EXCALIBUR MUSKETEERS ARE THE TEAM TO BEAT 

Two 4-1 wins have seen Excalibur Musketeers (Bill Smith and Richard Hiskey) gain pole position in the second division of the Central Essex Summer Table Tennis League. Bill Smith excelled against Elmtree Graphics A beating Ev Lucas 11-6, 11-13, 3-11, 11-7, 12-10, his first ever victory over the wily Chelmsford first Division player. Lucas was responsible for his team's sole win and he wore Richard Hiskey down as the 21-19, 11-9, 11-4 scoreline illustrates. Nat Ravlic was on target when Excalibur beat OCs B and Ravlic secured an excellent 11-5, 11-8, 11-9 victory over Smith on this occasion. Elmtree Graphics A also lost 4-1 against ECC B, although Rod Maclennan gave them the perfect start by beating John Wickens 3-2 in the opening game. Thereafter, Trevor Roberts took charge to ensure that ECC took four points. ECC A who have the undefeated Bradley Hudgell in their line-up did well to beat Chelmsford A 3-2 but they just missed out 2-3 against Ramsden Rovers. Hudgell hit top form in the match against Chelmsford A beating Duncan Elloy comprehensively 11-3, 13-11, 11-6.

In the first division leaders Rayne made it 14 points out of a possible 15 as they beat Danbury A 5-0. Steve Elmes in his first appearance of the Season stayed undefeated but paired with Steve Kerns the Rayne players looked to be heading to a heavy defeat in the Doubles when trailing 10-5 in the fourth end against an inspired Tony Forster and Dave Calleja. Some how they managed to dig themselves out of this hole and they eventually won the fifth end for a most unlikely 6-11, 11-9, 2-11, 12-10, 11-7 victory. Ramsden Raiders recorded their first win of the Season as they beat Danbury B 3-2. Trailing 2-0 the Danbury players hit back in fine style, with Herbie Smith recording an excellent 3-2 win over John Gagg and Norman Smith getting the better of Dave Carter, again 3-2. However, Danbury were not able to add to their successes and Gagg and Carter ran out convincing 11-6, 11-8, 11-3 winners in the deciding Doubles.   

Chelmsford B moved into top position in division three by beating Fambridge 4-1. Barry Pritchard (who would not look out of place in the first division) won both of his singles and he received support from Frank Neill who only succumbed to Pete Mynard in five ends. The young Hylands Flingers side also won 4-1 to move into third place as Brandon Crouchman won his two singles. Paired with Scott Dowsett the Hylands lads came through a gripping and widely fluctuating Doubles encounter eventually running out 11-5, 10-12, 11-3, 10-12, 11-5 winners against Dave Hancox and Ken Sheard. Elmtree Graphics B just shaded their match 3-2 against Excalibur International. Phil Smith and son Mark sealed victory in the Doubles by getting the better of Eleni Manolitsaki and Michael Rostoft 6-11, 12-10, 11-6, 7-11, 11-8 in yet another well contested Doubles encounter.

Chelmsford C beat South Woodham 4-1 to take over the lead in division four. James Austin stayed undefeated and he put in a determined display to get the better of Graham Briggs 11-13, 11-7, 8-11, 11-6, 11-9. Chelmsford C just missed out 3-2 against a strong ECC C side. Tom Lee and Ian Austin both did well to beat Colin Barham although they both lost to Richard Storey. South Woodham in turn tasted victory when they beat Chelmsford D 3-2. Chelmsford's Paul Nicol won his two singles but victories for Chris Hancox and Lee McHugh over Jacqui Smith and a last gasp Doubles win for McHugh and Hancox by a 11-4, 10-12, 4-11, 11-2, 12-10 margin gave South Woodham a narrow victory.

Steve Kerns - Press Officer

Central Essex Summer Table Tennis League