-11, 15-13). Writtle A (Lee McHugh, Aaron Chandler and Richard Storey) ran out 5-1 winners against Chelmsford C. Aaron Chandler showed up well with a fine five game win over Simon Jarvis (8-11, 7-11, 11-8, 11-6, 11-7).
Danbury D emerged as 5-2 winners against Writtle C in the 2 Down KO Cup. Chris Buer, Gus Heath and Ian Cranstone all played a part in this win with Chris Buer scoring a vital 12-10, 4-11, 7-11, 11-5, 12-10 win over John Webber which stopped his side falling two games behind. It wasn’t John Webber’s night as he also lost a second five setter against Ian Cranstone (11-5, 9-11, 6-11, 11-6, 9-11). Writtle B (Paul Sturton, Phil Smith and Trevor Collin) came through 5-2 against OCA . Trevor Collin made his mark with an impressive 11-7, 11-6, 11-7 win over Dave Porter.
In the 4 Down Knock Out Cup OCA E (David Newman, David Bishop and Russell Hall) beat Highwood A 5-1. Russell Hall played his part with a last gasp 8-11, 11-5, 8-11, 11-4, 12-10 win over Keith Fitz-John. Writtle E (Neil Thompson, Ian Hockley and Malcolm Storey) ran put 5-0 winners over Highwood B. Neil Thompson put them 2-0 ahead by beating David Cockrell 11-5, 11-9, 11-13, 6-11, 11-9.
Steve Kerns Press Officer Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League
Writtle C moved into second place in division two of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League by beating fourth placed Hatfield Peverel A 6-4. Without their leading player Gary Ward it was John Webber who held them together with three wins. He beat Martin Archie (11-9, 11-4, 11-6), Neil Freeman (11-7, 11-4, 11-9) and Gareth Davies (9-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-4). John Gagg played his part by getting the better of Neil Freeman (11-9, 11-6, 8-11, 3-11, 12-10). OCs C (Mick Richardson, Mick Hayes and David Porter) did well to beat Danbury F 7-3, good going as Sam Phillips won his three singles for the Danbury side. Phillips prevailed over five fluctuating ends against Mick Richardson (6-11, 11-5, 6-11, 11-4, 11-8). Danbury F also drew 5-5 against Danbury D. Chris Buer was undefeated for Danbury D although he had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Sam Phillips (10-12, 11-5, 10-12, 11-8, 11-9).
Danbury B, back in sixth place in division one but with two games in hand on some of their rivals could still conceivably challenge for second place. Sam Lowman was undefeated as they beat a two-man OCA A side 7-3. Lowman had to battle hard for his two wins and he beat Terry Dowsett (11-7, 8-11, 12-10, 8-11, 11-7) and Robbie Burton (11-9, 11-13, 11-4, 9-11, 12-10). Danbury reserve Gus Heath made his mark with an excellent 11-5, 11-3, 11-9 win over Robbie Burton. A very strong Danbury C side of Keith Adams, Ian Whiteside and Trevor Lloyd powered to a 9-1 win over Chelmsford C. Simon Jarvis was Chelmsford’s sole winner with a 11-7, 11-4, 11-8 win over Ian Whiteside. Leaders and Champions elect – Chelmsford A were a player short against Writtle A. However, with Mens singles Champion Daniel Young remaining undefeated they won 6-4. Daniel Young beat Lee McHugh (11-4, 10-12, 11-7, 12-10) whilst McHugh made his presence felt with a 11-9, 7-11, 11-8, 13-11 victory against James Liddiard.
Galleywood B, with 14 wins out of 15 – took another step towards the division three title by beating OCA D 8-2. Mark Glenister’s win over Connor Payne could hardly have been closer with Glenister edging it 13-11, 10-12, 9-11, 12-10, 11-9. The records of their three regular players indicate what a consistent side they have been – John Holland (91 %), Mark Glenister (74 %) and Gary Copsey (89 %). Hatfield Peverel B and Danbury K couldn’t be separated. No one player stayed unbeaten and Hatfield Peverel’s Roger Slade and Paul Mulley and Danbury’s Nicky Reece Ford and Peter Hance all won twice. Peter Hance’s game against Phil Shippen “went to the wire” with Peter Hance finally taking it 11-1, 11-4, 9-11, 7-11, 12-10. Peter Layzell stayed undefeated as Writtle D beat Danbury H 7-3. Layzell had to work hard to overcome Dave Powell 3-11, 11-5, 8-11, 11-8, 12-10. Chelmsford E beat the higher placed Danbury J 6-4. Adi Kamma led the way with three wins. He beat Kevin Willis (11-4, 10-12, 11-7, 12-10), Dave Marsh (11-2, 11-9, 9-11, 11-4) and Dave Meah (11-8, 11-9, 7-11, 11-9).
In division four the leaders Danbury L took another step towards the title by beating Chelmsford H 8-2. Dennis Balic was unbeaten whilst Cleon Fernandes won twice for the losers. He beat Mervyn Perriman (12-10, 2-11, 1-18, 11-4) and Derrick Pearson (11-9, 8-11, 8-11, 1-18, 11-9). Chelmsford G ran out 7-3 winners against Highwood B. Dusan Doszkoty won his three singles whilst Harrison Hill chipped in with a 9-11, 12-10, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9 win over Dave Cockerell. Quite a battle.
In division five Hatfield Peverel C returned to pole position by beating Chelmsford J 10-0. Andy Whiley, Richard Drozd and Andy Simmonds gave nothing away. Richard Drozd looked to be in trouble against Paul Bullock after losing the first two games quite comfortably, but he eventually pulled through 4-11, 6-11, 12-10, 11-7, 11-7. Paul Thirkettle stayed unbeaten as Danbury M defeated Danbury N 7-3. Graham Naggs was on target for Danbury N with a hard earned 9-11, 11-7, 6-11, 13-11, 11-7 win over Ken Wilding. League stalwart Stuart Wintle has hit top form and is undefeated for five matches. His three wins helped OCA F beat Hatfield Peverel D 6-4. Kath Little did well to beat David Bishop 3-11, 15-13, 13-11, 15-11, 11-8.
Buttsbury Bees are the early leaders in division 2A of the Junior League. Ben Brown and Jamie Elliott raced to a 5-0 win over Buttsbury Bats although Ben Brown had to work hard to beat George Hagland 7-11, 11-6, 12-10, 12-10. Chelmsford Pumas are in second place and they beat Chelmsford Leopards 3-2. Todd Martin won both of his singles. The Leopards hit back and Cleon Fernandes and Jishant Shah did well to beat Todd Martin / Alesha Ellis-Austin 16-14, 12-10, 11-9 in a very hard fought doubles encounter. Writtle Rattlesnakes emerged as 3-2 winners against Buttsbury Bats; good going as George Hagland won his two singles for Buttsbury Bats. Mimi Pummell beat George Standish 8-11, 11-6, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9 in the closest game of the night.
Chelmsford Cougars (Felix Reeve and Daniel Lewis) made it three wins out of three by beating Chelmsford Eagles 5-0. With Joshua Lewis replacing Felix Reeve they also beat Chelmsford Lions 4-1. Joshua Lewis gave his side a winning start by getting the better of Jaithra Bommu 11-5,11-7, 7-11, 12-14, 11-9. Buttsbury Bulldogs (Joseph Hutt and Callum Walker) ran out 4-1 winners against Buttsbury Beavers. Callum Walker prevailed over five fluctuating ends against Tommy Hudd (11-5, 11-3, 12-14, 4-11, 11-7).
Steve Kerns Press Officer Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League
Danbury A jumped into second place in division one of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League by beating Danbury C 10-0. Danbury C weren’t at full strength and Danbury A took full advantage. Eric Green, Dave Richardson and Babul McLeod powered their way to a 10-0 win. Danbury A are now well placed to finish second. They have 68 points, three more than third placed OCA A, and it is Danbury A who have a game in hand. Galleywood A produced their best display of the Season to beat Chelmsford C 7-3 – a result that lifts them off the bottom. Peter Radford was unbeaten for Galleywood whilst Gary Brignall also showed up well. He beat Wiktor Delimat (14-16, 13-11, 2-11, 11-7, 11-6) and most impressively Simon Jarvis (11-9, 14-12, 11-5). OCA A beat Writtle A 7-3. The brothers Mulley – Matthew and Mark turned in another power-house display and won all seven games. In the pick of the night’s action Arron Chandler pipped Bertie Makoli 11-4, 12-10, 10-12, 8-11, 12-10. Danbury B ran out 6-4 winners against Chelmsford B. Sam Lowman led the way with a hat-trick whilst Dan Anderson impressed as well. He beat Saul Chivers (11-8, 11-8, 12-10) and Josh Bickles (13-11, 11-9, 11-7). Match of the evening, was arguably the high-octane clash between Charlie Craig and Sam Lowman where Sam prevailed 11-8, 6-11, 11-3, 9-11, 13-11.
Leaders Danbury G scored their eighth win of the Season in division two by beating OCA C 6-4, and Sanjay Saptarshi again led from the front. He won his three singles. His record of 89 % (32 wins out of 36) is outstanding. David Porter won twice for OCA C and this included a fine 11-6, 9-11, 11-3, 9-11, 11-8 win over David Gatheral. Sanjay Saptarshi showed up well in his third singles powering his way to a 11-3, 11-3, 8-11, 11-3 win over Mick Richardson. Chelmsford D excelled by beating Danbury E 8-2. Harry Chivers (three wins), Victor Chan (three wins) and Sudheep Kamma (two wins) all played well whilst players of the calibre of Danbury’s Tony Forster and Neil Want drew blanks. Harry Chivers was outstanding. He beat Neil Want (9-11, 11-4, 11-4,11-5), Tim Cramphorn (11-8, 13-11, 11-6) and Tony Forster (11-7, 11-6, 11-7). Team-work saw Writtle C prevail 6-4 against Writtle B. John Webber, Dave Carter and John Parodi all won twice. Dave Carter, playing up from division three performed exceptionally well, beating Phil Smith (11-7, 11-9, 5-11, 3-11, 11-9) and Rod Maclennan (10-12, 11-5, 7-11, 13-11, 11-9).
Maldon A, second in division three, were 8-2 winners this week against OCA D. Hamish Innes and Dawn Baldry were both undefeated. Amanda Hogger won a close encounter12-14, 11-3, 11-9, 9-11, 11-7 against Garry Eames for the losers. Danbury K ran out narrow 6-4 winners against Chelmsford E. No player was undefeated and no one went home empty handed. Dave Parker pipped Peter Hance 2-11, 11-6, 10-12, 11-6, 12-10 in the closest game of the night. Danbury J (Alan Dadswell, Dennis Crapnell and David Meah) dominated against Danbury H, so much so that they won 10-0. Alan Dadswell was pushed in the last game but he eventually eased home 15-17, 11-7, 7-11, 11-7, 11-8 against Dave Hancox. Elsewhere, Chelmsford F – Nikita Tkachuk (three wins), Andy Swales (two wins) and Luke Richardson (two wins) beat Hatfield Peverel B 8-2.
The eye-catching performance in division four went to 11 year-old Harrison Hill who made the transition from the Junior League to division four look seamless. He won his three singles for Chelmsford G in their 3-7 defeat against Maldon B. Shirley Carroll, Victoria Farrell and Ella Sach all won twice for Maldon B. Writtle E led by a trio of wins from Neil Thompson beat Highwood B 7-3. Thompson posted wins against Russell Downton (11-6, 11-4, 11-3), Roger Patient (11-9, 14-12, 8-11, 11-9) and Dave Cockerill (13-11, 8-11, 11-5, 11-5). The match between Galleywood C and OCA E finished tied at 5-5. Will Goodchild had to pull out all the stops to get the better of David Newman 7-11, 9-11, 11-7, 11-6, 16-14. Cleon Fernandes was another player from the Chelmsford Junior League to excel this week. He won his three singles as Chelmsford H edged out Highwood A 6-4. He had quite a battle with Keith Fitz-John before sneaking home 11-7, 10-12, 11-7, 9-11, 13-11.
OCA F jumped into second place in division five courtesy of their 9-1 win over Maldon C. Stuart Wintle and Bob Francis were both undefeated whilst Mike Morecroft won twice. Morecroft had to work hard for his two successes. He beat Ross Wheeler (4-11, 11-3, 5-11, 12-10, 11-8) and Kym Eames (5-11, 11-4, 11-2, 12-14, 11-8). The other three games in this division were much closer. Hatfield Peverel E beat Danbury N 6-4 in a match where no one player remained undefeated. Hatfield Peverel’s Deb Ginn and Karen Braney and Danbury ‘s Graham Naggs and Jo Hart all won twice. Chelmsford J and Hatfield Peverel D couldn’t be separated. Peter Davenport won his three singles for Chelmsford J and this included a titanic struggle against Kath Little in the first game where he won 11-4, 12-14, 11-7, 10-12, 12-10. It was honours even as well (5-5) in the match between Danbury M and Hatfield Peverel C. Paul Thirkettle was undefeated for Danbury and Martin Knights chipped in with a 11-6, 11-8, 7-11. 7-11, 15-13 win over Andy Whiley.
Chelmsford Pumas (Alesha Ellis-Austin and Ben Chivers) were 5-0 winners against Writtle Rattlesnakes in division 2B of the Chelmsford Junior League. Allesha Ellis Austin gave her team a winning start by beating Luv Goel 7-11, 11-9, 12-10, 11-3 in the opening encounter. Buttsbury Badgers beat Chelmsford Jaguars 3-2 although Emilie Guilloux was unbeaten for Buttsbury in her singles. Emilie defeated Oscar Hutt (11-9, 11-3, 11-7) and Harry Hutt (11-9, 5-11, 11-4, 11-8).
Steve Kerns Press Officer Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League
This week’s Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League report includes League matches, the first round of the second series of Junior League matches and Cup matches. Thanks are extended to KO Cup Secretary Matthew Brown for his extensive report on the latest round of Cup matches.
In division one Galleywood A did well to draw with Danbury A. However, both Galleywood A and Chelmsford C look to be doomed to relegation. They both trail Danbury B by 15 points and Danbury B have a game in hand. In a match where no one player stayed unbeaten and no one went home empty-handed Eric Green and Dave Richardson both won twice for Danbury as did James Hicks for Galleywood. James Hicks showed up well. He beat Eric Green (6-11, 11-5, 5-11, 11-8, 11-7) and then Dave Richardson (12-10, 10-12, 12-10, 13-11) – they don’t come much closer; before missing out (5-11, 11-5, 16-18, 6-11) against Babul McLeod. Galleywood’s new signing James Mullane made his mark with a fine 9-11, 11-8, 11-4, 12-10 win over Babul McLeod. In yet another high-octane encounter Dave Richardson defeated Gary Brignall 10-12, 11-3, 8-11, 11-8, 11-9.
In division three second placed Maldon A were narrow 6-4 winners against Writtle D. Lloyd Bennett-Smith was undefeated for Maldon and he sealed the win with a 11-5, 11-8, 14-16, 12-14, 11-9 win over Malcolm Henstock. Peter Layzell impressed with his 11-6, 12-10, 11-8 win over Hamish Innes.
The division four match between Highwood B and Chelmsford H finished tied at 5-5. Chelmsford’s Khalid Davis dominated and he beat Martin Goddard (11-8, 16-14, 11-6), Dave Cockeril (11-4, 7-11, 9-11, 14-12, 11-9) and Russell Downton (11-6, 11-7, 10-12, 11-8).
Buttsbury are well placed in division five, one point behind the leaders Hatfield Peverel D but with a game in hand. Jamie Elliott won his three singles as they beat Danbury N 6-4. Steve Martin edged out Ray Horton 11-8, 7-11, 2-11, 11-7, 11-9 for the losers.
Jamie Elliott was in action again for Buttsbury Bees who beat Chelmsford Leopards 3-2 in division 2A of the Chelmsford Junior League. Elliott defeated Dion Fernandes (11-8, 11-5, 11-6) and Cleon Fernandes (11-13, 11-6, 8-11, 11-6, 11-6). Jamie Elliott was also undefeated in singles as Buttsbury Bees lost 2-3 to Chelmsford Pumas. This time he beat Ben Chivers (11-5, 11-8, 11-6) and Todd Martin (8-11, 11-7, 11-9, 8-11, 11-5).
Buttsbury Badgers were 5-0 winners against Writtle Racoons in Junior division 2B. Harry Hutt and Oscar Hutt carried all before them. The match between Chelmsford Antelopes and Chelmsford Jaguars was closer with the Antelopes winning 3-2 despite the fact that Emilie Guilloux was undefeated for Chelmsford Jaguars. Emilie beat Arnav Kumar (11-4, 11-5, 11-4) and Samaksh Sirohi (11-4, 12-10, 9-11, 11-7).
Buttsbury Bulldogs ran out 4-1 winners against Chelmsford Eagles in Junior division 2C. Tommy Hudd led the way with two wins. He beat Francesca Hart (11-3, 11-9, 8-11, 16-14) and Freya Hart (9-11, 11-7, 11-9, 14-12). Chelmsford Cougars also made a successful start. They beat Buttsbury Beavers 3-2. Felix Reeve was their match-winner. He beat Joseph Hutt (11-8, 11-3, 11-7) and Lucy Elliott (11-5, 11-6, 11-9).
Matthew Brown reports on the KO Cup competitions as follows –
The round of 16 in the Handicap Cup was played in January. As always in the Handicap Cup, we seem to either have very closely fought matches or runaway victories.
The Chelmsford H team of Joachin Mapes, Harry Chivers and Saul Chivers were involved in a very tight contest with the more experienced trio of OC’s B’s Connor Payne, Charles Yeung and Richard Baxter. The match see-sawed with never more than a match between the two sides. Richard Baxter opened proceedings for OC’s with a 17-21, 23-21, 21-9 win over Saul Chivers. Joachin Mapes levelled with a 17-21, 21-12, 21-9 win over Charles Yeung. Connor Payne then restored OC’s lead with a 21-23, 21-17, 21-19 win over Harry Chivers but Chelmsford fought back with two straight set wins for Saul and Harry. It was 21-15, 28-26 for Saul over Charles and 21-13, 21-8 for Harry over Richard. OC’s levelled with a 15-21, 13-21 win for Connor over Joachin. Chelmsford took the lead again with a 20-22, 24-22, 21-13 win for Harry over Charles, only for OC’s to level with a 11-21, 4-21 win for Connor over Saul. This left Joachin to play Richard to decide the tie. In two very close sets, Joachin prevailed 23-21, 23-21 to send Chelmsford into the quarterfinals.
Meeting Chelmsford H will be Danbury G or Chelmsford J. In what was another very closely fought contest, Danbury G prevailed by the skin of their teeth as they came back from 2-4 to just about win 5-4 and that included surviving six match points in game eight where Luca Bailey recovered in both sets two and three to squeeze past Peter Davenport, 18-21, 24-22, 22-20. Six of the matches went to deciding sets (a testament to the handicapping?) and every player won at least one game in a match of styles and grit. Jacqui Smith played brilliantly all evening beating Eamonn Hall, and taking Luca Bailey and Sanjay Saptarshi to three sets. The final game was between the unbeaten Paul Bullock and the winless Eamonn Hall, and yes it went to three long sets before Eamonn saw his team through to the next round winning 21-15, 14-21, 21-16.
The tie between OC’s C and Chelmsford E was a little more one-sided with the Chelmsford E side of Adi Kamma, Dave Parker and Chris Young running into a 4-0 lead before OC’s got started. This said, three of those four games were settled in the deciding set, with OC’s Mick Hayes losing out 21-11, 15-21, 27-29 to Chris Young in the opener, Mick Richardson being similarly thwarted 23-21, 20-22, 16-21 by Dave Parker in game two, and Mick Hayes again being on the wrong end of a deuce in the third scoreline, going down 14-21, 21-16, 22-24 to Dave Parker in game four. David Porter and Mick Richardson restored some pride to the score line with straight set wins before Dave Parker finished OC’s off in yet another deciding set, getting the better of David Porter 18-21, 21-13, 21-15.
Chelmsford E’s quarter-final opponents will be Danbury M after they defeated Writtle C 5-4. The Danbury side started well with victories for Ken Wilding and Martin Knights (who got the better of Gary Ward 19-21, 21-10, 25-23) before Writtle levelled with wins for John Webber and John Gagg. Danbury took the lead again with a deciding set win for Ken Wilding over John Webber before Writtle looked to take the initiative with two straight set wins for Gary Ward and John Webber. However, Danbury were not to be thwarted and Paul Thirkettle and Ken Wilding won the last two games in straight sets to prevail 5-4.
The other remaining Writtle team, Writtle D, also came unstuck, losing 2-5 to Buttsbury B. Despite two wins for Malcolm Henstock, the Buttsbury team of Jamie Elliott, Ray Horton and Oscar Hutt were able to run away with the victory.
Buttsbury B’s quarter-final opponents are Danbury N, who completely overpowered the Highwood A team of Melanie Bonnett, Keith Pallett and Keith Fitz-John who commented “Danbury won hands down!”. The Danbury side of Ron Tam, Steve Martin and Graham Naggs were just too strong for their handicaps. Closest match on the night was Keith Fitz-John’s three set loss to Steve Martin (21-19, 10-21, 18-21).
Highwood were on the wrong end of another one-sided match when their B team lost 5-2 to Maldon C. Despite two wins for Highwood’s Roger Patient, the Maldon C team of Ella Sach, Kym Eames and Andrea Alleyne were always in control, leading 2-0 and 3-1, before easing to the 5-2 win in the closest game of the night when Maldon’s Kym Eames prevailed 18-21, 5-21, 19-21 against Highwood’s Roger Patient.
The last match in this round was an all Danbury affair. Their J team hosted the B team and, perhaps unsurprisingly, the match went all the way to a deciding set in game nine. The B team opened proceedings with Eric Green defeating David Meah, only for the J team to hit back and take the next three games with Dave Marsh, John Robinson and David Meah each winning one. The B team did not give up and levelled with a three set win for Eric Green (19-21, 21-13, 21-19) over John Robinson and a straight-sets win for Sam Lowman over Dave Marsh. John Robinson then put the J team in front again with a three sets win over Neil Want (19-21, 21-13, 21-16) before Sam Lowman levelled the tie. So it came down to Dave Marsh against Eric Green, with Dave taking the first set 25-23, Eric fighting back to win the second 21-15, only for Dave to turn the tie in Danbury J’s favour to win 21-12. Their reward is a quarter-final match against Maldon C.
In the quarterfinals this past week Chelmsford H played Danbury G. While Danbury got off to a good start with a three sets win for Sanjay Saptarshi against Saul Chivers (21-18, 13-21, 24-22), it was the Chelmsford team that then took the initiative, with Nyree March, Harry Chivers and Saul Chivers taking the next three games. Danbury gave themselves hope when Gordon Gatheral got the better of Saul Chivers but Chelmsford bounced back taking the next two games and becoming the first team to make the semi-finals.
The remaining quarterfinals are scheduled for the week commencing 7 March.
In the Open Cup a preliminary round match between Chelmsford D and Highwood A was played in January. The Chelmsford team of Sudheep Kamma, Vinny Kamma and Keith Martin powered to a 5-1 win, with only Highwood’s Melanie Bonnett win over Vinny Kamma preventing a whitewash for the Chelmsford team. Their reward, a quarterfinal against their B team.
Two quarterfinal matches have been played, with first Danbury A beating Chelmsford F 5-0 (the winners of the Chelmsford B v D match will meet them in the semi-final). Danbury’s Babul McLeod, Eric Green and Dave Richardson were far too strong for Chelmsford’s Alex and Nikita Tkachuk and Luke Richardson, and didn’t drop a set in any of the five games.
Danbury B have also played their quarterfinal match against OC’s B and in another one-sided affair ran out 7-0 winners. The Danbury team of Sam Lowman, Dan Anderson and Dan Piggott, over-powered the division two side of Trevor Carter, Charles Yeung and Connor Payne. Danbury’s semi-final opponents will be either Chelmsford or Writtle A.
One of the two Division 3 Down quarterfinals has been played with Danbury J getting the better of Chelmsford E, 7-2. The Danbury side of Peter Hance, John Robinson and Sam Phillips, eased to victory against Chelmsford’s Rev Matthews, Adi Kamma and Vasile Barbulet. Rev Matthews scored a good four sets win over John Robinson and the doubles pairing of Rev and Adi had a last gasp 14-12 fifth set win over Peter and John. Danbury will face Chelmsford H in the semi-finals.
All other quarterfinal matches in the Open Cup and the Divisions 2, 3 and 4 Down Knockout Cups are due to be played in the week commencing 7 March.
Steve Kerns Press & Publicity Officer Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League
