Press Report

Baddow Village A have moved into a commanding four point lead at the top of division of two of the Central Essex Summer Table Tennis League. With a game in hand on their nearest rivals Mountnessing they look a pretty strong bet to take the title. Their leading player Duncan Elloy was undefeated in their latest 4-1 success over third-placed Excalibur B. Ian Butler saved Excalibur's blushes with a 3-1 victory over Michael Johnston. Mountnessing moved into second place by beating Danbury C 5-0. Although Bruno Handel and Paul Singleton were unbeaten Danbury were far from flattered by the scoreline and Ken Sheard in particular can feel hard done by. He only succumbed to Singleton 14-12 in the decider. Danbury C in turn notched up their first win of the season as they beat bottom side Fambridge 4-1. Norman Hayes took his two singles and Paul Oliver won once, just missing out 11-9 in the decider against Martin Thompson. Hatfield Peverel B duly recorded their second win of the season as they scraped home 3-2 against Danbury B. Peverel's Neil Freeman took both of his singles as the Danbury ladies - Jean Chasmer and Janet Pannell both showed up well with excellent wins over Keith Cullen.

The first division title looks to be heading in the direction of Hullbridge A. Whilst the Hullbridge side of George Pavitt and Nigel Lamb were carrying all before them with an impressive 5-0 victory over OCs A second placed Hatfield Peverel A were struggling to get the better of Hutton A 3-2. With all four players winning one singles this match all rested on the final doubles and the redoubtable John Gagg/John Parodi combination just came out on top 11-9 in the fifth end against Peter Saunders and Derek Lloyd.

Hullbridge A, Hatfield Peverel A and Hutton A are all tied on 14 points although Hullbridge who have a game in hand are now the obvious favourites to capture the title.

The strong West Maldon team are the new leaders in division three. Glenn Laing took both of his singles as they overcame Baddow Village B 4-1. The fast-improving Steve Clift showed up really with a superb 3-1 win over the very experienced Roy Westby. Excalibur D produced their best performance of the season to beat Danbury D 4-1. With Richard Hiskey on duty you would probably have expected Excalibur to win although his son Stewart excelled with a hard-fought 11-7, 11-9, 10-12, 11-9 victory over Ben Bailey.