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The Boston and District Table Tennis League wound down for another season, the last three matches in the Yates and Greenhough Division One being played. Penmaen A already assured of the title visited Stickney, neither team having much to play for as the champions romped home 9-1.

The other two games were much more interesting, Lodgers G confirming the runners up spot, thumping their B team, who have been getting ready for the A D Dickinson Division Two for quite a while now. The match in question was not totally one-way traffic, Kelvin Clements winning his games in straight legs, none of the B lads getting close to him. Gary Hill picked up his singles but he had to fight all the way, Tim Day taking him to four and being pushed by both Pete Truepenny and Vic Clements, Gary just beating Pete 14-12 and scraping home against Vic 12-10. Mark Hulme although winning three could not hold on to a top ten place, Day and Truepenny taking a leg out of him, while Clements despite being beaten 2-11, 3-11 in the first two, rallied in the third, just gong down 10-12.

The last game of the season saw two of the Graves Park teams, the A and the B, pit their wits against each other.

With the A leading the B by two points their was plenty to play for, the B knowing that they needed at least a 7-3 win which is not beyond them to overtake their A counterparts. Unfortunately Mike Freeston, after having a fair season, had an off-night by losing his first game to Nick Langley in four, and following that up with defeats to both Phil Brooks and Rob Smith. Dave Graham and Peter Munch repaired some of the damage winning two apiece, both of them losing to the A’s star of the show Rob Smith, who after a third set blip against Munch called on his reserves to take control of the fourth winning 11-3. The decisive doubles saw the B in the driving seat, Graham and Munch winning the first two with ease. The A came out all guns blazing in the third but the B pairing held firm, just running out 12-10,winners, thus ensuring an equal share of the points. A good performance by the B, who last season finished 20 points behind their A team. This season admittedly with the inclusion of No.7 ranked Peter Munch, the B are one place higher in the table and are only two points adrift.

Report for week ending March 27

Most of the loose ends in the Boston and District Table Tennis League have now been tidied up and all I am waiting for now is a couple of results from Division One to complete the season.

Most of the action has centred around the A D Dickinson Division Two, Wrangle A confirming themselves as champions, rather unconvincingly with a win, a defeat and a draw. Wrangle thought that they just had to do little more than turn up to take the title but suffered a set back when they met Lodgers E, who for this match fielded both Colin Bell and Mark Vere. Lodgers knew it was going to be tough, Colin Bell making short work of Sam Cooper but Dave Coulson kept the scores level, beating Pete Bell. Mark Vere regained the lead in the next game, beating Dennis Pattrick but it was not all plain sailing, Vere losing the first end 9-11 but blasting past Pattrick in the next three. Lodgers ground on, Bell and Vere winning the next two, beating Coulson and Cooper respectively but here again it was never one way traffic, both Wrangle players taking an end off their more illustrious opponents. Wrangle clawed one back, Pattrick beating Pete Bell but it had little effect, ast Lodgers took their chances, Vere in the best game of the night, narrowly beating Coulson 11-8, 9-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-9, thus avenging his (Vere’s) only defeat this season. Colin Bell put the issue beyond doubt, beating Pattrick and although Wrangle pulled one back in late on, Cooper beating Pete Bell, it was to little too late. Colin Bell and Vere put the icing on the cake narrowly winning the doubles for a 7-3 victory.

With the title still not in the bag, Wrangle met Penmaen D, who had once been their main rivals for the title, but poor results by them in late January/early February all but put paid to their chances. With four of the six players involved in the top ten this match was going to be a close call but it was also one that Wrangle could ill afford to lose. However, Wrangle got away to a flyer, Sam Cooper making hard work of it to beat John Shortland, John coming from two sets down only to lose the fifth. No 3 ranked Dave Coulson extended the lead making short work of No.5 ranked Dave Smith, the Wrangle bandwagon continuing to build speed, Dennis Pattrick narrowly beating No.9 ranked Chris Cooke 11-9 in the fifth. Cooper made it 4-0 with good win over Smith while Pattrick comfortably beat Shortland in three. The big ones were still to come, Cooke who had already lost to Shortland, putting pressure on No.3 ranked Coulson beating him 11-7 in the fourth but Pattrick who was having his best night of the season, blunted any hopes Penmaen had of a revival, beating Smith 12-10, 10-12, 12-10, 11-7. (How many times does Dave Smith lose three in one night?) Cooper succumbed to Cooke who was keeping Penmaen afloat, 7-11, 11-6, 11-8, 9-11, 5-11 but it made little difference as Coulson made hard work of beating Shortland coming from 1-2 down to win the last two. The doubles were really of little consequence but the Penmaen pair needed it to give the score an air of credibility beating Cooper and Pattrick 5-11, 11-3, 11-8, 11-5 giving Wrangle a 7-3 victory guiding them to the title.

With the title in the bag Wrangle turned their attention to Lodgers F, who played no less than six matches with only two players. Had they fielded a full team for all matches they could have easily made third place. In another match involving four of the top ten players it looked like Lodgers needed this match more than Wrangle although Sam Cooper set the ball rolling beating Ian Gorrie in three straight. David Kime and Steve Harker hit back to beat No.3 ranked Coulson and Dennis Pattrick respectively, the game between Kime and Coulson being a real cliffhanger, Kime coming back from 1-2 to win the last two. Coulson soon had Wrangle on level terms, beating Gorrie but Lodgers forged ahead, Harker beating No.4 ranked Cooper in four. Wrangle were playing catch up but Pattrick kept them on track beating Kime (good win this,) while Coulson made short work of Harker beating him 11-6, 11-8, 11-5. Pattrick who again was having a excellent night, comfortably beat Gorrie to give Wrangle an unassailable lead but Kime kept Lodgers in the hunt beating Cooper, sending him plummeting down the rankings. The decisive doubles saw the formidable Kime and Harker take on Cooper and Pattrick, the Lodgers pair winning in three straight thus ensuring an equal share of the points.

Lodgers E closed down their season with a 9-1 win over Sibsey B, who uncomplainingly have turned out every week, knowing that often as not that they would be well beaten. As expected Colin Bell and Mark Vere won their games at a canter, every one being over in straight ends. Pete Bell picked up two welcome victories, beating Wayne Grooby and Richard Hill in straight legs. Against Phil Coote , Peter clawed his way back from two sets down to draw level only to narrowly lose the fifth end 8-11 Coote earning Sibsey their solitary point.

Lodgers H who kick started their season just before the Christmas break, finished in style beating Graves Park F 6-4. Lodgers got away to a perfect start winning the first two, Steve Marshall having no trouble with Alan Davy while Simon Raistrick despite losing the first end to Fred Calvert, narrowly won the next three. Barry Frankish pulled one back, surprisingly beating Boyd Smith, while Calvert put the Park on level terms, beating Marshall 11-7, 4-11, 12-10, 11-9. Lodgers bounced back, Smith edging them in front but a Frankish effort kept the Park in the frame, beating Raistrick in three straight. A concerted effort by Smith saw Lodgers get their nose in front, beating Calvert in a close four ender, while Marshall eased to victory over Calvert. Raistrick made sure that Lodgers would take the lions share of the points, with an easy victory over Davy but in a tight doubles encounter Calvert and Frankish gave the score an air of respectability, beating Marshall and Smith 11-7, 7-11,12-14, 11-6, 11-8.

In the Yates and Greenhough Division One the title and relegation is finalised the remainder of games being for final positions and personal pride.

Penmaen B entertained Lodgers B who have found the leap to Division One, a bridge too far and the last four or five seasons has seen them top of Division Two but one season but at the foot of Division One the next. Penmaen started solidly building up a two game lead, Scott Sykes beating Pete Truepenny, Neil Snaith beating an out of touch Vic Clements and despite efforts from Roger Hooton, he just lost out in a five set thriller against Tim Day, in a match that could have swung either way. Penmaen pressed ahead regularly picking up games, Snaith beating the out of form Truepenny, while Sykes required four to get the better of Day. Lodgers then hit a purple patch, Clements getting his name on the board beating Hooton in another close five setter, the vital points breaking in Lodgers favour. Day picked up his second of the night, playing brilliantly to beat Snaith, while Truepenny who has gone through a barren spell, narrowly beat Hooton in three. Alarm bells were starting to ring in the Penmaen camp but Sykes soothed the nerves, comfortably beating Clements and then combining with Snaith to win a hard fought doubles 9-11, 7-11, 11-9, 11-4,11-8 for a 6-4 victory.

Lodgers A captured fourth place in the table with a narrow 6-4 win over Stickney, Lodgers drafting in Pete Evans who hasn’t played since late January, in place of the unavailable Graham Lacey. With both teams being evenly matched, a close game ensued, Lodgers claiming first blood, Trev Blackbourn beating Vince Lozynsky but star, Andrew Benjamin, quickly replied with a narrow 11-9,. 11-9, 16-14 win over Pete Evans. Lodgers took the lead, Ian Stones beating Geoff Bourne, only to see Benmamin pick up his second of the night, beating Blackbourn in four. Lodgers forged ahead Stones brushing aside Lozynsky, while Evans considering he hasn’t played a lot, scored a great win over Bourne. Stones picked up his third of the night, denying Benjamin his hat-trick, coming from two set down to beat him 6-11, 9-11, 12-10, 11-6, 11-9. Bourne gained a consolation beating Blackbourn but Evans put the issue beyond doubt with a four set win over Lozynsky. The result was in the bag but Stickney gave the score an air of respectability, Bourne and Benjamin narrowly beating Blackbourn and Stones.

Yates and Greenhough Division One: Penmaen B 6, Lodgers B 4; Stickney 4, Lodgers A 6.

A D Dickinson Division Two: Wrangle A 3, Lodgers E 7; Penmaen D 3, Wrangle A 7; Wrangle A 5, Lodgers F 5; Lodgers E 9, Sibsey 1; Lodgers H 7, Lodgers D 3; Graves Park F 4, Lodgers H 6; Wrangle B 3, Lodgers F 7.

Report for week ending March 20

The penultimate week of the Boston and District Table Tennis season saw most of the outstanding issues resolved.

The one issue still unsettled, though, is the A D Dickinson Division Two championship where it looks as though it will be Wrangle A who will clinch the title. Although they are still six points adrift of Graves Park Nomads they still have three matches left to play and that should be a mere formality.

Graves Park Nomads made sure of taking the runners-up spot with a narrow 6-4 victory over Lodgers F the Park thus becoming the first team this season to complete their fixtures. This game had all the ingredients of being a cracker. But at 3-1 down, the Park were in trouble, Ian Gorrie playing well to beat Harry Paul in a five ender. Tris Clow replied for the Park, making short work of David Kime but Steve Harker edged Lodgers back in front pulling off the shock of the night beating No.2 ranked Dean Clow 7-11, 11-6, 9-11, 14-12, 11-9. The lead was further extended, Kime getting his name on the board, just beating Paul in a close five ender and at that moment, promotion for the Park looked a world away. Dean and Tris Clow picked up the pieces, winning the next two to level the score, Dean comfortably beating Gorrie, while Tris in possibly the best game of the night, pulled off a great win over Harker, coming from two sets down to win the last three 11-2, 11-9, 11-6. Dean Clow picked up his second of the night beating Kime but Harker again threw the result back into the melting pot, with a straight set win over Paul. Man of the match Tris Clow made sure of at least an equal share of the points beating Gorrie in straight legs and then combined with brother Dean to blow away the Lodgers doubles pair of Harker and Kime 11-1, 11-3, 11-6 guiding the Park to a 6-4 victory and promotion.

The resurgent Lodgers H surged through to sixth place in the league by beating Sibsey School 10-0, seven of the 10 games being over in straight legs. Wayne Grooby and Richard Hill were never in the hunt but Phil Coote put up a fight, taking Steve Marshall and Simon Raistrick to four but being well beaten by Boyd Smith in straight ends. The doubles was a bit of a struggle Hill and Grooby after losing the first two ends to Marshall and Smith nicked the third end 12-10. The revival was short lived the Lodgers pair snuffing out any hope in the fourth, easing home 11-7.

In Yates and Greenhough Division One, Lodgers G cemented their claim for second spot with a 9-1 win over Graves Park D, who after a brief season in the first will next season return to the second. A few nights later their second place was confirmed, Lodgers crushing two player Graves Park A 10-0.

Despite the score, the match against Graves Park D was far from easy and despite being doomed, they (the Park) turned in a fine performance. Paul Matschull was no match for the Lodgers lads but Mick Dodes was a little unlucky not to pick up something, taking No.4 ranked Kelvin Clements and Mark Hulme to five and pushing No.8 Gary Hill but fading in the fourth end. The Park man of the match though was Dave Walters who despite losing quite convincingly to Clements and Hill saved the Park’s blushes beating Hulme (good win this) in four Dave inching home 11-9, 11-7, 9-11, 11-9.

Three nights later it was the turn of Graves Park A who unfortunately could only field two players. It mattered little, as Lodgers knowing they were runners-up did a 10-0 demolition job, every game but one being over in straight legs. Rob Smith took the second set off Gary Hill but surrendered the last two being well beaten 1-11, 11-4, 5-11, 7-11.

Penmaen A who have looked championship contenders from the first week of the season, sealed the title with a game to spare beating Graves Park B 10-0. After missing most of the second half the Park had Dave Graham back in the team but it made little difference. With Brett Heppenstall injured, Penmaen drafted in Brian Hill who had little trouble winning his three, although Dave Graham took him to 10-12 in the third end. Mike Freeston took the third end off Jake but it was never in doubt and Jake eased home in the fourth.

With the Park C’s runner-up hopes in tatters they visited Lodgers A, who habitually seem to finish in fourth or fifth spot, the Park scraping home 6-4. Lodgers found Mick East in tremendous form, Mick beating Ian Stones and Trev Blackbourn in straight ends and despite losing the second end to No.2 ranked Graham Lacey, Mick won the next two with consummate ease, inflicting upon Graham only his fourth defeat of the season. Martin Walters chipped in with two, beating Stones in a close five setter that could have swung either way and requiring four to see off the challenge of Trev Blackbourn. The “Quinno” had to settle for one, beating Blackbourn but although taking Lacey to five close ones, he was well beaten by Stones in straight sets.

Lodgers B who I think have found the season tougher than expected entertained Stickney who after a few seasons in the doldrums, have turned into a mid-table team. Paul Hartnett got Stickney away to a good start beating Pete Truepenny in four but Lodgers bounced back, Vic Clements putting them on the board with a tight 6-11, 11-6 11-9 12-10 win over Geoff Bourne. From then on Stickney took control, the Andrew Benjamin star continuing to rise, putting them in charge winning his singles without any bother. Paul Hartnett gave him excellent support comfortably beating Clements but making hard work of it against Tim Day. Geoff Bourne after his first game defeat by Clements, bounced back to win two beating Day in three but having a four set tussle with Truepenny Geoff finally winning the long fourth end 19-17.

Yates and Greenhough Division One: Graves Park D 1, Lodgers G 9; Lodgers G 10, Graves Park A 0; Penmaen A 10, Graves Park B 0; Graves Park C 2, Penmaen A 8; Lodgers A 4, Graves Park C 6; Lodgers B 1, Stickney 9.

A D Dickinson Division Two: Lodgers F 4, Graves Park Nomads 6; Sibsey 0, Lodgers H 10; Lodgers D 3, Wrangle B 7.

Report for week ending March 13

The Boston and District Table Tennis League is rapidly drawing to a close but there still seems to be a fair bit to play for though, because remarkably apart from the Division One title, nothing is cut and dried.

Penmaen A as expected will pick up the Yates and Greenhough Division One title, while the runners-up spot will be contested by Graves Park C and Lodgers G. At the moment the Park hold a 13-point lead but Lodgers have a game in hand, which is against their B team which first time round was a ten pointer. Coupled with this, Lodgers also have an easier run in having to play Graves Park D and Graves Park A, (also prospective 10 pointers.) The Park’s run in by contrast could not be more difficult, having to play Lodgers A, (never an easy fixture), while their last match of the season is against champions Penmaen A. The minor placings in the league are getting sorted out Lodgers A staking their claim for fourth with a solid 7-3 victory over Graves Park B, who I think would be happy with either sixth or seventh spot.

A battling performance saw the Park off to a flyer Mick Maltby comfortably beating Trev Blackbourn in four but he faded aginst Ian Stones and Graham Lacey, losing in three straight. Mike Freeston had a somewhat unlucky evening with two five set games, losing 13-15 in the fifth against Stones, and against Blackbourn coming from 1-2 sets down to draw level only to lose the final end 10-12. However against No.2 ranked Graham Lacey, Mike ran out of steam losing 2-11, 3-11, 5-11. Peter Munch kept the Park in the hunt having three five setters, losing his first game to Lacey and after two long games against Stones and Blackburn, winning the fifth end in both cases with something to spare. The Park desperately needed the doubles but it wasn’t to be, Maltby and Munch putting up a brave fight against Stones and Lacey and despite winning the third leg finally went down 16-14, 11-7, 10-12, 11-8.

Graves Park A could only field two players for their game against Stickney and rather than call it off decided to play. In the end it wasn’t a bad call by the Park to go ahead, Rob Smith winning his singles but struggling against a determined Andrew Benjamin, Rob losing the first, scraping the second and third by the narrowest of margins but comfortably winning the fourth 11-6. Nick Langley picked up one beating Vince Lozynsky in four and although pushing Geoff Bourne close, he lost out, going down 8-11 in the decisive set. The doubles was also a close encounter the Park pair of Smith and Langley battling hard to save the match, finally winning the fifth set 11-8 earning the Park an equal share of the spoils.

With Lodgers B dead in the water, Graves Park D are consigned to go down with them being beaten 3-7 by Penmaen B. Penmaen took an early lead Scott Sykes making short work of Dave Walters, while Neil Snaith added to the lead beating Paul Matschull in three. Mick Dodes stopped the run of defeats beating Roger Hooton 8-11, 11-2, 11-6, 11-9 but the Park ground on Walters losing his second of the night being well beaten by Snaith in three. Dodes kept the Park afloat beating Sykes in four but Penmaen were on a roll and despite Matschull turning in a good performance against Hooton it was all to no avail, Snaith completing his hat-trick with a comprehensive win over Dodes but Walters gave the Park a glimmer of hope narrowly beating Hooton. Penmaen snuffed out any hope of a Park comeback, Sykes despite losing the first set to Matschull comfortably won the next three for a 6-3 lead. The doubles was perhaps the hardest fought game of the night Sykes and Snaith putting Penmaen in line for victory with a 11-3, 12-10 victory. The third set was a real marathon Dodes and Walters matching the Penmaen lads point for point and this is how it stayed there being nothing to separate them. At 19 all the Park pair blinked first, Sykes and Snaith capitalising on the mistake it to win the leg 21-19 for the longest set in the Table Tennis league since the 11 up rule was introduced.

Graves Park A and Penmaen B are teams occupying healthy mid-table positions. When they met, it was the Park who flew out of the starting blocks, Rob Smith making short work of Neil Snaith. Penmaen hit back Roger Hooton levelling the score narrowly beating Nick Langley but the Park strode on Smith picking up his second of the night beating Scott Sykes. Langley who at the moment is suffering a loss of form, lost to Snaith and it was left to Phil Brooks to put the Park in the lead with a 11-8, 11-5, 15-17, 13-11 win over Hooton. Phil went straight back on the table to beat Sykes in four and with Smith picking up his hat-trick beating Hooton, the Park looked to be home and dry leading 5-2. However things can change very quickly and a great fight back by Penmaen changed the game, Snaith beating Brooks in four, while Sykes threw the result into the melting pot with a hard fought win over Langley, which meant the doubles would decide. As expected this was close but the Penmaen pair gradually took control winning 12-10 11-8 11-7 earning them an equal share of the points and from the looking disastrous at the end of game seven, turned out to be from Penmaen’s point of view, a reasonable result.

Lodgers H, who saw their good A D Dickinson Division Two run halted a couple of weeks ago, met the very strong Wrangle A whose experience shone through taking the final set in five different games. Boyd Smith gave Lodgers a great start beating No.5 ranked Sam Cooper in three and although the second set could have gone either way the other two were never in doubt. No.3 ranked Dave Coulson redressed the balance beating Simon Raistrick in one of the many five setters but Steve Marshall restored Lodgers lead making short work of Dennis Pattrick. Stung by this Wrangle responded, Cooper having no trouble with Raistrick to level the score, while Pattrick gave them the lead with an 11-6 win over Smith. The sixth was another close five ender, No.3 ranked Coulson requiring five to overcome Marshall the fifth set being a very easy 11-5 score. The next was probably the best of the night, Pattrick who after his first game defeat was buzzing, narrowly beat Raistrick 8-11, 11-7, 11-3, 4-11 and a close fifth 14-12. Wrangle were now on top, Cooper picking up his second of the night beating Marshall, while Coulson completed his hat-trick beating Smith in yet another five setter which swung the Wrangle way. After all their hard work Lodgers had little to show for their efforts but Smith and Marshall gave the result an air of respectability winning a five set doubles for a 3-7 scoreline.

Penmaen D, who have been there or thereabouts all season, virtually threw away their chance of promotion just beating Graves Park F 6-4 and this result means that Graves Park Nomads even if they lose their last match 4-6 will clinch the second other promotion place. Penmaen got away brightly, Chris Cooke comfortably easing home against Alan Davy, but the Park immediately levelled the score, Fred Calvert beating John Shortland in three straight. No.4 ranked Dave Smith put Penmaen back on track beating Barry Frankish, while Chris Cooke extended the lead beating Calvert in a five setter that was in doubt all the way. Smith added to lead beating Davy in three and it looked as though it was going to be a rout but the Park hit back, Frankish reducing the arrears being slightly lucky to beat Shortland after losing the first two. Nevertheless Penmaen strode on Smith and Cooke both completing their hat-tricks, beating Calvert and Frankish respectively. With only the doubles remaining the game was in the bag but the Park kept fighting Calvert and Frankish gaining some reward for all their hard work, beating Cooke and Smith 11-7, 10-12, 11-8, 6-11, 11-7 giving the scoreline an air of respectability.

Yates and Greenhough Division One: Graves Park B 3, Lodgers A 7; Graves Park A 5, Penmaen B 5; Stickney 5, Graves Park A 5; Penmaen B 7, Graves Park D 3.

A D Dickinson Division Two: Lodgers H 3, Wrangle A 7; Graves Park F 4, Penmaen D 6.

Report for week ending March 6

Who is going to gain promotion from the A D Dickinson Division Two? A few weeks ago Penmaen D looked odds-on favourites but just lately they have gone off the boil and a poor result against fellow contenders Graves Park Nomads a fortnight or so ago dropped then down to third place in the table. Just when they thought it couldn’t get worse, it did Penmaen coming up against Lodgers E, who so happened to be fielding their heavy brigade, both Mark Vere and Coiln Bell turning out and consequently losing 2-8. With Vere and Bell playing it came as no real surprise that both of them picked up their singles. However it wasn’t all that easy, Vere being taken to five by Chris Cooke, Mark winning the first and third end, only to be pinned back both times, before running out a comfortable 11-4 winner in the fifth. No.1 ranked Colin Bell didn’t have it all his own way, being pushed by Cooke and losing the first end to John Shortland before he (Colin), tidied it up in the next three. Tom Bell continued his recent spell of good form beating Maurice Buck in three and although having no answer to Cooke, Tom gave Shortland a run for his money only to go down in four. The doubles were a bit of a worry, the Shortland-Cooke partnership winning the first end 11-8 but Bell and Vere tuned in, winning the next three to guide Lodgers an 8-2 victory.

Wrangle B who are striving to climb the table pulled off two good wins, beating fellow mid table Graves Park F 6-4 and a few night later hammering Sibsey School 10-0, Sibsey’s heaviest defeat for some time. The Park opened the scoring winning the first two, Alan Davy beating Tony Sharpe 11-9 in the fifth while Fred Calvert after losing the first end to Cliff Davey comfortably won the next three 11-6, 11-8, 11-3. Wrangle hit back, Tony Hall turning in his best performance of the season, beating Barry Frankish 11-4, 11-0, 11-13, 8-11, 11-6, while Cliff Davey put Wrangle on level terms beating namesake Alan Davey in three straight. The game swung to and fro, the Park holding the lead, Frankish beating Sharpe only to see it disappear, Hall beating Calvert in a close end. The Park thought they had cracked it in game seven, Frankish making short work of Davey but a resilient fight back from Wrangle saw star of the show Tony Hall level the scores beating Calvert quite comfortably. Buoyed by this Wrangle took the lead for the first time in what was arguably the best singles of the evening, Sharpe playing brilliantly to beat Calvert 11-9, 11-8, 11-13, 5-11, 15-13 while Hall and Davey combined in the doubles to beat the experienced Calvert and Frankish winning in three straight snatching a 6-4 victory from what at one time during the night looked to be a certain defeat.

Wrangle B further enhanced their league position, whitewashing Sibsey rising up the table a couple of places but it might all be in vain as the team below them has games in hand and are only six points adrift. Pretty comprehensive win for Wrangle, all of the singles being over in three straight although Wayne Grooby gave Tony Sharpe a run for his money in one set while John Hobbs almost took an end from Tony Hall. Richard Hill pushed Tim, Sampson all the way in the first end just going down 11-13 but couldn’t keep the momentum going losing the next two 8-11 and 4-11.

With no Mark Vere, Lodgers E are only a shadow of the team that had comprehensively beaten Penmaen D a few nights earlier, being held to a 5-5 draw by Graves Park F. Tom Bell whose form has improved recently, saw it desert him for this game and although taking an end out of Alan Davy, the result was never in doubt. Pete Bell had better luck beating Davy and although taking Fred Calvert to four, lost out 9-11 in the vital set. No.1 ranked Colin Bell kept Lodgers in the frame, making short work of Barry Frankish and Davy but struggled to overcome the style of Calvert. After winning the first two he (Colin) seemed to ease up, losing the next two 10-12 both times. The deciding set was equally close, Colin edging to an 11-9 win and then teaming up with brother Pete to win a close fought doubles, making sure of an equal share of the spoils.

With Wrangle A heading for the champions spot, Graves Park Nomads boosted their chances of promotion, beating Lodgers D 9-1 while the other promotion contenders Penmaen D, could only beat Lodgers D, who played two matches on successive nights 7-3. Great win for Nomads No.3 ranked Dean Clow and brother Tris pointing them towards promotion, both winning their singles, beating Nev Leggate and Graham Bonsor fairly easily. However Tris came under a bit of pressure from Tony Kime and the scoreline of 6-11, 11-9, 9-11, 14-12, 13-11 tells its own story. Harry Paul chipped in with two, turning in his best performance of the season struggling a bit with Leggate but beating Bonsor quite comfortably. He might easily have had all three, taking a shock 2-0 lead over No.9 ranked Kime but after that bright start he faded to lose the last three 5-11, 2-11, 8-11, Tony scoring Lodgers solitary point.

Penmaen met Lodgers the following night, the Penmaen lads winning two each, No.8 ranked Chris Cooke and No.5 ranked Dave Smith making short work of Graham Bonsor and Nev Leggate. John Shortland matched his team mates game for game but he had to work hard against Bonsor and Leggate, losing the first end in both games but easing home in the next three. None of the Penmaen lads had an answer to the resurgent Tony Kime, Tony getting better as the night progressed, needing five to get the better of Cooke, four to see off the challenge of Smith whilst against Shortland, Tony won it in three. The doubles was probably the closest game of the night Kime and Bonsor catching Cooke and Smith cold to win the first 11-3. The next three was much closer the Penmaen pair getting their game together to win through 12-10, 12-10, 8-11.

In the Yates and Greenhough Division One Penmaen A are a mere whisker away from claiming the title for the third successive year, needing just 10 Points from their remaining 3 matches which is well within their grasp.

They moved a step closer this week with a useful 7-3 win over Lodgers A, all of their players picking up two apiece, No.2 ranked Graham Lacey proving to be the stumbling block winning his singles. Graham had little trouble with Jake the Pegg but against Alan Ashberry and Brett Heppenstall it was much harder, Graham needing the fourth end each time to secure victory. Ian Stones was unfortunate not to pick up something from the night losing by the narrowest of margins to Jake (9-11 in the fifth) and taking both No.1 ranked Ashberry and Heppenstall to four ends. With the result in the bag, the doubles took on a bit of an anti-climax, the Penmaen pair scraping the first two ends. Lodgers replied taking the third but Ashberry and Pegg got their act together comfortably winning the fourth, to guide their team to a 7-3 victory.

Graves Park B surged to fifth spot in the table thumping Lodgers B 9-1 and occupy the highest place they have ever been since they broke through to the first division, some three seasons or so ago. Both Mick Maltby and Mike Freeston won their singles, Maltby going the full distance with Vic Clements, while Mike Freeston was pushed all the way by Tim Day, Mike just edging it 11-9, 8-11, 4-11 11-6, 16-14. Surprise of the night though was the defeat of No.6 ranked Peter Munch, Peter being beaten in a five set thriller by Vic Clements, Vic earning Lodgers their solitary point.

Graves Park C stretched their lead over rivals Lodgers G for the runner-up spot to 13 points although Lodgers have a game in hand and an easier run in. Their match against Lodgers B saw Mike East having little trouble winning his singles, despite being taken to four by Vic Clements and Pete Truepenny. Probably his hardest game though was his game with Tim Day, Mick taking the first fairly easily but the next two was real tight, Mick scraping home 12-10,18-16 for a somewhat lucky three set win. James Quinton chipped in with his singles beating Clements and Day fairly easily but having trouble with Truepenny, James getting the hang of in the fifth winning 11-6. Martin Walters had to be content with two, losing to his nemesis Vic Clements, who once again rescued Lodgers from the embarrassment of a whitewash.

Yates and Greenhough Division One: Lodgers A 3, Penmaen A 7; Lodgers B 1, Graves Park B 9; Graves Park C 9, Lodgers B 1.

A D Dickinson Division Two: Penmaen D 2, Lodgers E 8; Wrangle B 6, Graves Park F 4; Wrangle B 10, Sibsey School 0; Wrangle A 9, Wrangle B 1; Lodgers E 5, Graves Park F 5; Lodgers D 3, Penmaen D 7; Graves Park Nomads 9, Lodgers D 1.

Report for week ending February 27

With less than a month of the Boston and District Table Tennis season remaining, promotion and relegation especially in the A D Dickinson Division Two has yet to be finalised.

The race for the title is perhaps the most intriguing for years, Graves Park Nomads, Wrangle A and Penmaen D all vying for top place. The Park who have only two matches remaining look a good bet and their win over Sibsey this week gives them a 7 point lead over their nearest rivals Wrangle A, who have three games in hand. This amount of games is quite sufficient to reel Nomads in but Wrangle have a tough run in, having to play their B team which will be no picnic, the revitalised Lodgers H, the strong Lodgers E (Mark Vere and Colin Bell) and their last match of the season sees them meet Penmaen D, who are currently in third place and also fancy promotion. Penmaen D meanwhile are also in a strong position and although having to play the strong Lodgers E and Wrangle A, have easier matches against Graves Park F and Lodgers D.

Park Nomads pressed ahead in their quest for the title when with only two players, they travelled to Sibsey, coming away with a 7-3 victory. Both Tris and Dean Clow did the business winning their singles but it wasn’t as straightforward as they would have liked, Tris being taken to five by Phil Coote and four by Peter James while No.2 ranked Dean Clow required four legs to see off Coote.

Penmaen D, meanwhile, ramped up the pressure on the top two with a useful 7-3 win over Lodgers H, bringing Lodgers six match unbeaten run to an end. Penmaen’s No.5 ranked Dave Smith was in great form winning his three, brushing aside Steve Marshall in straight ends but being made to work hard by Boyd Smith and Simon Raistrick, who both took him to five. Chris Cooke gave him excellent support chipping in with two, beating Smith and Raistrick but falling at the final hurdle against Marshall. Maurice Buck had to be content with one beating Marshall in the last singles of the night, while Dave Smith and Cooke put the icing on the cake beating Boyd Smith and Marshall in a close fought four end doubles.

Lodgers F, with only two players, took on Sibsey School but it mattered little as David Kime and Steve Harker comfortably won their singles, Kime dropping the second set against Richard Hill but getting it together in the next two. This is the sixth time this season that Lodgers F have only turned out with two players and they might reflect come the end of the season that this could have cost them promotion.

The all-Lodgers clash between the F and the D, saw the F run out resounding 9-1 winners, sending the D plummeting down the table and it is not beyond the bounds of impossibility that they could finish up bottom of the table. No 6 ranked David Kime and No 10 ranked Steve Harker were in tremendous form both of them winning their singles, brushing aside No.9 ranked Tony Kime, which is likely to push him out of the rankings. Ian Gorrie despite getting off to a poor start losing to Tony Kime, chipped in with his other two singles beating Graham Bonsor and Nev Leggate with some ease. The doubles were only going to go one way, David Kime and Harker easing to an 11-7, 11-7, 11-7 victory over a disappointing Tony Kime and Graham Bonsor.

The title destiny of the Yates and Greenhough Division One, while not confirmed, is almost a foregone conclusion, Penmaen A leaving the rest trailing in their wake. A 9-1 win over their B team in a re-arranged match and a 10-0 wipe-out of Lodgers B almost sealed it, Penmaen needing just 19 points form their last four matches (a feat that is not beyond them) to make sure. The defeat of their B team on a very slippery floor was instantly forgettable, Brian Hill making his debut winning his singles. Alan Ashberry and Jake Pegg added their weight to the proceedings, both of them winning their singles, Ashberry after dropping the first against Roger Hooton, comfortably won the next three, while Jake struggled to win two of the first three against Scott Sykes, before thrashing him 11-1 in the fourth. The only crumb of comfort for the B was the doubles, Scott Sykes and Alan Birks nicking it 11-8, 11-9, 11-7 for only the A’s third doubles defeat of the season.

The following night the A bandwagon ground on, hammering Lodgers B 10-0. Having said that some of the game were close Brett Heppenstall and Jake both struggling to a fourth set 12-10 win against Tim Day. No.1 ranked Alan Ashberry was also given a scare, narrowly scraping home 11-9 in the fifth set, against a dour display from Pete Truepenny.

Graves Park C, still in competition with Lodgers G for the runners-up spot, kept on course hammering their A team 10-0. All the A team were in top form with most of the games being, by and large, over in three straight, although Mick East was pushed by Nick Langley, Mick dropping the third but collecting the fourth easy enough. Rob Smith won the first against James Quinton and the second against Martin Walters but faded as the games wore on. Phil Brooks had his worst night for some time and on the night never looked like breaking through.

Lodgers G kept pace with the Park with 8-2 victory over Stickney and a few nights later beating Penmaen B by the same score. Geoff Bourne and Vince Lozynsky had no answer to the Lodgers onslaught, although Vince did manage to take a set out of Gary Hill. The rise and rise of Andrew Benjamin continues, Andrew rescuing Stickney from total annihilation picking up their two points beating No.4 ranked Kelvin Clements for the second time this season and Mark Hulme, both games going the full distance. He though (Benjamin) had no answer to Gary Hill’s pimpled rubber, Gary although winning the first two, struggled home 12-10 in the third for victory.

Against Penmaen B, Kelvin Clements and Gary Hill led the charge, both of them winning their singles. Neil Snaith although losing to both of them, did very well taking Clements to four and although losing 10-12, 10-12, 9-11 to Hill it was close and on another night could so easily have swung his way. However he was rewarded with a hard fought five set win over Mark Hulme, Neil coming back in the fifth with an 11-6 victory to clinch the game. Scott Sykes picked up Penmaen’s other game beating Hulme, having to come from two sets to one down but convincingly winning the last two 11-6, 11-7. Penmaen could have done with the doubles to give the scoreline an air of credibility but Hulme and Hill combined to snuff out the challenge of Sykes and Birks to steer their team to an 8-2 victory.

Yates and Greenhough Division One: Penmaen A 9, Penmaen B 1; Graves Park A 0, Graves Park C 10; Penmaen A 10, Lodgers B 0; Stickney 2, Lodgers G 8; Lodgers G 8, Penmaen B 2.

A D Dickinson Division Two: Sibsey School 3, Graves Park Nomads 7; Lodgers H 3, Penmaen D 7; Lodgers F 7, Sibsey School 3; Lodgers D 1, Lodgers F 9.

Report for week ending February 20

To say the Park lads were pleased when they found out that neither Colin Bell nor Mark Vere was playing is perhaps overstating the obvious. But against an under strength team with only two players, a 10-0 AD Dickinson Division Two win looked a possibility. Lodgers, however, had other ideas, Tom Bell causing an upset in the first game of the night, playing brilliantly to beat No.7 ranked Tris Clow 11-7, 11-13, 11-8, 4-11, 11-6 for his highest profile win of the season. Pete Bell added to the score with a straight set win over Harry Paul and it was left to No.3 ranked Dean Clow to come to the rescue with a straight set win over Tom Bell. Nomads drew level Tris Clow getting his name on the board beating Pete Bell and from there it should have been plain sailing but Tom Bell turned in a sparkling display to beat Harry Paul in straight legs for his most successful night since starting to play Table Tennis. Nomads were rocking but Dean Clow soothed ruffled nerves and combined with brother Tris to comfortably win the doubles and with three walkovers it looked on paper to be a comfortable win but in reality it was anything but.

The following night, however, it was all so different, the Park taking on the mighty Wrangle A who so far this season have only lost one match. Wrangle got away well, Dave Coulson beating Harry Paul in straight ends but the Clow boys were in fighting mood, Dean Clow after a shaky first set defeat to Sam Cooper bounced back to comfortably win the next three, while Tris after a early setback against Dennis Patrick won the next three at a canter. The battle between No.2 and No.3 in the rankings saw no.3 ranked Dean Clow extend the lead, beating Coulson in four but Pattrick kept them (Wrangle), in the hunt beating Paul in straight legs. Undeterred the Park strode on Tris Clow beating No.4 ranked Cooper in three making a mockery of his form the previous night. Dean Clow blasted past Pattrick again in three ends but a Wrangle rearguard saw Coulson pull one back beating Tris Clow 11-7, 11-7, 3-11, 11-13. 12-10. Cooper made sure the result would go to the wire beating Paul but the Clow’s reigned supreme in the doubles beating a plucky Cooper and Pattrick in straight ends for momentous 6-4 victory.

Sibsey passed another milestone in their short history winning their second match of the season, beating albeit an under strength Lodgers D (no No.9 ranked Tony Kime) 8-2 , to record their best win of the season. Sibsey were quickly on the board, Phil Coote beating a lack lustre Graham Bonsor 11-9, 8-11, 19-17 (a long set which could have swung either way) and 11-3 in the final end. Richard Hill overcame Nev Leggate in slightly less spectacular fashion, beating him in straight ends but Bonsor kept Lodgers in the hunt, beating Peter James in four. Coote extended the Sibsy lead comfortably beating Leggate but this was short lived, Bonsor reducing the deficit beating Hill in a tight five setter. James wrapped the singles up to secure victory, beating Leggate and then combined with Hill to beat Leggate and Bonsor in straight sets in the doubles. With three walkovers this gave Sibsey an 8-2 victory, only their second win of the season.

After one or two indifferent results Penmaen D swept back to form beating Wrangle B 7-3. No.5 ranked Dave Smith was back to his best form, brushing aside the Wrangle lads. Chris Cooke gave him excellent support also picking up his singles but he had to fight all the way against Tony Hall, Chris after four close ends scraping home 12-10 in the fifth to complete his hat-trick. Maurice Buck despite taking Tony Sharpe and Tony Hall to five failed to register and it was left to Smith and Cooke to tidy up in the doubles steering the team home to a 7-3 victory.

The battle for the Yates and Greenhough Division One runners-up spot continues to sizzle between Graves Park C and Lodgers G, the Park before the start of play leading by two points, so the meeting between them would be crucial. The Park got away well, Mick East beating Mark Hulme, James Quinton losing in four to Kelvin Clements but Martin Walters after losing the first two to Gary Hill, put the Park ahead winning the last three 11-7, 11-7, 11-4. East in a tight game with Clements stretched the lead and things were looking good. Lodgers however hit back, Hulme making short work of Walters and with Hill beating Quinton despite struggling to a 16-14 win in the third, Lodgers were on level terms. From being great, things began to look black for the Park and it got worse, Clements picking up his second of the night defeating Walters in four but man of the match East kept the Park’s hopes alive, beating Hill 9-11, 11-9, 7-11, 11-1, 11-7 in a game that often swung both ways. Hulme left the match finely balanced narrowly beating Quinton in four while Clements and Hulme eased home in the doubles to give Lodgers a narrow 6-4 victory.

So now with both teams on the same number of points the Park stole a bit of a march on Lodgers G, beating stable-mates Park D 10-0. Admittedly Park D only had two players and despite trying to recruit one of the Clow boys, who unfortunately had a match on the same night it wouldn’t have made any difference to the score. In fairness the D were never in the hunt and although Paul Matschull took an end out of James Quinton the result rarely looked in doubt. Dave Walters looked good in short spells, running each of the C team close in at least one set but when pressure was applied, the C lads held the edge. Park D this time with a full team didn’t fare much better when they met their B team going down 1-9 and this could be the death knell for the D as Park B are only just above them but ahead by 16 points and this is one result the D didn’t need. No.6 ranked Peter Munch quickly picked up his singles being stretched to four by Mick Dodes, while Mick Maltby also obliged but being taken to four by Paul Matschull while the wily Dave Walters took him to five. Mike Freeston had to be content with two, beating Matschull and Dodes but losing in a close four setter to Walters, who fought long and hard all night for no reward.

Penmaen B and Stickney closely locked in a middle of the table battle met the Wyberton based side just coming out on top winning 6-4. Penmaen got away well, Scott Sykes beating Paul Hartnett in a close five setter, but Stickney fought back, Vince Lozynsky completely outfoxing Neil Snaith. Andrew Benjamin continued his good run of form beating Andy Birks and with Hartnett also beating Snaith, Stickney looked in a strong position. Penmaen however hit back, Sykes narrowly beating Benjamin and with Birks beating Lozynsky in four, Stickney were back in it, going on to take the lead Benjamin beating Snaith who had a disappointing night. Penmaen hit back Birks scoring a good win over the big hitting Hartnett, while Sykes gave them (Penmaen) the lead with a straight set win over Lozynsky just giving them the edge. The vital doubles saw both teams needing it for different reasons, the Penmaen pair of Sykes and Birks comfortably winning the first two. Hartnett and Lozynsky fought back to take the third but it was all to no avail, Sykes and Birks cruising the fourth 11-4 to guide Penmaen to a 6-4 victory.

Lodgers B, who are as good as down, met their A team who look as though they will have to settle for fourth place or fifth place once again. No.2 ranked Graham Lacey continued in his rich vein of form winning his singles and never appearing to be in trouble against any of the B lads. Ian Stones gave him admirable support beating Pete Truepenny and Tim Day but losing out in a five set marathon to Vic Clements 3-11, 12-10, 14-16, 11-6, 10-12. Trev Blackbourn had to be content with one beating Pete Truepenny but redeemed himself a little by combining with Lacey to comfortably win the doubles for a 7-3 victory.

Yates and Greenhough Division One: Lodgers G 6, Graves Park C 4; Graves Park C 10, Graves Park D 0; Graves Park D 1, Graves Park B 9; Lodgers B 3, Lodgers A 7; Penmaen B 6, Stickney 4.

A D Dickinson Division Two: Penmaen D 7, Wrangle B 3; Lodgers E 3, Graves Park Nomads 7; Graves Park Nomads 6, Wrangle A 4; Sibsey 8, Lodgers D 2.

Report for week ending February 13

Graves Park C’s tenure at the top of the Yates and Greenhough Division One table lasted barely a week, Penmaen A moving back into their customary slot beating two Graves Park teams, hammering the D 10-0 and in a much closer match than the score suggests, the A side 9-1. On a cold cold night Graves Park D were the visitors, Jake saying that he never felt so cold in his life, but it didn’t prevent Penmaen from playing their customary game, all the singles going their way. No.1 ranked Alan Ashberry had little trouble with Dave Walters or Mick Dodes but he found Paul Matschull a bit of a handful, needing four sets to subdue him. Brett Heppenstall had early trouble with Matschull losing the first 10-12, but Brett got into his stride and the result was never in doubt. Jake the Pegg breezed past Walters and Matschull but It was Dodes who almost proved to be his nemesis, Mick winning the first and the third leg but fading in the last two. The doubles were pretty straightforward, the Penmaen pair making short work of Walters and Matschull, guiding the team back to the top with a 10-0 win.

A few nights later, Penmaen pulled further away from the chasing pack with what looked like a pretty comprehensive victory beating fifth placed Graves Park A 9-1. The score tended to flatter Penmaen a bit with three games going the full distance, while three of the others ran to four. Alan Ashberry set the ball rolling beating Rob Smith in four, while Jake the Pegg increased the lead with a lucky victory over Nick Langley, Nick leading 2-1, Jake fighting back to level the score and go on to win the vital fifth 13-11. Brett Heppenstall had to battle with Phil Brooks, Phil just nicking the first end 16-14 but Brett hit back to win the next three 11-9, 11-9, 11-8. Penmaen marched on, Ashberry beating Langley, while Heppenstall just got the better of Smith in yet another five-ender. Jake eased to a three set win over Brooks, while Heppenstall despite dropping the third end against Langley thumped him 11-2 in the fourth. Brooks was no match for Ashberry and just as it looked as though it was going to be a clean sweep, Smith came to the rescue beating Jake 11-9, 11-9, 11-7 saving the Park from the ignominy of a whitewash.

After two successive defeats Lodgers G returned to the winning trail, beating Graves Park B 8-2, No.4 ranked Kelvin Clements winning his singles, despite dropping a set to Mike Freeston. Mark Hulme and Gary Hill picked up two each, both of them being given a torrid time by Mike Freeston and Mick Maltby, Freeston taking both of them to four, while Maltby despite losing to Hill, surprised him somewhat by winning the second and third end before Hill tidied it up in the last two ends. Neither Hill nor Hulme had any answer to the Park’s Peter Munch, Peter edging home in straight sets despite the scores being close. The doubles was a close encounter Freeston and Munch going down 9-11, 9-11, 9-11 to the Lodgers pair of Clements and Hulme.

On the whole it hadn’t been a real good week for Graves Park, the three Park teams taking part in three separate matches and losing each time. Surely then one of them could manage a win, the A in their second match in a week visiting Lodgers A, both teams being without key players. Lodgers were without No.2 ranked Graham Lacey, while The Park were minus the big hitting Phil Brooks, so the game should have been evenly matched. Obviously Lodgers hadn’t read the script, Trev Blackbourn getting them off the mark beating Nick Langley, while Ian Stones extended the lead with a straight set win over reserve Tris Clow. Rob Smith redressed the balance a little with a scrappy win over Blackbourn but Lodgers pressed ahead, Pete Evans after a first set hic-cup beating Langley 8-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-1 and with Stones beating Smith in a tight five ender, Lodgers were on a roll. Worse was to follow, as Evans picked up his second of the night beating Clow, and with Stones completing his hat-trick at the expense of Langley, Lodgers were home and dry. It was too late to rescue this one but the Park to their credit hit back, Clow comfortably beating Blackbourn, while Smith added an air of respectability to the score beating Evans 11-1, 9-11, 4-11, 14-12, 11-4. The doubles always leaned the Lodgers way so it came of little surprise as Blackbourn and Evans rolled over Smith and Clow in three for a 7-3 victory.

Graves Park Nomads time at the top of the A D Dickinson Division Two didn’t last very long either, Wrangle as expected storming back to first place with a 7-3 win over Lodgers D who themselves have had a disappointing season. Lodgers D looked a bit disjointed and Tony Kime being the only player who has kept their heads above water, but surprisingly it was Lodgers who drew first blood, the aforesaid Kime narrowly beating Sam Cooper 11-9, 13-11, 5-11, 11-9. Wrangle quickly levelled and then took the lead, Dave Coulson brushing aside Bonsor, while Den Pattrick despatched Leggate in straight ends. Wrangle pressed on, Cooper having to fight off a stubborn Bonsor, while Kime, who was proving to be a thorn in the Wrangle side, pulled another one back. Wrangle were now in charge and continued to press winning the next three, Coulson making short work of Leggate, Pattrick requiring four to see off Bonsor and Cooper comfortably beating Leggate. In the game of the night, Kime grabbed a consolation game back for Lodgers, beating No.2 ranked Coulson 11-8, 11-8, 5-11, 5-11, 11-7. With only the doubles to play, Cooper and Pattrick gained some revenge for their singles defeats by Kime, beating him and Leggate in a tight five setter guiding Wrangle to a 7-3 victory.

Lodgers H, who through no fault of their own had their first match of the season postponed, finally got it played narrowly beating their F team, who are three places, but only five points above them in the table 6-4. David Kime got the F on the board beating Simon Raistrick but the H were up for this one, Steve Marshall replying beating Steve Harker, while Boyd Snith gave them the lead, beating Ian Gorrie quite comfortably. Harker levelled the score beating Raistrick and with No.6 ranked Kime turning in a good performance beating Smith, it was looking good for the F team. The H however refused to be downhearted, hauling themselves back into the game, Marshall putting them on level terms, beating Gorrie with some ease. In the game of the night, Smith gave the H the lead beating the influential No.10 ranked Harker, while Raistrick overcame Gorrie in a tight five ender, the H player running out a rather lucky 11-6, 10-12, 9-11, a marathon fourth end 21-19 , 11-8. Marshall made sure of victory surprisingly beating Kime but the H couldn’t maintain the momentum in the doubles, Kime and Harker coming back from the dead to win the last three 15-13, 11-7, 11-5 making the score t look less embarrassing.

Lodgers H continued their good form, drawing with Lodgers E, who if they (Lodgers) played their strongest team every match, would surely win the league. The E got away to a solid start Tom Bell surprisingly beating Boyd Smith, while No.1 ranked Colin Bell had no trouble with Simon Raistrick. Steve Marshall replied beating Pete Bell in three but with Colin Bell being in superb form beating Smith, the H seemed to be on the back foot. Despite this they drew level with two good wins, Marshall beating Tom Bell, while Raistrick beat Pete Bell. Colin Bell spoilt the party beating Marshall but Smith and Raistrick put the H on the brink of victory beating Pete Bell and Tom Bell respectively. The vital doubles saw Colin Bell team up with son Tom, beating Marshall and Smith in four to make sure of an equal share of the spoils.

Wrangle B, who don’t win all that often, gained possibly their best win of the season beating Lodgers E 6-4.

Lodgers again without Mark Vere, possibly threw away a sure fire win, going one down as Tony Sharpe beat Pete Bell in a tight five setter. Colin Bell levelled, struggling to beat Tim Sampson and it’s not many players who take Colin to five, but Tony Hall restored the Wrangle lead beating Tom Bell quite easily. Wrangle were buzzing, Sampson beating Pete Bell, while Hall extended the lead beating Tom Bell but Colin Bell kept Lodgers in there, having no trouble with Hall. Wrangle however hit the winning post, Sampson beating Tom Bell, while Hall struggled with Pete Bell, before comfortably winning the fourth. The doubles were of little consequence so it was no surprise that it went Lodgers way Colin and Pete Bell easing home in straight legs adding a bit of credibility to the score line.

In an all-Park clash, second placed Graves Park Nomads took on their counterparts Graves Park F, the Nomads team running out 6-4 winners. Nomads started off strongly, Tris Clow beating Alan Davy but Fred Calvert quickly equalised, having no trouble with Harry Paul. Dean Clow overcame the attentions of Barry Frankish but Nomads were rocked when Calvert defeated No.7 ranked Tris Clow in three straight. Dean Clow came to the rescue having no truck from Davy but the F levelled, Frankish beating Paul in four ends. The E hit back again, Dean Clow claiming his hat trick beating Calvert 11-7, 13-15, 11-7, 11-3 but Tris Clow who was having a terrible night lost out to Frankish in a tight five setter, which could cost him dear in the rankings. Paul edged Nomads in front narrowly beating Davy and Tris looking to salvage something from a poor night, combined with brother Dean to comfortably win the doubles guiding the team to a 6-4 victory.

Yates and Greenhough Division One: Penmaen A 10, Graves Park D 0; Graves Park A 1, Penmaen A 9; Graves Park B 2, Lodgers G 8; Lodgers A 7, Graves Park A 3.

A D Dickinson Division Two: Lodgers D 3, Wrangle A 7; Lodgers F 4, Lodgers H 6; Lodgers E 5, Lodgers H 5; Wrangle B 6, Lodgers E 4; Graves Park F 4, Graves Park Nomads 6; Lodgers F 7, Graves Park F 3; Wrangle A 10, Sibsey School 0.

Report for week ending February 6

The Penmaen B bubble in the Yates and Greenhough Division One has finally burst, Graves Park C inflicting upon them their first defeat since early December, ending a run of five matches, which has seen them rise from the depths to the relative safety of sixth place. An indifferent start by Penmaen, led to the Park opening up a 3-0 lead, James Quinton making short work of Scott Sykes, Martin Walters beating Andy Birks, while Mick East overcame the difficult style of Neil Snaith. Penmaen retaliated and pulled one back, Sykes narrowly beating Walters 11-7, 14-12, 11-8, 11-9 but the Park marched on, Quinton who was having a brilliant night, beating Snaith in as tight five ender, while No.8 ranked East disposed of Birks in three straight. Penmaen reduced the arrears Snaith beating Walters but it was too little too late, East and Quinton completing their hat-tricks, East having little trouble with Sykes, while Quinton although beating Birks in straight ends, made hard work of it, inching home 13-11, 11-3, 12-10. The doubles was perhaps the closest game of the night East and Quinton, despite never looking in complete control, edging home 11-8 in the fifth to record a comprehensive 8-2 victory.

Lodgers G and Penmaen A, second and first respectively clashed, Penmaen getting away to a flyer taking the first two Alan Ashberry needing four to see off Kelvin Clements, while Brett Heppenstall blasted his way past Mark Hulme. Gary Hill pulled one back beating Jake the Pegg but it was to no avail, as Ashberry increased the lead with a 11-9, 14-12, 11-7 victory over Hulme. Clements did well to reduce the arrears with a good straight set win over Jake but it did no good as Penmaen took control winning the next three, Heppenstall beating Hill, Jake getting his name on the board with a nail biting five set win over Hulme, while Ashberry put the issue beyond doubt with a five set win over Hill. It was too late but Lodgers gave the score an air of respectability, Clements picking up his second of the night beating Heppenstall and then combining with Hulme who put the disappointment of his singles defeats behind him to win yet another five set game making the final score 4-6. Question: can anyone remember the last time Lodgers G lost two consecutive matches?

Graves Park C, playing their second game in a week, moved into top place beating Stickney 7-3, but their time at the top may be limited as Penmaen A have two games in hand and are only two points behind. The Park got away to a great start, James Quinton beating Paul Hartnett in four, while Martin Walters did likewise against Andrew Benjamin. Mick East lost the first end to Geoff Bourne but comfortably won the next three and the Park were 3-0 up. Benjamin reduced the arrears beating Quinton in a game that will long be remembered in the annals of Table Tennis. At 1-2 down Benjamin needing a win to take the game to the decider, was involved in a game that swung first one way and then the other Benjamin finally winning 22-20. This is the longest game in the Boston and District Table Tennis League since the scoring system was changed from 21 to 11 some four years ago. Amid all the excitement the Park ground on, East despite losing the first set to Hartnett won the next three quite comfortably but Stickney refused to let go Bourne reducing the deficit beating Walters in five. The Park finally deflated the Stickney challenge with two good victories, East completing his hat-trick beating Benjamin and Quinton sweeping aside the challenge of Bourne. Hartnett who had strived hard all night finally got his name on the board, with a deserved win over Walters but it was too late East and Quinton combining to win a hard fought doubles 8-11, 11-5, 10-12, 11-6 , 11-8 guiding their team to a 7-3 victory.

Penmaen D’s challenge for promotion from the A D Dickinson Division Two seems to have gone all pear shaped and from looking unbeatable for the first third of the season they are now looking very vulnerable. Playing two games in a week, they didn’t do themselves any favours, drawing 5-5 with draw specialists with Lodgers F, but a few nights later they all but capitulated against Graves Park Nomads losing 2-8. Despite losing the first game of the evening John Shortland going down to David Kime, Lodgers always looked on the back foot. Dave Smith, struggling with a back injury levelled the score, beating Ian Gorrie, while Penmaen grabbed the lead, Chris Cooke beating No.6 ranked Steve Harker in straight ends. Lodgers struck back, the in form Kime levelling the score in a five set thriller with No.4 ranked Smith, while Harker put them (Lodgers), in the lead seemingly having no problems with Shortland. Penmaen levelled the score, Cooke disposing of Gorrie 11-3, 11-8, 11-8 but it was Lodgers who looked to be in the ascendancy, regaining the lead, Smith in a close encounter just beating Harker 11-9in the fifth. Shortland off the singles with a win over Gorrie e to give Penmaen the edge, but in a close doubles encounter Cook and Smith failed to come up with the goods, Kime, who had a brilliant night, combining with Harker to win the doubles 11-8, 11-8, 5-11, 12-10 to make sure of and equal share of the spoils.

Against Park Nomads, Penmaen never covered themselves with glory, the two Clow boys being in tremendous form, both of them winning their singles. Having said that it was far from easy, Tris Clow being taken to five by Chris Cooke and Dave Smith, while No.3 ranked Dean required five to see off the challenge of Smith and four to keep Chris Cooke and Maurice Buck quiet. Harry Paul chipped in with one beating Buck and despite taking the first end off Cooke, the result was never in doubt. To crown an excellent evening the two Clows combined for the doubles, comfortably beating Smith and Cooke presenting the Park with and 8-2 win and top spot in the table.

Lodgers H who since early December have been a revelation stretched their unbeaten run to five matches beating Wrangle B who were one place above them 8-2. Lodgers started off in style winning the first three and despite Tim Sampson pulling one back against Boyd Smith, Lodgers ploughed on Steve Marshall narrowly beating Cliff Davey 11-4, 7-11. 11-9, 10-12, 11-9. Probably the closest game of the night saw Simon Raistrick take on Tony Hall in a game that could have gone either way, but it was the Wrangle man Hall that edged home 11-9 in the fifth. That was it though as far as Wrangle were concerned, the on form Lodgers lads winning the next four without reply, Smith comfortably beating Davey, Raistrick beating Sampson, while Marshall tidied up the singles with a good victory over Hall. Lodgers were now on a roll and Marshall fresh from his singles success, teamed up with Smith against Sampson and Davey. Despite holding a 2-0 lead they nearly threw it away but collected their thoughts winning the fifth end 11-9 guiding the team to a morale boosting 8-2 victory.

Yates and Greenhough Division One: Graves Park C 8, Penmaen B 2; Lodgers G 4, Penmaen A 6; Stickney A 3, Graves Park C 7.

A D Dickinson Division Two: Penmaen D 5, Lodgers F 5; Graves Park Nomads 8, Penmaen D 2; Lodgers H 5, Wrangle B 5.

Report for week ending January 30

The race for runners-up place in the Yates and Greenhough Division One was thrown wide open this week, Lodgers A gaining a brilliant 6-4 victory against stable-mates Lodgers G. What is even more unusual is that the A, who have a tendency to blow hot and cold, could only field two players for this fixture and to win a match with a player short against the likes of Lodgers G is little short of incredible. Graham Lacey opened the scoring for the A beating Mark Hulme in the first match of the evening but Kelvin Clements quickly levelled with a straight leg win over Ian Stones. Lacey restored the A’s lead beating No.6 ranked Gary Hill quite comfortably, while Ian Stones extended the A’s lead with an excellent win over Hulme. Two-man A were firing on both cylinders, Lacey, apart from a hic-cup in the third end, making short work of Clements while Stones finding himself 1-2 down, fighting back to beat No.6 ranked Hill 14-12, 3-11, 6-11, 11-8, 13-11. So it was down to the doubles, the G requiring it to avoid an embarrassing defeat, with the A needing it to record and historic win over their rivals, who as far as I can recall have never beaten them. The A pairing of Lacey and Stones started off in the worst possible manner, losing the first end 3-11 but fought back to narrowly take the second end 12-10.This win seemed to give them added confidence, sweeping aside the G duo of Hill and Clements 11-5, 11-7 in the next two for a fantastic victory.

Graves Park A moved up to fifth place in the table with a solid win over bottom team Lodgers B, the Park being in control right from the start. Rob Smith despite losing the first end to Vic Clements set the ball rolling winning the next three 11-7, 11-1, 11-7, while Nick Langley defeated Pete Truepenny in three straight. Tim Day gave Phil Brooks a scare winning the first end 11-9 but Phil made short work of him, winning the next three with comparative ease. Clements pulled on back for Lodgers beating Langley in a close five ender but it gave no respite as the Park moved into top gear, Smith going on to beat Day and Truepenny without too much trouble. Langley despite losing to Clements, redeemed himself a little by comfortably disposing of Day, while Brooks completed his hat-trick with good wins over Truepenny and Clements. Despite facing a heavy defeat the Lodgers pair of Clements and Day put up a brave show in the doubles but the Park pair of Smith and Brooks who were both on top form strolled to an 11-7, 11-7, 8-11, 11-9 win guiding their team to a 9-1 victory.

The Penmaen B bandwagon continues to roll recording their fifth win in a row narrowly beating Graves Park B 6-4 to move them to sixth place in the table. Scott Sykes was again in tremendous form picking up his singles, despite being taken to four by Mike Freeston and Mick Maltby and in perhaps the best game of the night, Scott coming from two set down to beat Peter Munch 11-5 in the fifth. Roger Hooton and Neil Snaith picked up one each, both of them beating Maltby, who at the moment is struggling to find some form. Munch and Freeston picked up two apiece for the Park both of them beating Hooton and Snaith, Munch in particular making short work of both of them. The decisive doubles saw Snaith and Sykes gain some revenge for their singles defeats comfortably beating Freeston and Munch in straight legs guiding their team to another valuable victory.

Graves Park D desperately in need of points, thought all their Christmases had come at once when they ran into Lodgers A, who were without Graham Lacey. Without Graham Lodgers tend to blow cold, and this one was no different, Paul Matschull giving the Park an early lead beating Trev Blackbourn but this was soon hauled back, Ian Stones beating Mick Dodes, while Pete Evans got the better of Dave Walters. Undeterred by this the Park hit back to take the lead, Dodes struggling to beat Blackbourn in a five setter that could have swung either way, Matschull continuing his good run, beating Evans over five close legs, while Walters got his name on the board beating the experienced Stones 11-2, 13-11, 11-7. Lodgers were having visions of seeing this one slip away but Evans pulled one back beating Dodes, while Blackbourn steadied the ship narrowly beating Walters 7-11, 11-8, 11-7, 11-8. Stones still smarting from his defeat by Walters, gave Lodgers the lead with a four set win over Matschull and then combined with Blackbouirn to comfortably win the doubles, guiding the team to a 6-4 victory.

In the A D Dickinson Division Two Graves Park F pulled off two welcome wins, beating Sibsey School 9-1and Lodgers D 6-4. Playing for Sibsey was John Hobbs their second recent signing and although not winning any he was far from disgraced. Barry Frankish and Fred Calvert picked up their singles for the Park, both of them struggling with Peter James, Peter being unlucky to lose against Frankish going down 10-12 in the fifth set. Alan Davy chipped in with two beating Coote and Hobbs but losing to James 6-11, 8-11, 11-6, 7-11, which saved Sibsey from a humiliating whitewash. Against Lodgers the Park opened up a 4-0 lead, Alan Davy beating Nev Leggate, Fred Calvert overcoming Graham Bonsor and Leggate, while Barry Frankish turned in possibly his best performance of the season, with a hard fought five set victory over Tony Kime. Lodgers hit back Kime getting them on the board, comfortably beating Davy, Bonsor turning the formbook upside down beating Frankish, while the influential Kime reduced the arrears to one game, beating Calvert in yet another hard fought clash. Frankish made sure of at least a draw with a four set win over Leggate but Bonsor immediately clawed it back beating Davy in four. It all rested upon the doubles, Calvert and Frankish, despite a blip in the second end, winning the fourth end 11-5 to guide the Park to a welcome 6-4 victory.

For the sixth time this season Lodgers F turned out with only two players for their match with their E counterparts Lodgers E, who themselves were without No.1 ranked Colin Bell. David Kime got the F off to a solid start beating Thomas Bell but this was immediately cancelled out by Mark Vere, Mark making one of his rare appearances beating Harker. Kime put the F back in front beating Peter Bell, while Harker increased the lead, having to work hard to overcome the challenge of Tom Bell. Vere kept the E in touch sweeping aside Kime in three straight but Harker just edged home over Peter Bell to leave the result finely balanced. With three walkovers the E held the lead but Harker and Kime who had both won two singles, crowned a fairly successful evening winning a tough doubles encounter beating the Bell boys 12-10 in the fifth to earn their team a draw.

Lodgers E’s clash with their D team saw the E field the heavy squad, both Mark Vere and Colin Bell playing.

Needless to say both of them won their singles although Tony Kime pushed both Vere and Colin Bell to four, the E lads just winning the vital set by the narrowest of margins. Pete Bell had to be content with one beating Leggate in three straight, the first end being 18-16 for the longest set in the league so far this season, but losing to Kime and Bonsor. Colin Bell and Mark Vere easily won the doubles guiding the team to an 8-2 victory.

Yates and Greenhough Division One: Lodgers A 6, Lodgers G 4; Penmaen B 6, Graves Park B 4; Graves Park A 9, Lodgers B 1; Graves Park D 4, Lodgers A 6.

A D Dickinson Division Two: Sibsey 1, Graves Park F 9; Graves Park F 6, Lodgers D 4; Lodgers F 5, Lodgers E 5; Lodgers E 8, Lodgers D 2.

Report for week ending January 23

Score sheets have been a bit slow in arriving this week as most matches were scheduled for Thursday and consequently have not reached me yet.

The big news in the A D Dickinson Division Two is the success of Lodgers H, who up until the first week of December had failed miserably, their only success being a 5-5 draw with Wrangle H. Since then they have turned their season around winning the last two matches in the first half of the season and after Christmas continuing their unbeaten run with good results, drawing against stable-mates Lodgers F and an excellent 5-5 draw against third placed Graves Park Nomads, which lifts them out of the bottom two places.

The green shoots of recovery may not be seen in the economy but Lodgers H have made an amazing recovery, their match against Lodgers F being their third match in a row without a defeat. The F were not looking forward to this game as the H comprised three former members of their team last season. The H team drew first blood Boyd Smith beating No.10 ranked David Kime but Ian Gorrie quickly levelled, notching up his third win of the season beating Simon Raistrick. Steve Marshall put the H back on track with a brilliant win over No.6 ranked Steve Harker in a game that could have swung either way, Marshall just nicking the vital fifth 11-8, while Kime cancelled this out for the F, beating the unlucky Raistrick in four. The H edged into the lead again, Smith beating Harker 11-6, 11-9, 11-9, for his (Harker’s), second defeat of the night and it is not too often that Steve loses more than one and this defeat is going to play havoc with his ranking position. The H forged further ahead, Marshall putting them 4-2 in the lead, with a good win over Gorrie and despite a blip in the second it was a pretty decisive 11-8, 7-11, 11-6 11-4 victory. Shaken by these two reverses the F hit back Harker at last, getting his name on the board beating Raistrick, while Kime mustered all his experience to defeat Smith in a game that could not have been much closer than the 9-11,11-9, 12-10, 12-10 scoreline illustrates. Gorrie who seems to have found some form put the F the lead for the first time, beating Smith but he (Smith) gained some revenge in the doubles, combining with Marshall to beat Kime and Dorrie in four earning the H a valuable draw.

A few night later the H team travelled to Graves Park, the two Clow boys giving the Park a 2-0 lead, Tris beating Simon Raistrick, while Dean just got the better of Steve Marshall. Boyd Smith made short work of Harry Paul but Nomads drew further ahead, Dean Clow getting his second of the night beating Raistrick in a close encounter. Lodgers quickly levelled to 3-3 Smith claiming the scalp of No.7 ranked Tris Clow in a close five setter, while Marshall after a third end defeat, finally saw off Paul. Nomads re-took the lead Dean Clow beating Smith in four but this was short lived, Raistrick getting his name on the board beating Paul quite comfortably. Probably the shock of the night saw Marshall beat Tris Clow in a nail biting 11-8, 8-11, 9-11, 11-9, 11-4 five ender, inflicting upon Tris his second defeat of the evening, which like Harker previously, will play havoc with his ranking position. With only the doubles to play Nomads faced the possibility of defeat but The two Clows knuckled down to the task in hand winning the doubles in four thus ensuring their team an even share of the spoils.

Penmaen D kept alive their promotion dream in a somewhat unspectacular fashion beating Sibsey School, who fielded new signing Wayne Grooby. Wayne, although not playing for a number of years showed promise, and despite not winning any, it must only be a matter of time. Sibsey however started off well, Phil Coote disposing of Maurice Buck in three straight but Chris Cooke immediately equalised beating debutant Grooby fairly convincingly. John Shortland gave Penmaen the lead beating Richard Hill, John being very lucky to come from two sets down to win the last three. Cooke extended the lead beating Coote in three but Hill immediately pulled one back sweeping aside Buck in three straight. However Penmaen roared on towards the winning post, Shortland making short work of Grooby while Cooke completed his hat-trick with a 11-7, 3-11, 11-3, 11-7 victory over Hill. Coote pulled a consolation win back for Sibsey beating Shortland in a tight four setter, but it was too little too late as Buck got his name on the board beating Grooby in three straight, making the game safe. With only the doubles remaining Cooke and Shortland put the icing on the cake beating Hill and Coote in three to guide their team to a 7-3 victory

An all-Park clash in the Yates and Greenhough Division One saw the D take on the A, the A who on this occasion could only field two players, Rob Smith being unavailable. However it mattered little, Phil Brooks and Nick Langley whilst not actually sweeping the opposition aside, both won their singles Langley seeing off Paul Matschull and Mick Dodes quite comfortably but struggling with Dave Walters, scrambling home 8-11, 11-4, 11-8,11-13, 11-8. Phil Brooks by comparison had a fairly tough task, being taken to four in all three games and although all of them were tight, Phil came up with the goods when it mattered. The A were always the boss team in the doubles and although sloppily dropping the third end, Langley and Brooks steered the team to a 7-3 victory.

Two teams down in the doldrums met, Graves Park D visiting Lodgers B who are now 21 points behind the team directly above them and seem to be on their way down. Things started to look promising for Lodgers who despite losing the first match of the night Dave Walters beating Pete Truepenny, quickly found form, Vic Clements beating Paul Matschull in four and Dave Walters in five while Tim Day chipped in with a good win over Mick Dodes. A good launch pad then, but as quickly as the form came it went again, the Park taking the game by the scruff of the neck to win the next five, Dodes putting the defeat by Day behind him to beat Clements fairly comfortably but having to struggle to overcome the obstinate Truepenny. Matschull getting his name on the board with straightforward wins over Truepenny and Day, while Walters wrapped up the singles with a good win over Day. Lodgers however, gained a consolation doubles win, Clements and Day combining to beat Walters and Dodes in four giving the score sheet an air of respectability.

Graves Park B, who are just about clear of the relegation battle, had a very satisfying result against Stickney beating them 7-3, after losing 4-6 the first time round. Peter Munch was the star of the show for the Park, winning his singles easing past Geoff Bourne in straight sets but requiring four ends to see off Paul Hartnett. Despite being 1-2 sets down against No.9 ranked Andrew Benjamin Peter fought his way back to win the next two 11-7, 11-6 for his hat-trick. Mike Freeston chipped in with two beating Bourne and after a terrific scrap, overcoming Hartnett, winning the deciding end 11-5. Mick Maltby opened well beating Hartnett, who had a very low key night but he was blasted off the table by Benjamin and although taking a set out of Bourne it was to no avail. Despite being home and dry the Park put the icing on the cake, Munch and Freeston crowning a successful night winning a close fought doubles guiding Park to victory.

Yates and Greenhough Division One: Graves Park D 3, Graves Park A 7; Lodgers B 4, Graves Park D 6; Graves Park B 7, Stickney 3.

A D Dickinson Division Two: Lodgers H 5, Lodgers F 5; Penmaen D 7, Sibsey School 3; Graves Park Nomads 5, Lodgers H 5.

Report for week ending January 16

The Boston and District Table Tennis League swung back into action after its Christmas break of almost a month (too long) and immediately two matches were called off, one in each division.

The good news is that one of the two outstanding fixtures from the first half of the Yates and Greenhough Division One have been pulled in, Penmaen B lifting themselves up a place in the table beating Lodgers B 7-3. Less than a month ago Penmaen couldn’t buy a win but in their last three matches they have been a revelation winning all of them by a 7-3 score line, which for the time being, has lifted them clear of any relegation worries. Lodgers B however are in a worse state than Penmaen and it would seem that the promotion that was secured last season has not worked out fot them. Penmaen started brightly, Scott Sykes putting them on the board but Lodgers hit back, Vic Clements putting them on level terms beating Neil Snaith, while Tim Day gave them the lead, possibly for the first time this season, with a good win over Roger Hooton. This though seemed to spur Penmaen on Sykes squaring the score beating Clements, who although winning the second leg 13-11, failed in the last two. Hooton got his name on the board in a narrow four win over Pete Truepenny, only to see Penmaen strike back, Day who was having a great night, beating Snaith in a tight five ender 8-11, 11-7, 11-7, 9-11, 11-5. Penmaen then took control, Hooton beating Clements in yet another four ender and despite Day putting up an heroic performance against star of the night man Sykes, he went down in three. Snaith wound up the singles with a good win over Truepenny, then sat out the doubles to watch Hooton and Sykes narrowly beat Clements and Day in four guiding Penmaen to a 7-3 victory.

Graves Park C recaptured second place in the table with a non to comfortable 8-2 win over their B team. The score might sound convincing but only one game was over in straight ends the remainder being four or five enders, Mike Freeston being most unlucky not to pick up something from the night. The C were quick off the mark, Martin Walters beating Mick Maltby while James Quinton added to the score, coming back from two down to beat Mike Freeston 8-11, 8-11, 11-6,11-8, 11-9. Mick East made it 3-0 beating the highly rated Peter Munch in a five setter that could have swung either way. 0-3 down soon turned to 0-4 as Quinton despite a brief flurry from Maltby in the third made short work him. Munch at last put the B on the board with a good win over No.7 ranked Martin Walters but the reprieve was short lived, East registering his second of the night comfortably beating Freeston. Munch reduced the arrears with the scalp of Quinton but it was all to no avail, as the C ground on, East celebrating his hat-trick with a four set win over Maltby. Walters rounded off the singles narrowly beating Freeston, who fought all night for scant reward then he (Walters) combined with Quinton to narrowly win the doubles in four guiding the C an 8-2 victory.

The Penmaen B drive continued apace picking up their fourth win in a row beating Lodgers A 6-4 but this run should come to an end next week when they meet their mighty A team. However, for the fourth time this season Lodgers could only field two players, Graham Lacey and Ian Stones being the only one’s available and giving the opposition a three game start, anything better than a draw is a bonus. Lodgers were on the back foot from the off, Scott Sykes chalking a Penmaen victory on the board with a four set win over Ian Stones but this was quickly cancelled out, Graham Lacey beating Roger Hooton in three. Penmaen bounced back, Neil Snaith beating the out of luck Stones but Lacey put Lodgers on level terms, comfortably beating Sykes. With Stones picking up one beating Hooton and Lacey completing his hat trick against Snaith, Lodgers still had a chance of a draw but Sykes and Snaith dashed their hopes, narrowly winning the doubles 13-11, 10-12, 11-8, 13-11.

Wrangle look to be on course for the A D Dickinson Division Two title, starting off the second half of the campaign with an 8-2 victory over Graves Park F. No.2 ranked Dave Coulson was in devastating form winning his singles and although being taken to five by Fred Calvert, the vital fifth was rather decisive. Sam Cooper and Dennis Pattrick chipped in with two apiece, Sam being very lucky to come away with something from Calvert just pipping him 13-11 in the fifth, while Dennis had no trouble at all comfortably winning in three straight. Neither of them however had any answer to Barry Frankish who kept the B in the hunt up to game no 6, Barry beating both Pattrick and Cooper in four. However Pattrick and Cooper made amends in the doubles beating Calvert and their singles tormentor Frankish 12-10, 11-4, 11-6 for an 8-2 victory.

Graves Park Nomads saw their title chances slip away being held to a 5-5 draw by Wrangle B, the two Clow boys picking up two each, both of them beating Tim Sampson and Cliff Davey. Sampson was unlucky to lose his first game of the night to No.7 ranked Tris Clow while Davey pushed No.3 ranked Dean Clow all the way in a marathon game that went to four only two points separating them in every end. Star of the night though was Wrangle’s Tony Hall, Tony brushing aside the two Clows and Harry Paul every game being over in straight ends. The two Clows sensing that there could be an upset put it altogether in the doubles, beating Sampson and Hall in four thus avoiding defeat and gaining revenge for their shock singles defeat by Hall. Not a good result for the Park and with Walt Bridges injured, I think they are well and truly out of the title race.

Yates and Greenhough Division One: Graves Park C 8, Graves Park B 2; Lodgers B 3, Penmaen B 7; Penmaen B 6, Lodgers A 4.

A D Dickinson Division Two: Graves Park F 2, Wrangle A 8; Wrangle B 5, Graves Park Nomads 5.

Report for week ending January 2

See latest tables/averages link (above, right) for up-to-date stats

As the majority of teams are up to date with their matches it is the ideal time to have a brief look at the rankings.

Quite a bit has changed in Yates and Greenhough Division One from last season especially as No 2 ranked Andy Gilbert is no longer playing in the Boston and District Table Tennis League, while Jim Brewster, ranked first last season, has only played one match so far so is ineligible.

The current No.1 is Alan Ashberry (Penmaen A), ranked No.4 last season, who up to a fortnight ago held a 100% record. He suffered his first defeat this last week being beaten by Peter Munch (Graves Park B) who as yet has not played enough matches to feature. Graham Lacey (Lodgers A), now that he has played the required number of matches, comes straight in at No.2 with 85.71% and this has pushed Jake the Pegg, (Penmaen A), 81.48% who just lately has lost a couple down to joint No.3. Up from No.5 to share the No.3 spot is Kelvin Clements (Lodgers G) 85.71%. Has not been one of Kelvin’s better seasons and already he has lost five, which equals the total he lost last season and this season is only half way through.

Brett Heppenstall Penmaen A who had dropped to seventh has found form and moves up a couple of places to No.5 with 75.00%. The biggest mover of all is Gary Hill Lodgers G up four place to No.6 sharing this spot with Martin Walters and Mick East both Graves Park C all on 74.07% East dropping from No 4 while Walters has maintained the same spot. Andrew Benjamin (Stickney) forces his way in at No.9 on 70.37% and this is a good position for a youngster in only his second season in division one. Also on joint No,9 is Mark Hulme (Lodgers G), who only three weeks ago was well outside the top ten.

The top positions in the A D Dickinson Division Two rankings seem to change from week to week due to some unexpected results. Occupying the No.1 slot, is Colin Bell (Lodgers E) with 95,83% despite a shock defeat earlier in the season, while Dave Coulson (Wrangle A) who was in joint first place with Colin slips to second averaging 92.59%. Up one place to third is Dean Clow (GP Nomads), with 91.67% but on a downward spiral is Dave Smith (Penmaen D), whose loss of two games in inside a week saw his average drop to 81.48% pushing him down to fourth.

Sam Cooper (Wrangle A) 77.78% who despite losing a game or two recently retains the no.5 spot, while Steve Harker (Lodgers F) 76.19% breaks into the rankings at No 6, pushing Tris Clow (G P Nomads) 74.07% down a place to joint No.7, sharing this place with Tony Kime (Lodgers D). Biggest dip here is Chris Cooke (Penmaen D) 70.83 who has slipped three places to 9th while David Kime (Lodgers F) also edges into joint 9th position.

Notable absentees are Tony Hall (Wrangle B), Dennis Pattrick, (Wrangle A) and Barry Frankish (Graves Park F) who will all be striving be striving when the second half starts to re-take their places in the top ten.

Report for week ending December 19

The run-up to Christmas in the Boston and District Table Tennis League is usually a hectic time with matches being postponed. But this season, teams by and large are up to date with their fixtures with only a couple or so outstanding matches.

No real upsets the Yates and Greenhough Division One, with Penmaen A holding onto top spot with a 7-3 victory over Graves Park B but even so this game was not without some surprises. Penmaen opened brightly Alan Ashberry making short work of Mick Maltby, while Jake the Pegg ran up against a determined Mike Freeston and although winning the first two rather easily, he let this slip, Mike narrowly winning the next two 11-8, 12-10 to set up a cliff-hanger. This was a tight game and could so easily have gone Park’s way, but Jake hung on to claim the set 12-10 to win the match 3-2. Brett Heppenstall gave Penmaen a 3-0 lead beating Peter Munch, who playing his first match for a month and although Munch took a tight third end, Heppenstall ran away winning the vital fourth 11-4. Penmaen looked like running riot winning the next two, Ashberry getting the better of Freeston, while Heppenstall blasted his way past a rather bemused Maltby. It was looking like a whitewash but suddenly the Park sprang to life, Munch turning in a stunning performance to beat No 3 ranked Jake the Pegg, who previous to this had lost only three all season. Freeston kept the Park bandwagon rolling with a superb five set victory over No 7 ranked Heppenstall, who previous to this had lost only four all season. The best was yet to come, Munch picking up his second of the night beating the previously unbeaten No 1 ranked Ashberry 11-5, 11-9, 11-4, inflicting upon him his first defeat of the season. Alas it couldn’t last Pegg making sure of a Penmaen victory with a tight win over Maltby and to put the icing on the cake Pegg and Ashberry clinched the doubles in three to guide the team to a 7-3 win. Good result for the Park, not too many teams have scored three points against the mighty Penmaen.

Lodgers G who had dropped in third place hauled themselves up to second spot with two crushing victories over Graves Park teams, beating the D team 10-0 and a few nights later beating the A team 9-1. The score against the D slightly flatters the Lodgers side, Gary Hill having to work hard in all his games, being taken to four by Dave Walters and Mick Dodes. Kelvin Clements picked up his three but Paul Matschull and Dodes despite taking a set apiece out of him went down in four. Mark Hulme had perhaps his best night of the season having little trouble with Walters and Dodes but needed four to see off Matschull, sneaking home 12-10 in the fourth.

The match against the A team was a lot closer than the score would suggest, Lodgers taking the first thee before Phil Brooks hit back, taking the scalp of Kelvin Clements, Phil winning 14-12, 4-11, 11-7, 8-11, 11-6. Brilliant win for Phil but that was all the Park had to show for their efforts and despite Smith and Brooks both extending Hill, the Penmaen player came out on top both times. The doubles were close, the Park pair of Brooks and Smith taking the third set but Hill and Hulme swept home 11-6 in the fourth for a 9-1 victory pushing the Park a couple of places down the table.

The top of the table clash in A D Dickinson Division Two saw Wrangle A taking on Penmaen D, who until a fortnight ago were their main contenders, but saw their title aspirations fade when they were hit by the very strong Lodger E outfit. Wrangle started off at a cracking pace, No 5 ranked Sam Cooper getting the drop on No 4 ranked Dave Smith while joint No 1 Dave Coulson disposed of Maurice Buck. Penmaen hit back through Chris Cooke, Chris despite struggling for a couple of sets with Dennis Pattrick, came good to win the last two 11-4, 11-7. Wrangle however strode on, Smith suffering his second defeat (not many nights he loses two), of the evening at the hands of Coulson, Dave coming from 1-2 down to win the last two. Wrangle were now in the driving seat, Cooper beating Cooke, while Pattrick got his name on the board with a straight set win over Buck. Coulson completed his hat-trick beating Cooke in four and despite Smith picking up Penmaen’s second it was to little too late, Cooper breezing past Buck for his hat-trick and then combining with Coulson to comfortably win the doubles for an 8-2 victory. This now makes Wrangle title favourites but it also puts Park Nomads who have lost to both Wrangle and Penmaen back in the frame.

Wrangle B recorded their best victory of the season with an 8-2 victory over fellow strugglers Lodgers D. Tim Sampson who just lately has found a bit of form, led the charge winning his three having a terrific scrap with No 10 ranked Tony Kime, Tim losing the first two but putting that behind him, he narrowly won the next two to draw level. The final set though was all one way, Tim taking control early on to run out a confident 11-3 winner. Tony Hall and Tony Sharpe picked up two each, both of them beating Nev Leggate and Graham Bonsor. Sharpe had the honour of being involved in the longest game of the season so far, against Leggate, Nev winning the first leg 20-18, but Sharpe replied by winning the next three fairly easily. Tony Hall had no trouble with either Leggate or Bonsor and he may count himself unfortunate not to have beaten Kime, going down 9-11 in the vital fifth set.

Lodgers H, thus far without a victory, broke their duck by winning two matches in four days, brushing aside the challenge of Sibsey School and four nights later beating their D team 7-3. Against Sibsey, Steve Marshall never looked in trouble beating the teachers in straight sets. Boyd Smith gave him excellent support also winning his singles but he had his work cut out against Richard Hill and Peter James and although being taken to four legs by both of them, the vital end was never in doubt. Simon Raistrick picked up two beating Hill and James but blotted the teams copybook by losing 11-9, 8-11, 11-9, 8-11, 11-13, to Phil Coote, which in all probability was the best game of the evening earning Sibsey a consolation point.

Four nights later and buoyed by their first win, the H met their D team, finding No 10 ranked Tony Kime in fine form, Tony winning his singles without too much trouble. The H lads were content to pick up two apiece, all of them beating a lack lustre Graham Bonsor but finding Nev Leggate a tough nut to crack, Simon Raistrick and Steve Marshall being taken to five. Boyd Smith fared a little better, being taken by surprise in the first leg by the Leggate onslaught but sorting it out in the next three. The doubles was a tight affair, Marshall and Smith gaining some revenge for their singles defeat by Kime, just edging the game 11-9, 11-8, 11-9 for a 7-3 victory. Even so these two wins for the H team has not lifted them out of the bottom two but they now seem to be getting it together and are within striking distance of the four teams directly above them in the table.

Lodgers E virtually bowed out of the title race only managing a 5-5 draw against Sibsey School. Another good result for Sibsey but fortunately for them Lodgers could only field two players, Colin Bell and son Tom being the only two available. Sibsey got off to a bright start Phil Coote dismissing Thomas Bell in three but Colin Bell as expected soon put that to rights beating Richard Hill, the only surprise being was to see Colin dropping a set. Lodgers took the lead, Thomas being involved in the best game of the night beating Peter James in five, Tom narrowly taking the first set 12-10 but losing the next two quite easily, 6-11, 2-11. A half time talk seemed to do the trick, Tom taking a different approach winning the last two in convincing style. Colin increased Lodgers lead making short work of Phil Coote but Hill pulled one back for Sibsey punishing young Bell 11-2, 11-5, 11-6. Colin cleaned up for Lodgers beating James and then teamed up with son Tom for the doubles, narrowly winning 11-6, 17-15 (long game this), 11-7, thus avoiding what in the records would be seen as a humiliating defeat.

Yates and Greenhough Division One: Graves Park B 3, Penmaen A 7; Lodgers G 10, Graves Park D 0; Graves Park A 1, Lodgers G 9.

A D Dickinson Division Two: Wrangle A 8, Penmaen D 2; Wrangle B 8, Lodgers D 2; Lodgers H 9, Sibsey School 1; Lodgers D 3, Lodgers H 7; Sibsey School 5, Lodgers E 5.

Report for week ending December 12

As the table tennis season nears the half-way way mark, clear leaders in the Yates and Greenhough Division One is Penmaen A who are 11 points clear of the second placed team.

Graves Park C, despite losing 4-6 to Lodgers A (Park’s second defeat of the season), did enough to hold onto second spot in the table. As the score suggests it was a evenly matched game, no less than seven of the games going to four or five ends. It was the Park who drew first blood, Martin Walters beating No.2 ranked Graham Lacey in four sets, Graham never getting to grips with Martin’s style. Lodgers immediately drew level, Ian Stones getting the better of James Quinton, Ian being two sets up tried to throw it away, allowing the Park man to draw level but he (Ian) got it together in the fifth to run out a 11-7 winner. The Park came roaring back, Mick East easily beating Pete Evans but lead was short lived Lacey getting his name on the board beating Quinton in four, Lacey again surprisingly dropping an end. With Evans beating Walters in three, Lodgers took the lead for the first time but the Park struck back and in the best game of the night, the Park drew level, Stones coming back from two down against No.4 ranked East only to lose the vital fifth. Evans who was having a half decent night, put Lodgers in the lead again, beating Quinton who had fought hard all night for no reward, while Lacey made sure of at least a share of the points beating East 7-11, 11-9, 4-11, 11-9, 11-9. Walters kept the Park in the hunt but the Lodgers pairing of Lacey and Stones nicked the doubles in three, to guide Lodgers to a 6-4 victory, just keeping them in touch with the top three.

Graves Park A and Stickney, two mid-table teams met and from two evenly matched teams a close contest ensued.

The Park got away well, Nick Langley somewhat surprisingly beating Paul Hartnett in five, while Rob Smith added a second beating a determined Vince Lozinsky 11-7, 11-7, 2-11,11-9. Andrew Benjamin pulled one back, making short work of Phil Brooks, while Hartnett putting his first game defeat behind him, put Stickney on level terms with a tight five set win over Smith. After their slow start Stickney took the lead Benjamin beating Langley in three but it was short-lived Brooks quickly levelled the score, just beating Lozynsky 11-9, 11-7, 2-11, 11-8. The Park were on a roll, Smith beating Benjamin in five, while Brooks picked up his second of the night with a cracking win over Hartnett. It was fast becoming a rout, Langley chipping in with his second beating Lozynsky who was unlucky not to pick up anything for his troubles, while the Park’s Brooks and Smith tidied up in the doubles, beating Hartnett and Benjamin in three straight guiding the Park to a 7-3 victory.

Lodgers A, though not always being able to field a full team, have kept in touch with the chasing pack but this position could be false as they have played one game more than the teams above them. This week they again with only two players they took on Graves Park B winning 7-3m, Graham Lacey and Ian Stones both winning their singles and the doubles. However it could so easily have been the other way, Lacey being pushed by Mike Freeston and just scraping home 12-10 in the fifth , while Dave Graham and Mick Maltby also took Ian Stones to five but in both cases the deciding leg was never in doubt.

Graves Park D, after their promising start, have gone steadily downhill and recently have suffered some heavy defeats. This week they met Penmaen B, also in need of points, the Park finding Scott Sykes and Neil Snaith in scintillating form, both of them winning their singles but not without a blip, Sykes losing the first leg against Paul Matschull but making no mistake in the next three. Snaith meanwhile slipped up against Dave Walters losing the second 7-11 but an 11-1, 11-2 victory in the next two sunk Dave without trace. All the Park lads beat Andy Birks and although he took Mick Dodes and Walters to five and four respectively, the final result was never threatened. Sykes and Snaith crowned a glorious night for Penmaen, winning their doubles and for the first time this season, players from Penmaen have won all three singles in one night.

Penmaen B were in a buoyant mood for the fixture with Graves Park A, which is a match that is usually a close encounter. Although getting away to a flyer opening up a 3-0 lead, the scores were so close that on another night they might easily have been reversed. Scott Sykes opened the scoring beating Rob Smith in a tight five-ender and despite losing the first two broke back to draw level and in a nerve jangling fifth end just run out a 12-10 winner. The game between Neil Snaith and Phil Brooks was just as close, Phil and Neil winning alternate sets to set up a decisive fifth. There seemed little to separate them, the game being point for point and at 10 all it was deadlock. However it was Neil who grabbed the vital points to win the game 13-11. Andy Birks who seems to be finding form, turned in a good performance to beat Nick Langley and despite dropping a set, ran out an easy winner in the fourth. The Park at last got on the board Smith beating a lack lustre performance from Snaith but the was no respite as Penmaen pressed on, Sykes beating Langley in yet another four setter. The deficit was reduced Brooks beating Birks but it was to no avail, as Penmaen extended the lead yet again Snaith beating Langley in a tight five ender. Smith pick up his second of the night beating Birks to keep the Park in with a chance but this was dashed, Sykes putting the game beyond reach beating Brooks 11-4, 11-4,11-9.

Stickney surged up the table to fifth position with their second win inside a week with a 9-1 thumping of Lodgers B.

Paul Hartnett and Andrew Benjamin both picked up their singles, Tim Day giving Benjamin all sorts of trouble, until Andrew sorted it out in the last two. Vince Lozynsky chipped in with two beating Day and Pete Truepenny but in a thrilling five setter he came unstuck against Vic Clements, Vic winning the last two to run out a 11-6, 8-11, 5-11, 11-5, 12-10 victory.

The big clash in A D Dickinson Division Two saw league leaders Wrangle A tackle Lodgers E. Lodgers were fielding their heavy squad, both Mark Vere and No.1 ranked Colin Bell both turning out. The match went more or less as planned, Vere making hard work of beating Sam Cooper while Bell trimmed up Dennis Pattrick. With Thomas Bell not really expected to get anything out of this match, it was down to the big two, Vere beating Pattrick in straight legs while Bell narrowly beat Dave Coulson 11-3, 14-12, 12-10, (yes it was that close). Bell completed his hat-trick in a five set thriller with Cooper and it was looking good for Lodgers. However in the last singles of the evening, Coulson threw a spanner in the works, coming from 1-2 down to beat Vere 8-11, 11-9, 6-11, 12-10, 17-15. This was Vere‘s first defeat in 45 games, spanning almost a year as it was only last Christmas that Mark picked up a bat again, being out of the game for well over five years. The doubles took on a whole new meaning, both teams needing this for different reasons, Bell and Vere narrowly winning the first end. The second was equally close but in the third the Wrangle pairing of Pattrick and Cooper ran out of steam, the Lodgers pair coasting to an 11-5 win and a 6-4 victory.

This has thrown the title race wide open but Graves Park Nomads didn’t take advantage from it, losing 4-6 to Lodgers F who once again could only field two players. The Park though had troubles of their own, No.3 ranked Dean Clow being involved in an accident and writing off his vehicle on the way to the Park while Walt Bridges has torn arm muscles and has mobility problems with his left arm. Anyway being a player short, Walt put his name down to play but it was obvious from the warm up that he wouldn’t be able to compete. Tris Clow got Nomads off to a fine start but Lodgers quickly came back. Steve Harker beating Harry Paul. The next two went the same way Kime overwhelming Paul, while in the game of the night No.7 ranked Harker got ther better of No.6 ranked Clow in a five set cracker. The game was balanced on a knife-edge, Clow and Paul trying to retrieve a draw but although winning the second 11-8 they went down in the next two to give Lodgers a much-needed 6-4 victory.

Yates and Greenhough Division One: Lodgers B 0, Graves Park C 10; Graves Park C 4, Lodgers A 6; Graves Park A 7, Stickney 3; Lodgers A 7, Graves Park B 3; Graves Park D 3, Penmaen B 7; Stickney A 9, Lodgers B 1; Penmaen B 7, Graves Park A 3.

A D Dickinson Division Two: Lodgers F 5, Lodgers D 5; Lodgers E 6, Wrangle A 4; Graves Park Nomads 4, Lodgers F 6.

Report for week ending December 5

Penmaen D, after losing their unbeaten A D Dickinson Division Two record last week and without a match this week, surrendered top spot with both Wrangle A and Graves Park Nomads overtaking them.

However, the situation is still unclear, new leaders Wrangle A have to play the very dangerous Lodgers E, especially if they, (Lodgers), field their strongest team. They also have Penmaen D to negotiate in their last match before the Christmas break and this could let in Graves Park Nomads, who have only one match left which is against Lodgers F who can blow both hot and cold, so it’s still wide open as to who will head the table at the Christmas break.

Wrangle made their pitch for the top, taking on Lodgers H and at 4-0 up looked to be home and dry, Sam Cooper beating Simon Raistrick but requiring four, while Dave Coulson beat Steve Marshall and Raistrick without too much trouble. Dennis Pattrick after a first set hic-cup losing 8-11 to Boyd Smith, but he put that right winning the next three, scraping home 11-8, 11-9, 11-9. It could have gone pear shaped however, as Lodgers fought back, Smith pulling out all the stops to beat Cooper in three, while Marshall turned in a sparkling performance to overcome Pattrick 11-7, 11-6, 11-6. Coulson steadied the Wrangle ship beating Smith in three, the second set being a marathon, Coulson inching home 16-14. Pattrick made sure of a Wrangle victory beating Raistrick, while Cooper picked up his second of the night with a narrow win over Marshall. With only the doubles remaining, the Lodgers pair of Smith and Marshall gave the score an air of respectability, winning a nerve jangling game 11-9, 11-9, 16-14 gaining Lodgers three well deserved points.

Graves Park Nomads moved up to joint first spot by beating Lodgers D 7-3, Dean Clow consolidating his no.3 ranking, winning his singles, Nev Leggate and Graham Bonsor succumbing in three while Tony Kime pressed him to four. Tris Clow chipped in with two beating Leggate and Bonsor but not being able to handle Kime, who won a hard fought fifth end 11-8. With Harry Paul beating Leggate it was in the bag, leaving it the two Clows to put the icing on the cake in the doubles winning the first end at a canter. Lodgers struck back in the second, Bonsor and Kime just nicking it 11-9 but the fight back was in vain, the Clow brothers easing home to guide their team to a 7-3 win.

Graves Park F had perhaps their best victory of the season with a 6-4 win over Lodgers E, who were without No.1 ranked Colin Bell but had Mark Vere in his place, so that’s three in the bag for a start. Mark however didn’t have it all his own way, being pushed to four by all the Park lads, Mark winning the fourth end fairly easily against Alan Davy and Fred Calvert but being fully extended by Barry Frankish, before running out a 12-10 winner. Both Pete Bell and Thomas Bell failed to deliver the goods, although Pete despite being well beaten by Frankish, turned in a sterling performance against Calvert and Davy and was unlucky not to gain something from this. Thomas also shook Davy, running him to four and it can only be a matter of time before he starts to pick up a few wins. He (Tom) gained revenge for his singles defeats in the doubles combining with Vere to cruise home 11-9, 11-2, 11-5 giving the scoreline an air of respectability.

The shock of the week saw Sibsey School who were previously without a victory, pick up their first victory of the season with a 6-4 win over Wrangle B. The latter, though, only had two players and despite Tony Sharpe beating Richard Hill and Peter James fairly comfortably, Cliff Davey failed to register. Cliff although being well beaten by Phil Coote and Richard Hill, fought back against Peter James but went down 7-11 in the fourth. Sharpe concluded the singles beating Phil Coote this game being the pick of the night, Coote winning the first two 11-7, 11-6. Sharpe though with years of experience behind him changed tack which seemed to pay off, Tony easing home in the last three 11-5, 11-4, 11-7. With only the doubles remaining Sharpe crowned a successful night for him, combining with Davey to win a close fought doubles adding credibility to the scoreline.

Lodgers H are who are having a terrible season are desperately trying to pull away from the leagues lower reaches and losing 3-7 to Graves Park F hasn’t helped their cause. Although drawing first blood, Boyd Smith beating Alan Davy, their next success wasn’t until game nine, it was Smith again, this time beating Fred Calvert. In between mayhem ruled OK, the Park lads running riot, Barry Frankish winning his singles and despite being taken to four by Simon Raistrick and Steve Marshall the results were never in doubt. Calvert and Davy gave him good support winning two apiece, both of them beating Raistrick and Marshall but not knowing how to handle the on form Smith. It was Smith again in the doubles, combining with Raistrick to win in straight ends beating Davy and Frankish in straight legs thus giving the scoreline a look of respectability.

A D Dickinson Division Two: Lodgers D 3, Graves Park Nomads 7; Graves Park F 6, Lodgers E 4; Lodgers H 3, Graves Park F 7; Sibsey School 6, Wrangle B 4; Wrangle A 7, Lodgers H 3.

Report for week ending November 28

One or two surprises this week, the top teams in the league not having things all their own way but nevertheless the top three in the Yates and Greenhough Division One are pulling clear of the chasing pack.

At the top Penmaen A reign supreme and although beating two man Lodgers A 7-3, this performance wasn’t up to their usual standard. Alan Ashberry opened the scoring beating Graham Lacey in three and Jake the Pegg made it 2-0 with a four set win over Ian Stones. Lacey put Lodgers on the board in a four set thriller, inching to a 11-8, 12-14, 11-8, 12-10 win over Brett Heppenstall but Penmaen ground on, Ashberry winning his second of the night comfortably beating Stones. Lodgers kept in the hunt, Lacey beating Jake in another five set thriller but it was all to no avail as Heppenstall made sure of a Lodgers victory beating Stones. Despite Brett losing the first end 7-11 and just scraping the next 12-10 he won the next two quite easily.

Lodgers G moved up the table from fourth to second with two wins, one good, one not so good, beating Graves Park B 9-1 (a good win) and a few night later meeting a battling Penmaen B (not so good) scraping to a 6-4 victory. Against the Park it was virtual one way traffic, Kelvin Clements getting them off the mark beating Dave Graham but Mick Maltby who seems to be returning to form, levelled the score beating Mark Hulme. The respite was short lived, Lodgers sprinting away to take the next seven singles and the doubles without reply.

Against Penmaen B a few night later Lodgers turned in a lacklustre performance and despite Kelvin Clements getting them off the mark beating Scott Sykes fairly easily, Neil Snaith replied beating Mark Hulme in a tight five ender. Undeterred Lodgers strode on, Gary Hill beating Andy Birks and with Clements picking up his second of the night beating Snaith, Lodgers looked in control. Penmaen however fought back, Sykes turning in a brilliant spell beating Hill 11-5, 12-10, 8-11, 2-11, 11-8 but Lodgers seizing the initiative, picked up the next three without reply, Hulme winning his first game of the night, Hill requiring four to dispose of Snaith, while Clements completed his hat-trick. 2-6 down and the game was over as far as Penmaen were concerned but they then suddenly discovered a new lease of life, Sykes reducing the deficit beating Hulme in a close five ender and then combining with Snaith to win the last three sets of a close fought doubles gaining them four valuable points.

Graves Park C enhanced their chances of capturing second spot beating their A team 9-1. Park A, however, could only field two players Nick Langley reporting ill, but it hardly mattered, both Rob Smith and Phil Brooks crashing out of the top 10 rankings. The score seems to be a crushing defeat but this was not the case many of the games being close, Smith taking Mike East to five and beating James Quinton for the A’s only win. Phil Brooks strived hard taking all the C players to four but just fading in the vital set every time.

Stickney moved away from the relegation zone with an emphatic win over fellow strugglers Graves Park D, the Park being another team struck by the sickness bug, Dave Walters being ill. Stickney started off brightly, Paul Hartnett narrowly beating Paul Matschull in four but the Park quickly drew level, Mick Dodes getting the better of Andrew Benjamin, also a four-setter. Stickney forged ahead Geoff Bourne picking up his two, beating Dodes in three, Geoff’s awkward style counteracting Mick’s style. Geoff though had a harder task against Matschull losing the first end 11-13. However he turned that round in the next three to ease home 11-5, 11-8, 11-7. Hartnett completed the route with a straight set win over Dodes and here a again a clash of styles occurred, Mick never getting to grips and despite running him close in the second fell away badly in the third.

Graves Park B picked up only their second win of the season beating fellow relegation contenders Lodgers B 8-2.

Good result for the Park Mick Maltby finding a bit of form picking up his singles in straight ends. Mike Freeston also chipped in with three but it took two marathon five setters, coming from two sets down to beat Vic Clements and 1-2 down to Tim Day before convincingly winning the last two. David Graham who seems to be struggling to find form picked up one comfortably beating Day but despite taking Clements to five and Truepenny to four, he lost points at the vital time, slumping to defeat.

The title race in the A D Dickinson Division Two has been turned upside down as Lodgers E now with Mark Vere in the team entered the fray. Despite Mark being signed on from the start of the season he only played his first game last week. This week they met undefeated Penmaen B, Lodgers dishing out a 7-3 drubbing. Vere as expected had little trouble, blowing away No.1 ranked Dave Smith and No.5 ranked Chris Cooke in straight sets. No.2 ranked Colin Bell (now No.1) chipped in with his singles but it was hard work, requiring four legs to beat Cooke and Shortland and in the game of the night beating former No.1 Smith 10-12 11-7, 9-11, 11-3, 13-11, Smith dropping to fifth in the rankings. Thomas Bell failed to win a game but he gave the experienced Shortland a sharp shock winning the third end12-10 but fading in the fourth going down 2-11.

Wrangle A moved closer to within striking distance of the top, dismissing their B team 9-1. Although the score suggest a hammering this was not the case most of the games going to four or five legs. No.2 ranked Dave Coulson had perhaps the easier night winning his singles, easing past the re-called Tony Sharpe and Tony Hall but finding Tim Sampson a bit of a handful and at 1-2 down looked though he might lose. Dave however knuckled down, narrowly winning the last two legs to complete his hat-trick. Sam Cooper had to work hard for his victories, all the B lads pushing him to four, Tim Sampson almost causing an upset, the first three legs being very close before he (Tim) faded in the fourth. Dennis Pattrick quickly dismissed Sharpe and Hall but he had no answer to Sampson who beat him 11-7, 11-6, 11-7, Tim for sheer effort on the night thoroughly deserved this win thus saving his team from a whitewash.

Graves Park Nomads, despite a couple of recent defeats, returned to the winning ways beating bottom team Sibsey School 7-3. The Park, however, suffered a shock before the game was two points old, Walt Bridges suffering a shoulder injury and despite ice treatment he was unable to continue. However Dean and Tris Clow coped admirably both of them winning their singles, Dean beating Phil Coote and Peter James in straight sets, while Tris easily beat Coote but needed four to see off the challenges of Richard Hill and Peter James. With every point in the title race vital, the two Clow brothers teamed together for the doubles and despite an hiccup in the second set, breezed the last two 11-4, 11-1 for a 7-3 victory.

Yates and Greenhough Division One: Stickney A 6, Graves Park B 4; Lodgers G 9, Graves Park B 1; Penmaen A 7, Lodgers A 3; Penmaen B 4, Lodgers G 6; Stickney A 9, Graves Park D 1; Graves Park C 9, Graves Park A 1; Graves Park B 8, Lodgers B 2.

A D Dickinson Division Two: Lodgers D 5, Graves Park F 5; Lodgers E 7, Penmaen D 3; Wrangle B 1, Wrangle A 9; Graves Park Nomads 7, Sibsey School 3.

Report for week ending November 21

Although there were no matches scheduled for this week, a number of teams played games that had been postponed earlier in the season. Graves Park C unaccustomed to being in sixth position in the Yates and Greenhough Division One table surged through to second place beating stable-mates Graves Park D 10-0 and a few nights later they toppled Stickney 8-2. The promoted D team posed the C no problem, James Quinton and Mike East being in tremendous form having little trouble, both of them winning their games in three straight. Martin Walters though seemed to be treading water, and although winning his singles he needed five against Dave Walters and Mick Dodes and despite beating Paul Gilbert in four he just scraped in 12-10 in the deciding set.

A few night later the Park travelled to Stickney the 8-2 scoreline flattering the Park a bit, no less than seven of the games going the full distance. Martin Walters despite all of his games going to five was the pick of the Park team. James Quinton and Mike East chipped in with two each both of them beating Paul Hartnett and Vince Lozynsky but losing to the Stickney wonder boy Andrew Benjamin, who beat both of them by the narrowest of margins, Andrew edging home 11-9 in the fourth against Quinton and 12-10 in the fifth against No. 5 ranked East.

The best though was yet to come, when Stickney visited Lodgers G, who even at this early stage it looks as though it will be in second place again. Mark Hulme opened the scoring for Lodgers, beating Paul Hartnett but the shock of the night came early as the second game, Andrew Benjamin defeating No.6 ranked Kelvin Clements 9-11, 7-11, 11-5, 11-8, 12-10 and to beat two of best players in the league inside a week is virtually unheard of. However Lodgers got over this shock and strode on, Gary Hill pointing the way with wins over Geoff Bourne and Benjamin, while Hulme picked up his second of the night beating Bourne. Clements after his shock defeat by Benjamin, got his act together beating Hartnett and the unlucky Bourne, while Hill wrapped up his hat-trick with yet another five set win over Hartnett. The last game of the night proved another shock, No.10 ranked Hume taking on the wonder boy. Andrew won the first 11-8 but Hume turned the wick up in the next two winning 11-7, 11-6. Andrew managed to pinch the fourth 12-10 to set up the decider, which was basically one-way traffic, Andrew easing home 11-7 for his second of the night and saving his team from a real disastrous result.

Lodgers B, who are really struggling, met the high-flying Penmaen and knowing that if they got anything here would be a bonus especially as Jimmy Brewster was playing in place of the unavailable Brett Heppenstall.

As expected Jimmy never looked in trouble winning his singles in straight ends while Alan Ashberry made short work of Vic Clements and Tim Day but struggled a little against Pete Truepenny. Jake the Pegg brushed aside Clements and although dropping a set against Truepenny the result was never in doubt. Against Day, Jake found himself two sets down but he knuckled down in the third to scrape home 11-9 and ran away with the last two to win 11-2, 11-5. Tough luck on Lodgers who on the run of play probably deserved one or two games but had to settle for a 0-10 defeat.

The title race in A D Dickinson Division Two is just as exciting, the big four flexing their muscles. Penmaen D lead the way, racking up a solid 8-2 win over Lodgers H whose season has yet to get off the ground. Joint No. 1 ranked Dave Smith was in sparkling form winning his singles, although both Steve Marshall and Simon Raistrick took him to four, while against his namesake Boyd Smith it was a very close affair, Dave having to claw victory from the jaws of defeat, coming from 1-2 down to win the last two 12-10, 13-11 (it was that close). Chris Cooke also chipped in with two, beating Marshall and Raistrick but losing out to Smith, who was proving a thorn in the Penmaen side. John Shortland gave both of them excellent support beating Marshall and somewhat surprisingly Smith, John needing five to overcome the battling Smith 11-13, 11-7, 4-11, 11-6, 11-6.

Wrangle A settled comfortably into third place, just two points behind Graves Park Nomads and with a game in hand. This week they met struggling Lodgers D, Wrangle opening up a solid 5-0 lead, Sam Cooper beating Nev Leggate and Graham Bonsor, while No.3 ranked Dave Coulson comfortably saw off Tony Kime but for some unforeseen reason struggled to beat Leggate the game going to four legs. Dennis Pattrick had little trouble with Bonsor but the wheels came off against Kime, Dennis just losing out in the fourth, but he put this out of his mind beating Leggate 11-6, 11-4, 11-4.

Lodgers F moved up from seventh to fourth in the table by beating Sibsey 7-3, David Kime and Steve Harker doing the damage, both of them winning their singles. However some of the games weren’t that easy, Kime being taken to four by Richard Hill and Peter James, but Harker found a smoother path, winning his singles in straight legs but being extended by Hill. Lodgers new signing Ian Gorrie failed to deliver but the signs were encouraging, running Phil Coote to five and Richard Hill to four but against Peter James he faded badly losing out 7-11, 7-11, 6-11.

Yates and Greenhough Division One: Graves Park D 0, Graves Park C 10: Lodgers G 7, Stickney 3; Lodgers B 0, Penmaen A 10; Graves Park C 8, Stickney 2.

A D Dickinson Division Two: Penmaen D 8, Lodgers H 2; Wrangle A 8, Lodgers D 2; Sibsey 3, Lodgers F 7.

Report for week ending November 14

Penmaen A continued their surge at the top of the Yates and Greenhough Division One with another resounding victory, beating Graves Park A 10 -0. To be perfectly fair the Park haven’t made a poor start to the season either, winning two and drawing one of their first three fixtures, so this result was something of a wake up call. Alan Ashberry and Jake the Pegg were in unstoppable form, both of them sweeping aside the Park trio in straight sets. Brett Heppenstall although winning his three had his work cut out, being taken to five by the big hitting Phil Brooks, Brett winning the fifth end of a riveting game 12-10. Rob Smith also pushed him hard, Brett needing four sets to inch home, while against Nick Langley, albeit in three sets, it was just as close Nick going down 6-11, 11-13, 10-12. All in all, the Park can count themselves unlucky not to have picked up at least one game and if luck had been with them, maybe more.

Graves Park B, who have had a less than an auspicious start to the season although they have played two of the top teams, ground out their first victory of the season with a 6-4 win over stable-mates the B team. New signing Peter Munch (in place of Dave Graham) showed what an asset he will be, beating Dave Walters and Paul Matschull fairly comfortably but he had a hard fight on his hands from Mick Dodes, Peter edging home 11-9. Mike Freeston had a difficult evening coming from two down against Paul Matschull to win the fifth 11-7 and going the distance to beat Dave Walters 12-10 in the decisive end. Mike although beating Mick Dodes 11-7 in the first end, faded in the second and despite a brief flurry in the third, fell away in the fourth to lose 9-11. Mike Maltby’s disappointing season continued although he almost got off the mark in a five ender against Matschull. Against Walters he was slightly unlucky losing the vital fourth 16-18 but against Dodes he was never in the hunt. The decisive doubles was very close Freeston and Munch steamrollering Walters and Dodes 11-1 in the first. The D regrouped winning the second 11-7 but it was all to no avail the B pairing grinding out the next two to guide their team to a 6-4 victory.

Graves Park A meanwhile showed that they were not suffering a hangover after their mauling by Penmaen A when they met their B team a few nights later winning 8-2 to move them into third slot. The A team seemed to be buzzing Rob Smith opening the scoring beating Mick Maltby, Nick Langley beating a lack lustre Mike Freeston, while Phil Brooks put and end to Peter Much’s winning run, beating him 11-9, 14-12, 4-11, 11-6. Langley gained his second of the night beating Maltby, with Smith piling on the pressure to beat Munch and Brooks and despite losing 2-11 to Freeston in the first end and struggling to win the second he won the next two comfortably enough. 6-0 and the B were looking down the barrel of the gun but Munch came to the B’s rescue beating Langley while Maltby recorded his first win of the season beating Brooks in four. It was in the bag for the A though and Smith crowned a successful evening beating Freeston and to put the icing on the cake combining with Brooks to win a close fought doubles.

Lodgers A moved into second place in the table hammering their B team 10-0, Graham Lacey and Pete Evans showing some great form, both of them winning their singles in straight legs. Ian Stones although winning his singles looked at times to be less than convincing, dropping sets to both Tim Day and Pete Truepenny but beating Vic Clements in three, The doubles looked to be the closest game of the night and it seemed that the B were going to make sure that they were not going to be whitewashed Clements and Day winning the first two. However the A woke up to the fact that the doubles were slipping away, got their game together to win the next three to ensure a 10-0 victory.

The title race in the A D Dickinson Division Two seems to be bubbling nicely, Wrangle A forcing their way into the top three. This week they met second placed Graves Park Nomads who in the last week or so have seem to have lost that killer instinct. Wrangle started off strongly winning the first three, Sam Cooper beating Harry Paul, Dave Coulson getting the better of Tris Clow while Dennis Pattrick in a game that could have swung both ways narrowly defeated Dean Clow 11-6, 4-11, 12-10, 13-11. The Park who could see defeat looming hit back, Dean Clow getting his name on the board comfortably beating Cooper but having to work hard to overcome Coulson, Brother Tris put the game back into the melting pot beating Pattrick in a nerve jangling encounter 11-7, 8-11, 12-10, 11-8, 14-12. Wrangle, though, refused to panic Pattrick beating Paul while Cooper made the game safe with a straight set win over Tris Clow. The doubles like so many in this division was a close affair and the game could have gone to either team but the Park pair of the Clow brothers held out narrowly winning 15-13 in the fifth putting a bit of a gloss on the score.

Lodgers F are still struggling to get out of the doldrums and this week fielding a full team for the first time, had the misfortune to meet high flying Wrangle A. Even with new signing Ian Gorrie, it wasn’t all plain sailing David Kime playing with a cracked rib whilst Steve Harker is carrying a back injury. Despite a solid opening Kime beating Sam Cooper in five, Wrangle quickly equalised, Dave Coulson making short work of new signing Gorrie. Lodgers re-took the lead, Steve Harker in a close game seeing off Dennis Pattrick only to see Wrangle draw level, Cooper getting his name on the board beating Gorrie. Wrangle then took the game by the scruff of the neck taking the next three to put themselves in a strong position, Pattrick beating Kime and Gorrie quite convincingly, whilst Coulson made short work of Harker. Lodgers hit back with a brief flourish Harker beating Cooper but Coulson made sure of a Wrangle win beating Kime in four ends. Even so it wasn’t over, Kime and Harker battling to a consolation 11-8, 12-10, 11-8 doubles win to give the scoreline a more respectable look.

Lodgers E might just have entered the promotion race, Mark Vere making his first appearance of the season when they entertained stable-mates Lodgers H. Vere although not having had any practice, never looked in trouble, winning his singles in straight sets Colin Bell gave him excellent support also winning his singles but he was extended to five by Boyd Smith, Colin having to use all his experience in the last two ends thus enabling him to win. With Pete Bell failing to register it was left to Colin Bell and Vere to coast home in the doubles giving their team a 7-3 victory.

Graves Park F and Wrangle B two evenly balanced teams met, the Park taking an early lead, Alan Davy beating Cliff Davey in a five set thriller. Wrangle however quickly levelled Tim Sampson beating Kit Calvert and then took the lead, Tony Hall after a second set hiccup, making short work of Barry Frankish. With team captain Tony Sharpe sitting this one out, Wrangle extended the lead even further, Davey beating Calvert in straight sets and with Hall comfortably beating Alan Davy, things were looking pretty. The Park however pulled one back, Frankish narrowly beating Sampson but their hopes of a revival were quickly dashed, with Hall beating Calvert without too much trouble. Despite Frankish picking up his second of the night, all hopes of snatching a draw quickly vanished, Sampson making sure of a Wrangle win beating Davy in a game where the result was never in doubt. The doubles were keenly fought the Wrangle pair taking the first end 11-7 but the Park duo hit back to narrowly win the next three giving Wrangle a 6-4 victory their first of this campaign. With Wrangle winning 6-4 the question to be asked is will Captain Tony Sharpe gain back his place as we all know you don’t change a winning team.

Yates and Greenhough Division One: Penmaen A 10, Graves Park A 0; Graves Park B 6,, Graves Park D 4; Graves Park A 8 Graves Park B 2; Lodgers A 10, Lodgers B 0.

A D Dickinson Division Two: Wrangle A 6, Graves Park Nomads 4; Lodgers F 4, Wrangle A 6; Lodgers H 3, Lodgers E 7; Graves Park F 4, Wrangle B 6.

Report for week ending November 7

Penmaen D and Graves Park Nomads, currently first and second in the A D Dickinson Division Two, met this week and with the other two promotion hopefuls also clashing later this week, the table is beginning to take shape.

The Penmaen-Park Nomads clash always looked as though it would be close and five of the games going to five sets bore this out. The Park drew first blood, John Shortland making a pigs ear of it against Tris Clow, John comfortably winning the first two 11-3 11-7 only to see Tris fight back to win the next three just as easily 11-8, 11-5, 11-6. Penmaen quickly replied, Dave Smith beating Walt Bridges in three, while Chris Cooke nudged them ahead, beating the previously unbeaten Dean Clow 8-11, 11-7, 12-10, 11-4. Smith extended the Penmaen lead with a four set win over Tris, before the Park managed to pull one back, Dean Clow getting his name on the board, beating Shortland. Cooke made short work of Bridges but the two Clows put the park on level terms, Dean Clow beating the previously unbeaten Smith and in yet another five setter, Tris Clow just getting the better of Cooke. It was down to Shortland and Bridges, the two players without a win and in the closest game of the night the Shortland just clinched it 11-9 in the fifth. It was down to the doubles with both teams needing it for different reasons but the two Clows were never really in it, Smith and Cooke overpowering them in three keeping 100% record intact and guiding the team to a 6-4 victory.

A few nights later Park Nomads again took the field against stable-mates Graves Park F, Park Nomads running out comfortable 7-3 winners. The two Clows were again the main architects of the victory, picking up three each, Tris being in brilliant form winning all his singles in straight legs. Dean although winning his three had to work harder, needing four to see off Alan Davy and Barry Frankish, while against Fred Calvert he never looked in complete control and was happy to see the vital fifth just swing his way 11-8. Harry Paul, in place of Walt Bridges never got into the game, being well beaten by Frankish and although taking ends out of Davy and Calvert it was all to no avail, losing out both times. The doubles looked fairly straightforward the two Clows cruising the first two, but despite Frankish and Calvert putting up a fight in the third, the Nomads pair scraped home 13-11.

Penmaen D the second division pace-setters, consolidated their position at the top with a 7-3 victory over Wrangle B. Not a very inspiring start though as it was Wrangle who got away well, Tony Sharpe getting them off to a flyer narrowly beating Chris Cooke 11-9 in the fifth, while Maurice Buck made it 2-0 beating Tim Sampson 11-4, 12-10, 7-11, 11-9 . Panic reigned supreme in the Penmaen camp but Dave Smith (what a player to have in your team), steadied the nerves beating Tony Hall 11-4, 11-5, 2-11, 11-8, Cooke put Penmaen on level terms while Smith won his second of the night to put them in front. Not for long though, as Hall easily beat Buck in three straight to level the scores. However Penmaen steadied the ship and forged ahead, Smith completing his hat-trick beating Sampson, Cook after a shaky start (losing the first two ends) defeating Hall, while Buck got his name on the board, after a marathon game with Sharpe which went all the way to the wire. The doubles although not vital were fairly one sided, despite Sampson and Hall winning the first end 11-8. The next three were all Penmaen though as Smith and Cook tore their opponents to shreds, cruising home 11-3, 11-5, 11-5.

Lodgers D, after a two week break, entertained Sibsey School running out comfortable 8-2 winners. None of the Sibsey team had much idea of what to do with Tony Kime and although Phil Coote took the third set off him, the fourth was never in doubt. Graham Bonsor although winning his three had to work that much harder, needing five to see off Peter James, Graham just scraping home 15-13 in the final set. He also requied four to subdue Richard Hill and although beating Coote in three, all the ends were very close. Nev Leggate could only manage to win one beating Hill in the last singles of the evening having previously lost to James and Hill who gained Sibsey their two points. Sobering thought for Sibsey, this score is twice as many points as in the previous four matches.

At the top of the Yates and Greenhough Division One, Penmaen A reign supreme beating promoted Graves Park D10-0 their second maximum of the season. To say that the Park played well to score none might be an understatement, as every game except two was over in straight ends, Dave Walters beating Jake the Pegg 13-11 in the third end but Jake sorted it out in the fourth. Paul Gilbert turned in the best performance of the night as far as the Park were concerned, taking the second leg out of No.1 ranked Alan Ashberry but it was to no avail, Alan closing him down in the next two.

Graves Park C and Lodgers G two teams who should be in the first three come the end of the season met and although there were some close games it was Lodgers who ran put convincing 8-2 winners. Kelvin Clements and Mark Hulme opened the scoring for Lodgers beating James Quinton and Martin Walters respectively but Mick East pulled one back beating Clements 11-6 in the final set of a match that could have swung either way. Gary Hill arrived and piled on the pressure, dismissing Walters in three and East in four, both players not knowing what had hit them. Hulme defeated Quinton fairly easily, while Hill wrapped up his night by beating East in four top complete his hat-trick. Clements picked up his second of the night beating Walters in three, while East gave the score an air of respectability struggling to beat a battling Hulme 11-7, 8-11, 8-11, 11-9, 11-7.

Stickney, who through no fault of their own, played only their second match of the season when they took on Penmaen B. Paul Hartnett was in immaculate form for Stickney winning his singles being taken to four sets by the Penmaen lads who won the second leg each time. Andrew Benjamin chipped in with two beating Andy Birks and Roger Hooton, Andrew after dropping the first two sets against Hooton, came bouncing back to win the next two 12-10 both times. The final set was nothing like the first four, Andrew smashing his way through Roger’s defence to win 11-2 He (Andrew) was little unlucky not to take all three, losing to Scott Sykes by the narrowest of margins in the fifth. Vince Lozynsky could only manage to pick up one beating Birks but despite leading Sykes 2-1 he just lost out 9-11 in the fifth.

Yates and Greenhough Division One: Graves Park D 0, Penmaen A 10; Graves Park C 2, Lodgers G 8; Stickney 7, Penmaen B 3.

A D Dickinson Division Two: Penmaen D 6, Graves Park Nomads 4; Graves Park Nomads 7, Graves Park F 3; Wrangle B 3, Penmaen D 7; Lodgers D 8, Sibsey School 2.

Report for week ending October 31

The first real surprise of the season came in the Yates and Greenhough Division One, newly promoted Graves Park D gaining a shock result against high flying Lodgers A, the Park lads coming away with a 7-3 victory. Not quite as what it seems though, Lodgers could only field two players (no Graham Lacey), but nevertheless three points on the board before you start is just what you need. However, the Park came up against an in form Trev Blackbourn, Trev winning his singles but it was far from easy, being pushed all the way by the Park team. Both Paul Gilbert and Paul Matschull were perhaps unlucky not to get something from him just going down 9-11 in the fifth, while Mick Dodes faded in the final end losing 5-11. Against Ian Stones it was the complete opposite, Gilbert and Matschull disposing of him in three straight and despite Ian leading Dodes 2-0 Mick fought back to just nick the next three thus ruining Stones’ night. It got no better for Lodgers in the doubles, Gilbert and Dodes combining to win a very close encounter 11-6, 15-13, 13-15, 8-11, 11-7 for a 7-3 victory.

A few nights later, Lodgers A this time with a full complement of players visited Graves Park A, the Park anxious to preserve their unbeaten run. Turning out again for the Park was reserve Tris Clow (in place of Nick Langley and it was he who got the Park off to a flyer, coming from 1-2 down to win the next two to give the Park an early lead. Rob Smith saw off Trev Blackbourn in three, while Phil Brooks blasted past Pete Evans in straight legs, to give the Park a solid lead. Lodgers rallied, Stones pulling one back, beating Smith in a close five ender, while in another close encounter Evans put the game back into the melting pot with a 12-10, 11-9, 11-13, 13-11 win over Clow. The Park not to be put off by this mini-revival strode on, Brooks picking up his second of the night beating Blackbourn, while Smith overcame a stubborn Evans 11-9, 12-10, 8-11, 12-10, and the Park were within scenting victory leading 5-2. Lodgers, far from accepting that defeat was inevitable, hit back, Stones playing brilliantly to beat Brooks, so far the Park’s player of the season, while Blackbourn put Lodgers firmly back in the game, narrowly beating Clow over five sets. With only the doubles remaining it was still game on, Brooks and Smith seemingly on the road to victory, with the first leg of the doubles under their belts. Stones and Blackbourn had other ideas, comfortably winning the next three and from 2-5 down, gaining Lodgers an equal share of the spoils.

Graves Park C, playing only their second game of the season, visited Penmaen B and showed that they might be a force to be reckoned with coming away 8-2 victors. At one stage of the game it looked particularly bleak for the home team, the Park running riot, winning the first seven games. James Quinton, playing his best Table Tennis of the season, won his three while Mike East had little trouble with both Neil Snaith and Roger Hooton. Martin Walters struggled to adapt to Snaiths style in the first four sets scraping home 5-11, 14-12, 13-11, 4-11, but the fifth game was 11-4 in the Park players’ favour. He also had to work hard against Scott Sykes, Martin dropping the second set but in the end he eased through 11-8 both times. 7-0 up and cooking with gas but Penmaen showed that they weren’t finished Hooton drawing on his reserves to beat Walters in a five set thriller, the game swinging both ways while Sykes gained the shock of the night, beating East in yet another five setter. The doubles although little was at stake was a classic, Quinton and Walters winning the first two sets only for the Penmaen pair to fight back and grab the next two. It was showdown time and the game could have gone either way but the Park pair of Quinton and Walters held their nerve to run out 11-9 winners giving the team an 8-2 victory.

The A D Dickinson Division Two looks like being a four-horse race, Graves Park Nomads, Penmaen D, Wrangle A and, when they get sorted, Lodgers F.

This week two of the contenders, Lodgers F and Penmaen D met, Lodgers still with only two players and against a team like this it is a mountain to climb. Dave Smith, despite needing five to see off the challenge of David Kime had little trouble with Steve Harker, beating him in straight sets. Chris Cooke also chipped with his two making short work of Harker and in a close encounter against Kime, he edged home 11-8 in the fourth. Maurice Buck failed to register a win, just losing 10-12 in the fourth to Harker after winning the first and getting little change from Kime who beat him in three straight.

Lodgers F had better fortune when they visited the Park to take on the F team. Still with only two players it hardly seemed to matter, David Kime and Steve Harker sweeping the Park aside. Kime won his singles in straight ends, while Harker needed five to see off a sluggish Barry Frankish and four to overcome Fred Calvert The doubles which was probably the closest game of the evening, even though it was over in three, saw the Lodgers pair put the icing on the cake, narrowly beating Frankish and Calvert 11-9, 24-12, 13-11, for a 7-3 victory.

Wrangle A another team who I expect to be there or thereabouts trimmed up newcomers to the league Sibsey School 9-1 and this season is going to be a steep learning curve for them. However the score tended to flatter Wrangle a little, as no less than six of the ten games went the full distance, vital ends going Wrangle’s way every time. It was left to Phil Coote to save Sibsey’s blushes from a whitewash, beating Dennis Patrick (excellent win this) for Sibsey’s solitary point.

Lodgers E and Wrangle B fought out a tight contest and from two very evenly matched team a 5-5 draw seemed to be a fair result. The game was always close, swinging first one way and then the other, Colin Bell picking up his singles, while Pete Bell played brilliantly to win two, beating Tony Sharpe and Tim Sampson but not knowing how to handle Tony Hall. With Lodgers leading 5-4 the doubles was the vital game, the Wrangle pair of Hall and Sampson taking on the two Bell brothers, Pete and Colin. After two sets it was all square but Hall and Sampson nicked the third end 14-12 and ran out comfortable 11-8 winners in the fourth to earn their team a creditable draw.

Yates and Greenhough Division One: Lodgers A 3, Graves Park D 7; Graves Park A 5, Lodgers A 5; Penmaen B 2, Graves Park C 8.

A D Dickinson Division Two: Lodgers F 2, Penmaen D 8; Graves Park F 3, Lodgers F 7; Sibsey School 1, Wrangle A 9; Lodgers E 5, Wrangle B 5.

Report for week ending October 24

The question of postponements reared its ugly head this week with no less than four matches, for one reason or another, being called off. This has made it difficult to formulate, a true league table, some teams having played three while others have only played one.

However, Graves Park F who were relegated last season have made a good start to their A D Dickinson Division Two campaign, winning their third match in a row beating the newly formed Lodgers H 8-2. A tough introduction for Lodgers but the Park didn’t have it all their own way, Simon Raistrick being unlucky to go down 10-12 in the fourth against Tris Clow. Boyd Smith also put up a great fight taking Tris, taking him all the way only to fade a bit in the fifth. Steve Marshall, the pick of the Lodgers lads, stunned Dean Clow by taking him to five, just losing 9-11 in the fifth and despite losing in four to Walt Bridges gained some revenge beating Tris Clow for Lodgers only singles success late in the evening. Buoyed by this, more was to come in the doubles, Marshall and Smith combining to narrowly beat the Park duo 9-11, 11-7, 11-8, 9-11, 14-12 inflicting upon the Clow brothers what will be one of their rare doubles defeats this season. On the whole the Lodgers lads fought hard and probably deserved better than a 2-8 scoreline.

Park Nomads also took on Lodgers E, this, (Lodgers), being the team that took the second division by storm during the second half of last season. However much has changed, (no Mark Vere) and this has made the team very ordinary. Dean Clow has seemed to hit top form very early on, winning his singles in straight legs and when you beat Colin Bell 11-6, 11-4, 11-6 you know you are playing well. Tris Clow and Walt Bridges chipped in with two apiece, both of them beating Pete and Thomas Bell and although Pete took a set out of Walt the result was never in doubt. There was no respite for the beleaguered Lodgers pair in the doubles, the two Clow boys beating the two Bells, Pete and Thomas in three straight, which moves the Park to the top of the table.

Wrangle B (last season’s Stickney B), appear to have got off to a reasonable start and although losing their first match 3-7, they must have been pleased with their performance this week drawing 5-5 against with Lodgers H.

Tony Hall was in great form winning his singles and although Boyd Smith took him to four and Steve Marshall extended him to five, Tony won the day, always getting the vital points at the right time. Tim Sampson weighed in with two, narrowly beating Marshall and Simon Raistrick and although pushing Boyd Smith close, he went down in three straight. Cliff Davey failed to register, being well beaten by Marshall and Raistrick and although he took the second end off Smith, the third and fourth comfortably went the way of the Lodgers player. With both teams requiring the doubles, Cliff combined with Tony Hall but they never got near the Lodgers pair of Marshall and Smith, losing 7-11, 5-11, 7-11 to earn Lodgers a well deserved draw.

Lodgers G who generally sweep all before them in Yates and Greenhough Division One, have made an uninspiring start to this seasons campaign. Despite a 10-0 win in the opening fixture, their last two matches has seen them go downhill, just beating their a team 6-4 and losing to defending champions Penmaen A.

Graham Lacey was a constant thorn in the G side, making short work of Kelvin Clements and Mark Hulme and although losing the third leg to Gary Hill, Graham hit back to narrowly take the fourth 12-10. Ian Stones continued his hold over Gary Hill, narrowly beating him 11-9, 12-14, 10-12, 11-5, 11-6 but he (Ian) was well beaten by Hulme and despite taking the third end off Kelvin he was splattered 11-2 in the fourth. The doubles was the vital for both teams but the G pairing of Clements and Hill battled their way through, narrowly beating Stones and Lacey 11-6, 8-11, 11-7, 12-10 to guide their team to victory.

A few night later Lodgers G travelled to meet their nemesis, Penmaen A, the home team opening up a solid three game advantage, Alan Ashberry comfortably beating Kevin Clements, while Brett Heppenstall made short work of Mark Hulme. Jake the Pegg had his work cut out to beat Gary Hill, Gary taking the second 11-8 but succumbing 6-11, 9-11 in the next two. Clements at last put Lodgers on the board, with a five set win over Heppenstall but Ashberry strode on to take his three, struggling a little with Hill but having no trouble against Hulme. Heppenstall picked up his second of the night beating Hill but in possibly the closest game of the evening he just lost out 8-11, 9-11, 11-4, 11-7, 10-12 to Clements. Jake despite winning his first game, struggled against both Hulme and Clements, losing the first two ends both times, winning the next two but fading in the fifth. However he made up for this, combining with Ashberry in the doubles, to win another hard fought game giving the defending champions a solid 7-3 victory, putting them at the top of the table.

Graves Park B, who have had two weeks off, played only their second match of the season drawing 5-5 with fellow strugglers Penmaen B. Playing for the Park was Peter Munch, who plays regularly in the King’s Lynn and Wisbech leagues, Peter making a very successful debut, winning his three, comfortably beating Scott Sykes and Neil Snaith but dropping one end to Andy Birks. Mike Freeston picked up two, needing four ends to see off Birks and five to get the better of Neil Snaith but after leading Sykes two sets to one, he ran out of steam, going down 4-11, 5-11. Mick Maltby often the cornerstone of Park performances, suffered having an off night, losing to Sykes in four and despite taking Snaith the full distance, faded in the last two. To compound his night he was never in the hunt against Birks, the Penmaen player easing home 11-4, 11-7, 11-6. With both teams requiring the doubles for different reasons, Munch teamed up with Freeston and despite taking the second and fourth legs, faded in the fifth Sykes and Birks scraping it 11-8.

Graves Park A picked up their second win of the season with a solid 7-3 victory over Lodgers B, who so far have had a difficult start to their campaign. Lodgers found the Park’s Rob Smith and Phil Brooks in brilliant form both of them winning their singles, Rob being taken to four by Pete Truepenny and Tim Day while Phil struggled against Truepenny and Day winning by the narrowest of margins both times. Nick Langley had what might be described as a poor night and from being in winning positions against Day and Truepenny he somehow let it slip. Smith and Brooks put the icing on the cake winning the doubles, beating Clements and Truepenny 7-11, 14-11, 11-7, 11-9 propelling the Park to a heady third place in the table.

Yates and Greenhough Division One: Lodgers G 6, Lodgers A 4; Lodgers B 3, Graves Park A 7; Penmaen A 7, Lodgers G 3; Graves Park B 5, Penmaen B 5.

A D Dickinson Division Two: Lodgers H 2, Graves Park Nomads 8; Graves Park Nomads 8, Lodgers E 2; Wrangle B 5, Lodgers H 5.

Report for week ending October 17

Penmaen D opened their account in the A D Dickinson Two with a 9-1 crushing of newcomers Sibsey School, Chris Cooke and Dave Smith having little or no trouble with any of the Sibsey lads. Maurice Buck chipped in with two, needing four sets to see off Phill Coote and narrowly beating Peter James 7-11, 11-8, 6-11, 11-4, 12-10 in a game that could have swung either way. Richard Hill recorded Sibsey’s solitary point, beating Buck in another tight five-setter, which this time swung the newcomers way.

A few nights later, Sibsey were again in action, travelling to Graves Park to take on the F team, who must be hoping for better things this season. Despite being on the wrong end of a 9-1 scoreline, there were some good signs, Peter James taking both Fred Calvert and Alan Davy to five legs, while the experienced Barry Frankish needed four, just winning the vital end 11-9. Richard Hill fought hard against Calvert and Frankish but probably his style of play suited them as he was dismissed in three ends both times. He fared better against Davy but despite winning the second leg 11-8 he faded in the next two. Star of the show (as far as Sibsey were concerned) was Phil Coote who, after losing his first two games, pulled out all the stops, beating Davy 12-10, 9-11, 11-9, 11-9 saving his team from the humiliation of a whitewash.

Graves Park Nomads who were relegated last season started their life in Division Two with a 7-3 win over Wrangle B (last season Stickney B). The two Clow brothers did all the damage, both of them winning their singles, Dean making fairly light work of it, while Tris had to work hard against the resilient Tony Hall and Tim Sampson . Harry Paul had a less than happy evening, losing his singles, being well beaten by Hall and despite turning in solid displays against Sampson and Davey, lost in the vital end both times. The doubles were keenly contested, the two Clow brothers crowning a successful evening, narrowly beating Hall and Sampson 12-10 in a tight five ender that so easily could have swung the other way.

Lodgers E have started off the season in non to convincing form, losing their first match 4-6 and this week could only scramble a 5-5 draw against stable-mates Lodgers F who could only muster two players. As expected Colin Bell did the business for the E brushing aside Steve Harker and David Kime. However his two team mates, Pete Bell and Thomas Bell were no match for the experienced F boys, although Pete Bell gave Steve Harker a scare in the first two losing by the narrowest of margins until he (Steve) sorted it out in the third.

Early front-runners of this division are Penmaen D who recorded their second victory in a week beating Lodgers D 8-2. It looked like Penmaen had been playing all close season, John Shortland and Dave Smith blasting past the opposition. However it wasn’t all plain sailing Shortland being taken the full distance by Graham Bonsor, while Smith was in all sorts of trouble with Nev Leggate before sorting it out to comfortably win the fifth. It wasn’t until game 8 that Lodgers got on the board, Tony Kime who up to this point had been strangely quiet, suddenly hit to form to beat Maurice Buck 11-8, 11-1, 11-4. Despite losing the last singles of the evening, Kime and Leggate combined in the doubles playing exceptionally well to beat Smith and Buck giving the scoreline an air of respectability.

In the Yates and Greenhough Division One, Lodgers A look as though they could be a force to be reckoned with, starting off their campaign with an 8-2 victory over Penmaen B. Graham Lacey, returning after a lengthy injury was in tremendous form winning his singles and despite being given a fright by Andy Birks in the first, Graham eased though in the next three. He was well supported by both Ian Stones and Pete Evans, both winning two each , Ian tripping up against Neil Snaith, while Evans succumbed in three to Scott Sykes. The doubles although being over in three straight was quite close, the Lodgers duo of Lacey and Stones just holding the edge to run out victors.

Penmaen A are the early leaders winning their second match in succession beating their B team 10-0.

Apart from the odd set here and there it was a stroll in the Park for the A, although to be fair Scott Sykes gave Alan Ashberry a bit of a game. Jake the Pegg was untouchable, none of the B team being able to get near him. Brett Heppenstall although winning his three, had one or two anxious moments, losing the first sets to both Roger Hooton and Andy Birks but Brett still recovering from injury, won the next three sets without too much bother both times.

Newly promoted Graves Park D had what will probably be hailed as their best result of the season, beating last seasons Division Two champions Lodgers B 9-1. This result though should looked at in perspective, as Lodgers could only field two players, star man Vic Clements being unavailable. Surprisingly it was Lodgers who drew first blood, Tim Day getting the better of Paul Matschull but that was as far as it went, Mick Dodes sweeping aside Pete Truepenny and with Dave Walters beating Day in four, the Park were on a roll. Truepenny and Day gave Lodgers some hope pushing Matschull and Dodes to five but the writing was on the wall, the Park lads winning through both times. Truepenny again raised Lodgers hopes in the last singles of the night but it was a false dawn and after winning the first two 11-6 he faded in the next three going down 9-11, 5-11, 5-11.

Yates and Greenhough Division One: Lodgers A 8, Penmaen B 2; Graves Park D 9, Lodgers B 1; Penmaen B 0, Penmaen A 10.

A D Dickinson Division Two: Sibsey School 1, Penmaen D 9; Lodgers E 5, Lodgers F 5; Graves Park Nomads 7, Wrangle B 3; Graves Park F 9, Sibsey School 1; Penmaen D 8, Lodgers D 2.

Report for week ending October 10

The new Boston and District Table Tennis season got under way this week with two of the Park teams, the B and the C meeting in a Division One clash. This in actual fact was brought forward due to holidays and it is a lot better than postponing a match (other teams might like to take this idea on board). Looking back perhaps it was not a good idea for the early start from the B’s point of view, being on the receiving end of a10-0 drubbing. It must be said though that the score somewhat flattered the C, Dave Graham and Mike Freeston pushing James Quinton all the way, while Mick Maltby took him to four. Pick of the B team was Dave Graham who was maybe a little unlucky not to pick up something, also taking ends out of Martin Walters and Mike East but alas, fading in the fourth both times. The doubles was close and could have swung either way, Walters and Quinton just edging home 11-9 in the fifth. All in all the B didn’t deserve to lose by such a score and probably deserved two or three games for sheer effort.

The two other Park teams also met, the A taking on the newly promoted D. With Nick Langley being unavailable, Rob Smith pulled in Tris Clow and he didn’t let the team down, beating Dave Walters and after a terrific struggle Paul Matschull but he was closed down by Mick Dodes in straight legs. Rob Smith picked up his singles needing four lends to see off Walters and Matschull, while against Dodes he struggled, Dodes coming back time and time again only to see Rob nick the fifth 13-11. Special mention must be given to Phil Brooks who during the summer hasn’t practiced a lot (not at all). Despite this and his late arrival, which meant he had the play three of the last four games, he brushed aside Walters and Matschull in straight legs and then came up against the formidable Dodes. After winning the first end 11-2 Phil seemed to ease up and allowed Dodes to nick the next two, 11-9 both times, but Phil came roaring back in the fourth and then just nicked the fifth 11-9. Not content with this he turned out for the doubles with Smith but his singles form had deserted him and he and Smith slipped to defeat, giving the D a couple of points from their first outing.

To complete the week of local derbies, saw last season’s division two champions Lodgers B taking on stable-mates and last seasons first division runners up Lodgers G. This was a difficult match for the B to start off with but you have got to play them sometime and to get it out of the way is maybe not a bad thing. However from the start the G were in great form, both No.3 ranked Kelvin Clements and Mark Hulme making short work of the B team and despite Tim Day taking a set out of Clements and Hulme, he got well and truly thumped in the fourth leg by both players for his troubles. Gary Hill had a scrappy night needing four legs to see of Day and although beating Pete Truepenny fairly convincingly he struggled against Vic Clements and it wasn’t until the fifth that he broke him down to win 11-5. The doubles was another game where Hulme and Kelvin Clements thought they had the game won at the end of the second but Vic Clements and Day (who was playing his fourth four setter of the evening) came storming back to win the third 11-9. This meant the game had to go to at least one more set and this time the G lads made no mistake winning 11-8 to get their team off to a cracking start with a 10-0 victory.

The revamped Penmaen A team opened their account with an 8-2 win over Stickney, who over the seasons has seen one or two changes to the team. Alan Ashberry and Jake the Pegg were in great form, both of them dismissing the Stickney lads in straight legs. Brett Heppenstall, who is carrying a hip and back injury had a less than happy night, struggling to overcome Geoff Bourne but losing in the three to Hartnett and going down to Benjamin, (throwing away a 2-0 lead), in a nail biting fifth end. The Penmaen pair of Ashberry and Pegg were in complete control in the first two legs of the doubles. However The Stickney pair of Benjamin and Hartnett woke up in the third but it was too little too late, going down 12-14 for a 2-8 defeat.

Lodgers E, who last season had a fantastic run that almost gained them promotion, met club-mates Lodgers D who last season finished bottom but one in Division Two. What a difference a close season makes, Pete Bell returning in place of the powerhouse Mark Vere, who was No.1 in this division last season. The D could hardly believe their luck, Tony Kime and Graham Bonsor sweeping aside Thomas and Pete Bell, the latter surprising Tony by taking the first end. Nev Leggate also picked up two, both of them being hard fought five setters, Nev having to win the last three to overcome young Thomas Bell while against Pete Bell he almost blew it after winning the first two. None of the D lads had any real answers to No.2 ranked(this season he should be No.1) Colin Bell, who although winning his singles looked unhappy against Kime, having to win the last two to overcome him and also dropping a set against Bonsor.

Wrangle A, relegated last season and having all sorts of trouble in finding a third player, started the season off with only two players, Sam Cooper and Dave Coulson taking on Graves Park F. It must be said that both teams have had little practice and it showed, Sam Cooper being the quickest to get his game flowing, beating Alan Davy and Fred Calvert in three but requiring five to overcome a fighting Barry Frankish. Dave Coulson had all sorts of trouble with Calvert before thumping him 11-3 in the fifth and against Frankish it wasn’t all plain sailing, edging home 12-10, 11-8, 5-11, 11-6.The doubles were a mere formality the Wrangle pairing of Cooper and Coulson rounding of a successful evening for them beating Frankish and Calvert 11-7, 11-5, 11-7 for a comfortable,7-3 win All they need is a third player and this team is promotion material.

Yates and Greenhough Division One: Graves Park B 0, Graves Park C 10; Graves Park A 8, Graves Park D 2; Lodgers B 0, Lodgers G 10; Penmaen A 8, Stickney 2.

A D Dickinson Division Two: Lodgers D 6, Lodgers E 4; Wrangle A 7, Graves Park F 3.

News for week ending Sunday September 21

With barely a fortnight before the 2008-09 Boston Table Tennis League season gets under way, it is time for the teams from the A D Dickinson Division Two to come under the spotlight. This season this division has seen an increase of one team but as usual, some teams have changed some of their personnel, while others have merged, so all in all there have been a few changes. It was also nice to see one new club (Sibsey Free School) entering the league. With Lodgers B and Graves Park B being promoted this meant that Penmaen C and Graves Park Nomads should be going in the opposite direction but with Penmaen C disbanding, only Park Nomads made the trip

Graves Park Nomads Their venture in the first division saw them go the whole season without winning a match. Gained creditable draws against fellow strugglers Penmaen C (twice), and Graves Park B but suffered heavy defeats against the top teams and this cost them. This season they look quite strong and considering all the problems other teams are experiencing, they should be pushing for promotion come the end of the season.

Wrangle A: Up to a fortnight ago only had two players (Dennis Pattrick moving to Lodgers) but along came Mike Wade who is new to the area and was immediately signed on. Tragedy struck last week when it was revealed that Mike had broken his wrist which could put him out of action for some time. Sam Cooper is left in a bit of a quandary, should he try and tough it out with two players until Mike is fit, or should he try to sign on someone else. If they have three players they have got to be in the running for promotion but with only two, they will struggle, and could finish some way off the promotion scene.

Lodgers E: This is the team that signed on Mark Vere during the Christmas break last season and embarked on a winning run to finish third in the table. If they had signed him a fortnight earlier, they could not only have gained promotion but might also have snatched the title. This season Mark has re-signed but it appears he will not play regularly as Pete Bell is now back in action, whilst Colin’s other son Adam, who has had a season off has also been signed. So five players in the team, if the strongest team is played it is game, set and match, but if all five are used on a rotor basis, a half-way spot is their best bet.

Penmaen C: Last season the D team, but with the disbanding of the C team, the D have took over their mantle. One or two changes here for departed is Paul Maxwell who only played five matches last season and in his place comes Maurice Buck who shouldn’t lose too many in this division. He will be joining Dave Smith, Chris Cook and John Shortland and this team shouldn’t be far away from promotion.

Lodgers F: Real problems here with the break up of last years team, (the three Skegness lads forming their own team), David Kime was stuck with only two players. Dennis Pattrick came to their rescue and along with Steve Harker looked a sure fire promotion outfit. Since then Steve has decided to retire so David is again stuck with only two players. If another player can be found promotion still might be achieved but with only two players even as experienced as David and Dennis they can forget it and it’s mid-table again.

Lodgers H: The three Skegness lads branching out on their own, after a season under the Lodgers F banner but to be fair they only played about 50 percent of the teams matches. This season they are on their own, so should play every week which will see results improve, as there will be continuity. Don’t think they will trouble the top teams but a mid-table position is a possibility.

Graves Park F: Another team that over the last few seasons has failed to achieve their full potential and last season was no exception. Trouble is that they had four players and only fielded the same team on consecutive weeks twice during the whole of the season. This season they have lost Kit Calvert so are down to the three regulars. Barry Frankish had a poor season (48.89%) and we all know he is better than this record suggests and this season should see him regain his place in the top ten rankings. Obviously all the team will improve through playing regularly and have the ability to climb a place or so.

Lodgers D: Had a poor season finishing bottom but one. Tony Kime continues to impress but if they are to progress up the table, the other two, Nev Leggate and Graham Bonsor (Graham in particular, only 27.78% last season), must pick up a few more. If not it is the doldrums again and really they are too good to dwell down there.

Wrangle B: Last season they were Stickney B but as they played just four matches at home, (hall booked for other functions), they felt it best to move to pastures new. Have just had a couple of poor seasons and the tragedy here is that they are really better than their record suggests but turning out five times with only two players doesn’t do you any favours. Tony Hall arguably their best player only took part in seven matches, while Cliff Davey played only one match in the second half. Tony Sharpe had an unhappy season and it was left to Tim Sampson to carry the team. What an admirable job he did, scoring almost half of the teams total number of points for the season. This season promises to be a bit better and if they can field three players all the time, results will come. But don’t book the village hall for the celebration party.

Sibsey Free School: Team of teachers from Sibsey School who want to play in the League, the League only being too ready to accept them. Difficult to say how they might fare as in this division there are some decent teams. If any of them have had any League experience before it will be of great help. One thing for sure this season will be learning curve for them and their main aim must be consolidation this time round. Never know in this game though they may be some class players there to come through to win the league.

News for week ending Sunday September 14

The 08/09 Boston and District Table Tennis League season starts on Monday October 6 with a total of 20 teams applying to enter the league. Although this is only a increase of one team it is a start, and let’s hope the last few years of steady decline have been halted. The handbooks will be printed very shortly and for those that would like to know their fixtures in advance can find them on the table tennis web site.

We will start as usual by previewing the Yates and Greenhough Division One. The division has the same number of teams as last season. Promotion and relegation proved to be straightforward but some of the personnel have changed. Some teams have moved headquarters while other teams have merged

Penmaen A: Won the First Division quite easily but were only 14 points in front of the second place team which was a lot less than the previous season. A change of personnel this season sees Andy Gilbert departing and Brett Heppenstall joining Jake the Pegg and Alan Ashberry from the B team, both of whom figured prominently in the top ten rankings last season. In the wings are “reserves”, Brian Hill and Jimmy Brewster who are both playing in other leagues and will be used sparingly. If only one of the two “reserves” play regularly the title is in the bag, but if not who knows. Having said that Jake, Brett and Alan can more than hold their own and perhaps retain the title without the help of the big two.

Lodgers G: Recaptured the runners up spot from the previous season but this present campaign could go a bit pear shaped. Departed from the scene is the talented No.9 ranked Ian Royle and his presence will be missed. No new faces but Kelvin Clements, Gary Hill and Mark Hulme who will be playing regularly might spring one or two shocks. Cannot see them unseating the mighty Penmaen and if they hold on to second place they will have had a good season.

Penmaen B: Not, however, the Penmaen B of last season as this is one of the all change teams. The only surviving member of the team being Scott Sykes, who has been joined by Neil Snaith and Roger Hooton (Ex Penmaen C) and Andy Birks who last played in the Boston League some 15 years ago. How will they fare I do not know but must be hoping for mid table security after last season debacle, which if the had remained as Penmaen C would have seen them go down.

Graves Park C: In many ways a disappointing season but finishing 26 points clear of the next placed team can’t be that bad. The only team in the top four who has not changed their line up and the team must be hoping for a better season. If Mick East, who finished 8th in the rankings last season, (a poor performance by his high standard), and James Quinton and Martin Walters all pick up a few more, they could snatch second spot off Lodgers G.

Lodgers A: For the last two or three seasons this team has underachieved and last season was no different. Admittedly due to injury, Graham Lacey only played the first six matches and when Graham is not playing the team fall to pieces. Surprisingly Pete Evans was the best of the rest with 54.76% and at one time featured in the top ten but Ian Stones and Trev Blackbourn were just disappointing. Same four as last season but this season might be different and with a fully fit Graham, (who only lost one game last season), they must be looking to move up a bit. However, fourth place will be the best they can hope for.

Graves Park A: Same team as last season, which saw them finish mid-table and that I think is where they are destined to be this time round. Not strong enough to tackle the big boys but any points picked up against them could be vital. Rob Smith and Nick Langley have been practising all close season but nothing has been seen of Phil Brooks. Could have snatched fifth place last season but results from their last two matches scuppered their plans. Should have no trouble in finishing well away from the relegation zone and with a bit more effort they could move up a place or so.

Stickney A: Had a reasonable start drawing their first two matches but then they met the big boys and it all went pear shaped. The second half saw them acquire Vince Lozynsky who naturally took time to adjust, but settled in well. Same four as last season who managed to steer them clear of relegation. This season should again see them in a mid-table position but good results are needed as there were not many points separating the bottom four last season.

Graves Park B: Bottom but two doesn’t sound great but this team managed to achieve what a lot of teams in the past have failed to do, and that is stay up after gaining promotion. This season might be a traumatic time for them as they will lose Dave Graham for maybe six weeks or so. His place has been taken by Mick Bolsin who is a newcomer to the area who will fill in while Dave is away. Again it is not going to be easy, as last season Dave was their most successful player and he will be a hard act to follow. Obviously they are not going to win the league and I think that once again they will be involved in fighting off relegation.

Lodgers B: Bounced back at the first attempt in the end winning the division by a comfortable margin. Same team as last time round and I think possibly better equipped to handle the top flight than the last time they were there. Going to finish near the foot of the table and their main ambition this season is to stay in the first division but apart from the top four teams any of the remaining six can so easily find themselves fighting off relegation.

Graves Park D: Tipped for promotion last season but looked as though they had blown it when after eight matches they were languishing in third place seven points adrift of Wrangle. However they embarked on a great run winning all their remaining fixtures except one to just edge Wrangle out of the promotion stakes. What does this season hold in store. I can only see them struggling but Mick Does with his excellent serves might pick up a few, while Dave Walters could also cause an upset or two. Must be prime relegation fodder and if they manage to stay in this division the season can only be termed as a success.