North Cornwall Table Tennis League latest round-up

DIVISION ONE

In the final round of league fixtures before Christmas, leaders Budehaven A were held to a 5-5 draw at third-placed Bridgerule A on Monday, December 9.

Bude were without key man Alistair Prades, but stand-in Richard Ryan did a sterling job, first seeing off Helen Johns in four sets before fighting back to defeat Peter Freeburn in five, that after being 7-0 down in the fourth.

He was joined by David Sillifant winning two of his matches and Aleks Worth one, but as ever it was David Streak that proved tough to overcome, being undefeated all night in both the singles and doubles.

Peter Freeburn saw off Aleks Worth as the hosts secured the last two for a draw.

Champions North Hill A saw off their B team 7-3 on Thursday, December 12.

Star player on the night was Iain Oxenham who took a deserved treble. He defeated Tau Manonge who beat both Shirley Luckhurst and Martin Hynes.

Peter Frier defeated Hynes for the other point although the right-hander did edge past Jim Rickwood for a crucial point.

It means Budehaven A are six points clear of North Hill before their rearranged clash on January 2.

Budehaven B won the local derby with Stratton A 7-3 despite a sterling performance from Elyot Burnett.

He beat Jeremy Skelton, David Ewen and Nathan Jukes but the home trio were good enough to win the rest, the majority with ease.

Stratton did bounce back from their defeat with a 9-1 success at Crackington A on Thursday, December 19.

Although stand-in James Ellis defeated Anthony Ward for the home side, that was as good as it got the for Crackington as both Ian Westaway and Elyot Burnett notched trebles to help them close in on third bottom North Hill B.

DIVISION TWO

BLISLAND remain top of a very congested second-tier after earning a 6-4 victory at Crackington B on Thursday, December 12.

Chris Baverstock was player of the match for the visitors with a treble, dropping just one set in the process, while Stephen Parsons also won three in contrasting circumstances, including a deciding set against Judith Cook.

The home trio of Cook, Angela Johnson and Robin Evans beat Brian Holsey with Johnson and Evans also prevailing in the doubles.

There was a bizarre finish – or lack of – at Budehaven on the same evening when they took on champions North Hill C.

With an agreement not reached on playing on two tables and with the hall closing at 10pm, North Hill were leading 5-2 when play stopped.

It remains to be seen how the final three points on offer will be adjudicated.

Altarnun A defeated Bridgerule B 7-3, while the clash between Altarnun B and Budehaven C was postponed.

DIVISION THREE

The North and South divisions continue to take shape. The four-team North Division has seen Bridgerule C earn 21 points from their from six games.

With each match being two-a-side it allows for beginners and those coming back to the game to enjoy competitive, yet enjoyable experience.

They have a three-point lead over Budehaven F who have a game in-hand.

Five teams are in the ‘South’ division and there Pensilva Aardvarks are top of the pile with 19 points from a possible 25 and with it five victories from as many outings.

Paul Catley is unbeaten with ten victories for the Aardvarks, while Launceston’s Duncan Haig has five victories from six outings.

In the North, both Jensen Grills (Budehaven F) and Mike Cawsey (Bridgerule C) have nine victories from ten matches.