North Devon Table Tennis League 2019/20 (week four) round-up

BRIDGERULE made it three wins from as many games in the North Devon League as they won 8-2 at Instow-based Herons last Wednesday night.

David Streak’s side, who along with Holsworthy A have a game in-hand on the rest of the division, are now just two points off the lead heading into this week’s fixtures which started on Monday.

Streak and Steve Cragg each won their three singles as well as combining to claim the doubles point.

Helen Murgatroyd, playing her first match of the season in place of Peter Freeburn, beat Robin Gale in five, but lost in deciders to Rob Herman and James Raymont.

Holsworthy A warmed up for their inter-club battle with Holsworthy D, which took place on Tuesday night with a 6-4 defeat against Blazing Paddles at Instow Parish Hall.

With skipper Dave Salisbury on holiday, the Holsworthy points came through Mark Beaumont’s double, Owen Salisbury and Beaumont and Sam Jennings in the doubles.

Holsworthy D made it three defeats on the spin as Balls of Fury left Sutcombe Village Hall with an 8-2 success.

Nathan Jukes nearly pulled off a superb comeback against Tim Strand in the opening match of the night, before going down 11-6 in the fifth.

Although Ian Rice went close in a number of sets it was only skipper David Sillifant who claimed a victory for the hosts, beating Steve Porter in straight sets before sneaking past Strand 16-14 in the fifth.

In the second-tier, Holsworthy B earned a 7-3 success over Dolphins at Instow on Wednesday night.

Barry Stearman was again at the treble while Jeremy Rickman (2) and Jill Knightley with a point in the singles and the doubles with Stearman, also contributed.

Holsworthy C had a difficult night at Sutcombe as they lost 10-0 at home to early pacesetters Paddlers.

To find out all the latest fixtures, player averages, tables and more, visit www. www.tabletennis365.com/NorthDevon