DaveR
12-27-2007, 03:18 PM
The second weekend of matches has taken place and there are only three teams in the British League left with 100 % records. The best record of all belongs to Brighton City, who with a games record of 56-8 lead Divison Four South by four points. They were represented by Harry McCarney, Wen Wai Xu, Tim Holtam and Mark Forder. Halton II have also won all of their eight matches although their games record of 47-17 in Division Three North suggests that they haven't had it all their own way. They were represented by Chris Ford, Malcolm McEvoy, Johnathan Taylor and Ray Jackson. Kingfisher also maintained the pace that they set in the first weekend and they lead Division Two South and Midlands with a games record of 47-17. Their squad included Richard Andrews, Tom Maynard, Mark Banks, Bela Hegedus and Eric Van Looy.
Division One North - There was a major "reshuffling of the pack" after a weekend which saw Drumchapel Glasgow II (14 points) move to the top of the table after picking up seven points. With a team already in the Premier Division Drumchapel cannot be promoted which means that the next three sides - ELGRE Nottingham I (12 points), Derwent I (11 points) and Grantham (11 points) have everything left to play for with the top two teams having the chance to battle it out in the Premier Division Play-Offs in May.
Drumchapel were involved in four close matches, and in every single match there were points at stake going into the last game. Many "number fours" find this a tough ordeal; so pity Craig Hardie, he had to face it four times !. Hardie came up trumps in his side's 5-3 win over Chesterfield as he beat Shaun Bibby 10-12, 11-5, 11-9, 11-9. He repeated it in his side's 5-3 victory over Derwent I by getting the better of Mark Simpson 12-10, 11-8, 11-9. However, he missed out against an inspired Stewart Mudie in their 4-4 draw against ELGRE I as Mudie took this one 11-5, 9-11, 11-5, 13-15, 11-8. Not deterred by that experience it was back to winning ways against Tom Bray (Halton I) and Hardie's 11-6, 9-11, 11-6, 11-8 success enabled Drumchapel to win this match 5-3. With just the one defeat in eight games Hardie was also his side's most successful player.
Drumchapel's 5-3 win over first weekend leaders Derwent I was earned the hard way. They were 2-0 down but barely put a foot wrong after that as they came through to win 5-3. Terry McLernon Junior started the revival by getting the better of Mark Simpson 8-11, 11-8, 6-11, 11-8, 11-7 whilst Craig Hardie levelled the scores with an excellent 11-6, 11-6, 11-7 victory over Richard Smith. Ian McLean gave Drumchapel the lead by scoring an even more impressive 11-8, 8-11, 11-13, 12-10, 11-6 victory over Simon Noutch and Terry McLernon Junior completed an excellent afternoon's work by beating Stephen Horsfield 11-7, 11-9, 11-5. Even though Myles Evans came up short against Richard Smith Drumchapel were still in the driving seat which enabled Craig Hardie to earn his side both points by beating Mark Simpson.
Grantham's fine 5-3 win over Derwent I was a major setback as far as Derwent were concerned and it may be just the motivation that Grantham need as they enter the second half of the Season. David Harvey was on top form and he beat both Stephen Horsfield and Simon Noutch 3-0 whilst Paul Cicchelli earned his stripes by getting the better of Noutch 11-7, 11-6, 20-18. In what turned out to be an excellent all-round team performance Andrew Leighton added an important 11-7, 11-8, 11-8 win over Stephen Horsfield and Mark Donoghue rounded off what could be a very significant Sunday afternoon's work with a 12-10, 11-8, 9-11, 5-11, 11-7 victory over Mark Simpson.
Second placed ELGRE were rather surprisingly held to a draw by sixth placed Rotherham Scorpions. A first match of the weekend blip or testimony to the evenly fought nature of this Division !. You can decide for yourselves. Scorpions' Matthew Dodds scored two outstanding wins over Mark Green and Chris Rogers whilst Kim Daybell played his part by beating England's top Junior Girl Emma Vickers. Rotherham must have fancied their chances of taking both points in the seventh game as Daybell moved into a swift 2-0 lead against Mark Green. However, Green hit back strongly and his extra experience counted for a lot as he edged home 6-11, 2-11, 11-7, 12-10, 11-4. Emma Vickers didn't have it all her own way against Mark Johnson but she pulled through comfortably enough in the end to win 4-11, 11-8, 11-1, 11-7 to earn ELGRE a point.
Division One South - Brighton I (13 points) lead from DHS London Progress II (11 points) after a weekend where Progress took seven points to put their disappointing first weekend of the Season firmly behind them. In what is a very evenly matched Division it was in their first match, against bottom side Byng Hall I that Progress dropped their only point. And there can be no arguing who the Player of the Match was, because Byng Hall's Mark Brown scored two outstanding wins over Marco Essomba (needs no introduction) as well as newcomer Pan Li Chun (more of Miss Li Chun later......). With Will Power beating Glenn Wilkes and Mark Romano getting the better of James Sprackling this was indeed an excellent performance from the Kent side.
DHS London Progress II won their three remaining games 6-2 (beating DML Woolwell I, York Gardens I and Generation 2 I) and World no.143 Lady and Taiwan National Squad player Pan Li Chun sailed through her singles in these clashes with only DML's rising star Darren Reed managing to take a game off her. Shades of Oxford Fireplace Centre's Wu Yue Jiao a couple of years ago. Pan Li Chun had taken a starring role in the recent BATTS Super League, beating Abdul Wuraola, Dale Barham and Ryan Jenkins no less and one suspects that she will make a considerable impact on British Table Tennis over the remainder of the Season. Lets feel sorry for London Progress Supremo - Jon Kaufman. Who will he leave out from the next round of Premier Division matches in January ?.
Brighton (who had played so well in the first weekend) scored five points this weekend but a heavy 7-1 defeat against a strong Fusion I side in round eight makes you question whether they can last the pace. Jack Boult's 3-1 win over John Dennison was all the Sussex side could muster as Tom Cutler, Remi Petrosius and Simon Philipsz all remained undefeated. The smooth-flowing Cutler really cut loose in his second singles downing Dov Katz 11-5, 11-2, 11-7. Sunday morning had seen Brighton drop their first point of the Season when they were held to a draw by sixth placed Cippenham I. Martin Adams and Mark Butler both won twice for Cippenham whilst Evan Sharp held the Brighton team together by winning his two singles from the number four spot. Sharp made no mistake in beating Lee Dredge 11-5, 11-6, 11-5 but it was only in the fifth end when he managed to pull clear of Robert Lemon. He eventually won 11-9, 7-11, 11-7, 12-14, 11-4.
Cippenham excelled to beat DML Woolwell I 5-3 with Darren Reed taking the Player of the Match Award after beating both Mark Butler (3-1) and Martin Adams (3-0). In the first game Adams managed to get the better of Marketa Myskova 9-11, 13-11, 5-11, 11-8, 11-4 and this victory contrasts starkly with his team-mate Lee Dredge's win over Marketa by a 11-3, 11-7, 11-6 scoreline. No one beats Marketa that easily !. This success clearly gave Cippenham the impetus they needed and Mark Butler beat Mike Short 3-2 whilst Robert Lemon beat Kevin Buddell 3-0 to enable the Slough side to shade the match.
Byng Hall's Saturday afternoon clash with Cippenham also ended tied at 4-4 after a superb match where six games were decided in the fifth end, all by scores of 11-8 or closer. Let's hope that none of the players had Christmas parties to attend that Saturday night. Mark Brown's match with Martin Adams must have left both players feeling exhausted and it was also the closest of the weekend. Adams shaded it 21-19, 10-12, 11-4, 13-15, 11-9 to give Cippenham a 4-1 lead. Were the Kent side finished ?. No way !. Will Power hit back with an excellent 15-13 in the fifth win over Mark Butler, Mark Romano overcame Lee Dredge 3-1 and Robert Worrall earned the Tunbridge Wells side a point by beating Robert Lemon 12-10 in the fifth.
Division One South & Midlands - Westfield I with a maximum eight points take over as leaders and will have really high hopes of making the Premier Division Play-Offs. Their squad of Chris Doran, David McBeath, Steve Cowley, Greg Yarnall and Aaron Fennell all played their part as they notched up what could be four title winning victories over Cippenham II (8-0), Oxford Fireplace Centre II (7-1), Urban Progress II (6-2) and Bedford Modern I (8-0). The ever-improving Chris Doran (now ranked number 30 in England at Senior level and number seven at Junior level) impressed the most, taking all eight singles from the number one position. Marc Armstrong (Urban Progress I) provided his stiffest test but Chris came through 11-8, 8-11, 10-12, 11-9, 11-7. Martin Gray (Bedford Modern I) also went down fighting and Chris must have been relieved to see off his game opponent 11-7, 8-11, 11-3, 10-12, 11-8. Urban Progress were tied with Westfield at 2-2 after four hard-fought encounters in the first half of their match but the second half belonged very much to the Westfield side. Lazlo Varga was no match for Chris Doran succumbing 8-11, 1-11, 8-11, David McBeath made no mistake in beating Zoltan Hosszu 13-11, 11-7, 11-9 whilst Steve Cowley made sure the points "were in the bag" by beating Marc Armstrong 11-7, 11-9, 10-12, 12-10. Aaron Fennell completed an excellent Westfield performance by getting the better of Sarra Wang 11-8, 11-9, 11-3.
OLOP Impact I who scored seven points this weekend are right on the leaders heels (with 14 points) and they look to have a fine strength in depth in their quartet as Dave Barr, Steven Gertsen, Chris Bush and Neil Wright all picked up valuable wins. They beat Urban Progress II (6-2), Bedford Modern I (6-2), DHS London Progress III (6-2) and drew 4-4 with Carrara Polska I. Put simply, when one of their colleagues slipped up a team-mate stepped into redress the balance. Against Urban Progress II Lazlo Varga got the better of Steven Gertsen (3-1) but he missed out against David Barr (0-3) whilst Zoltan Hosszu beat Neil Wright (3-2) but was beaten in his second singles by Steven Gertsen (3-0). It was a similar story against Bedford Modern I. Neil Wright missed out against Mick Harper (0-3) but Harper was beaten 3-0 in his second singles by Gertsen. Again, when OLOP faced DHS London Progress III, Garth Kinlocke scored a superb five game win over David Barr but he was found wanting in his second singles when he was beaten 3-1 by Chris Bush. The same fate befell Ryan Collins, the Suffolk Mens Singles Champion did well to beat Neil Wright (3-0) but he lost his second singles against Gertsen (3-1). In the drawn match against Carrara Polska I Gertsen held his side together by beating both Tomasz Gretschell and Marcin Pijanowski whilst Daniel Kolesnik was the Carrara hero as he won both of his singles the hard way. Kolesnik beat Chris Bush 11-5, 9-11, 8-11, 11-9, 11-9 and in the last round of games of the weekend he earned his side a point by getting the better of Neil Wright 11-8, 10-12, 11-7, 10-12, 11-7.
Elsewhere, Bedford Modern's 5-3 defeat against Carrara Polska stood out because of the outstanding performance from Bedford number one - Martin Gray. He beat both Darek Zurowski (3-1) and Tomasz Gretschell (3-1) but undefeated performances from Carrara's Daniel Kolesnik and Marcin Pijanowski gave Carrara the upperhand. Kolesnik's game against Mick Harper proved to be a turning point with Kolesnik pinching it 11-8, 5-11, 11-9, 10-12, 14-12. Another result which stands out a mile was the superb 7-1 win that a young DHS London Progress side achieved over Carrara Polska I. Progress totally dominated this match and Carrara had to wait until the seventh game before they notched up their first win. Darek Zurowski scored a stuttering 11-2, 8-11, 10-12, 15-13, 11-7 victory over Jake Collins to save his team's blushes. The Progress players all gave superb accounts of themselves with Ryan Collins beating both Gretschell and Pijanowski, Matt Ware getting the better of Zurowski and Gretschell and Emran Hussain beating both Pijanowski and Kolesnik. An excellent performance from the Progress side.
Division Two North - Fastbats (12 points), ELGRE Nottingham II (12 points) and Barrow (11 points) are all very much in contention in this low scoring Division.
Fastbats with a squad of Stephen Denny, Tim Dyson, James Brown, Steve Crosby and Steve Morris probably hold the edge but without Dyson in their line-up they could only draw with Sheffield and even with their top two players present - Denny and Dyson they were still held to a draw by Barrow. Clearly there is a lot left to play for in this Division.
The match between Fastbats and Sheffield saw Fatbats move into a 4-2 lead after Steve Crosby had beaten Bill Grant to add to James Brown's win over Simon Pugh and to Stephen Denny's double. However, it wasn't enough to earn them both points and Jack Grant hit back by defeating James Brown 11-7, 11-2,11-9. Liam Carson who had earlier scored a fine 11-9 in the fifth set win over Steve Crosby added a second excellent victory by beating Steve Morris 8-11, 11-7, 11-5, 11-9. Two seasons ago it was Simon Pugh and Bill Grant who were holding this side together. Now it is the Juniors who seem to be performing this role ?. On a more serious note this side seems to be showing fine all-round improvement and could well be challenging for honours next Season.
Barrow's Jonathan Crawford was the cause of the most consternation to Fastbats as he beat both Tom Dyson (3-1) and Stephen Denny (12-10 in the decider) as Barrow opened up a 4-1 lead. On this occasion it was Fastbats who fought back to earn themselves a draw. Dyson, no doubt galvanised by his earlier defeat hit back strongly to beat Steve Lyons 3-11, 11-1, 13-11, 14-12 and James Brown also came up with a victory, beating Steve Dixon 3-2. Steve Crosby made no mistake in the last game and he gave Tristan Swan no chance to settle as he powered his way to a 11-4, 11-4, 11-6 victory. A real turnaround. Fasbats produced their best performance by beating
a more than useful Derwent II side 7-1. With Trevor Williams at number two you would expect Derwent to offer stern resistance but they barely got a look-in. Stephen Denny, James Brown and Steve Morris were all undefeated as Fastbats surged into a 6-0 lead. Williams who beat Steve Crosby 12-10, 11-7, 11-9 was Derwent's only winner.
Ormesby III's all female side are at the bottom of the table but they produced a strong performance for a bottom-placed team, defeating Derwent II 5-3 and drawing with Market Rasen. Any quips that the British Womens League hasn't taken place yet will be taken purely as sour grapes in Middlesbrough !. Ormesby's success against Derwent II represented a superb win with England no. one Cadet Girl Karina Lefevre winning twice. She beat both Brian Quinn and Richard Crowther. Stephanie Donnelly played her part by getting the better of Trevor Williams 11-9 in the fifth end whilst Karen Shepherd was not to be outdone as she also go the better of Trevor Williams. Rachel Greener completed an outstanding performance by the Ormesby side by beating Richard Crowther 11-9 in the fifth. Only Mick Wil****son who beat both Karen Shepherd and Rachel Greener 3-0 appears to have been able to cope with his distaff opponents. Rachel Greener hit the jackpot against Market Rasen by beating Lesley Keast 3-1 (Lesley was ranked number 12 in the October 2007 ETTA Ranking List) and Karina Lefevre (one of the most improved players in the country) scored two magnificent wins. She beat both Bryn Tyler and John Han****. A very well earned point.
Division Two South - BATTS Team Peniel II dropped their first point of the Season, but extended their lead at the top of the table to two points and with an all-star squad it will be a major surprise if they don't go on to take the title. It was second-placed DHS London Progress IV who gave the BATTS Team Peniel side the most problems, and BATTS will be relieved that former England international Sean Gibson was firing on all cylinders as he won his two singles. It was a real struggle as well, against Progress no. three - Koji Hirota with Gibson having to "up the ante" considerably to win 6-11, 11-9, 14-12, 12-10. The hard-hitting Hirota had won his first singles, getting the better of the talented defender Meihan Liu 8-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-3. Miss Lui was making her debut in this Division having played for Hartlepool in Division Four North last season with her friend and current British League Premier Division star Shuying Xu. Not a bad acquisition to an already strong squad !. Progress's Yasir Mauthoor excelled in this match and he beat Martin Kubrt (undefeated in this Divsion last year) 5-11, 11-5, 5-11, 12-10 11-8. Mauthoor also battled bravely against Gibson before succumbing 3-11, 7-11, 11-9, 8-11. With both Tony Alvarez and Raphael Marom scoring fine victories over Fred Dove BATTS found themselves under real pressure and they will have been mightily relieved when Meihan Lui made no mistake in the last game as she polished off Tony Alvarez 11-4, 11-4, 11-8 to earn her side a point. With a squad comprising Martin Kubrt, Sean Gibson, Fred Dove, Abigail Embling, Meihan Lui and up-and-coming Peniel Juniors Oscar Selfridge and Billy Deville this really is a BATTS side of real quality so let's give Progress some credit for pushing them so hard.
BATTS Team Peniel II also overcame a second potentially tricky challenge on the Saturday when they beat fellow Essex Club, Ilford based Mossford 6-2. BATTS raced into a 4-0 lead before Euan Liddle excelled by getting the better of Martin Kubrt (3-1) and Matt Spero added a second win by seeing off Fred Dove (again 3-1). BATTS made sure that they took both points as Sean Gibson beat Keith Lesser (3-1) and Meihan Lui completed a solid performance by getting the better of Mossford's impressive newcomer Bartek Kazmierczak (3-1).
As impressive as Progress were in their clash against the Divisional leaders - BATTS Team Peniel on the Saturday, they were disappointing against the experienced Fusion II side on the Sunday morning. A dispirited Yasir Mauthoor sank without trace, losing 3-0 to both Farhat Rasul and Martin Smith whilst Smith did well to win his second singles as well, getting the better of the up-and-coming Rafael Marom 11-7, 11-7, 11-13, 11-6. Koji Hirota was outstanding for London Progress and he beat both Jojo Senorin (11-7, 11-6, 11-7) and Farhat Rasul (11-3, 11-7, 11-4). Jojo Senorin in turn secured a 5-3 victory for Fusion by getting the better of Tony Alvarez 11-4, 11-5, 9-11, 11-8 in the last game.
DHS London Progress lV returned to winning ways on the Sunday afternoon by getting the better of Club Cornwall 6-2. Raphael Marom and Koji Hirota were again outstanding winning their four singles 3-0 with Marom producing some superb Table Tennis to down the free-flowing Adrian Noott 11-4, 11-1, 11-8. Hirota was not to be outdone and he also turned on the style by beating Jeremy Williams 11-9, 11-8, 11-4. Noott fought back determinedly in his second singles, and he in turn scored a fine 11-6, 11-6, 13-11 victory over Yasir Mauthoor. Rafael Marom may well be a player to look out for - he is currently ranked number 36 amongst England's Juniors but he clearly has the potential to feature much higher than that.l
Division Two South & Midlands - Kingfisher's all-conquering Season continued and after another excellent weekend they remain one of only three teams in the whole British League who have taken a maximum 16 points.Their up-and-coming stars Richard Andrews and Tom Maynard were both undefeated, and in Andrews' case this was a continuation of the impressive pace he set in the first weekend. Mark Banks, Bela Hegedus and Eric Van Looy provided the support with Banks and Hegedus proving to be most "capable supporting actors". Andrews carried on where he left off last time, and he was only extended to five games once, by De Vere NETTS's Alex Facey. One "Junior" facing another and Richard had to pull out all the stops before winning 9-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-7, 11-7. Kingfisher disposed of Essex side - De Vere NETTS 7-1, good going as they won all three games that were decided in the fifth end. Tom Maynard came under pressure from both Paul Davison and Peter Hayden and he will have been relieved to have beaten two contrastingly different attackers. He beat Paul 3-11, 11-5, 12-10, 12-10 whilst he saw off Peter 11-7, 7-11, 11-13,11 -9, 11-6. Hamish Innes was NETTS's sole winner with a 7-11, 11-5, 11-8, 11-9 victory over Bela Hegedus. Horsham I were bolstered by the inclusion of Patrick Thomas in the number one position but the "new kid on the block" held no fears for the Reading lads. Thomas went down fighting 3-2 against Tom Maynard but he was found wanting against Richard Andrews succumbing 7-11, 8-11, 8-11. Mark Banks won his two singles, beating Graham Carter (3-0) and Rohan Lewis (3-0) as Kingfisher wrapped up a 6-2 victory.
Eastbourne and Kingshurst Bribar follow next, a massive six points behind the leaders and clearly the biggest battle in this division will be to see who will finish second. Amazingly these two sides were placed sixth and seventh after the first weekend as this division was turned on it's head. Kingshurst did well to beat De Vere NETTS 5-3, with Scott Prime's two wins over Alex Facey and Paul Davison earning him the Player of the Match Award. Jack Williamson sealed the victory for the Birmingham based side by beating Hanish Innes 11-8, 13-11, 11-5 in the last game. Paul Davison and Peter Hayden had both impressed by getting the better of Kingshurst no. one Steve Bertie. Eastbourne had another fierce battle with Horsham I which eventually ended level, at 4-4. Nick Mason won his two singles for Eastbourne, but he had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Patrick Thomas. He may well have decided that a game of Golf (his new love) was an easier way to spend a Saturday lunch-time before he hauled his way back into contention to win 4-11, 9-11, 11-9, 11-9, 12-10. Eastbourne's Koray Ozcan also won twice and he turned on the power as he disposed of Devesh Shete 9-11, 11-0, 11-4, 11-2. Quite a turnaroud. The all-action Stephane Bonnafous fared best of the Horsham players and he earned the Crawley League side a draw by beating Hector Castro 11-9, 8-11.11-5, 8-11, 11-6 in the last game.
Guernsey, without their no. one player - Scott Romerill slipped from second to fifth, and they will be pleased that they beat bottom side - Bedford Modern II 6-2. Jez Powell excelled by beating John Camilleri 3-2 and Paul Birch 3-1 whilst Camilleri showed up well in his second singles when he beat Guernsey no. one Phil Ogier 3-2. Guernsey no. four Adam Langlois picked up his two singles, beating Paul Birch (3-1) and Imandeep Sehmbi (3-1). Guernsey were made to struggle by an inform Ashford I side (losing 6-2), although Oliver Langlois excelled by taking the Player of the Match Award. He gave a superb performance to beat both Phil Snelson (3-1) and John Robinson (again 3-1), two excellent wins. Ashford's Jason Tendler found no such problems and he was untroubled in beating Jez Powell (11-6, 11-6, 11-7) and Phil Ogier (11-7, 11-6, 11-7).
Division Three North - Halton II will be well pleased with their weekend's work, and a second commanding performance has seen their 16 points extend to a five point lead over Murrayfield. Halton faced two really tough battles. Fifth placed Uxbridge I led 3-2 at one stage, after Russell Boone had scored a shock 3-1 win over Halton number one Chris Ford. Drastic measures were needed, and Halton hit back in determined fashion. Jonathan Taylor got the better of Paul Malkin 3-2, Malcolm McEvoy saw off Dave Savage 10-12, 11-8, 11-9, 12-10 and Ray Jackson ensured that Halton's 100 % record remained intact by beating Helen Turner 11-5, 10-12, 11-6, 11-9.
Halton were even harder pushed to beat Hartlepool 5-3, and fell 3-1 behind. Chris Ford with a victory over Karl Shaw was their only first-half winner as Darren McVitie beat Malcolm McEvoy 3-0, Michael Young beat Ray Jackson 3-2 and most surprisingly of all reserve Michael Boyce beat Jonathan Taylor decisively 11-5, 11-5, 11-5.Halton were in dire straits but as so often happens the successful teams manage to dig themselves out of such holes. Chris Ford started the revival, and in a game which would not have looked out of place in Division One North he beat Darren McVitie 10-12, 11-7, 11-9, 11-4. Malcolm McEvoy made the scores 3-3 by beating Michael Young 13-11, 5-11, 11-8, 11-4 and with Halton on a roll Taylor beat Karl Shaw 11-6, 11-5, 12-10. The odds were now firmly stacked in Halton's favour and Ray Jackson made no mistake in the last game of the match. He sealed the Halton victory by beating Michael Boyce 11-7, 11-5, 11-5.
Murrayfield are second on 11 points and their title hopes were all but extinguished when they lost 7-1 to Hartlepool. Dennis Neale missed this match, and they found it tough going without their number one player. Hartlepool totally dominated the match, racing into a 7-0 lead and eventually winning 7-1. Darren McVitie, Karl Shaw and Michael Young were all undefeated. Murrayfield also dropped a point against seventh placed ELGRE Nottingham II, a disappointing result as Dennis Neale did play in this match and did win his two singles. Only just though. Neale needed all his considerable experience to get the better of John Taylor 5-11, 12-14, 11-4, 11-1, 15-13. Stewart Armitage's 11-7, 11-6, 11-9 victory over Eddie Croydon-Fowler gave Murrayfield a 4-2 lead but they were unable to seal victory. Jane Vickers hit back and her second singles win over William Mabon (11-9, 12-10, 11-7) made the score 3-4 and Andy Portlock sealed a much-needed draw for the ELGRE side by getting the better of Brian Hunter 11-9, 11-8, 11-9. Murrayfield's 5-3 victory over Woodfield I was also a hard-fought affair with four games going the distance and only one game decided three straight. Woodfield no. one Radek Mlynarczyk beat both William Mabon (3-2) and most impressively Dennis Neale (3-1). John Collymore squared the match by beating John Magnall 3-1 but on this occasion Murrayfield had enough in hand to take both points. William Mabon made the score 4-3 by beating Leigh Hipkins 3-1 and in a fluctuating deciding game Stewart Armitage recorded his second win by beating Jarendra Patel 8-11, 11-3, 9-11, 11-5, 11-7.
Uxbridge I moved above Woodfield I and that was reflected by the result on the table. Uxbridge shaded the match 5-3. Uxbridge's Russell Boone played his part by beating both Ashley Nicholls and Radek Mlynarczyk and although Uxbridge trailed 2-3 they produced the stronger finish. Paul Malkin levelled the scores by beating John Collymore 14-12 in the fifth end and Dave Savage gave Uxbridge the lead by getting the better of Ashley Nicholls 3-0. Helen Turner had the job of trying to win the game for her side, and she was up to the task. Helen came through to beat Jarendra Patel 7-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-5.
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Division Three South - York Gardens II have taken over as the new leaders of this division with 15 points but with TTK Greenhouse II (12 points) coming through as quick as one of their mentor Gareth Herbert's "faded" forehands they will need all their early advantage to retain their lead. TTK Greenhouse II were the stars of the weekend securing four victories and not coming under any real pressure. SEH Britannia Ipswich I, leaders after the first weekend were slayed 7-1 as Fatlum Sadiku, Daniel Basterfield and newcomer Y.C. Philakaratne ("YC" will do nicely - any more characters don't fit very comfortably onto a scoresheet !) all won twice.Gary Young was Ipswich's sole winner with a fine 3-0 win over Sulllivan Morais. Further wins followed against OLOP Impact II (6-2), Horsham II (8-0) and Hastings (7-1). Fast improving Daniel Basterfield, the Player of the Weekend at the Medway Grand Prix showed just what a force he is becoming in the Hastings game. He downed both Paul Barry (3-1) and Roger Pingram (3-0), two wins against styles of players he won't have come across too many times on the Grand Prix circuit. Former Sussex County first team star Barry saved his side's blushes by beating Fatlum Sadiku 11-8, 11-3, 12-10. Basterfield and Philakaratne were unbeaten in all four matches.
York Gardens II also secured four wins and they overcame SEH Britannia Ipswich I 5-3, after a match where six of the eight games were decided in a fifth set. Wayne Matthews set the tone in the first game when he edged home 15-13 in the fifth end against SEH's Ian Brown and the pace never let up. Chris Martin won two hard-fought five enders seeing off Gary Young (7-11, 6-11, 11-8, 11-9, 12-10) and Ian Brown (9-11, 11-9, 7-11, 11-1, 11-8) whilst Wayne Matthews also won his two singles. After a second fierce tussle Matthews just overcame Ken Lewis 14-12, 8-11, 11-8, 4-11, 11-9. The often unpredictable Andy Holmes was the best of the Ipswich players on this occasion and he scored two top-notch wins over Trevor Campbell and Don Hobbs. York Gardens II produced a good solid team performance to dispose of Cippenham III 6-2. Chris Martin and Trevor Campbell were both undefeated with Martin just shading a really hard-fought battle against Paul Baker 13-11, 11-7, 10-12, 8-11, 12-10.With the scores tied at 2-2 this game had quite an impact on the match and a revitalised York Gardens went onto take the remaining three games as well. Anthony Bostic ran out a comfortable fifth game winner against Eddie Mitchell : 11-9, 8-11, 11-5, 5-11, 11-3.
A young Horsham III side (Stephen Eckford, Stephen Denman, Tom Baxter and James Denman) aren't in contention for honours, but, they nevertheless scored two important wins to occupy a comfortable mid-table position. Stephen Denman beat both Chris Marlow (3-2) and Suchira Gallage (3-1) in their 5-3 victory over Ellenborough II and Stephen Eckford added an excellent 3-0 win over Paul Martindill. Horsham also excelled by beating Cippenham III 5-3 with the Denman brothers coming into their own in the last two games. Stephen Denman gave the Sussex side a 4-3 lead by getting the better of Steve Smith 3-1 and James Denman completed the job by getting the better of Jonathan Evans (3-2), good going as he had let a 2-0 lead slip. After these excellent results the Horsham side met their nemesis on Sunday afternoon against the rather more mature Ipswich team. It wasn't for lack of trying either with the last four games all going to five ends, but it was the Ipswich side who ran out 8-0 winners. Stephen Eckford, ranked number 76 in England at Junior level came closest to winning and he led Ian Brown before the determined Beccles defender fought his way back to win 8-11, 5-11, 11-6, 11-9, 11-7.
Division Three South & West - With seven points from the first weekend and another seven points from the second weekend of matches DML Woolwell II look on course to gain promotion. They dropped their second point in round five against Oxford Fireplace Centre III, after a bruising encounter where no single game was decided three-straight. DML's Harry Cutler suffered his only defeat of the weekend, succumbing 3-2 to Mike Bishop and on this occasion team-mate Chris Smith's two wins proved vital in securing the draw. Bishop who also beat Sally Smith shared the Player of the Match Award with Chris Smith, although Ian Packford, a five game winner over both Simon James and Sally Smith must have also been in the reckoning. Bottom side Brighton III represented DML's easiest match and they ran out 7-1 winners. Chris Smith, Harry Cutler and Simon James were all undefeated with Dave Steel's 3-0 win over Sally Smith representing the sum of the Brighton wins. DML will also be pleased with their 6-2 win over NWF. This was "no walk in the park" for the Okehampton side and the first four games went to five ends. Most impressively, DML were successful in all four of them as they moved into a 5-0 lead. Chris Smith and Harry Cutler were both undefeated whilst Rod McMullan with a 11-8, 11-9, 11-5 victory over Simon James impressed most of the NWF players.
Second-placed Westfield II also had a good weekend and they also picked up seven points.Their 5-3 victory over Fusion III was earned the hard way, three games went to a fifth end and rather unusually in these circumstances it was the losing side - Fusion who won all of them. This match ebbed one way and then the other with David Przybysz giving Westfield the upper-hand by beating Dele Ayoola 11-8, 11-6, 9-11, 11-7 and Matthew Carter sealing the Westfield victory by getting the better of Neil Stewart 8-11, 12-10, 11-3, 11-8. Westfield had fewer problems in disposing of Brighton II 7-1 with John Fuller, Amrish Rana and Matthew Carter all staying undefeated. Tony Holmes was Brighton's sole winner and he beat David Przybysz 11-3, 7-11, 11-6, 6-11, 11-7, one of only two defeats that Przybysz suffered over the weekend. Amrish Rana, had his work cut out in beating Sarah Stedman and just came through 6-11, 10-12. 11-6, 12-10, 11-9.
Bottom after the first round of matches - NWF who jumped into fifth place showed the greatest improvement, and they showed good all-round form in disposing of Fusion III 6-2. Rod McMullan and Stuart Willliams both won twice whilst David Fraser with a five set victory over Alex Rorke fared best of the Fusion players.NWF also came out on top 5-3 in the South Coast clash with Generation 2 II with Rod McMullan again hitting top form. He showed excellent versatility to get the better of Roger Hookey 16-14, 11-7, 11-8 as well as Keith Childs 11-9, 7-11, 6-11, 11-7, 11-9. No surprise that he took the Player of the Match Award on this occasion.
Division Four North - `"Sunderland lead the table at the half-way stage !". That would certainly make a good headline in another Sport although it won't be happening this year !. On a less frivolous note Sunderland have fourth placed St. Mary's Hull to thank that they are in pole position. Sunderland were well beaten 6-2 by second-placed Pudsey for whom David Smith, Chris Parker and Joanna Roberts were all undefeated. Parker and Smith both excelled as they both beat Sunderland number one Kevin Wilson.
However, as impressive as Pudsey were in this match they were found wanting against fourth-placed St. Mary's Hull. The Hull side dominated throughout and ran out emphatic 7-1 winners. Luke Carrington, Julian Gittens and Adam Smith were all undefeated. Pudsey had to wait until the seventh game to pick up their victory and Chris Parker scored their consolation win - a 11-6, 11-9, 12-10 victory over Gary Usher. Ray Rider had come closest to securing an earlier win for Pudsey and he just missed out 10-12, 11-9, 5-11, 13-11,12-14 against Gary Usher. Pudsey were also held to draw by third-placed Barnt Green. Gordon Shaw, the Barnt Green no. three caused them the most problems and he beat both Ray Rider and Chris Parker. Pudsey no. one David Smith held his side together and he was responsible for two wins - beating both Chris Hewitt and Sasha Grokhotov.
As you would expect in these circumstances Sunderland also had quite a battle with St. Mary's Hull but the leaders came through this one 5-3. Luke Carrington won twice for St. Mary's Hull and Adam Smith beat Anthony Barella, but Sunderland hit back strongly by taking the last three games, and with them the match. Keith Weatherby beat Adam Smith 15-13, 11-5, 12-10 to level the scores and Graeme Barella gave his team the lead by beating Julien Gittens 8-11, 11-6, 3-11, 11-9, 11-9 ( a fine win for the England no. five Cadet over a very resourceful defender). Anthony Barella wrapped up the Sunderland win by getting the better of Kevin Hodgson 11-9 in the fifth end.
St. Mary's Hull were also found wanting by the team one place below them - Rotherham Scorpions II. Lance Webster scored two fine wins- against Julien Gittens (16-14 in the fifth end) and Luke Carrington (3-1) as Rotherham moved into a shock 5-1 lead and ended up winning 6-2. Chris Cattell won his second singles by beating Julien Gittens 3-2 and Richard Element also gained an excellent double by getting the better of Kevin Hodgson 3-2.
Bottom side Isle of Man picked up their first point of the Season by holding Chesterfield II to a draw. It was a match Chesterfield will feel they should have won as they were 4-1 ahead. However, Isle of Man weren't found wanting in the last three encounters and they hit back determinedly to take a point. Andrew Patterson was a 3-1 winner over Winston Spencer, Andrew Horne beat Mike Bradbury 3-0 and Adam Teale squared the match by getting the better of Andy Middleton. 3-1.
Division Four South - Having beaten three of the top teams in the first weekend it was no surprise to see Brighton City totally dominate the second weekend's play as they notched up a second maximum eight points. With 16 points and a games record of 56-8 they have the best record in the whole League and are almost cast-iron certainties to win this Division. With a settled team of Harry McCarney, Wen Wai Xu, Tim Holtam and Mark Forder they have considerable strength in depth. Older players will remember playing Forder around ten years ago as his "rocket forehand" rained down on them.
DHS London Progress V provided Brighton City with their stiffest test but although they "only" won 6-2 they had already moved into a 5-0 lead before Progress hit back. Lee Middleton did well to beat Wen Wai Xu 15-13, 11-9, 11-9 and Anthony Quinlan made the score respectable by getting the better of Tim Holtam 11-7, 7-11, 11-8, 4-11, 11-8.Brighton were 8-0 winners over BATTS Team Peniel III and SEH Britannia Ipswich II and they warpped up a most dominant weekend's work by defeating DML Woolwell III 7-1.
Two of the new sides - BATTS Team Peniel III and SEH Britannia Ipswich II provided the closest match of the weekend with five games decided in the fifth end. The young BATTS Team Peniel side excelled by winning three of the five-enders but still missed out 5-3. Ipswich defender Mark Lewis won both of his games in five ends getting the better of Jared Patel 13-11 in the deciding end and Luke Walsh 11-8 in the fifth end. Patel hit back in his second match and he came up trumps, just seeing off Aimee Sparkes 8-11, 7-11, 11-5, 13-11, 12-10. Jason Annal had the task of earning the Ipswich side their victory and after three very close games he pulled clear in the fourth end to get the better of Natalie Walsh 14-12, 11-9, 9-11, 11-2.
SEH Britannia Ipswich II just missed out against DML Woolwell 5-3 in another battle of the newcomers. Aimee Sparkes scored a fine five game win over Toby Mattacott in the opening singles encounter but it wasnt't enough and Woolwell's Freddie Cutler and Alistair Smith both won twice. Toby Mattacott made up for his early slip by beating Paul Broxton decisively 11-1, 11-5, 11-7 in his second singles.
Division Four South & Midlands - With eight points out of eight Fellows Cranleigh (one of the British League's founder member Clubs) dominated the weekend's action, but despite beating leaders Crusaders 5-3 they still trail their rivals by three points. With Tony Halling at number one and Zayd Mauthoor at number two Fellows Cranleigh's top half wouldn't have looked out of place in Division One South and these two players picked up all sixteen of their singles. Up-and-coming Essex Juniors - Anthony Kent, Niall Akata, Joe Stannard and William Do shared the number three and four spots and these lads picked up enough games to see the now relocated East London Club through to four victories. Joe Stannard was his side's hero in the victory over Crusaders and he just prevailed 12-10, 4-11, 11-3, 7-11, 13-11 against Dean Rose, what eventually turned out to be a match-winning success. When you consider he had to retieve a 6-10 fifth game deficit to win this game it is no surprise that he took the Player of the Match Award as well. In Cranleigh's 5-3 win over DHS London Progress IV it was Niall Akata who took on the "Joe Stannard role" and he secured a 3-11, 11-8, 11-9, 9-11, 12-10 victory over Alex Fegredo, which again proved to be the vital fifth game. Zayd Mauthhor was pushed to five ends by Jonathan Hyland but came through comfortably in the end to win 11-3, 11-4, 2-11, 6-11, 11-6. After this showing Crusaders will be very wary, they know they can't afford to slip up as Fellows Cranleigh could well take a maximum 12 points from their remaining six fixtures.
Can the Crusaders side hang onto their three point lead ?. If determination has anything to do with it, they won't be found wanting. Against Ashford they had to survive two close finishes to ensure that they won 5-3 but Darren Pumford was up to the task and he beat both Keith Falconer (11-8, 6-11, 9-11, 11-7, 12-10) and Sarah Horsnell (10-12, 9-11, 11-5, 11-2, 11-9). Ben Larcombe, Dean Rose and Michael Ho all won once to ensure that they took both points.Crusaders achieved their best result by thumping DHS London Progress VI 7-1, a disappointing result for the London Progress side who went into the weekend in second place. Crusaders dominated from the outset and Pumford, Rose and Ho were all undefeated. Bhavin Saujani was Progress's only winner and a very good win he recorded as well, beating Ben Larcombe 11-8, 13-11, 5-11, 11-9.
DHS London Progress IV lost further ground on the leading teams when they had to settle for a draw with TTK/Greenhouse III. In truth they will be quite pleased with this result, having fought back from 4-1 down to achieve it. Bhavin Saujani started the recovery by beating Tony Wilkinson 10-12, 11-5, 13-15, 11-6, 11-9 and Andrew Hagger moved them closer to gaining a point by beating Michael Spiteri 11-3, 11-3, 9-11, 11-7. Bhuwan Singh Limbu made no mistake in the final encounter and he beat Ryan Maynard 11-5, 11-9, 11-9 to level the scores.
Any Club who are looking to enter new team(s) in the British League next Season are requested to contact British League Chairman Keith Ponting.
Keith can be contacted at .......
21 Southport Avenue, Redhills,
Exeter, Devon,
EX4 1RA,
Telephone No. 01392-278642.
E-mail address keithponting4570@btinternet.com (keithponting4570@btinternet.com) .
Please let him know by the end of January if you are interested.
Ps..........Anyone with news of any results, fixtures or anything in anyway relevant to the sport please feel free to post it in the forums!
Article by Steve Kerns........Press Officer (British Table Tennis League)
Division One North - There was a major "reshuffling of the pack" after a weekend which saw Drumchapel Glasgow II (14 points) move to the top of the table after picking up seven points. With a team already in the Premier Division Drumchapel cannot be promoted which means that the next three sides - ELGRE Nottingham I (12 points), Derwent I (11 points) and Grantham (11 points) have everything left to play for with the top two teams having the chance to battle it out in the Premier Division Play-Offs in May.
Drumchapel were involved in four close matches, and in every single match there were points at stake going into the last game. Many "number fours" find this a tough ordeal; so pity Craig Hardie, he had to face it four times !. Hardie came up trumps in his side's 5-3 win over Chesterfield as he beat Shaun Bibby 10-12, 11-5, 11-9, 11-9. He repeated it in his side's 5-3 victory over Derwent I by getting the better of Mark Simpson 12-10, 11-8, 11-9. However, he missed out against an inspired Stewart Mudie in their 4-4 draw against ELGRE I as Mudie took this one 11-5, 9-11, 11-5, 13-15, 11-8. Not deterred by that experience it was back to winning ways against Tom Bray (Halton I) and Hardie's 11-6, 9-11, 11-6, 11-8 success enabled Drumchapel to win this match 5-3. With just the one defeat in eight games Hardie was also his side's most successful player.
Drumchapel's 5-3 win over first weekend leaders Derwent I was earned the hard way. They were 2-0 down but barely put a foot wrong after that as they came through to win 5-3. Terry McLernon Junior started the revival by getting the better of Mark Simpson 8-11, 11-8, 6-11, 11-8, 11-7 whilst Craig Hardie levelled the scores with an excellent 11-6, 11-6, 11-7 victory over Richard Smith. Ian McLean gave Drumchapel the lead by scoring an even more impressive 11-8, 8-11, 11-13, 12-10, 11-6 victory over Simon Noutch and Terry McLernon Junior completed an excellent afternoon's work by beating Stephen Horsfield 11-7, 11-9, 11-5. Even though Myles Evans came up short against Richard Smith Drumchapel were still in the driving seat which enabled Craig Hardie to earn his side both points by beating Mark Simpson.
Grantham's fine 5-3 win over Derwent I was a major setback as far as Derwent were concerned and it may be just the motivation that Grantham need as they enter the second half of the Season. David Harvey was on top form and he beat both Stephen Horsfield and Simon Noutch 3-0 whilst Paul Cicchelli earned his stripes by getting the better of Noutch 11-7, 11-6, 20-18. In what turned out to be an excellent all-round team performance Andrew Leighton added an important 11-7, 11-8, 11-8 win over Stephen Horsfield and Mark Donoghue rounded off what could be a very significant Sunday afternoon's work with a 12-10, 11-8, 9-11, 5-11, 11-7 victory over Mark Simpson.
Second placed ELGRE were rather surprisingly held to a draw by sixth placed Rotherham Scorpions. A first match of the weekend blip or testimony to the evenly fought nature of this Division !. You can decide for yourselves. Scorpions' Matthew Dodds scored two outstanding wins over Mark Green and Chris Rogers whilst Kim Daybell played his part by beating England's top Junior Girl Emma Vickers. Rotherham must have fancied their chances of taking both points in the seventh game as Daybell moved into a swift 2-0 lead against Mark Green. However, Green hit back strongly and his extra experience counted for a lot as he edged home 6-11, 2-11, 11-7, 12-10, 11-4. Emma Vickers didn't have it all her own way against Mark Johnson but she pulled through comfortably enough in the end to win 4-11, 11-8, 11-1, 11-7 to earn ELGRE a point.
Division One South - Brighton I (13 points) lead from DHS London Progress II (11 points) after a weekend where Progress took seven points to put their disappointing first weekend of the Season firmly behind them. In what is a very evenly matched Division it was in their first match, against bottom side Byng Hall I that Progress dropped their only point. And there can be no arguing who the Player of the Match was, because Byng Hall's Mark Brown scored two outstanding wins over Marco Essomba (needs no introduction) as well as newcomer Pan Li Chun (more of Miss Li Chun later......). With Will Power beating Glenn Wilkes and Mark Romano getting the better of James Sprackling this was indeed an excellent performance from the Kent side.
DHS London Progress II won their three remaining games 6-2 (beating DML Woolwell I, York Gardens I and Generation 2 I) and World no.143 Lady and Taiwan National Squad player Pan Li Chun sailed through her singles in these clashes with only DML's rising star Darren Reed managing to take a game off her. Shades of Oxford Fireplace Centre's Wu Yue Jiao a couple of years ago. Pan Li Chun had taken a starring role in the recent BATTS Super League, beating Abdul Wuraola, Dale Barham and Ryan Jenkins no less and one suspects that she will make a considerable impact on British Table Tennis over the remainder of the Season. Lets feel sorry for London Progress Supremo - Jon Kaufman. Who will he leave out from the next round of Premier Division matches in January ?.
Brighton (who had played so well in the first weekend) scored five points this weekend but a heavy 7-1 defeat against a strong Fusion I side in round eight makes you question whether they can last the pace. Jack Boult's 3-1 win over John Dennison was all the Sussex side could muster as Tom Cutler, Remi Petrosius and Simon Philipsz all remained undefeated. The smooth-flowing Cutler really cut loose in his second singles downing Dov Katz 11-5, 11-2, 11-7. Sunday morning had seen Brighton drop their first point of the Season when they were held to a draw by sixth placed Cippenham I. Martin Adams and Mark Butler both won twice for Cippenham whilst Evan Sharp held the Brighton team together by winning his two singles from the number four spot. Sharp made no mistake in beating Lee Dredge 11-5, 11-6, 11-5 but it was only in the fifth end when he managed to pull clear of Robert Lemon. He eventually won 11-9, 7-11, 11-7, 12-14, 11-4.
Cippenham excelled to beat DML Woolwell I 5-3 with Darren Reed taking the Player of the Match Award after beating both Mark Butler (3-1) and Martin Adams (3-0). In the first game Adams managed to get the better of Marketa Myskova 9-11, 13-11, 5-11, 11-8, 11-4 and this victory contrasts starkly with his team-mate Lee Dredge's win over Marketa by a 11-3, 11-7, 11-6 scoreline. No one beats Marketa that easily !. This success clearly gave Cippenham the impetus they needed and Mark Butler beat Mike Short 3-2 whilst Robert Lemon beat Kevin Buddell 3-0 to enable the Slough side to shade the match.
Byng Hall's Saturday afternoon clash with Cippenham also ended tied at 4-4 after a superb match where six games were decided in the fifth end, all by scores of 11-8 or closer. Let's hope that none of the players had Christmas parties to attend that Saturday night. Mark Brown's match with Martin Adams must have left both players feeling exhausted and it was also the closest of the weekend. Adams shaded it 21-19, 10-12, 11-4, 13-15, 11-9 to give Cippenham a 4-1 lead. Were the Kent side finished ?. No way !. Will Power hit back with an excellent 15-13 in the fifth win over Mark Butler, Mark Romano overcame Lee Dredge 3-1 and Robert Worrall earned the Tunbridge Wells side a point by beating Robert Lemon 12-10 in the fifth.
Division One South & Midlands - Westfield I with a maximum eight points take over as leaders and will have really high hopes of making the Premier Division Play-Offs. Their squad of Chris Doran, David McBeath, Steve Cowley, Greg Yarnall and Aaron Fennell all played their part as they notched up what could be four title winning victories over Cippenham II (8-0), Oxford Fireplace Centre II (7-1), Urban Progress II (6-2) and Bedford Modern I (8-0). The ever-improving Chris Doran (now ranked number 30 in England at Senior level and number seven at Junior level) impressed the most, taking all eight singles from the number one position. Marc Armstrong (Urban Progress I) provided his stiffest test but Chris came through 11-8, 8-11, 10-12, 11-9, 11-7. Martin Gray (Bedford Modern I) also went down fighting and Chris must have been relieved to see off his game opponent 11-7, 8-11, 11-3, 10-12, 11-8. Urban Progress were tied with Westfield at 2-2 after four hard-fought encounters in the first half of their match but the second half belonged very much to the Westfield side. Lazlo Varga was no match for Chris Doran succumbing 8-11, 1-11, 8-11, David McBeath made no mistake in beating Zoltan Hosszu 13-11, 11-7, 11-9 whilst Steve Cowley made sure the points "were in the bag" by beating Marc Armstrong 11-7, 11-9, 10-12, 12-10. Aaron Fennell completed an excellent Westfield performance by getting the better of Sarra Wang 11-8, 11-9, 11-3.
OLOP Impact I who scored seven points this weekend are right on the leaders heels (with 14 points) and they look to have a fine strength in depth in their quartet as Dave Barr, Steven Gertsen, Chris Bush and Neil Wright all picked up valuable wins. They beat Urban Progress II (6-2), Bedford Modern I (6-2), DHS London Progress III (6-2) and drew 4-4 with Carrara Polska I. Put simply, when one of their colleagues slipped up a team-mate stepped into redress the balance. Against Urban Progress II Lazlo Varga got the better of Steven Gertsen (3-1) but he missed out against David Barr (0-3) whilst Zoltan Hosszu beat Neil Wright (3-2) but was beaten in his second singles by Steven Gertsen (3-0). It was a similar story against Bedford Modern I. Neil Wright missed out against Mick Harper (0-3) but Harper was beaten 3-0 in his second singles by Gertsen. Again, when OLOP faced DHS London Progress III, Garth Kinlocke scored a superb five game win over David Barr but he was found wanting in his second singles when he was beaten 3-1 by Chris Bush. The same fate befell Ryan Collins, the Suffolk Mens Singles Champion did well to beat Neil Wright (3-0) but he lost his second singles against Gertsen (3-1). In the drawn match against Carrara Polska I Gertsen held his side together by beating both Tomasz Gretschell and Marcin Pijanowski whilst Daniel Kolesnik was the Carrara hero as he won both of his singles the hard way. Kolesnik beat Chris Bush 11-5, 9-11, 8-11, 11-9, 11-9 and in the last round of games of the weekend he earned his side a point by getting the better of Neil Wright 11-8, 10-12, 11-7, 10-12, 11-7.
Elsewhere, Bedford Modern's 5-3 defeat against Carrara Polska stood out because of the outstanding performance from Bedford number one - Martin Gray. He beat both Darek Zurowski (3-1) and Tomasz Gretschell (3-1) but undefeated performances from Carrara's Daniel Kolesnik and Marcin Pijanowski gave Carrara the upperhand. Kolesnik's game against Mick Harper proved to be a turning point with Kolesnik pinching it 11-8, 5-11, 11-9, 10-12, 14-12. Another result which stands out a mile was the superb 7-1 win that a young DHS London Progress side achieved over Carrara Polska I. Progress totally dominated this match and Carrara had to wait until the seventh game before they notched up their first win. Darek Zurowski scored a stuttering 11-2, 8-11, 10-12, 15-13, 11-7 victory over Jake Collins to save his team's blushes. The Progress players all gave superb accounts of themselves with Ryan Collins beating both Gretschell and Pijanowski, Matt Ware getting the better of Zurowski and Gretschell and Emran Hussain beating both Pijanowski and Kolesnik. An excellent performance from the Progress side.
Division Two North - Fastbats (12 points), ELGRE Nottingham II (12 points) and Barrow (11 points) are all very much in contention in this low scoring Division.
Fastbats with a squad of Stephen Denny, Tim Dyson, James Brown, Steve Crosby and Steve Morris probably hold the edge but without Dyson in their line-up they could only draw with Sheffield and even with their top two players present - Denny and Dyson they were still held to a draw by Barrow. Clearly there is a lot left to play for in this Division.
The match between Fastbats and Sheffield saw Fatbats move into a 4-2 lead after Steve Crosby had beaten Bill Grant to add to James Brown's win over Simon Pugh and to Stephen Denny's double. However, it wasn't enough to earn them both points and Jack Grant hit back by defeating James Brown 11-7, 11-2,11-9. Liam Carson who had earlier scored a fine 11-9 in the fifth set win over Steve Crosby added a second excellent victory by beating Steve Morris 8-11, 11-7, 11-5, 11-9. Two seasons ago it was Simon Pugh and Bill Grant who were holding this side together. Now it is the Juniors who seem to be performing this role ?. On a more serious note this side seems to be showing fine all-round improvement and could well be challenging for honours next Season.
Barrow's Jonathan Crawford was the cause of the most consternation to Fastbats as he beat both Tom Dyson (3-1) and Stephen Denny (12-10 in the decider) as Barrow opened up a 4-1 lead. On this occasion it was Fastbats who fought back to earn themselves a draw. Dyson, no doubt galvanised by his earlier defeat hit back strongly to beat Steve Lyons 3-11, 11-1, 13-11, 14-12 and James Brown also came up with a victory, beating Steve Dixon 3-2. Steve Crosby made no mistake in the last game and he gave Tristan Swan no chance to settle as he powered his way to a 11-4, 11-4, 11-6 victory. A real turnaround. Fasbats produced their best performance by beating
a more than useful Derwent II side 7-1. With Trevor Williams at number two you would expect Derwent to offer stern resistance but they barely got a look-in. Stephen Denny, James Brown and Steve Morris were all undefeated as Fastbats surged into a 6-0 lead. Williams who beat Steve Crosby 12-10, 11-7, 11-9 was Derwent's only winner.
Ormesby III's all female side are at the bottom of the table but they produced a strong performance for a bottom-placed team, defeating Derwent II 5-3 and drawing with Market Rasen. Any quips that the British Womens League hasn't taken place yet will be taken purely as sour grapes in Middlesbrough !. Ormesby's success against Derwent II represented a superb win with England no. one Cadet Girl Karina Lefevre winning twice. She beat both Brian Quinn and Richard Crowther. Stephanie Donnelly played her part by getting the better of Trevor Williams 11-9 in the fifth end whilst Karen Shepherd was not to be outdone as she also go the better of Trevor Williams. Rachel Greener completed an outstanding performance by the Ormesby side by beating Richard Crowther 11-9 in the fifth. Only Mick Wil****son who beat both Karen Shepherd and Rachel Greener 3-0 appears to have been able to cope with his distaff opponents. Rachel Greener hit the jackpot against Market Rasen by beating Lesley Keast 3-1 (Lesley was ranked number 12 in the October 2007 ETTA Ranking List) and Karina Lefevre (one of the most improved players in the country) scored two magnificent wins. She beat both Bryn Tyler and John Han****. A very well earned point.
Division Two South - BATTS Team Peniel II dropped their first point of the Season, but extended their lead at the top of the table to two points and with an all-star squad it will be a major surprise if they don't go on to take the title. It was second-placed DHS London Progress IV who gave the BATTS Team Peniel side the most problems, and BATTS will be relieved that former England international Sean Gibson was firing on all cylinders as he won his two singles. It was a real struggle as well, against Progress no. three - Koji Hirota with Gibson having to "up the ante" considerably to win 6-11, 11-9, 14-12, 12-10. The hard-hitting Hirota had won his first singles, getting the better of the talented defender Meihan Liu 8-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-3. Miss Lui was making her debut in this Division having played for Hartlepool in Division Four North last season with her friend and current British League Premier Division star Shuying Xu. Not a bad acquisition to an already strong squad !. Progress's Yasir Mauthoor excelled in this match and he beat Martin Kubrt (undefeated in this Divsion last year) 5-11, 11-5, 5-11, 12-10 11-8. Mauthoor also battled bravely against Gibson before succumbing 3-11, 7-11, 11-9, 8-11. With both Tony Alvarez and Raphael Marom scoring fine victories over Fred Dove BATTS found themselves under real pressure and they will have been mightily relieved when Meihan Lui made no mistake in the last game as she polished off Tony Alvarez 11-4, 11-4, 11-8 to earn her side a point. With a squad comprising Martin Kubrt, Sean Gibson, Fred Dove, Abigail Embling, Meihan Lui and up-and-coming Peniel Juniors Oscar Selfridge and Billy Deville this really is a BATTS side of real quality so let's give Progress some credit for pushing them so hard.
BATTS Team Peniel II also overcame a second potentially tricky challenge on the Saturday when they beat fellow Essex Club, Ilford based Mossford 6-2. BATTS raced into a 4-0 lead before Euan Liddle excelled by getting the better of Martin Kubrt (3-1) and Matt Spero added a second win by seeing off Fred Dove (again 3-1). BATTS made sure that they took both points as Sean Gibson beat Keith Lesser (3-1) and Meihan Lui completed a solid performance by getting the better of Mossford's impressive newcomer Bartek Kazmierczak (3-1).
As impressive as Progress were in their clash against the Divisional leaders - BATTS Team Peniel on the Saturday, they were disappointing against the experienced Fusion II side on the Sunday morning. A dispirited Yasir Mauthoor sank without trace, losing 3-0 to both Farhat Rasul and Martin Smith whilst Smith did well to win his second singles as well, getting the better of the up-and-coming Rafael Marom 11-7, 11-7, 11-13, 11-6. Koji Hirota was outstanding for London Progress and he beat both Jojo Senorin (11-7, 11-6, 11-7) and Farhat Rasul (11-3, 11-7, 11-4). Jojo Senorin in turn secured a 5-3 victory for Fusion by getting the better of Tony Alvarez 11-4, 11-5, 9-11, 11-8 in the last game.
DHS London Progress lV returned to winning ways on the Sunday afternoon by getting the better of Club Cornwall 6-2. Raphael Marom and Koji Hirota were again outstanding winning their four singles 3-0 with Marom producing some superb Table Tennis to down the free-flowing Adrian Noott 11-4, 11-1, 11-8. Hirota was not to be outdone and he also turned on the style by beating Jeremy Williams 11-9, 11-8, 11-4. Noott fought back determinedly in his second singles, and he in turn scored a fine 11-6, 11-6, 13-11 victory over Yasir Mauthoor. Rafael Marom may well be a player to look out for - he is currently ranked number 36 amongst England's Juniors but he clearly has the potential to feature much higher than that.l
Division Two South & Midlands - Kingfisher's all-conquering Season continued and after another excellent weekend they remain one of only three teams in the whole British League who have taken a maximum 16 points.Their up-and-coming stars Richard Andrews and Tom Maynard were both undefeated, and in Andrews' case this was a continuation of the impressive pace he set in the first weekend. Mark Banks, Bela Hegedus and Eric Van Looy provided the support with Banks and Hegedus proving to be most "capable supporting actors". Andrews carried on where he left off last time, and he was only extended to five games once, by De Vere NETTS's Alex Facey. One "Junior" facing another and Richard had to pull out all the stops before winning 9-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-7, 11-7. Kingfisher disposed of Essex side - De Vere NETTS 7-1, good going as they won all three games that were decided in the fifth end. Tom Maynard came under pressure from both Paul Davison and Peter Hayden and he will have been relieved to have beaten two contrastingly different attackers. He beat Paul 3-11, 11-5, 12-10, 12-10 whilst he saw off Peter 11-7, 7-11, 11-13,11 -9, 11-6. Hamish Innes was NETTS's sole winner with a 7-11, 11-5, 11-8, 11-9 victory over Bela Hegedus. Horsham I were bolstered by the inclusion of Patrick Thomas in the number one position but the "new kid on the block" held no fears for the Reading lads. Thomas went down fighting 3-2 against Tom Maynard but he was found wanting against Richard Andrews succumbing 7-11, 8-11, 8-11. Mark Banks won his two singles, beating Graham Carter (3-0) and Rohan Lewis (3-0) as Kingfisher wrapped up a 6-2 victory.
Eastbourne and Kingshurst Bribar follow next, a massive six points behind the leaders and clearly the biggest battle in this division will be to see who will finish second. Amazingly these two sides were placed sixth and seventh after the first weekend as this division was turned on it's head. Kingshurst did well to beat De Vere NETTS 5-3, with Scott Prime's two wins over Alex Facey and Paul Davison earning him the Player of the Match Award. Jack Williamson sealed the victory for the Birmingham based side by beating Hanish Innes 11-8, 13-11, 11-5 in the last game. Paul Davison and Peter Hayden had both impressed by getting the better of Kingshurst no. one Steve Bertie. Eastbourne had another fierce battle with Horsham I which eventually ended level, at 4-4. Nick Mason won his two singles for Eastbourne, but he had to pull out all the stops to get the better of Patrick Thomas. He may well have decided that a game of Golf (his new love) was an easier way to spend a Saturday lunch-time before he hauled his way back into contention to win 4-11, 9-11, 11-9, 11-9, 12-10. Eastbourne's Koray Ozcan also won twice and he turned on the power as he disposed of Devesh Shete 9-11, 11-0, 11-4, 11-2. Quite a turnaroud. The all-action Stephane Bonnafous fared best of the Horsham players and he earned the Crawley League side a draw by beating Hector Castro 11-9, 8-11.11-5, 8-11, 11-6 in the last game.
Guernsey, without their no. one player - Scott Romerill slipped from second to fifth, and they will be pleased that they beat bottom side - Bedford Modern II 6-2. Jez Powell excelled by beating John Camilleri 3-2 and Paul Birch 3-1 whilst Camilleri showed up well in his second singles when he beat Guernsey no. one Phil Ogier 3-2. Guernsey no. four Adam Langlois picked up his two singles, beating Paul Birch (3-1) and Imandeep Sehmbi (3-1). Guernsey were made to struggle by an inform Ashford I side (losing 6-2), although Oliver Langlois excelled by taking the Player of the Match Award. He gave a superb performance to beat both Phil Snelson (3-1) and John Robinson (again 3-1), two excellent wins. Ashford's Jason Tendler found no such problems and he was untroubled in beating Jez Powell (11-6, 11-6, 11-7) and Phil Ogier (11-7, 11-6, 11-7).
Division Three North - Halton II will be well pleased with their weekend's work, and a second commanding performance has seen their 16 points extend to a five point lead over Murrayfield. Halton faced two really tough battles. Fifth placed Uxbridge I led 3-2 at one stage, after Russell Boone had scored a shock 3-1 win over Halton number one Chris Ford. Drastic measures were needed, and Halton hit back in determined fashion. Jonathan Taylor got the better of Paul Malkin 3-2, Malcolm McEvoy saw off Dave Savage 10-12, 11-8, 11-9, 12-10 and Ray Jackson ensured that Halton's 100 % record remained intact by beating Helen Turner 11-5, 10-12, 11-6, 11-9.
Halton were even harder pushed to beat Hartlepool 5-3, and fell 3-1 behind. Chris Ford with a victory over Karl Shaw was their only first-half winner as Darren McVitie beat Malcolm McEvoy 3-0, Michael Young beat Ray Jackson 3-2 and most surprisingly of all reserve Michael Boyce beat Jonathan Taylor decisively 11-5, 11-5, 11-5.Halton were in dire straits but as so often happens the successful teams manage to dig themselves out of such holes. Chris Ford started the revival, and in a game which would not have looked out of place in Division One North he beat Darren McVitie 10-12, 11-7, 11-9, 11-4. Malcolm McEvoy made the scores 3-3 by beating Michael Young 13-11, 5-11, 11-8, 11-4 and with Halton on a roll Taylor beat Karl Shaw 11-6, 11-5, 12-10. The odds were now firmly stacked in Halton's favour and Ray Jackson made no mistake in the last game of the match. He sealed the Halton victory by beating Michael Boyce 11-7, 11-5, 11-5.
Murrayfield are second on 11 points and their title hopes were all but extinguished when they lost 7-1 to Hartlepool. Dennis Neale missed this match, and they found it tough going without their number one player. Hartlepool totally dominated the match, racing into a 7-0 lead and eventually winning 7-1. Darren McVitie, Karl Shaw and Michael Young were all undefeated. Murrayfield also dropped a point against seventh placed ELGRE Nottingham II, a disappointing result as Dennis Neale did play in this match and did win his two singles. Only just though. Neale needed all his considerable experience to get the better of John Taylor 5-11, 12-14, 11-4, 11-1, 15-13. Stewart Armitage's 11-7, 11-6, 11-9 victory over Eddie Croydon-Fowler gave Murrayfield a 4-2 lead but they were unable to seal victory. Jane Vickers hit back and her second singles win over William Mabon (11-9, 12-10, 11-7) made the score 3-4 and Andy Portlock sealed a much-needed draw for the ELGRE side by getting the better of Brian Hunter 11-9, 11-8, 11-9. Murrayfield's 5-3 victory over Woodfield I was also a hard-fought affair with four games going the distance and only one game decided three straight. Woodfield no. one Radek Mlynarczyk beat both William Mabon (3-2) and most impressively Dennis Neale (3-1). John Collymore squared the match by beating John Magnall 3-1 but on this occasion Murrayfield had enough in hand to take both points. William Mabon made the score 4-3 by beating Leigh Hipkins 3-1 and in a fluctuating deciding game Stewart Armitage recorded his second win by beating Jarendra Patel 8-11, 11-3, 9-11, 11-5, 11-7.
Uxbridge I moved above Woodfield I and that was reflected by the result on the table. Uxbridge shaded the match 5-3. Uxbridge's Russell Boone played his part by beating both Ashley Nicholls and Radek Mlynarczyk and although Uxbridge trailed 2-3 they produced the stronger finish. Paul Malkin levelled the scores by beating John Collymore 14-12 in the fifth end and Dave Savage gave Uxbridge the lead by getting the better of Ashley Nicholls 3-0. Helen Turner had the job of trying to win the game for her side, and she was up to the task. Helen came through to beat Jarendra Patel 7-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-5.
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Division Three South - York Gardens II have taken over as the new leaders of this division with 15 points but with TTK Greenhouse II (12 points) coming through as quick as one of their mentor Gareth Herbert's "faded" forehands they will need all their early advantage to retain their lead. TTK Greenhouse II were the stars of the weekend securing four victories and not coming under any real pressure. SEH Britannia Ipswich I, leaders after the first weekend were slayed 7-1 as Fatlum Sadiku, Daniel Basterfield and newcomer Y.C. Philakaratne ("YC" will do nicely - any more characters don't fit very comfortably onto a scoresheet !) all won twice.Gary Young was Ipswich's sole winner with a fine 3-0 win over Sulllivan Morais. Further wins followed against OLOP Impact II (6-2), Horsham II (8-0) and Hastings (7-1). Fast improving Daniel Basterfield, the Player of the Weekend at the Medway Grand Prix showed just what a force he is becoming in the Hastings game. He downed both Paul Barry (3-1) and Roger Pingram (3-0), two wins against styles of players he won't have come across too many times on the Grand Prix circuit. Former Sussex County first team star Barry saved his side's blushes by beating Fatlum Sadiku 11-8, 11-3, 12-10. Basterfield and Philakaratne were unbeaten in all four matches.
York Gardens II also secured four wins and they overcame SEH Britannia Ipswich I 5-3, after a match where six of the eight games were decided in a fifth set. Wayne Matthews set the tone in the first game when he edged home 15-13 in the fifth end against SEH's Ian Brown and the pace never let up. Chris Martin won two hard-fought five enders seeing off Gary Young (7-11, 6-11, 11-8, 11-9, 12-10) and Ian Brown (9-11, 11-9, 7-11, 11-1, 11-8) whilst Wayne Matthews also won his two singles. After a second fierce tussle Matthews just overcame Ken Lewis 14-12, 8-11, 11-8, 4-11, 11-9. The often unpredictable Andy Holmes was the best of the Ipswich players on this occasion and he scored two top-notch wins over Trevor Campbell and Don Hobbs. York Gardens II produced a good solid team performance to dispose of Cippenham III 6-2. Chris Martin and Trevor Campbell were both undefeated with Martin just shading a really hard-fought battle against Paul Baker 13-11, 11-7, 10-12, 8-11, 12-10.With the scores tied at 2-2 this game had quite an impact on the match and a revitalised York Gardens went onto take the remaining three games as well. Anthony Bostic ran out a comfortable fifth game winner against Eddie Mitchell : 11-9, 8-11, 11-5, 5-11, 11-3.
A young Horsham III side (Stephen Eckford, Stephen Denman, Tom Baxter and James Denman) aren't in contention for honours, but, they nevertheless scored two important wins to occupy a comfortable mid-table position. Stephen Denman beat both Chris Marlow (3-2) and Suchira Gallage (3-1) in their 5-3 victory over Ellenborough II and Stephen Eckford added an excellent 3-0 win over Paul Martindill. Horsham also excelled by beating Cippenham III 5-3 with the Denman brothers coming into their own in the last two games. Stephen Denman gave the Sussex side a 4-3 lead by getting the better of Steve Smith 3-1 and James Denman completed the job by getting the better of Jonathan Evans (3-2), good going as he had let a 2-0 lead slip. After these excellent results the Horsham side met their nemesis on Sunday afternoon against the rather more mature Ipswich team. It wasn't for lack of trying either with the last four games all going to five ends, but it was the Ipswich side who ran out 8-0 winners. Stephen Eckford, ranked number 76 in England at Junior level came closest to winning and he led Ian Brown before the determined Beccles defender fought his way back to win 8-11, 5-11, 11-6, 11-9, 11-7.
Division Three South & West - With seven points from the first weekend and another seven points from the second weekend of matches DML Woolwell II look on course to gain promotion. They dropped their second point in round five against Oxford Fireplace Centre III, after a bruising encounter where no single game was decided three-straight. DML's Harry Cutler suffered his only defeat of the weekend, succumbing 3-2 to Mike Bishop and on this occasion team-mate Chris Smith's two wins proved vital in securing the draw. Bishop who also beat Sally Smith shared the Player of the Match Award with Chris Smith, although Ian Packford, a five game winner over both Simon James and Sally Smith must have also been in the reckoning. Bottom side Brighton III represented DML's easiest match and they ran out 7-1 winners. Chris Smith, Harry Cutler and Simon James were all undefeated with Dave Steel's 3-0 win over Sally Smith representing the sum of the Brighton wins. DML will also be pleased with their 6-2 win over NWF. This was "no walk in the park" for the Okehampton side and the first four games went to five ends. Most impressively, DML were successful in all four of them as they moved into a 5-0 lead. Chris Smith and Harry Cutler were both undefeated whilst Rod McMullan with a 11-8, 11-9, 11-5 victory over Simon James impressed most of the NWF players.
Second-placed Westfield II also had a good weekend and they also picked up seven points.Their 5-3 victory over Fusion III was earned the hard way, three games went to a fifth end and rather unusually in these circumstances it was the losing side - Fusion who won all of them. This match ebbed one way and then the other with David Przybysz giving Westfield the upper-hand by beating Dele Ayoola 11-8, 11-6, 9-11, 11-7 and Matthew Carter sealing the Westfield victory by getting the better of Neil Stewart 8-11, 12-10, 11-3, 11-8. Westfield had fewer problems in disposing of Brighton II 7-1 with John Fuller, Amrish Rana and Matthew Carter all staying undefeated. Tony Holmes was Brighton's sole winner and he beat David Przybysz 11-3, 7-11, 11-6, 6-11, 11-7, one of only two defeats that Przybysz suffered over the weekend. Amrish Rana, had his work cut out in beating Sarah Stedman and just came through 6-11, 10-12. 11-6, 12-10, 11-9.
Bottom after the first round of matches - NWF who jumped into fifth place showed the greatest improvement, and they showed good all-round form in disposing of Fusion III 6-2. Rod McMullan and Stuart Willliams both won twice whilst David Fraser with a five set victory over Alex Rorke fared best of the Fusion players.NWF also came out on top 5-3 in the South Coast clash with Generation 2 II with Rod McMullan again hitting top form. He showed excellent versatility to get the better of Roger Hookey 16-14, 11-7, 11-8 as well as Keith Childs 11-9, 7-11, 6-11, 11-7, 11-9. No surprise that he took the Player of the Match Award on this occasion.
Division Four North - `"Sunderland lead the table at the half-way stage !". That would certainly make a good headline in another Sport although it won't be happening this year !. On a less frivolous note Sunderland have fourth placed St. Mary's Hull to thank that they are in pole position. Sunderland were well beaten 6-2 by second-placed Pudsey for whom David Smith, Chris Parker and Joanna Roberts were all undefeated. Parker and Smith both excelled as they both beat Sunderland number one Kevin Wilson.
However, as impressive as Pudsey were in this match they were found wanting against fourth-placed St. Mary's Hull. The Hull side dominated throughout and ran out emphatic 7-1 winners. Luke Carrington, Julian Gittens and Adam Smith were all undefeated. Pudsey had to wait until the seventh game to pick up their victory and Chris Parker scored their consolation win - a 11-6, 11-9, 12-10 victory over Gary Usher. Ray Rider had come closest to securing an earlier win for Pudsey and he just missed out 10-12, 11-9, 5-11, 13-11,12-14 against Gary Usher. Pudsey were also held to draw by third-placed Barnt Green. Gordon Shaw, the Barnt Green no. three caused them the most problems and he beat both Ray Rider and Chris Parker. Pudsey no. one David Smith held his side together and he was responsible for two wins - beating both Chris Hewitt and Sasha Grokhotov.
As you would expect in these circumstances Sunderland also had quite a battle with St. Mary's Hull but the leaders came through this one 5-3. Luke Carrington won twice for St. Mary's Hull and Adam Smith beat Anthony Barella, but Sunderland hit back strongly by taking the last three games, and with them the match. Keith Weatherby beat Adam Smith 15-13, 11-5, 12-10 to level the scores and Graeme Barella gave his team the lead by beating Julien Gittens 8-11, 11-6, 3-11, 11-9, 11-9 ( a fine win for the England no. five Cadet over a very resourceful defender). Anthony Barella wrapped up the Sunderland win by getting the better of Kevin Hodgson 11-9 in the fifth end.
St. Mary's Hull were also found wanting by the team one place below them - Rotherham Scorpions II. Lance Webster scored two fine wins- against Julien Gittens (16-14 in the fifth end) and Luke Carrington (3-1) as Rotherham moved into a shock 5-1 lead and ended up winning 6-2. Chris Cattell won his second singles by beating Julien Gittens 3-2 and Richard Element also gained an excellent double by getting the better of Kevin Hodgson 3-2.
Bottom side Isle of Man picked up their first point of the Season by holding Chesterfield II to a draw. It was a match Chesterfield will feel they should have won as they were 4-1 ahead. However, Isle of Man weren't found wanting in the last three encounters and they hit back determinedly to take a point. Andrew Patterson was a 3-1 winner over Winston Spencer, Andrew Horne beat Mike Bradbury 3-0 and Adam Teale squared the match by getting the better of Andy Middleton. 3-1.
Division Four South - Having beaten three of the top teams in the first weekend it was no surprise to see Brighton City totally dominate the second weekend's play as they notched up a second maximum eight points. With 16 points and a games record of 56-8 they have the best record in the whole League and are almost cast-iron certainties to win this Division. With a settled team of Harry McCarney, Wen Wai Xu, Tim Holtam and Mark Forder they have considerable strength in depth. Older players will remember playing Forder around ten years ago as his "rocket forehand" rained down on them.
DHS London Progress V provided Brighton City with their stiffest test but although they "only" won 6-2 they had already moved into a 5-0 lead before Progress hit back. Lee Middleton did well to beat Wen Wai Xu 15-13, 11-9, 11-9 and Anthony Quinlan made the score respectable by getting the better of Tim Holtam 11-7, 7-11, 11-8, 4-11, 11-8.Brighton were 8-0 winners over BATTS Team Peniel III and SEH Britannia Ipswich II and they warpped up a most dominant weekend's work by defeating DML Woolwell III 7-1.
Two of the new sides - BATTS Team Peniel III and SEH Britannia Ipswich II provided the closest match of the weekend with five games decided in the fifth end. The young BATTS Team Peniel side excelled by winning three of the five-enders but still missed out 5-3. Ipswich defender Mark Lewis won both of his games in five ends getting the better of Jared Patel 13-11 in the deciding end and Luke Walsh 11-8 in the fifth end. Patel hit back in his second match and he came up trumps, just seeing off Aimee Sparkes 8-11, 7-11, 11-5, 13-11, 12-10. Jason Annal had the task of earning the Ipswich side their victory and after three very close games he pulled clear in the fourth end to get the better of Natalie Walsh 14-12, 11-9, 9-11, 11-2.
SEH Britannia Ipswich II just missed out against DML Woolwell 5-3 in another battle of the newcomers. Aimee Sparkes scored a fine five game win over Toby Mattacott in the opening singles encounter but it wasnt't enough and Woolwell's Freddie Cutler and Alistair Smith both won twice. Toby Mattacott made up for his early slip by beating Paul Broxton decisively 11-1, 11-5, 11-7 in his second singles.
Division Four South & Midlands - With eight points out of eight Fellows Cranleigh (one of the British League's founder member Clubs) dominated the weekend's action, but despite beating leaders Crusaders 5-3 they still trail their rivals by three points. With Tony Halling at number one and Zayd Mauthoor at number two Fellows Cranleigh's top half wouldn't have looked out of place in Division One South and these two players picked up all sixteen of their singles. Up-and-coming Essex Juniors - Anthony Kent, Niall Akata, Joe Stannard and William Do shared the number three and four spots and these lads picked up enough games to see the now relocated East London Club through to four victories. Joe Stannard was his side's hero in the victory over Crusaders and he just prevailed 12-10, 4-11, 11-3, 7-11, 13-11 against Dean Rose, what eventually turned out to be a match-winning success. When you consider he had to retieve a 6-10 fifth game deficit to win this game it is no surprise that he took the Player of the Match Award as well. In Cranleigh's 5-3 win over DHS London Progress IV it was Niall Akata who took on the "Joe Stannard role" and he secured a 3-11, 11-8, 11-9, 9-11, 12-10 victory over Alex Fegredo, which again proved to be the vital fifth game. Zayd Mauthhor was pushed to five ends by Jonathan Hyland but came through comfortably in the end to win 11-3, 11-4, 2-11, 6-11, 11-6. After this showing Crusaders will be very wary, they know they can't afford to slip up as Fellows Cranleigh could well take a maximum 12 points from their remaining six fixtures.
Can the Crusaders side hang onto their three point lead ?. If determination has anything to do with it, they won't be found wanting. Against Ashford they had to survive two close finishes to ensure that they won 5-3 but Darren Pumford was up to the task and he beat both Keith Falconer (11-8, 6-11, 9-11, 11-7, 12-10) and Sarah Horsnell (10-12, 9-11, 11-5, 11-2, 11-9). Ben Larcombe, Dean Rose and Michael Ho all won once to ensure that they took both points.Crusaders achieved their best result by thumping DHS London Progress VI 7-1, a disappointing result for the London Progress side who went into the weekend in second place. Crusaders dominated from the outset and Pumford, Rose and Ho were all undefeated. Bhavin Saujani was Progress's only winner and a very good win he recorded as well, beating Ben Larcombe 11-8, 13-11, 5-11, 11-9.
DHS London Progress IV lost further ground on the leading teams when they had to settle for a draw with TTK/Greenhouse III. In truth they will be quite pleased with this result, having fought back from 4-1 down to achieve it. Bhavin Saujani started the recovery by beating Tony Wilkinson 10-12, 11-5, 13-15, 11-6, 11-9 and Andrew Hagger moved them closer to gaining a point by beating Michael Spiteri 11-3, 11-3, 9-11, 11-7. Bhuwan Singh Limbu made no mistake in the final encounter and he beat Ryan Maynard 11-5, 11-9, 11-9 to level the scores.
Any Club who are looking to enter new team(s) in the British League next Season are requested to contact British League Chairman Keith Ponting.
Keith can be contacted at .......
21 Southport Avenue, Redhills,
Exeter, Devon,
EX4 1RA,
Telephone No. 01392-278642.
E-mail address keithponting4570@btinternet.com (keithponting4570@btinternet.com) .
Please let him know by the end of January if you are interested.
Ps..........Anyone with news of any results, fixtures or anything in anyway relevant to the sport please feel free to post it in the forums!
Article by Steve Kerns........Press Officer (British Table Tennis League)