David Cole became the M&G Investments Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League Mens Singles Champion for a glorious fourth time on Monday 09 February 2009 at the Old Chelmsfordians Association. David will have gained many admirers for the swash-buckling way in which he wrestled the title away from the Holder and Favourite - the England no. 36 ranked player Neil Charles in a superb and widely fluctuating Mens Singles Final. In a match which was both deadly serious and light-hearted if that can be possible (and those present will know what I mean) it was Cole who broke clear in the fifth end to lead 5-1 and although Neil pulled back determinedly to trail 4-5 Dave kept his form perfectly and he raced home to a superb and it has to be said somewhat unexpected 11-9, 8-11, 11-7, 8-11, 11-4 victory.

There was success for Julie Vansertima who won an unprecedented sixteenth Ladies Singles title by beating Alison Gurner 3-0. Alison was never out of contention in this game but you always felt that Julie had a slight edge. Julie settled the quicker this year and she will be delighted with her 11-6, 11-7, 11-9 victory. A superb record and one that won‘t be broken for a very long time !

The evening started with Neil Charles booking his Mens Singles Final appearance by getting the better of Peter Hayden over four ends. Neil dominated in the first and fourth ends but there was little to choose between the two players in games two and three and Peter will be slightly disappointed that he missed out very narrowly in the second game. Neil came through 11-6, 13-11, 8- 11, 11-6. Dave Cole booked his Mens Singles Final appearance by beating Keiran Lally 11-8, 11-5, 14-12 and Keiran will take heart from the fact that despite having not played so much in the last couple of years he still produced a strong showing. Indeed the last five or six points of the third game were amongst the best of the night and a battling Keiran came desperately close to extending the clash to a fourth end.

The third game of the evening saw Paul Davison and Neil Charles seal their third successive Mens Doubles title after a battling Duncan Taylor and Charles Sweeney had taken the third end. Duncan is one one of the County’s best defensive players whilst Charles Sweeney is an emerging attacker and they gave a good account of themselves. However, Paul and Neil always held the ascendancy in the fourth game and they eventually won 11-8, 11-8, 10-12, 11-6.

There was further success for David Cole in the Final of the Veterans Singles where he won his second title in three years. An aggressive Steve Kerns started brightly and led 5-3 in the first end but some strong play meant Kerns just couldn‘t "contain" his fleet-opponent and Cole dominated the second end as well. Although Kerns did well to steal the third leg he just couldn’t match his opponent in the fourth game and it was Cole who took the title 11-7, 11- 7,12,-10, 11-7.

The Mixed Doubles Final was felt by many to be too close to call but it was Paul Davision/Nikki Kennard who retained their title by beating Dave Cole/Julie Vansertima over four very well contested games. The match was effectively won in the third game where Paul/Nikki trailed 7-3 but hit back with some faultless play to take the next eight points. They hung on in the fourth game to win 13- 11, 9-11, 11-7, 11-9.

All-action Bradley Hudgell retained his Under 21 Singles Crown by beating last year’s Runner-Up Greg Green over four ends. Both players favour the forehand and in Bradley’s case his lightning reflexes are a match for anyone in the League. Bradley started the stronger and although Greg hit back hard Bradley sealed victory narrowly 11-6, 11-6, 8-11, 11-9. Greg can take heart from this match as well, it was a lot closer than last year and he too looks to be a very strong first division standard player in the making.

Steve Kerns

Press & Publicity Officer

Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League