GUS HEATH TAKES DOWSETT’S UNBEATEN RECORD

ECC C’s Gus Heath scored the most notable win of the week in the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League downing the previously undefeated Terry Dowsett 11- 7, 7-11, 11-9, 11-6. However, it wasn’t enough to prevent the divisional leaders Hylands School A dominating and they still ran out 7-3 winners in their division three clash. Hyland’s Brandon Crouchman won his three singles whilst Terry’s son - Scott took revenge by getting the better of Heath narrowly 12-10, 11-9, 11-9. The improving James Hicks also played well for ECC. He beat Scott Dowsett three straight and also extended Terry fully before succumbing 9- 11, 12-10, 11-3, 8-11, 4-11. With a one point lead but with two games in hand Hylands School A now look assured of winning this division.

Elsewhere in division three David Edwards did well to win his three singles as Bocking B drew 5-5 with Danbury D. Danbury’s Peter Hance scored a fine 11-9, 6- 11, 8-11, 11-6, 11-6 victory over Richard Jennings. Bryn Thomas was on top form as ECC E beat OCs C 7-3 winning his three singles three-straight.

Maldon A moved a step closer to the first division title by beating Maldon B 8- 2, good going as they were without their leading player - 2010 Chelmsford Mens Singles Champion Neil Charles. The ever-reliable Minda Sinkus won his three singles and Keiran Lally also bagged a hat-trick of wins. Reserve John Cleasby played his part by beating Hamish Innes. Danbury A won’t be too unhappy after drawing against ECC A, a result that moves them out of the two relegation positions. Again it was a reserve who made a significant contribution and Dave Calleja played his part by beating ECC’s County Junior first team star Evangeline Collier 11-7, 5-11, 11-4, 7-11, 11-7. Second-placed Bocking A don’t appear to have given up hope of catching Maldon A and they turned on the full power as they hammered relegation-threatened OCs A 9-1. Rik James and Peter Hayden were both undefeated for the Braintree side whilst Paul Davison was OC’s sole winner. Paul had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Dave Cole 11-8, 6-11, 11-8, 8-11, 14-12.

Division two leaders Writtle A made certain of promotion with five games left to play. Kevin Worthington, Debbie Auvache and Gary Ward were 10-0 winners against Hatfield Peverel C although it is worth noting that eight games were decided in the fourth end- not quite the one way-traffic that the scoreline suggests. Hatfield Peverel C fared better against third-placed Liberal and won 7-3. Chris Buer won his three singles and Peter Mynard picked up two excellent victories, against Barry Pritchard and Robin Armstrong. Danbury B had Neil Want to thank as they beat ECC B 6-4. Neil scored three impressive wins over Gary Brignall, Ken James and Trevor Collin.

Elmtree Graphics B consolidated their lead in division four by beating third- placed Rawreth 7-3. Phil Smith dominated the action and he completed his hat- trick by getting the better of Rawreth’s best player - Paul Churn 12-10, 11-6, 11-4. Elmtree’s Melanie Bonnett made her mark by beating Andy Nunn 11-4, 4-11, 11-6, 11-2. Rawreth in turn ran out comfortable 7-3 winners against Danbury E. Paul Churn returned to winning ways and he won his three singles although it took a determined effort to get the better of Robert Kneale. Churn had to fight back from 2-0 down to triumph 8-11, 5-11, 15-13, 11-9, 11-7. Bottom-placed Writtle C did well to draw against ECC F. No single player stayed undefeated but Writtle did well to win the two closest games of the night. Colin Griffiths beat Colin Barham 12-10, 11-6, 10-12, 3-11, 12-10 and Frank Neill came up trumps against Alan Thompson, winning 11-2, 11-7, 10-12, 9-11, 12-10.

Division five leaders Danbury G (Brian Ellis, Dave Goody and Dave Powell) secured their ninth win of the Season by beating Hatfield Peverel D 6-4. Team- work was the order of the day as none of their players were able to get the better of Gareth Davies. The match between Chelmsford F and Danbury H finished level, after Danbury’s Norman Hayes had won his three singles. Third-placed Danbury K moved to within one point of second-placed EPHQ by beating a two-man ECC G 6-4. Peter Orriss won twice for Danbury but Mohammed Mohseni and David Gatherall did well to both beat Lee McHugh and Graham Briggs.

Hatfield Peverel E (Dave, Adam and Ryan Carter) were the big winners in division six, brushing aside Writtle D 9-1. Mike Meah was Writtle’s only winner, and he had to battle hard to get the better of Ryan Carter 11-8, 10-12, 11-4, 10-12, 11-6. Writtle D also tasted defeat against Chelmsford H, missing out 7-3. Michael Whelpdale and Jack Osbourne were both undefeated for Chelmsford H. Whelpdale had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Dan Meah 11-9, 6-11, 12-10, 11-13, 12-10.

Steve Kerns

Press & Publicity Officer

Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League