British League

[Dave Robson]

British league Report From Steve Kerns..............

British League Play-Offs - Round One - Westfield make a good start

The Cippenham Club in Slough are playing host to the newest event on the ETTA Calendar, the Premier Division British League play-offs and if the first round of matches are anything to go by, then there is every likelihood that the six participating teams will produce five rounds of very hard fought games.

Many people's favourites, Westfield I opened their weekend with an excellent 6-2 victory over Fusion I, although they will be the first to admit that they were a little fortunate to do so. Five games were decided in the fifth end, and the determined Midlanders won four of them. Three of these victories were achieved by scorelines of 11-9 in the deciding end or closer. David McBeath and Steve Cowley were both undefeated for Westfield whilst the evergreen Tommy Cutler picked up both of his games for Fusion. In the context of the match David McBeath's two wins were vitally important. He beat John Dennison 11-9, 10-12, 9-11, 11-7, 15-13 and if that wasn’t testing enough he also saw off Remigiyus Petrosius 9-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-9, 11-7, his first ever win over the tall Lithuanian star. Westfield no. four Steve Cowley was equally impressive and he scored two excellent victories : 10-12, 11-2, 11-9, 11-7 against Simon Phillipz and he came back from 2-0 down to beat John Dennison 7-11, 5-11, 13-11, 13-11, 11-9. Fusion's Tommy Cutler appears to be playing as well as ever and on this showing he would surely grace the Premier Division. He shaded it 13-11, 11-9, 5-11, 8-11, 11-4 against Chris Doran but he came out all guns blazing to beat Ben Barlow 11-8, 11-4, 11-5.

Derwent with previous Premier Division experience will also fancy their chances of returning to the top flight, and, they looked to be on top form as they beat OLOP Impact I 6-2. Their no. two player Steve Horsfield impressed by beating both Dave Barr (3-0) and Chris Bush (3-1) whilst the fast improving Mark Simpson made his mark as he beat Chris Bush (3-0) and Neil Wright (3-2). OLOP's David Barr fared better in his second singles, and he outplayed Derwent no. one Simon Noutch 3-0.

The match between ELGRE Nottingham I and Brighton I ended all square after ELGRE won the first two games, lost the next four and finished strongly to rescue a point. The ETTA Ranking List "took a battering" with Brighton's Evan Sharp getting the better of Mark Green (3-2) but missing out against David Arrowsmith (3-1). In another upset Brighton's Dov Katz scored an excellent 11-9, 11-9, 11-4 win over Chris Rogers and in the closest game of the match Sam Perry came through to beat Jack Boult 11-5, 8-11, 9-11, 11-1, 12-10. Perry had also impressed in his first singles and he edged out Dov Katz 11-6, 11-4, 6-11, 11-8.

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British League Play-Offs - Rounds Two - Second strong showing from David McBeath

Round two of the British League Play-Off matches gave further evidence that this could be a very evenly matched weekend with all three games uniquely finishing tied at 4-4.

Westfield had expected a tough ride against OLOP Impact I and they won't have been surprised by the result. Westfield surged into a 3-1 lead but OLOP hit back well. Dave Barr played his part in the fight-back by beating Ben Barlow 11-8, 11-8, 11-9 and Chris Bush made his presence felt by getting the better of Chris Doran 11-9, 11-8, 11-5. Hari Gehlot made sure that the Berkshire side shared the points by getting the better of Aaron Fennell 11-7 11-8, 15-13. Hard-hitting David McBeath, playing at number three for Westfield was again their most successful player and he beat both Hari Gehlot (3-0) and Stephen Gertsen (3-2).

Derwent also had to settle for a draw, and despite leading 3-2 they had to rely on Mark Simpson winning his second singles in the last game to earn their share of the points. Simpson, a 3-2 winner against Mark Green also came through his second encounter, beating David Arrowsmith 10-12, 11-9, 11-8, 11-7. Simon Noutch played his part for Derwent beating Sam Perry 11-9, 11-4, 11-13, 11-8 and Chris Rogers 11-8, 6-11, 11-9, 8-11, 11-9 whilst Steve Horsfield, so successful against OLOP drew a blank on this occasion, losing to Chris Rogers (1-3) and to Mark Green (again 1-3).

Fusion will again feel hard done by after being held to a draw by Brighton I. In their first game they lost four of the five games that went to a fifth end, whereas this time they were only successful in one out of four five-enders. In successive games Jack Boult beat John Dennison 15-13, 10-12, 8-11, 11-8, 11-7; Evan Sharp beat Simon Phillipz 11-9, 11-9, 7-11, 7-11, 11-8 and Jevgenijus Paramanov saw off Tommy Cutler 9-11, 6-11, 11-9, 12-10, 11-7. A special mention here for Simon Phillipz, who scored his first win of the day, and a fine one it was as well, a 6-11, 11-4, 13-11, 13-11 success against Eli Baraty.

[Hovis Bread Eater]

Derwent top the League after day 1

[Tinykin]

Seeing that Oxford Fireplace were kicked out, how many Premier spaces are up for grabs?

[Dave Robson]

Was that the team that didnt turn up?

[Hovis Bread Eater]

yes and two places up for grabs, think Derwent finished 3rd after a bad second day

[Dave Robson]

Mark Simpson, Derwent's fast-improving no. four scored two important wins as his team moved a step closer to the British League Premier Division, by beating Brighton 6-2. Simpson beat both Eli Baraty (11-7, 11-7, 7-11, 13-11) and Jack Boult (9-11, 12-10, 11-8, 8-11, 11-7) as his side gradually took control of proceedings. Their no. one player, Simon Noutch also played his part and he beat Jevgeni Paramonov 11-6, 11-7, 8-11, 9-11, 12-10 as well as Dov Katz 11-5, 11-7, 5-11, 12-10. With five points out of six Derwent now look to have every chance of qualifying for next year's Premier Division.

Second-placed Westfield had to settle for a draw against ELGRE Nottingham I, their second draw of the weekend, after a match which both teams may feel they could have won. Westfield's Ben Barlow, who sensationally reached the Mens Singles Semi-Finals at the English National Championships in March was unable to replicate his form here and he missed out to both Sam Perry (11-13, 8-11, 4-11) and to Chris Rogers (11-8, 7-11, 11-9, 4-11, 8-11). With Mark Green coming within a whisker of beating Chris Doran it looked as if ELGRE might clinch victory at one stage. Doran just held on against Green, running out a mightily relieved 10-12, 11-9, 10-12, 11-6, 16-14 winner. Doran also produced a fine performance against Chris Rogers and he powered his way through to a very impressive 11-4, 11-7, 11-2 victory. With everything to play for in the last game ELGRE's David Arrowsmith looked to be on the way to beating Steve Cowley after he moved into a 2-1 lead. However, Cowley hit back hard and he eventually ran out a 4-11, 11-4, 15-17, 11-6, 11-6 winner.

Fusion scored their first win of the weekend, a timely 5-3 success against OLOP Impact I, and they could yet feature amongst the two promoted sides. Remi Petrosius and Tommy Cutler were both undefeated with Remi seeing off David Barr (13-11, 11-7, 12-10) and Chris Bush (11-6, 3-11, 5-11, 11-9, 11-7) whilst Tommy got the better of Stephen Gertsen (13-11, 11-7, 10-12, 11-3) and David Barr (8-11, 13-11, 11-7, 11-4). John Dennison recorded Fusion’s vital fifth win, beating Neil Wright 11-9, 11-9, 12-10 in the last game of the match.

Round Four of the British League Premier Division Play-Offs saw the clash of the top two teams and it was Westfield who took the match 5-3, beating Derwent. This time all three matches in the round produced 5-3 scorelines.

Westfield surged into a 3-0 lead with Ben Barlow beating Steve Horsfield 3-1, Chris Doran rescuing a 10-7 fourth game deficit to get the better of Simon Noutch 6-11, 11-4, 7-11, 12-10, 14-12 and David McBeath getting the better of Mark Simpson 12-10, 11-13, 11-7, 11-9. Westfield very almost made it 4-0 and it took a last gasp effort from Richard Smith to edge out Steve Cowley 5-11, 10-12, 11-6, 12-10, 13-11. Would this provide Derwent with the impetus to get back into the game ?. They couldn't quite manage it. Ben Barlow won his second singles, beating Simon Noutch
11-7, 13-11, 6-11, 11-8 and the reliable Chris Doran sealed his side's victory by seeing off Richard Smith 11-6, 11-9, 9-11, 11-5.

Fusion moved into third place by beating ELGRE Nottingham 5-3 after having trailed 2-0. Simon Phillipz started their revival by beating Craig Feargrieve 8-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-6 and John Dennison levelled the scores by getting the better of David Arrowsmith 11-6, 11-13, 12-10, 6-11, 11-8. Tommy Cutler who had lost to Mark Green in five ends made no mistake in his second singles and he made short work of Sam Perry winning 11-4, 11-8, 11-3. The advantage was now with Fusion, and, although Mark Green beat Simon Phillipz 3-2, Remi Petrosius restored his team’s lead by beating David Arrowsmith decisively 11-6, 11-4, 11-3. John Dennison had the task of sealing the win for the South London team and he was up to the role, getting the better of Craig Feargrieve 11-4, 9-11, 11-4, 11-8.

OLOP Impact produced their best display of the weekend, beating Brighton 5-3. It was David Barr who led the way with wins over Jevgeni Paramonov (12-10, 11-6, 4-11, 11-6) and Dov Katz (11-5, 9-11, 11-3, 7-11, 11-5), not bad going as Barr had intended to sit this game out, and, only stepped in when his team-mate Chris Bush arrived late. Brighton levelled the scores at 3-3 but OLOP reasserted themselves in the last two games. Stephen Gertsen beat Jack Boult 13-11, 11-8, 11-4 and Neil Wright sealed his side's victory by getting the better of Evan Sharp 11-5, 4-11, 11-6, 11-6

[Dave Robson]

http://www.sportfocus.com/newsimage/nat%20082.jpg


Round Four of the British League Premier Division Play-Offs saw the clash of the top two teams and it was Westfield who took the match 5-3, beating Derwent. This time all three matches in the round produced 5-3 scorelines.

Westfield surged into a 3-0 lead with Ben Barlow beating Steve Horsfield 3-1, Chris Doran rescuing a 10-7 fourth game deficit to get the better of Simon Noutch 6-11, 11-4, 7-11, 12-10, 14-12 and David McBeath getting the better of Mark Simpson 12-10, 11-13, 11-7, 11-9. Westfield very almost made it 4-0 and it took a last gasp effort from Richard Smith to edge out Steve Cowley 5-11, 10-12, 11-6, 12-10, 13-11. Would this provide Derwent with the impetus to get back into the game ?. They couldn't quite manage it. Ben Barlow won his second singles, beating Simon Noutch
11-7, 13-11, 6-11, 11-8 and the reliable Chris Doran sealed his side's victory by seeing off Richard Smith 11-6, 11-9, 9-11, 11-5.

Fusion moved into third place by beating ELGRE Nottingham 5-3 after having trailed 2-0. Simon Phillipz started their revival by beating Craig Feargrieve 8-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-6 and John Dennison levelled the scores by getting the better of David Arrowsmith 11-6, 11-13, 12-10, 6-11, 11-8. Tommy Cutler who had lost to Mark Green in five ends made no mistake in his second singles and he made short work of Sam Perry winning 11-4, 11-8, 11-3. The advantage was now with Fusion, and, although Mark Green beat Simon Phillipz 3-2, Remi Petrosius restored his team’s lead by beating David Arrowsmith decisively 11-6, 11-4, 11-3. John Dennison had the task of sealing the win for the South London team and he was up to the role, getting the better of Craig Feargrieve 11-4, 9-11, 11-4, 11-8.

OLOP Impact produced their best display of the weekend, beating Brighton 5-3. It was David Barr who led the way with wins over Jevgeni Paramonov (12-10, 11-6, 4-11, 11-6) and Dov Katz (11-5, 9-11, 11-3, 7-11, 11-5), not bad going as Barr had intended to sit this game out, and, only stepped in when his team-mate Chris Bush arrived late. Brighton levelled the scores at 3-3 but OLOP reasserted themselves in the last two games. Stephen Gertsen beat Jack Boult 13-11, 11-8, 11-4 and Neil Wright sealed his side's victory by getting the better of Evan Sharp 11-5, 4-11, 11-6, 11-6.

After only scoring one point from their first two matches few people outside of Dulwich would have been prepared to gamble on Fusion securing one of the British League Premier Division Play-Off promotion places. However, that is what Fusion have achieved and by beating Derwent 5-3 they pipped their Yorkshire rivals for second place. Playing under the added pressure of knowing that if the match finished level Derwent would finish ahead on games difference seemed to inspire the Fusion team rather than hinder them. Remi Petrosius and Tommy Cutler were both undefeated and both players produced some of their best play of the weekend. Remi's opening 11-7, 4-11, 11-8, 6-11, 11-9 victory against Simon Noutch gave Fusion the perfect start and Tommy built on it by beating Steve Horsfield in four sets. Derwent hit back through Richard Smith and Mark Simpson but Tommy's second win, a vital 8-11, 11-5, 11-9, 8-11, 11-5 victory over Simon Noutch gave Fusion the edge and Remi Petrosius added to their lead by getting the better of Richard Smith 11-8, 9-11, 4-11, 11-1, 11-3. With the score at 4-3 it was Simon Phiilipz who delivered the coup de grace and he scarcely put a foot wrong as he beat Steve Horsfield 11-8, 11-5, 12-10 with some truly inspired forehand hitting from "off the bounce". This gave Fusion their third successive victory, and with that promotion to the Premier Division.

Westfield duly clinched the title and by beating Brighton 6-2 they made it three wins and two draws for the weekend. They looked assured here with Chris Doran and David McBeath both staying undefeated. David excelled by beating Jevgeni Paramonov 12-10, 6-11, 11-9, 11-9 whilst Aaron Fennell (in his second match of the weekend) notched up a superb 11-7, 11-9, 12-10 victory over Jack Boult. Aaron Fennell came close to adding a second victory, before missing out narrowly in an all-action encounter against Evan Sharp. Sharp edged home 9-11, 11-9, 11-9, 12-10

OLOP Impact finished in fourth place by getting the better of ELGRE Nottingham 6-2. OLOP's David Barr and Neil Wright were both undefeated with Barr doing very well to avenge a Senior Premier Division County Championships defeat against Sam Perry. On this occasion Barr was very much the Master winning 11-8, 11-4, 11-9. Perry was more successful in his other singles, getting the better of Chris Bush 11-8, 11-4, 11-8. Mark Green completed what was an excellent weekend by getting the better of Hari Gehlot 11-9, 11-7, 11-5.

[Moggy]

http://www.sportfocus.com/newsimage/nat%20082.jpg


Good picture for Spot the Ball, especially since his eyes are closed.

On other point, someone argue that the serve is legal!

[Annie]

Good picture for Spot the Ball, especially since his eyes are closed.


http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d29/hungarianwonderwoman/TTT/Spotfun.jpg

$1,000 to the first correct answer! :resent:

[Annie]

C4



Gosh you lot are just too slow! :evillaugh:

[Moggy]

Annie, is the grid mapped on to the picture by freeware (if so which?), or is it photoshopped on (which I half expect).
TIA.

[Annie]

I can't afford fancy software like DaveR! I fugged it in PowerPoint. :resent:

[Hovis Bread Eater]

c4 i think thats where the ball is

[Annie]

c4 i think thats where the ball is

:resent:..

[Mr Wilko]

well spotted !!!!!!! lol

[Hovis Bread Eater]

thanks, im very observant (some say nosey)

[Mr Wilko]

i knew your glasses (contacts???) would come in handy one day!!!! lol

[Annie]

thanks, im very observant (some say nosey)

Big nose eh? :spiteful:

[Paul B]

Here is where our elite are playing this season http://www.etta.co.uk/ezine/aug/images/spacer.gif
http://www.etta.co.uk/ezine/aug/images/02_photo_3.jpg
http://www.etta.co.uk/ezine/aug/images/02_photo_4.jpg
http://www.etta.co.uk/ezine/aug/images/spacer.gif
http://www.etta.co.uk/ezine/aug/images/02_photo_5.jpghttp://www.etta.co.uk/ezine/aug/images/02_photo_6.jpg
Players and thier leagues (Left to Right)

Germany
Paul Drinkhall (1) - Bundesliga Top Division for TTC Indeland Julich
Gavin Evans (3) - Bundesliga Division 3 Seliegen Stadt
Daniel Reed (3) - Bundesliga Division 3 for Cologne
Sweden
Gavin Rumgay - Sweden Elite Division for Grostorp/Osterlin
Matt Ware - Sweden Division 1 for Molndal
Michael Marsden - Sweden Division 1 for Norcopensanne
Emma Vickers - Sweden Division 1 for Ljungsbro BTK
Melissa Wright - Sweden Division 1 for Ljungsbro BTK
Hannah Hicks - Sweden Division 1 for Ljungsbro BTK
Dominique Jones - Sweden Division 1 for Ljungsbro BTK

France
Darius Knight (2) – France Division 2 for Montpellier
Kelly Sibley – France Division 1 for Souche Niort
Joanna Parker - France Division 1 for Kremlin – Paris – Bisentra
Naomi Owen - France Division 1 for Saint Quentin

Switzerland
Tim Yarnall - Switzerland Division 1 for Meryn

Belgium
Chris Doran - Belgium Division 2 for TTC Ekeren
Craig Bryant - Belgium Division 2 for TTC Ekeren


Interesting to see how many British Players play abroad these days.

[Tinykin]

A small point, but the 4 English girls are playing in the Swedish Womens' Elite division for Ljungsbro BTK.
http://www.svenskbordtennis.com/Table.asp?TournamentId=53539
Hannah Hicks is having a 50% success rate, which in this company is extremely good.

[Mr Wilko]

is marsden back in sweden ?????????

[TS]

Im signed on yes. Ive missed the first weekend because of my leg. I'll be there in January for my first game of the season, leg permitting.

[Annie]

Best of luck TS. :thumbsup: This last few months must have been really frustrating!

It kills me to have to wait a whole 7 days to play again. :resent:

[Mr Wilko]

i am suprised you are allowed back!!!!!! he he he he :thtease::thtease::thtease:

[Mr Wilko]

good luck matey :thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Annie]

i am suprised you are allowed back!!!!!! he he he he :thtease::thtease::thtease:

Who is this meant for? I'll give you my backhand cheeky!

[Mr Wilko]

it is for TS!!!!!

[Annie]

I thought rumour had got around that my back hand serve was evil! EVIL I tell you!! :evillaugh:

[Mr Wilko]

is it legal though??? he he he

[Annie]

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d29/hungarianwonderwoman/Emotions/notthatgirl.gif Of course!

[Dave Robson]

Following up the British League report here


http://www.sportfocus.com/newsimage/tk1.jpg


The Reports on the final two British League Divisions show two very evenly matched affairs with two teams very much in contention in the very evenly matched Division Three South. The standard of play in Division Four South and Midlands is rather high with such notable players as Trevor Kerry, Kai Lu, Hung Kei Li, Steve Bertie, Kevin Gray, Billy Pegg, Sam Walker and Mark Buckley all taking part this weekend.

Division Three South - With four well executed wins Ashford II head this very evenly matched division, one point ahead of Fusion III who proved more vulnerable this second weekend. Fusion were held to a draw by an inspired SEH-Britannia Ipswich side, a result that they had to work hard to achieve having trailed 4-2. David Fraser made the score 3-4 by getting the better of Andy Holmes 3-1 and Chris Turpin levelled the score in the last game as he beat Aimee Sparkes 3-1. Jokes about Ipswich being robbed really would be too corny in this instance !. Britannia’s Gary Young had been caught up in two furious five-enders. Gary saw off David Fraser 4-11, 13-11, 11-5, 7-11, 12-10 but in his second singles he missed out 7-11, 8-11, 11-3, 11-8, 7-11 to Akos Baranyi.

Ashford II were not really stretched in any of their four games. Hastings gave them their closest battle, but, the 6-2 scoreline reflects their overall superiority and the fact that they were always ahead. Nick Standen excelled for Hastings by getting the better of Adam Brewer 3-1, whilst Matt Porter scored a fine 3-1 victory over Anthony Johnson , but, undefeated performances from Nic Ravalec and Trung Tran meant Ashford ran out as comfortable winners. Ashford‘s 8-0 win over SEH-Britannia Ipswich will be looked upon as an outstanding result after Fusion had struggled against the Suffolk side. Adam Brewer, Nic Ravalec, Anthony Johnson and Trung Tran took all eight singles with Ravalec coming under the most pressure. Nic required five games to see off Gary Young 11-9, 11-3, 10-12, 12-14, 11-7 and it was even closer against the unorthodox Andy Holmes. Nic scraped home 7-11, 10-12, 11-7, 11-9, 11-9. Ashford had few problems against the bottom placed Cippenham III and they ran out as 7-1 winners. Gemma Chapman’s fine opening game 3-1 victory over Nic Ravalec indicated that this might prove a tricky contest but Ashford had other ideas and they picked up the remaining seven games.

With the bottom four team all tied on six points there is clearly a lot left to play for in this division. The statistically minded of you will also have picked up that six points is by far the highest number that a bottom placed team has in any of the 13 British League divisions so perhaps it is appropriate that four teams have this total.

Hastings (six points) did well to beat their old rivals Horsham III (seven points) 5-3. Paul Barry was unbeaten for Hastings and this included a hard-fought 11-7, 7-11, 11-8, 11-8 victory over Rory Scott. Ricki Weston picked up his two singles for Horsham and this included a really hard-fought contest against England no. three Cadet Girl - Yolanda King. Ricki won this one 11-6, 9-11, 8-11, 12-10, 17-15 to level the scores at 2-2. Rosemary Rainton had played her part by giving Hastings a 4-2 lead by getting the better of Stephen Eckford 11-5, 11-3, 8-11, 8-11, 12-10.

Third-placed Crusaders hit the jackpot against Cippenham III and they ran out as 8-0 winners. From the first game when Darren Pumford beat Gemma Chapman over five ends it was all Crusaders and Ben Larcombe, Ping Ho and Mike Ho all played well. Crusaders met with more resistance against Hastings and neither Darren Pumford or Ben Larcombe were able to take a game off Paul Barry. Ping Ho levelled the scores by beating Rosemary Rainton 3-0 and Darren Pumford gave Crusaders a 4-3 lead as he beat Yolanda King 11-7, 11-9, 13-11. In a grand finale Michael Ho faced the unorthodox Roger Pingram and it was the experienced Pingram who prevailed, just - 11-9, 12-14, 11-9, 5-11, 11-9 - one of those rare games where the losing player won the most points !.

Division Four South and Midlands - There appears to be three very strong teams in contention for honours in this division, and, although Keyworth lead the way with 14 points they lost 5-3 to fourth-placed Woodfield, and therefore cannot afford to take things for granted. Keyworth’s Kai Lu was easily the outstanding player in this match and he produced some storming play to beat Steve Bertie (11-6, 11-7, 11-7) and Lester Bertie (11-4, 11-2, 11-5). Billy Pegg played his part for Woodfield and he scored two contrasting victories. He scarcely put a foot wrong as he downed Trevor Kerry (11-2, 11-7, 13-11) and he came through a really hard fought tussle to get the better of Hung Kei Li 14-12, 5-11, 11-5, 10-12, 12-10. Shaun Slater secured the Woodfield victory in the last game by getting the better of Steve Fox 11-6, 8-11, 11-9, 11-6.

Keyworth scored an easier than anticipated 6-2 victory over Howard. Mark Buckley was an outstanding five game winner over Keyworth no. one Trevor Kerry, but, Kai Lu and Hung Kei Li both stayed undefeated as Keyworth dominated. Peter Furneaux completed an excellent team-performance by getting the better of Phil Thomas 9-11, 18-16, 11-7, 11-9. Keyworth also ran out 6-2 winners against Bribar Redlands Rookies in a match where England no. five Cadet Sam Walker was easily the outstanding Bribar player. Walker scored a fine 11-7, 11-13, 11-6, 16-14 victory over Trevor Kerry and he also scored his team‘s second victory as well, a cleverly executed 11-5, 11-4, 11-7 win over Steve Fox.

The match between second-placed Howard and third-placed Yaxley Royal British Legion was as you would expect a close fought affair, although it certainly looked at one stage as if Howard would pick up both points. Howard moved into a 4-1 lead after Ian Gordon beat Kevin Gray 12-14, 9-11.11-9, 11-7, 11-3 and surely the odds were now heavily stacked in Howard’s favour ?. Not in this case !. Wayne Mason hit back by beating Harry Lumb 3-1, Shaun Murray made the score 3-4 by getting the better of Ross Wilson 3-1 and Daniel Fielding levelled the scores by beating Kirsty Wilson 11-3, 11-9, 15-13.

Yaxley Royal British Legion’s clash with Woodfield II also finished all square. Kevin Gray opened proceedings with a 12-10, 11-6, 11-9 victory against Billy Pegg and the scores moved onto 2-2 whereupon Steve Bertie gave Woodfield the advantage by getting the better of Kevin Gray over five well contested ends. Bertie won 9-11, 11-7, 7-11, 12-10, 11-6. Pegg made the score 4-2 to Woodfield by beating Shuan Murray 11-9, 11-8, 11-8 but it wasn’t enough to secure them both points. Wayne Mason hit back by getting the better of Lester Bertie 11-7, 11-6, 9-11, 11-5 and Daniel Fielding earned Yaxley Royal British Legion a share of the points by beating Shaun Slater 11-8, 11-8, 9-11, 13-11.

The detailed results of all divisions are now also available here (http://www.englishtabletennis.org.uk/competitions/ttleaguedivision.cfm?eventId=91)

Steve Kerns
Press & Publicity Officer
British Table Tennis League

Photo: Trevor Kerry (Keyworth) - courtesy of David Wearn


ETTA Article

[Dave Robson]

Nice win for Neil Charles


http://www.sportfocus.com/newsimage/NC-1.jpg



Round nine of the British League Premier Division played at the new-look BATTS Club in Harlow saw two players score stand-out wins. Chris Doran (Westfield) beat David Meads (Ormesby) over five furious ends whilst Neil Charles (Fusion) scored a superb five game win over Wang Zheng (BATTS Team Peniel). Apart from DHS Greenhouse Progress’s Dong Da Quin’s near-miss against Gareth Herbert (14-12, 6-11, 18-16, 12-14, 9-11) results went pretty much to form.

Fusion gave a really good account of themselves against BATTS Team Peniel and Tommy Cutler built on Neil Charles’s fine win by getting the better of John Holland 11-9, 12-14, 1-11, 13-11, 11-7 to level the scores at 2-2. Wang Zheng made no mistake in his second singles and it was big shots from all angles as he beat Niall Cameron decisively 11-6, 11-7, 11-2. How would Neil Charles make out against Shuying bearing in mind his impressive play in his first game? Neil never really got into the game and it was the diminutive Chinese star who dominated as she ran out an 11-3, 12-10, 11-2 winner. The next game produced the battle of the morning and a never-say-die Tommy Cutler came from behind to get the better of Craig Bryant with some superb controlled hitting. Tommy shaded it 11-3, 2-11, 11-13, 11-6, 14-12. Could Fusion pinch a point? The answer turned out to be an emphatic “no” as John Holland made no mistake as he beat Remi Petrosius decisively 11-6, 11-7, 11-7 to seal a 5-3 victory for Essex’s top side.

Promoted Westfield have been a revelation this Season and they again produced the goods as they beat Ormesby I 6-2. Chris Doran, Damien Nicholls and Shaun Marples were all unbeaten. Doran added to his superb win over David Meads by getting the better of Welsh Junior international Patrick Thomas 11-2, 11-2, 11-7 and Damien Nicholls also impressed. Nicholls who also plays in the Belgium Super League was on top form and he blitzed his way past Nigel Eckersley (11-7, 11-9, 11-7) and David Meads (5-11, 11-6, 11-6, 11-6). Shaun Marples’s double included wins over Veterans Steve Brunskill (14-12, 11-6, 11-5) as well as Nigel Eckersley (11-3, 11-2, 9-11, 11-5). Ormesby’s Steve Brunskill made the score respectable in the last game by getting the better of Westfield debutante Lindsay Reynolds narrowly 12-10, 12-10, 7-11, 12-10 in the last game.

DHS Greenhouse Progress I added two points to their total by getting the better of Greenhouse TTK I 6-2. Gareth Herbert won his two singles for TTK - no surprises there, but, DHS Greenhouse Progress made no mistake in the remaining generally well-contested games. Fast improving Daniel Basterfield pushed Ashley Stokes all the way before succumbing 5-11, 11-6, 11-9, 7-11, 8-11 whilst William Cooney also gave Stokes plenty to think about before he missed out 9-11, 6-11, 12-10, 11-9, 7-11. Progress’s new signing, the fast-improving Ashley Willetts enjoyed a winning debut. He beat Jide Owolabi 11-9, 11-6, 6-11, 11-2 as well as William Cooney 11-6, 11-7, 11-6.

Second-placed Ellenborough found themselves in the position every Team Captain dreads. They were two players short with the Champions elect to face - Drumchapel Glasgow. Steve Kerns and Dave Langham, regulars in the Ellenborough second team in division four (South) gamely did their best but their can be few surprises that Drumchapel ran out 8-0 winners. Drumchapel’s new signing, new number one Lai Shi appeared to have a lot in hand but he failed to hit the heights and both Jimmy Walsh and Lorestas Trumpauskas tested him. Jimmy went down battling 14-12, 5-11, 9-11, 5-11 whilst Lorestas also gave a really good account of himself against the new Glasgow Star before succumbing 11-8, 4-11, 6-11, 5-11. Kerns and Langham tied in their personal battle to secure the most points with Kerns securing respectable scores of 9-11, 6-11, 6-11 against Stephen Jenkins and Langham playing very well against Terry Young before missng out 5-11, 12-14, 4-11.

For all results to date click here (http://www.englishtabletennis.org.uk/competitions/ttleaguedivision.cfm?eventId=91)

Steve Kerns

Photo - Neil Charles (Fusion)

[Dave Robson]

http://www.sportfocus.com/newsimage/CD-1.jpg



No doubt about it. Round ten of the British League Premier Division matches
definitely belonged to Westfield’s England number 17 Chris Doran who scored a
superb 11-6, 6-11, 9-11, 11-5, 11-9 win over England number seven Gareth Herbert
as Westfield ran out 6-2 winners. Herbert’s other game against Damien Nicholls
was also full of top class Table Tennis but it was Herbert who pulled clear in
the fifth end to win 11-9, 11-1, 9-11, 4-11, 11-5. Shaun Marples was again on
top form and he scored two quick-fire wins : 11-5, 11-8, 11-5 against William
Cooney and 11-8, 11-8, 11-3 against Daniel Basterfield. And in what was a fine
all-round Westfield team performance Lindsey Reynolds opened her Premier
Division account by beating Ryan Viegas 11-5, 11-9, 6-11, 11-7.

The Drumchapel Glasgow Juggernaut moved a step closer to the title by beating
Fusion 7-1, with only Stephen Jenkins tasting defeat. Stephen was on the wrong
end of another top class display from Tommy Cutler as Tommy surged to a 11-7,
11-7, 11-7 victory. Tommy felt the full force of “Family retribution” in his
second singles against Ryan Jenkins, as Ryan powered home 11-3, 11-3, 13-11.
Take that !. Neil Charles came closest to taking a second game for Fusion and
he led Terry Young 2-0 before falling away in the third end and coming back
strongly in the fourth end. Terry eventually ran out a 7-11, 8-11, 11-2, 11-9,
11-4 winner. Glasgow number one Lei Shi produced his most potent play of the day
and he beat Niall Cameron convincingly 11-5, 11-3, 11-6.

Home team BATTS Team Peniel were on great form against Ormesby and they ran
out 7-1 winners. David Meads gave Ormesby a great start by beating Craig Bryant
12-10, 11-2, 12-10 in the first game but that was a good as it got for the
Middlesbrough side. Wang Zheng levelled the scores by beating Nigel Eckersley 3-
1 and he really turned on the style in his second singles. Wang played some
storming Table Tennis to beat David Meads 12-10, 10-12, 13-11, 11-8. Shuying Xu
was also at her best and she scarcely missed a shot as she powered her way past
Steve Brunskill (11-8, 11-7, 11-5) and Nigel Eckersley (11-7, 11-7, 11-4).

Ellenborough were bolstered in their match against DHS Greenhouse Progress I
by the inclusion of Vytas Rybakas who arrived from his Saturday Match in
Belgium courtesy of a spot-on-time Eurostar Service to Kings Cross. His team-
mates were certainly pleased he could make it as the Essex County first team
player was at his very best and he played some storming Table Tennis to beat
Matt Ware 11-7, 11-9, 11-6 and then Ashley Stokes after a real “Cat-and” Mouse
battle” 8-11, 11-4, 11-9, 9-11, 12-10. Two great wins. However, Ellenborough
could not add to Vytas’s wins with Matt Ware hitting back strongly in his
second singles by getting the better of Lorestas Trumpauskas 11-6, 11-9, 8-11,
11-8. Ellenborough Captain Jimmy Walsh fought as hard as ever but he couldn’t
quite contain Ashley Willetts and he missed out 9-11, 5-11, 12-10, 11-5, 7-11
whilst Steve Kerns felt the full force of Ashley Willetts's raking forehand
succumbing 5-11, 4-11, 3-11.

For all results to date click here (http://www.englishtabletennis.org.uk/competitions/ttleaguedivision.cfm?eventId=91)
Courtesy ETTA /

Steve Kerns

Photo - Chris Doran (Westfield)