News & Views from the Colchester Table Tennis League
with Press Officer Martyn Green

7th October-2008
Rayne Ends Rowhedge A’s Reign?

Last season’s Colchester & District League Division One champions H20 Rowhedge A are currently bottom without a win to their name. Following the departure of Greg Green and player shortages that has forced them to postpone their match at Walton they were well beaten, 7-3 at Rayne. Steve Kerns led the way with a commanding maximum that included a three set win over Braintree rival Kevin Gowlett whose two wins were Rowhedge’s only singles successes. Gt Horkesley A have taken over at the top after their second 10-0 win, this time at Walton C which makes them serious title contenders, Richard Goodhand winning his ninth straight Colchester game showing no ill-effects of the new rubber rule changes. Aimee Sparks is also unbeaten and the Ipswich connection was complete with John Leith winning his three. St Mary’s A poor start to the season continued with a 6-4 defeat at Walton B with no player unbeaten. Rowhedge’s poor availability meant the top of the table clash between their ‘B’ & ‘C’ teams was postponed.

H20 Rowhedge D have no such problems, flying high at the top of Division two. Their ‘E’ team were the latest victims, brushed aside with consummate ease 8-2. Fred Button and Phil Smith starred once again unbeaten as their team opened a ten point lead. Walton D joined Gt Horkesley C in joint second place as they recorded their first win, 9-1 at Pegasus B. Gt Horkesley are the surprise package and they made it three wins out of four with a comfortable 7-3 defeat of Lawford A. Wuidong Liu led the way winning all his games including a three set win over Graham Mortimer 4, 4 & 3! The same score-line saw Tollesbury A and Jobserve cement mid-table positions with Roger Clarke producing his best form in recent seasons completing a fine maximum beating Brian Spellor in the last game of the night, coming back from two sets down to secure the draw. Honours were even in the battle of the two teams promoted from Division Three as Paul Tracey starred winning his three for Clairmont whilst Pegasus A remain unbeaten.

Tollesbury B continue to head Division Three inflicting a first defeat on H20 Rowhedge F with all three of their players winning two and the Rowhedge players one apiece! Pegasus C remain second and they brushed aside CRGS A 8-2, Sandy Issac completing three good wins. Title favourites St Peters move up to third, crushing Pegasus D 9-1. The shock of the night was that their top player Ian Carter lost the one point to Rich Richie returning to the league after a long layoff. Richie went one better winning two as his side drew 5-5 with Lawford B with Peter Armes the man who beat him as he did Richie’s two other team mates. Lawford C are still bottom following four straight defeats, the latest at home to Dedham with Andy Franklin winning his first maximum along with Dale Everett.

Division Four top dogs H20 Rowhedge G were without a match this week and Pegasus E closed the gap a little drawing 5-5 with Gt Horkesley D as they move up to second. Stan Flint was their star winning his three. Lawford D move off the bottom beating CRGS B 6-4, Nick Murray the thorn in their side winning all three for the school team.