North Cornwall Table Tennis League 2018/19 latest round-up

THE top three sides in Division One of the North Cornwall Table Tennis League advanced into the quarter-finals of the Handicap Cup last week.

Despite starting a long way behind in the best of three, first to 21 format, Division One leaders Torridge were still too strong for third-tier Bridgerule B in winning 5-2 before the captains agreed to stop proceedings.

It was another top against bottom division clash at Budehaven as Budehaven A took on Altarnun B.

Although -13 was the lowest deficit they had to overcome, Owen Salisbury, Mark Beaumont and David Ewen proved too good with Salisbury and Beaumont both winning all three in a 7-2 success.

North Hill A are third in the top tier and faced fellow Division One side Whitstone Wanderers but won 6-0.

Three of the games got close in the final ends but Martin Hynes, Shirley Luckhurst and Iain Oxenham were all in top form.

The match of the night was between Division Two rivals Budehaven E and North Hill B with the outcome only decided on the last point.

After eight close games, which saw over half go to the final end, Budehaven’s Ian Westaway just edged out Adrian Davis to secure the win.

He was well supported by Ian Edwards who won two, as did Davis.

Across the hall, Altarnun A set up a trip to North Hill A after overcoming fellow second-tier rivals Budehaven C, 5-2. Alex Whitfield and Geoff Hale both won two with Paul Burden also on target.

Crackington C are through to the last eight after a 6-3 win over Bridgerule A.

The visitors were only able to muster two players, meaning they automatically conceded three games, but fought valiantly with Alan Quilter being successful twice. However, home skipper Simon Patterson led from the front as they set up a trip to Budehaven A.

Third-tier North Hill C will take on the winners of Division One rivals Budehaven B or Crackington B in the quarter-finals, after Helland conceded their tie.

With Crackington Institute unavailable due to a pantomime, Crackington and Budehaven agreed to bring their league clash forward by a week.

In the end, Budehaven won 7-3 despite the best efforts of Zach Parker who was triumphant in all three for the home side with Ashley Taylor, David Sillifant and Brandon Forsyth all securing doubles for the visitors.