North Cornwall Table Tennis League 2017/18 round-up

By David Sillifant

BUDEHAVEN?A have opened up the title race in Division One of the North Cornwall Table Tennis League after a thrilling 6-4 victory at previously unbeaten league leaders Helland A.

In one of the greatest matches in the league’s history, 46 of a possible 50 games were played with nearly all matches going to a decider. Such was the closeness of the games, play didn’t finish till gone 11.30pm with most games being 11-8 or closer.

For the visitors, Helen Murgatroyd and David Ewen won two with Ewen winning the doubles with Dave Salisbury, who also beat Ingus Abolnieks.

Ritchie Bartlett and Mike Fisher picked up a pair of victories for Helland.

North Hill A are now 20 points behind with two games in-hand following their 8-2 victory over Crackington A.

Bob Thompson and Shirley Luckhurst each had 100% winning records on the night with Frank?Barnes and Ross Wilmshurst picking up the Crackington points against Adrian Davis, who beat Paul Seez.

In Division Two, Budehaven B are likely to be crowned champions at Whitstone Wanderers tonight after an 8-2 victory over their C team last week.

Ashley Taylor and Owen Salisbury both won three and the doubles together with David Sillifant picking up the other point.

However, he lost to both Anthony and Andrew Ward with the latter coming from 2-0 down to take the spoils.

Budehaven B need just three points to be sure of the championship.

Second-placed Crackington B produced a first for the season as they beat bottom club Bridgerule A 10-0 with all matches being won by Keiron Chatterjea, Ross Paynter and Robin Evans in straight games.

Whitstone Wanderers are still favourites for the runners-up spot after a 6-4 victory at Altarnun.

They’re 22 points behind Crackington but have three games in-hand.

Paul Burden continued his fine form for the home team in being unbeaten all night with Alex Whitfield claiming their other point.

For the visitors, Barry Stearman and Doug Genini both beat Whitfield and Simon Holmes with Rob Woodhouse beating the latter.

The other scheduled match between Launceston and North Hill B was postponed after the Royal Britsh Legion in Launceston was broken in to over the weekend before.

In Division Three, Budehaven E were crowned champions after a 5-0 victory over Bridgerule B in a match which was played under the conditions of double points due to the reverse fixture not being played.

Such has been Tim Orchard and Robin Worden’s dominance, they’ve dropped just two points all season with Orchard yet to lose.

They’re now 17 points ahead of Crackington B who have just ten points to play for in their final two outings.

The other game this week saw Budehaven D sneak past North Hill C, 3-2.

Cayden Gill was the difference, winning both singles as well as the doubles with skipper John Gillin.

The North Hill duo of Helen Aplin and Jill Diggory both beat Gillin to take it to the decider.

However the home team just had enough, squeezing past 11-8.

At the David Viggers tournament last Sunday, Budehaven B and Crackington B played the semi-final of the Division Two Knockout Cup with Crackington thrashing the league leaders 5-1.

After David Sillifant and Ashley Taylor undeservedly won the first match 11-9 against?Keiron Chatterjea and Robin Evans, Crackington, aided by the brilliant consistency of Ross Paynter, reeled off five straight matches to set up a showdown against Whitstone Wanderers or North Hill B in the final.

To view the latest scores, fixtures, results, player averages and more, visit www.tabletennis365.com/NorthCornwall