As we complete the final fixtures in the Burnham & District Table Tennis League we are able to confirm some of the remaining issues and awards.  

The final fixture in Division 2 was a classic top v bottom affair as Champions Mapledene C extended their winning margin to 16 points over Maldon B with a fine 9-1 victory over bottom side St Lawrence A.  Whilst Maldon B floundered in recent weeks Mapledene C recorded a 10-0 and then a 9-1 victory to really demonstrate their title worthiness.  For Mapledene both Andy Seaman and Barrie Delf recorded hat-tricks and St Lawrence’s season-weary captain Steve King did manage a final day win of his own in 4 sets over Ladies Singles Champion Lin Roff.  Mapledene C made good use of their large squad over the season with 12 different players taking to the table in the classic Mapledene red shirts.  However with that final match appearance Andy Seaman was able to secure the divisional trophy for the most valuable player.  The Brian Ellis Cup is awarded to the player with the highest win percentage having played at least 50% of his team’s matches.  With a win percentage of 92% Seaman is this year’s clear recipient and will be awarded his trophy at the upcoming Presentation Evening.  Runner-up was Maldon C’s stalwart Steve Aspland with a win rate of 85%, and he was closely followed by ace chopper Colin Napper with a win rate of 82% for his beloved Maldon B side.   Aspland was one of two players who were ever present for their Division 2 sides this year, the other being the hard-hitting Nicky Reece-Ford for Stow B.  Good show one and all!

The battle to avoid relegation continues in Division 1 as Woodham B attempt to close the gap on Stow Maries A.  This week they travelled to League Runners-Up Cold Norton B for a fun packed evening of sport.  They came away with 3 hard-earned points but probably needed an extra 1 or 2 if they are to catch Stow.  Cold Norton’s Eric Green was the star of the evening winning all 4 of his matches, blasting passed Woodham’s two best players with ease but struggling to a tight 4 set victory over the lower ranked Eamonn Hall.  Green’s trusty wingman Dave Richardson was having trouble with the home net all evening but he still managed to complete a brace of wins including a fine win over Woodham’s Dan Patynski.  For Woodham Sanjay Saptarshi racked up another couple of wins to keep the dream of division 1 ping pong flickering away for now.  The gap is now 5 points and the two protagonists meet next week in the sold-out relegation 6-pointer at Smythe Hall.  

Dan Patynski versus Dave Richardson at the Latchingdon Arena this week.

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