W/C Feb22nd
Scunthorpe Table Tennis Association
This week saw a good number of our players compete in the Lincolnshire table tennis championships with a lot of good performances from our players Tom Clay and Paul Cairnes gained valuable experience while Liam Rowson reached the quarter finals of the junior singles. Andy Kelly, Andy Prescott and Mick Clay all reached the quarter finals stages of the veteran’s singles.
In the men’s singles main event Andy dibdin, Andy Prescott, Anth Thomas and Mick Clay all reached the last 16 stage, Andy Kelly narrowly losing out in the quarter finals.
Anth Thomas and Andy Kelly were very unfortunate to lose out in a tight mens doubles semi final. later Anth paired up with Karen Kelly to reach the mixed doubles quarter final and Andy Kelly pairing up with Nicola Massingham to lose out in the semi finals of the mixed.
Undoubtedly our star performer was ex England international Nicola Massingham who was runner up in the ladies and winner of the ladies doubles.
Credit must go to all our players who took part in the event all played very well and did the town proud.
DIV 1
Hospital aces over came sir john nelthorpe 8-2 Mick Powell and Andy Dibdin starring for aces with two maximums each, Jonathan Pountney was unfortunate for Nelthorpe narrowly losing out to Aces john Mackey 11-8 in the 5th and decinding set.Also worthy of a mention was Bob Eptom who was just edged out 12-10 in the decider against Andy Dibdin.
Winterton kept their title hopes up with a good 6-4 victory over A/F Titans Darren Rush starring for winteron(3), helped out by Rob Treverthick (2), Mick Clay winning two for Titans helped out by Andy Prescott and Martin Simpson the later just overcoming Winterton’s Jim Marshall in a tight game.
Div 2
A/f Spin doctors had a comfortable win against SSC Harriers with Fernando da Silva,Stuart Nicholson and Dave Parker all in good form.
In this week’s other division 2 fixture Hospital Crusaders had a good win over A/F Spartans with Alan Bunch unbeaten on the night for Crusaders, Chris Leneve winning two for Spartans.
Div 3
Leaders A/F Beavers swept convincingly aside A/F Heros 8-2 with Kev Townell once again unbeaten on the night, Tom clay putting up most resistance for Heros taking two.
SSC Angels overpowered the youngsters of SSC Eagles 10-0, however the continued improvement of the Eagles team has been noted by many , and they will in time with practice can only improve and soon will be challenging at the other end of the league.
Finally A/F Inter Priory kept up their title aspirations with a well deserved 10-0 victory over SSC/N oname the closest match on the night being the five setter between Kent Stothard and Kyle Simpson in which Kyle took 11-8 in the decider.
W/C Feb 15th
Scunthorpe Table Tennis Association
DIV 3
Top two teams clashed this week when A F Beavers came up against A F Inter priory, after some good table tennis the match ended up all square 5-5, with good performances from all involved Genesis Huang, Kyle Simpson and the ever dependable Fred Kershaw all contributing for Inter Priory. Kev Townell losing only second match of the season for Beavers helped by Shaun Foster with two wins, a special mention must go to youngster Connor Lynam who played some of his best table tennis of the season, but with no success on the night.
Meanwhile in div 3’s only other fixture this week saw a family affair when A F Falcons overcome A F Heroes 8-2.
Father and son combination of Mark and Daniel Shaw overcoming mother and daughter combination Karen and Rebecca Kelly from Heroes. Falcons aided by Jordan Pitchford who chipped in with a win and Heroes aided by Tom Clay who also chipped in with a win.
DIV 2
In this week’s only fixture in division two Hospital Crusaders edged out A F Spin Doctors 6-4, highlight of the match was the very very long tussle between the two defensive players John Gallagher and Stuart Nicholson which seemed to go on late into the evening, John eventually winning in four sets the fourth game was 20-18!
DIV1
A great result for A F Titans holding leaders A F Angels to a 5-5 draw, Mike Eliis and Andy Prescott in fine form with two wins each both beating the in form Anth Thomas. Martin Simpson helping out winning his final game of the night for Titans. Andy Kelly unbeaten on the night kept angels unbeaten record alive.
Second placed Winterton took full advantage of Angels slip up overpowering S S C Aces 10-0, Darren Rush and Rob Trevethick in good form for Winterton, but Rob was given a fright by Aces John Mackey their match going to a fifth and deciding game. Winterton were helped out by guest player Mick Harris who made a welcome return to Scunthorpe table tennis winning all his games.
HANDICAP
In the first semi final of the handicap competition division one’s Sir John Nelthorpe just edged out A F Falcons by 9 points, John Frost of Nelthorpe making the difference only conceding 43 points on the night.
W/C Feb 8th
DIV 2
Stuart Temple was left ‘glowing and blowing’ after his titanic night against A/F rookies, his night started out well, just taking the first match of the night 13-11 in the 5th and deciding game against Paul Cairns. Then just lost out again in 16-14 in the decider in another 5 set thriller against Mark Woods, then eventually ran out of steam in his 3rd 5 setter of the night losing out to Lee Harris 6 -11 in yet another decider, Rookies eventually running out 9-1 winners.
Meanwhile the more youthful SSC Juniors overcame the slightly less youthful SSC Harriers 8-2 with Martin Heywood and Ted Cooper taking Harriers two ends.
DIV3
Saw A/F Dare Devils take maximum points against SSC Noname, Robert Bunting (1) Danny Garrod(2) and Stuart Waterston(3)all contributing to the Devils, Bradley Wraith putting up most resistance for Noname with two wins.
A/F Beavers overcome SSC Angels 9-1 with yet another strong display, Stevie Welch taking Angels only win of the night, John Mumby was unfortunate to narrowly lose out 13-11 in the decider against Jake townell.
Div 1
SSC Aces proved too strong for A/F Titans with Paul Rowson and Andy Dibdin in fine form both taking maximums in their 8-2 victory over Titans ,Andy Prescott and Mike Ellis winning one each for Titans.
SSC Racers kept the pressure on for 2nd place with what looked like a comfortable 8-2 win over Sir John Nelthorpe until you look at the scorecard Jonathon Pountney and Steve Lumley Holmes very unfortunate on the night losing out by the odd point in several of their games. John Frost having two good wins for Nelthorpe against Mick Tindall and much improved Phil Dixon.
Leaders A/F Angels continue to dominate division one this week overpowering SSC Traders with Tony Thomas and Nicola Massingham in good form taking maximums and young Tom Nicholson chipping in with a useful two wins losing out to the very experienced Steve Barnes who took Traders consolation in the 9-1 scoreline.
HANDICAP
Sir John Nelthorpe overcame A/F Spartans by 36 points (361-325) to reach the semi finals.
Leaders A F Angels despatched nearest rivals Winterton with a convincing maximum points 7-3 victory with Anth Thomas and Andy Kelly in great form.
SSC Traders had a convincing win over lowly Nelthorpe and SSC Racers edging out SSC Aces 6-4 with Clive Mitchell unbeaten on the night.
While leaders A F Angels have opened up a gap at the top the battle for second place is still well and truly on with the next four teams separated by only 5 points and with a possible 4 points maximum win 2nd place is still all to play for.
Division 2 looks like a two horse race between A F Rookies and A F Spartans with leaders Rookies having a free week Spartans taking full advantage with a real team effort with Jason Carter, Cris Leneve and David Lakin all taking 2 each in their 7-3 win over SSC Juniors
Stuart Temple starred for SSC Bandits taking a hat-trick in their 6-4 victory over A F Spin Doctors.
Hospital Crusaders had a comfortable 9-1 victory over SSC Harriers Ted cooper taking Harriers only rubber of the night
Division 3 at this stage of the season looks to be closest of all with 3 points separating the top 3 teams and this division looks certain to go down to the wire.
A F beavers beat A F Dare Devils 9-1 with Danny Garrod taking Dare Devils consolation rubber.
A F inter priory beat S S C Angels 7-3 with Fred Kershaw maintaining his 100% record in the process, the last remaining unbeaten player in all 3 divisions.
A F Falcons proved too strong for SSC Eagles with a 9-1 victory Daniel Shaw and Bob Pitchford taking maximums with Jordan Pitchford chipping in with two wins.
A F Heros edged out SSC Noname 6-4 Tom Clay winning all his games with Karen Kelly taking two games and partnering Tom to win the doubles, Bradley Wraith took two of Nonames rubbers with Kent Stothard and Robert Downie both taking a win each.
Just a reminder for the very latest results, information and tables visit our website www. scunthorpetabletennis.co.uk
week 12 - W/c December 14th
Division One leaders, App Frod Angels confirmed their position by steamrollering nearest rivals SSC Racers 9-1. Maximum wins for Tony Thomas and Nicola Massingham plus the doubles, with Andy Kelly gaining two wins to complete Angels scoring. Clive Mitchell won the last rubber of the night for Racers only success.
SSC Aces had the upper hand against struggling Sir John Nelthorpe. Ace Paul Rowson (3) was in fine form disposing of the opposition in straight sets, Andrew Dibdin was also unbeaten on the night. John Mackey (2) helped Rowson win the doubles and John Frost taking one rubber for SJN.
AF Rookies won the battle of the top division two teams, defeating AF Spartans 6-4 Paul Cairns had to work extremely hard to stay unbeaten on the night, all three rubbers were very close, two going to five games. Lee Harris claimed two rubbers and Mark Woods one gaining the win and three points. Chris LeNeve (2) and Dave Laking (1) combined to gain victory over the previously undefeated pairing of Cairns and Woods in the doubles.
Two teams chasing the Division Three leaders had good wins this week. AF Inter Priory, hanging on to second place, over powering the youngsters of SSC Eagles 10-0.
App Frod Imps, with games in hand on their rivals, had a comfortable 9-1 victory against a useful App Frod Heroes. Imps, Donna Mann and Mietek were convincing winners in their singles and the doubles, Margaret Wright picked up two rubbers. Tom Clay won one rubber for the Heroes and was unlucky not to win a second, pushed the experienced Donna Mann to five games, after leading 2-1 he eventually lost 12-10.
Imps also played SSC Angels, winning the match 7-3 and now share second spot. Mann and Mietek again won three rubbers each plus the doubles, with Angels John and Sue Mumby, and Tony Robinson taking one rubber each.
After a poor start to the season App Frod Falcons have gained some ground with Mark Shaw and Bob Pitchford unbeaten in their latest match, against AF Dare Devils. Mark and Daniel Shaw added the doubles to give Falcons all 4 points. Stuart Waterson and youngsters Danny Garrod and Robert Bunton won one rubber each for the Dare Devils.
week 11 - W/c December 7th
Division One leaders AF Angels lost the first rubber, to Mike Ellis, but then kicked into action by dominating AF Titans for the rest of the night. Tony Thomas and Nicola Massingham won all their singles, Nicola and Andy Kelly (2) taking the doubles.
SSC Racers moved into second place with a narrow 6-4 victory over SSC Traders but the star performer was Steve Barnes who scored a maximum three wins, a Paul Barnes win secured a much needed point. Clive Mitchell and Phil Dixon won two rubbers each plus the doubles, the win was completed by Mick Tindall.
Winterton Trinity were first out of the blocks, racing into a 4-1 lead before SSC Aces responded by taking the next four rubbers and leaving Rob Trevethick (2) to salvage a draw. Aces, Paul Rowson (3) and John Mackey (1) won a close doubles, with Darren Rush (2) and Jim Marshall winning the other rubbers for Winterton.
AF Rookies pulled further away at the top of division two, helped by a high performance Paul Cairns taking three wins and Mark Woods with two wins only losing 11-9 in the fifth to Liam Rowson (2). Woods and Lee Harris (1) won the doubles. A new up and coming star is Tom Clay, in his first season of competition in division three, invited to guest for the Juniors gave all the Rookies something to think about and managed one win.
AF Spartans moved up to second place with a comfortable 9-1 victory over SSC Harriers. Chris LeNeve led the way winning all his singles in straight sets. Jason Carter had to work hard for his three, as did David Laking for his brace. Martin Heywood gained the sole Harriers rubber.
Chasing top spot in division two, Hospital Crusaders carved out a narrow 6-4 victory over SSC Bandits. John Gallagher (3) and Alan Bunch (2) were made to battle for every point, Fred Midwinter was unlucky not to get more than his single win. Stuart Temple (2) and Mick Williams (1) won a close contest in the doubles to claim a point.
SSC Angels defeated App Frod Falcons in a close encounter, John Mumby (2) and Steve Welch giving Angels a good start. Bob Pitchford (3) and Daniel Shaw levelled the match with two to play. The unbeaten doubles pairing of John and Sue (2) Mumby were taken to five games, by Bob and Jordan Pitchford, after winning the first two, eventually claiming victory 12-10 and also the match 6-4.
Division three leaders AF Beavers completely overwhelmed the youngsters of SSC Eagles in a top verses bottom match.
AF Falcons, with a +62 allowance, won through to the semi finals of the Handicap knock-out competition, defeating AF Beavers by 120 points.
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week 10 - W/c November 30th
Sir John Nelthorpe
John Frost, Jonathan Pountney and Steve Lumbley-Holmes
Victory puts Racers in the drivers seat
With Angels not playing, second placed SSC Racers took the opportunity to pull to within a point of the leaders. It was a combined team effort to gain maximum points in a 7-3 victory with Mick Tindall, Phil Dixon and Clive Mitchell all winning two rubbers, the latter two winning the doubles. John Frost was again untouchable taking all three rubbers for SJN.
All square in the division one match between AF Titans and SSC Aces. Paul Rowson starred for the Aces gaining a maximum three wins and Andrew Dibdin won a creditable brace against useful and awkward opposition. Martin Simpson won two rubbers, Andy Prescott and Mick Clay had one win each plus the doubles for the Titans.
App Frod Rookies increased their lead at the top of division two with an 8-2 victory over SSC Bandits. Rookies heroes Mark Woods and Paul Cairns were successful in winning all their singles and combined to win the doubles in the fifth game, Lee Harris completed the scoring. Stuart Temple and Mike Williams won one rubber each for the Bandits.
Maximum wins for Mick Cottam and Alan Bunch set Hospital Crusaders on the right track for victory against a SSC Harriers side that are not firing on all cylinders. Harriers are still rooted to the bottom of division two but there were glimpses of optimism with Martin Heywood and George Foster picking up one win each.
Harriers were given an early Christmas present by holding Scunthorpe Juniors to a draw, doubling Harriers points for the season. Inevitably Liam Rowson won all three singles and Sam Mason won two but the dynamic duo fell down in the doubles to the tricky pairing of Martin Heywood(2) and Ted Cooper.
Division Three leaders App Frod Beavers gained a narrow 6-4 victory over second placed Inter Priory. Inter’s Fred Kershaw dominated the match keeping his 100% record and inflicting Kev Townell’s only defeat of the season. Shaun Foster(2) and Jake Townell(1) with Connor Lynam won the doubles, Kyle Simpson gained the other rubber for Inter Priory.
Inter Priory confirmed there superiority with an 8-2 victory over AF Heroes, Kershaw and Simpson gained three wins each. Simpson was made to work hard with two rubbers going to five games. Karen Kelly and Tom Clay are improving with each match but found the Inter pair of Simpson and Harry Brown too strong in the doubles.
App Frod Imps had a comfortable 8-2 victory over AF Falcons to keep in the promotion chase. The first rubber produced a terrific battle with Mietek Drozdowski gaining an 11-9 win in the fifth game over Mark Shaw(2). Mietek went on to win all three rubbers and the doubles with the help of Donna Mann(2), there were also two wins for Rod Boyers to complete the Imps scoring.
Bradley Wraith proved to be the star player for SSC Noname taking all three singles with ease against SSC Eagles. Wraith and Ryan Downie(2) won the doubles and Kent Stothard gained one win for maximum points. Harry Altoft(2) and Ryan Mitchell gave Eagles some consolation.
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week 9 - W/c November 23rd
App Frod Falcons
Daniel Shaw, Mark Shaw, Jordan Pitchford and Bob Pitchford
AF Falcons are sponsored by First Response Training
Holders knocked out by Falcons
Handicap competition holders second division App Frod Rookies failed to keep hold of the trophy, going out to third division App Frod Falcons (+240). Mark Shaw, Falcons, was in tremendous form against a formidable Rookies side.
Sir John Nelthorpe (+135) was on top form in the second round of the Handicap competition, knocking out SSC Racers by 109 points, in the all first division clash. John Frost led the way for SJN with a super display winning 124 points against 93 to tear the Racers apart.
Division one App Frod Titans put up a strong fight against division three AF Dare Devils who received +342, which proved to be beyond them. Dare Devils managed to gain approximately 26 points each and won the match by 24 points. This equates to Titans losing by less than 3 points per rubber, a valiant effort.
Division three leaders App Frod Beavers +60 won a close contest by 39 points against struggling second division SSC Harriers, all players making useful contributions.
The more experienced Scunthorpe Juniors could not overcome the 225 handicap allowance given to App Frod Heroes, for whom Tom Clay was outstanding gaining 102 points.
Second division Hospital Crusaders were given quite a shock against third division AF Inter Priory. Crusaders were looking comfortable after the first five rubbers but lost their way, losing three of the last four rubbers to Fred Kershaw and Kyle Simpson. Inter Priory +150 eventually won the match by 54 points.
In the league AF Spin Doctors could only muster two players for the visit of SSC Bandits but managed to gain a point from a 4-6 loss, with both Dave Parker and Fernando Da Silva taking two wins each. Bandits welcomed back Mick Williams from injury but although forcing the two rubbers to five games could not earn the win he deserved. Stuart Temple won his two rubbers and the doubles with Williams.
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week 8 - W/c November 16th
SSC Aces stormed into a 4-1 lead, making a mockery of their lowly league position. Paul Rowson(2), Mick Powell(2) and Andy Dibdin putting the frighteners on AF Angels. Tony Thomas(3) had to fight all the way, with all three rubbers taken to five games, to keep on top of the averages and give Angels a chance in their bid to stay leaders in the top flight.
High flying Winterton Trinity were held to a draw by lowly SSC Traders for whom Steve (2) and Sam Barnes won the father and son contest in the doubles, against Darren (2) and Aaron (2) Rush. Traders had Paul Barnes showing some good form winning two rubbers and Jim Marshall fought hard to win the final rubber to give Trinity a share of the points.
Another single point was all the reward for Sir John Nelthorpe losing a very competitive match 4-6, against App Frod Titans. John Frost (2) and Steve Lumley-Holmes (1) combined to win the doubles for SJN but the star on the night was Titans Mick Clay with three wins, Andy Prescott (2) and Martin Simpson chipping in to gain three points.
Two 6-4 victories have given AF Spartans a big boost, easing past Scunthorpe Juniors into second position. Chris LeNeve(2) and guest player Fred Kershaw(2) were made to work hard for a doubles in five games. David Laking pulled off a very good win over the talented Liam Rowson.
Laking, LeNeve and Jason Carter won two rubbers each to sink Hospital Crusaders who are not used to being in a lowly, for them, mid-table position.
App Frod Dare Devils had a comfortable 9-1 victory, over SSC Eagles, jumping three places up the table for a short while. There were maximum three wins each for Danny Garrod and Granddad Stuart Waterson and two wins for Robert Bunton. Bunton and Garrod also won the doubles. George Inman, guest for the Eagles, playing in his first league game won one rubber.
It is all change at the lower half of division three with AF Falcons latest 7-3 victory over AF Heroes. Mark Shaw won all three singles and with son Daniel won the doubles against the useful pairing of Tom Clay and Karen Kelly. In an epic five game match, Rebecca Kelly won her first rubber of the season.
App Frod Beavers overwhelmed Eagles +80 in the handicap competition by 126 points. The reason for such a large win was that the strength of the new Beavers team was unknown; the handicappers will certainly take note for further rounds.
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week 7 - W/c November 9th
AF Inter Priory
Kyle Simpson, Fred Kershaw and Harry Brown
Willerton ensures leaders held to a draw
The top two teams in division one featured in the match of the week, leaders AF Angels held to a draw at Winterton Trinity. Best performance of the night came in the final rubber. Current Open Champion, Mark Willerton overcame a match point scare in the 4th game, against Junior Champion Tom Nicholson, and used his vast experience to hold on, finally winning the 5th game and secure the draw in the match.
Two teams from Scunthorpe Sports Club met in a match with Racers taking the points but the Aces were far from pushovers. Clive Mitchell, Racers, succeeded to win his three rubbers but was taken to five games in two and four games in the other. Mitchell teamed up with Phil Dixon (2) to win the doubles which also went to five games. Mick Powell returned to form taking two rubbers for the Aces.
Sir John Nelthorpe picked up their first point of the season when they lost 4-6 to SSC Traders who are just above them at the bottom of division one. Steve Barnes claimed the honour of being unbeaten on the night but it was victory in the doubles with son Sam that won the day for the Traders.
Top of the table App Frod Rookies had no problems, against SSC Harriers, easing through to 10-0 victory and pulling away from the chasing pack.
App Frod Spartans had a comfortable 9-1 victory over AF Spin Doctors, Jason Carter and Chris LeNeve gained three wins each, Dave Laking two wins.
Spin Doctors had more luck when they played Scunthorpe Juniors, Dave Parker and Fernando Da Silva picked up two wins each to gain a point. The Juniors with Liam Rowson (3) in terrific form, Sam Mason and Tom Ball were too skilful claiming 3 points from a 6-4 win.
Division Three leaders App Frod Beavers and App Frod Imps both had comfortable 10-0 wins over the struggling SSC Noname and SSC Eagles respectively.
AF Inter Priory charged up the table into second place with two wins, firstly 9-1 against SSC Noname and then 8-2 against AF Dare Devils. Fred Kershaw and Kyle Simpson were unbeatable over the two nights.
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Week 6 - W/c November 2nd
Tom gets one over on dad
App Frod Angels gained another four points from Sir John Nelthorpe, who had Stuart Nicholson as a guest player and setting up a father and son encounter with young Tom coming out on top. Tony Thomas was unbeaten on the night with Nicola Massingham (2) helping win the doubles. John Frost (2) and Jonathan Pountney scored for SJN.
In a close match, a hat-trick from Mick Clay proved decisive for App Frod Titans. Clay defeated Clive Mitchell, SSC Racers, for the first time in the league and edged out Phil Dixon, coming from 3-7 down, to win 11-9 in the fifth game. Dixon was also unlucky to lose to Mike Ellis who had the net to help at crucial times, winning 17-15 in the fourth game.
More trouble for SSC Racers as they slipped to a second 4-6 defeat, this time at the hands of Winterton Trinity, Rob Trevethick (3) and Darren Rush (2) doing the damage taking the all important doubles to win the match. Clive Mitchell (2) did claim the first defeat of the season suffered by Rush.
The Barnes family were shell shocked as the Titans blasted the Traders 9-1. Maximum wins for both Clay and Ellis, plus the doubles, and a welcome return from injury for Andy Prescott (2) was too much for the Traders to handle. Steve Barnes collected a single win although all his rubbers went all the way to five games.
Another man of the match performance from Mark Woods helped division two leaders AF Rookies to a narrow 6-4 victory over Hospital Crusaders. Crusaders, had lightening quick Mick Cottam pulling two wins out of the hat after falling two games behind in both best of five rubbers.
SSC Bandits celebrated their first win of the season, against a Harriers side struggling with injury problems. Charlie Webster returned to league action after a season long absence but is not firing on all cylinders yet. The ever reliable Bandit Stuart Temple gave nothing away cruising to three wins, guest player Jake Townell (2) and Glyn Smith (1) combined to win a very close doubles, 16-14 in the fifth.
AF Beavers inflicted a first defeat of the season on AF Heroes in this top of the table clash. Shaun Foster (3) and Kevin Townell (3) made light work of the inexperienced Heroes. Tom Clay (1) was unlucky to lose in five against Townell and with Karen Kelly (1) was even closer in the doubles, losing 9-11 in the fifth.
The SSC Eagles youngsters put up a good show against second placed SSC Angels but unfortunately did not have the craft to avoid a 10-0 defeat.
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Week 5 - W/c October 26th
App Frod Rookies
Lee Harris, Paul Cairns and Mark Woods
Rush still in top form for Trinity
Winterton Trinity moved up into second place with a 7-3 victory over Sir John Nelthorpe. Trinity's Darren Rush is now the sole 100% player in division one, after another perfect performance. Rob Trevethick (2) combined with Rush in the doubles and one from guest Chris leNeve gave Trinity all four points against Nelthorpe, who are still looking for their first point. John Frost (2) and Steve Lumley-Holmes were the only scores for SJN.
In the Handicap Knock-out Competition, Round One, second division SSC Harriers overcame a, unknown till the end, deficit of 210 against SSC Noname who are novices to the competition. The experienced Harriers had to keep the scores low, below 20 for each rubber, eventually winning by 29. Harriers will play another division three team in the next round.
App Frod Rookies continued their excellent start to the season with a 57 point victory over SSC Angels, winning through to round two to face either Winterton Trinity or AF Falcons.
In an all division two derby, App Frod Spartans won a very close match by 12 points and then received +30 for the handicap, giving them an overall 42 point win over AF Spin Doctors. Division One side SSC Traders will be waiting for the Spartans in the next round.
At the week-end the League organised a coach to visit the English Open TT tournament in Sheffield, where the best players in the world were on display. All who went had an incredible experience, as the large contingent of Chinese and other Far East players produced a superb show. Their were long rallies, from both men and women, with explosive looping attacks against the more graceful 20 to 30 feet high top spin lobes that found the table with unerring regularity. What a fantastic day.
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Week 4 - W/c October 19th
App-Frod put a spin on top spot
Darren Rush (3) was in top form for Winterton Trinity and Rob Trevethick gained two wins against a Titans side in no mood to give in without a fight. Mick Clay (2), Mike Ellis and Martin Simpson one each plus the doubles earned the Titans a share of the spoils.
Mark Woods (3) and Paul Cairns (3) sent App Frod Rookies to the top of division Two with a comfortable 8-2 victory over AF Spin Doctors,
Scunthorpe Juniors won a very close battle of youth versus experience against league two favourites Hospital Crusaders. Sam Mason and Liam Rowson won three rubbers each and then joined forces to win the doubles over five games.
SSC Bandits climbed off the bottom of division two with a spirited performance from Stuart Temple (3) and, guest Kev Townell (2) to gain two points from a draw against App Frod Spartans. Spartans needed the doubles pairing of Chris le Neve and David Laking to level the match.
A hard fought win for App Frod Beavers who were flattered by the 9-1 result, taking them to the top of division three. Jake Townell and Shaun Foster were unbeaten on the night and Connor Lynam (2) was only out-manoeuvred by the more experienced Stuart Waterson.
Another maximum three wins from Tom Clay, two from Karen Kelly plus the doubles, elevates App Frod Heroes into second position. SSC Noname started well taking the first rubber but were soon over run by the class of Clay but did enough to claim one point.
App Frod Falcons gained their first points of the season with Mark Shaw back in action winning all three singles; Daniel Shaw (2) and Jordan Pitchford (2) ensured full points. The youngsters showed their potential with Harry Altoft, looking in good form, winning two rubbers for SSC Eagles.
It has been an up and down week for AF Inter Priory, only taking one point from the visit of App Frod Imps losing 4-6. Imps gained their victory with two wins each for Rod Boyers and Mietek Drozdowski, one from Donna Mann and the doubles.
Fred Kershaw won maximum three rubbers in both matches for Inter, to lift the spirits
as Inter came up against former league leaders SSC Angels in the second match. Kyle Simpson also gained three wins against the Angels whose players each won one.
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Week 3 - W/c October 12th
Angels Race to top division
App Frod Angels won the top of the table clash against former leaders SSC Racers, 7-3. Angels needed an all-round team performance, with all three players gaining two rubbers each, Andy Kelly and Nicola Massingham teamed up to win the doubles, gaining maximum points. Phil Dixon starred for the Racers gaining wins over Kelly and Thomas.
Young Liam Rowson (13) helped dad’s SSC Aces, as a guest player, defeat Sir John Nelthorpe 8-2. Dad Paul Rowson scored a maximum three wins, Liam and Andrew Dibdin won two each. John Frost and Bob Epton won a singles rubber each for SJN.
SSC Bandits are struggling with injury this season relying on a second guest player for the match against Scunthorpe Juniors. Stuart Temple and guest Kev Townell won two rubbers each for the Bandits but Liam Rowson (3), Sam Mason, Callum Driver and the doubles gained the Juniors their second 6-4 win.
App Frod Spin Doctors moved off the foot of the table with a 6-4 win over fellow strugglers SSC Harriers. There were two wins each for App Frod’s Fernando Da Silva, Dave and Jean Parker with Martin Heywood, returning to form, gaining two for the Harriers.
Division three table toppers SSC Angels were rocked by the unbeaten App Frod Beavers who move up level. Kev (3) and young Jake Townell (3) won the match 6-4 but the doubles pairing of John and Sue Mumby was good enough to gain a point.
Winterton Kings were 3-0 down before the start of this game by only raising two players but Griff Nicholson (3) and Jenny Brook (2) had the experience to gain a draw. Hero Tom Clay is improving with each game and was unlucky to lose 11-9 in the fifth against Nicholson who was 4th in the averages last season.
Honours were even when new teams SSC Dare Devils and AF Heroes met in a ding dong battle, with the Heroes racing into a 4-2 lead and Dare Devils fighting back for the draw. Heroes Tom Clay was unbeaten winning three singles and with the help of Karen Kelly won the doubles, a brace each for Danny Garrod and Stuart Waterson and a single from Robert Bunton earned Dare Devils a share of the points.
SSC Noname collected their first points of the season as they beat SSC Dare Devils 6-4. Bradley Wraith was made to work hard but came out on top with three wins for SSC Noname, Garrod(2) and Waterson(2) earned Dare Devils a point.
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Week 2 - W/c October 5th
SSC Eagles
GOOD EFFORT: SSC Eagles lost to the experienced Winterton Kings.
Marc Dibdin, Jacob Mann & Ryan Mitchell
Racers doing good Trade in points
SSC Racers stay top of division one, taking all four points from SSC Traders. Steve Barnes (2) took the first rubber for the Traders but had to wait for game nine to gain their second. Clive Mitchell (3) gave another competent performance ably assisted by Phil Dixon (2) and Mick Tindall (2).
AF Angels took the honours 7-3, in the first of the App Frod derbies, Tony Thomas and Andy Kelly unbeaten on the night, against AF Titans.
Winterton Trinity are up and running with a 7-3 win over SSC Aces, Darren Rush (3) and Rob Trevethick (3) top scoring. Jim Marshall was unlucky not to score for Trinity as he forced two rubbers all the way losing 9-11 in the fifth.
Division Two leaders, Hospital Crusaders, gained a 7-3 win over SSC Bandits who had Stuart Temple in top form taking another maximum three wins. There were no other problems for Crusaders with two wins each for Mick Cottam, John Gallagher and Fred Midwinter.
AF Rookies joined Crusaders at the top with a comfortable win over Scunthorpe Juniors. Lee Harris (3) in commanding form but Mark Woods (2) and Paul Cairns (2) were surprised to drop rubbers against the ever improving Liam Rowson (2).
SSC Harriers could only manage a win in the doubles as AF Spartans gained maximum points in their first match with three wins each for David Laking, Jason Carter and new signing Martin Graham.
SSC Angels are leading division three after a clinical performance against their second new team opposition, SSC Noname, with the same 10-0 result.
Pre-season favourites for the third division title, AF Imps, started in a positive mood with a 10-0 victory, in week one, over newcomers SSC Noname. Imps came up against another new team in week two but AF Beavers have already taken one good scalp. Kev Townell had no problem taking all three singles and with the help of Shaun Foster gained a hard fought win in the doubles. Imps, Donna Mann and Mietek Drozdowski won two rubbers each and the match ended all square with single wins for Margaret Wright and Jake Townell, in a close contest.
AF Falcons started the season with high hopes but found AF Inter Priory in top form inflicting the Falcons second defeat. There were three wins each for new boy Fred Kershaw, and Kyle Simpson who uses the pen grip style that is not normally seen in this area. Harry Brown one and the doubles gave Inter a commanding 8-2 victory.
The experienced Winterton Kings, Griff Nicholson (3) Jenny Brook (3) and John Pirie (2), were too strong for the Eagles although Ryan Mitchell did win a consolation rubber.
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Week 1 - W/c September 28th
Hospital Crusaders
John Gallagher, Mick Cottam, Alan Bunch & Fred Midwinter
Clay starts the season in Titanic form
The Scunthorpe Table Tennis Association started the new season with six new teams but with the loss of BT Bandits who have been champions for the last few seasons.
One great addition to the local scene is the rise of the Scunthorpe Sports Club on Herriot Way which is mainly set out for table tennis with 15 tables and a robot. The club is open Monday to Friday, 6pm to 10pm, for league and leisure play, there are also Junior Coaching sessions from 5pm to 7.30pm.
Division one saw the return of the Barnes family as the SSC Traders took on last seasons runners up App Frod Angels with Tom Nicholson making his debut. Angels won a close contest 6 – 4, Anth Thomas winning three rubbers, Andy Kelly won two and Tom gaining the winner. Steve Barnes had to work hard for his two wins.
Mick Clay has started the season in good form with a maximum three wins for App Frod Titans and with Mike Ellis gaining a pair and one from Martin Simpson giving Titans three points. Titans were too strong for SSC Aces but the Aces did gain a point as Paul Rowson 2 and Andy Dibdin 1 combined to win the doubles.
SSC Racers have left the shed to dominate newly promoted Sir John Nelthorpe 8 – 2, only John Frost with two wins giving SJN some consolation. Clive Mitchell led the way for the Racers and two each for Mick Tindall and Phil Dixon also the doubles.
In a game that included an incredible 8 rubbers out of 10 going all the way to 5 games Hospital Crusaders came out on top of the much changed AF Spin Doctors team. The final score looks one sided but the truth is that the score could have been reversed but for a few points going the other way. Alan Bunch was on top form taking three wins and the only one to tame Spin Doctors Stuart Nicholson. John Gallagher and Fred Midwinter securing Crusaders full points.
Division two new boys, Scunthorpe Juniors, overcame an age difference of 146 years and a great deal of experience in SSC Harriers team. Liam Rowson won three rubbers and with the help of Sam Mason won the doubles, Sam and Tom Ball gained one win each. A brace each for Martin Heywood and the tricky Ted Cooper gave Harriers a point.
Stuart Temple hammered his way to three wins as re-named SSC Bandits struggled against a strengthened AF Rookies. All three Rookies gained two wins each and the doubles giving a four point start in the league.
A happy return to league action for Kev Townell gaining three wins and son Jake starting with two wins and fellow debutant Connor Lynam one giving App Frod Beavers maximum points against AF Falcons. Daniel Shaw starred for the Falcons coming from two down to win 3–2 and gaining two wins.
App Frod Heroes won the contest between the new teams, Tom Clay and Karen Kelly both gaining three wins and the doubles. All the SSC Eagles, Ryan Mitchell, Jacob Mann and Marc Dibdin got off the mark with one win each.
SSC Angels completed the expected win over new team SSC Dare Devils 10-0.
