North Devon Table Tennis League latest round-up

AFTER the season nearly didn’t start at all due to a lack of teams in Division One, the North Devon League has got underway in recent weeks.

After two postponements, Holsworthy A got their season started on Wednesday night as they drew 5-5 at Portmore Pirates at Instow Village Hall in Division One.

Although they had to utilise a reserve in John Glass who normally plays in Division Two, David Sillifant enjoyed an unbeaten evening, dropping just two sets in defeating Gerald Luscombe, Bill Tregellas and David Ewen. Jeremy Skelton overcame a slow start to beat Luscombe in his final singles match before they combined in the doubles to win from two games down to secure the draw.

Holsworthy X were a side made at the last minutes and were just edged out 6-4 by champions Smugglers in their opener.

With Peter Freeburn and Helen Johns both unavailable, David Streak and Nathan Jukes won four between them with Streak taking care of Peter Hedge and Jack Thomas, and only losing 12-10 in a decider to Matt Thomas who won all three.

Jukes edged past Thomas but was seen off by Hedge in four, but their doubles victory in the fifth ensured a respectable start.

Holsworthy B and C are in an eight-team Division Two.

The B side have played twice, firstly losing 6-4 to Chulmleigh Braves which saw a double victory for Barry Stearman plus a win apiece for Jeremy Rickman and Gill Knightley.

The same trio visited The Backhanders at Instow and lost 8-2, Rickman defeating Richard Nicholls and Sue Gale.

Holsworthy C welcomed Instowaways to Sutcombe Village Hall on Tuesday, November 19 an lost 7-3.

Julia Cornish beat Fred Batt and Andrew Fowler for a double, while she combined with debutant Ollie Long to take the doubles contest in four sets.