Watfordttblog

WATFORD & DISTRICT TABLE TENNIS LEAGUE

NOW TWO THIRDS OF THE WAY THROUGH THE 2009/10 SEASON

In Div One, things are looking a little clearer after the latest matches. West Watford ‘B’ are now up to second place with a game in hand. They have beaten Eagles and Watling ‘A’ gaining seven points, the scores 7-1 and 6-2 respectively, with Russ Davies unbeaten. This has aided Gazelles who with a 5-3 win vs. Falcons have a cushion over Eagles who also lost 7-1 to leaders Post Office, Abdul Rahim and Les Leech starring for PO. Ian Hamilton was unbeaten for Gazelles. Bottom side Oxhey Hall ‘A’ were well beaten 8-0 by Watling ‘B’, Paul Phillips, Attila Zeck, and Steve Bance the winning team. So we have top, Post Office with 49 points from 17 games, West Watford ‘B’ with 39pts from 15, Gazelles 37 from 16, and Eagles 33 from 16.

In Div Two, Hounds are well ahead with two games in hand. Iguanas Beat Jaguars 6-2 to stay in second place, Kris Kepa their star. Kangaroos stay third. They had a 7-1 win vs. Oxhey Hall ’B’, Jack Pegram and Tony Shapps unbeaten. Watling ’C’ and Auidit ’A’ played a double header and shared the points 4-4. So Hounds have 43 pts from 13 games, Iguanas 37 from 15, Kangaroos 32 from 15, and Audit ’A’ 28 from 14.

In the Third Div, we have had runaway leaders almost from day one. Audit ’B’ have been outstanding, and had another maximum points match winning 7-1 vs. Newts. Gordon Hitchman and John Hutchison starring. Audit ’B’ have 52 pts from 15 games, Meerkats 38 from 14, Lions 35 from 13, and Watling ’D’ 25 from 14.

In the Premier Div, West Watford ’A’ have led from the start, and this week beat strong rivals Fullerians 5-3, Chris Ogle back from injury, unbeaten for WW. Fullerians had beaten Bats 6-2, with Dennis Robinson their star. Aardvarks having played more games are still second after beating Abbots Langley 5-3. Ken Stonebridge unbeaten for the losers. So the top of the division reads, West Watford ’A’ 45 pts from 14 games, Aardvarks 36 from 15, Fullerians 36 from 13, and Bats 24 from 14.

Results:

Premier Div: Aardvarks vs. Abbots Langley 5-3; Bats vs. Fullerians 2-6; Fullerians vs. West Watford ’A’ 3-5.
Div One:Eagles vs. West Watford ’B’ 1-7; West Watford ’B’ vs. Watling ’A’ 6-2; Post Office vs. Eagles 7-1; Falcons vs. Gazelles 3-5.
Div Two: Jaguars vs. Iguanas 2-6; Oxhey Hall ’B’ vs. Kangaroos 1-7; Watling ’C’ vs. Audit ’A’ 4-4 (Double Header).
Div Three: Newts vs. Audit ‘B’ 1-7.

Match reports by : Geof Bax

Queens Practice night cancelled!! - March 2nd

Please note that Queens will not be available for Table Tennis on Tuesday 2nd March. There will be no junior or senior session. The school will be using both the gym and the hall. Please mention this to anyone you know who may come and perhaps does not have email or does not use it regularly and presumably wouldn't see the blog either.

Matches scheduled for Monday, Wednesday and Thursday of next week are not affected.

Stuart

Division One: Post Office vs Eagles - Monday 15th Feb. St.Marks

Post Office win 7-1

Not having visited the site due to a puter break down I am surprised to see that master match reporter Edwards has not entered a report in my absence.
 
Despite an individual - jewel gem of a performance by James Banfield who wasnt too far away from winning three singles, the post office were well worthy winners, both brian clarke and ian banfield being fairly easily despatched and unable to support James.
 
I dont have score card to refer to but Eagles only win was James against Dave Edwards who must be a contender for most improved player award( if there is such an award).

It was James turn to lose the usual close battle with Abdul in a hard fought tactical battle and James managed to force the illustrious Les Leech to play at, or near his best to win. Ian and Brian not worth mentioning! :)

Post Office now seem to be heading to win div one and for attempting to play three regulars all season, deservedly so, above a very strong West Watford squad.
 
Match report by : Ian Banfield

Top of the Table clash - Fullerians vs WWCC 'A' - 17th Feb 2010

Chris and Roger of WWCC arrived at just after 7pm for their customary knock before the match. Last night Chris and Roger played in a top of the table clash in the Chalfont league which has left Chris's muscle strain a little tender tonight, and Roger was actually sick in the night and feeling a bit weak. So when Trafford invited us to make this a double header (to wipe out the postponed match)... we weren't feeling inclined to go with it... anyway we'd like to play the match guys (and gals)!

The match got underway at about 7:45, just as Alan Thomas wandered in... Caroline Vs Roger first match on... now last time these two met it was deuce in the deciding set, could be another cliff hanger... well the game never really lived up to expectations... Roger won the match 3-0 as Caroline didn't seem to be able to get her nose in front during the entire match.

Next up Dennis Robinson against Alan.. I thought I'd slip to the toilet, I noticed the score 2-1 when I came back in and thought they'd just started but it was already the second game... Alan had lost the first 11-2! Although fleeting chances for Alan in the match Dennis came through comfortably 3-0.

Trafford lost pretty badly against Chris early on in the season but at 5-5 in the first leg seemed to be handling the situation with Chris pretty well... although it suddenly slipped away 11-6 to Chris. All the games had a similar story, and although a thoroughly open and enjoyable match with some very entertaining rallies Chris took it 3-0.

Roger now against Dennis. Roger has lost to Dennis but before, but with a controlled game waiting for the right balls romped home 3 straight. The match position now 1-3 in WWCC favour.

Caroline also made Chris work hard into the 5th set when they last met, however a similar story to the previous game against Roger, struggling to return Chris's serve and unable to keep the short serve tight enough put Caroline under pressure from the start and she was unable to find her Rythm. Apart from a tense 3rd leg which was 13-11 to Chris the game was fairly comfortable.

After Alan's great performance last Week against Aardvarks his team mates expected another good show this week, however Alan's topsy turvy season continued with another erratic performance against Trafford. Although Alan managed to pull out the first leg from way down 7-3, he never really got into the next three legs. Trafford was far too consistent for Alan and with some good variety, attacking and defensive play deserved to win 3-1.

The match now poised at 4-2, with Dennis against Chris. The first leg went to Chris 11-9 although he was leading for the whole leg... the second was much easier with Dennis unable to control Chris's agressive forehand and backhand topspins... the third set finished comfortably for Chris although not before a slight relapse of the strained leg muscle... fortunately a few days off now to recuperate once again.

The match now at 5-2 meant that the remaining doubles game was purely for pride. The pairing of Caroline and Trafford working very well against Roger and a somewhat deflated Alan. In the end Caroline and Trafford were too consistent and kept the ball on the table too many times to bring the game home 3-1.

Final score : Fullerians 3  WWCC 'A'  5

The match finished at 9:40pm... as did the Newts vs LMR Audit on the end table... the other match being played there also finished around 9:45pm. The Fullerians team did comment that they only finish early when they play against WWCC and that this was the earliest they'd ever finished... we on the other hand rarely finish after 10pm... Trafford also said that against Aardvarks the doubles game was conceded as they had run out of time which was unfortunate for Aardvarks who were the home team on that occasion.

Good friendly match enjoyed by all !!

Match Report by : Chris Ogle

WATFORD & DISTRICT TABLE TENNIS LEAGUE

In Div One, Post Office suffered only their second defeat when losing 2-6 to Gazelles. Sally Bax and Ian Hamilton both unbeaten. Watling ‘B’ with only two players did well to draw with Watling ‘A’, the ‘B’ team winning four of the five games played, only losing the doubles. Paul Phillips and Steve Bance the ‘B’ stars.

The two leading teams in Div Two, are making sure they stay ahead, both with convincing wins. Leaders Hounds won 8-0 vs. Audit ‘A’, whilst Iguanas won 7-1 vs. Oxhey Hall ‘B’. Karl Seddon, Gerry Evans and Mitch Haynes for Hounds, and Dale Nichol, and Kris Kepa for Iguanas, all undefeated. A much closer affair was fought between Kangaroos and Watling ‘C’, and after 34 legs the match ended in a draw. Malcolm Soloway of Watling the only unbeaten player.

In Div Three, the two top teams met and the three youngsters of Meerkats gained a draw against the three ‘oldies’ of Audit ‘B’. The youngest ‘oldie’ Tom Sapundziev winning his three games. There were no close encounters in the other matches. Panthers beating Ospreys 8-0, and Watling ‘D’ overcoming Newts 7-1. Mark Semple, Stuart Cass, and Steve Marsh for Panthers, and Michael Schuz, and Simon Pyzer for Watling won all their games.

In the one Premier result received, leaders West Watford ‘A’ drew with Aardvarks.

Results:

Premier Div: West Watford ‘A’ vs. Aardvarks 4-4.
Div One: Post Office vs. Gazelles 2-6; Watling ‘A’ vs. Watling ‘B’ 4-4.
Div Two: Audit ‘A’ vs. Hounds 0-8; Iguanas vs. Oxhey Hall ‘B’ 7-1; Kangaroos vs. Watking ‘C’ 4-4.
Div Three: Audit ‘B’ vs. Meerkats 4-4; Watling ‘D’ vs. Newts 7-1.

Match Reports by : Geof Bax

THE LIONS ROAR! Div 3 Panthers V Lions - 15th Feb

Panthers were eaten alive by a Lions team that was on their best form of the season.

The star of the evening was Abe Jacobs who was up against his old team and was determined to shine!
Abe overcame a 2 set lead against Mark Semple to go and take the fifth and win. (what a good signing)

BOBxx Wyard took his three single matches in his stride, being on his best form of the season (back hand finally working again).

Lions running out winners 1-7 Looking good for second place in Div 3 Watchout Meercats here we come!!

Match report From BOBxx Lions Captain.

On a lighter note -:

During the evening Mark Semple and myself were in conversation regarding the temperature in the hall, this led on to Mark saying how cold it had been at another venue he had played at, so cold he almost kept his wooly hat on! Now with David Edwards on the next table we just had to ask is it OK to wear a hat when playing? And lets not stop there! what about the matching gloves? I can just See Sally and Caroline trying to find matching outfits. LOL BOBxx

Nets, Edges, Funny Bats and Banned Substances – Foul Allegation ruins the Eagles vs WWCC match

If Steve Leven was famous the gutter press would be having a field day after the latest vicious, foul and scandalous allegation made by Mr S Leven  against Ian Banfield ( me! )

In a blatant and successful attempt to upset the Eagles Mr Leven  alleged that I do not have a back injury and my pain killers are in fact illegal substances known by the ITTF designed to enhance by 0.5% table tennis performance!! Steve, I think I will take that ball after all!

This allegation is denied. However the Eagles players were so outraged as to want to walk out and concede the match. As captain and made of stern stuff I insisted we played on.

MATCH REPORT……

WWCC were not worthy winners  7-1,  winning entirely due to 71 nets/edges and two funny bats. One of those matches where you are fated to get nothing!

Brian lost in five in a match he threw away against  some chap who played with a piece of wood with a 35 year old pimply bit of rubber with no sponge.

James took a set of Rolands’ pimply bat but the pimples forced too many errors .

Ian having always been thrashed by Russell Davies was amazed at being 2 sets all and was determined too start well in the fifth which he didn’t and lost 2-11.lol.

James played the old pimply bat and threw away a two set lead. But following my advice to hit the ball harder and faster he managed to steal the fifth set at 11-9.

James did well against an in form Russell losing 0-3 but two sets were deuce.

Ian struggled against Rolands bat but got used to it in the second set at 9-7 up but blew it with terrible shots trying to force the win. Then a gross piece of bad sportsmanship! Roland sensing I had got used to his bat actually changed it but did not let me know. By the time I had sussed out the weird noises like a broken ball and totally different back hand spin, it was too late.

If WWCC get as many nets and edges in their remaining games then their ambition of div 1 champs could happen!

Match report by : Ian Banfield

WWCC 'A' vs Aardvarks - 10th Feb 2010

This fixture contained some surprises right from the start. Chris Ogle a regular for WWCC 'A' and Table Tennis track record of zero injuries through table tennis finally succumbed to his first with a leg muscle strain acquired during a Chalfont league match the night before, this leading to Roger getting his chance to take up the cudgels and play the 3 singles for the 1st time. Howard Davies turned out for the injured Chris, himself still nursing a knee injury although less of an impact for Howard as he rarely moves at the table. Aardvarks, themselves turned out a different lineup to normal with Geof Bax playing instead of the absent Anthony Budden and a ringer Stuart Seaholme playing up as a reserve for Larry Gregory, and who is playing the three singles for Aardvarks. 

Match started at 7.40, Howard still struggling with fitness is first out of the traps against Max, and although playing well and picking up a leg went down 3-1. Roger on second confortable overcame Geoff 3-0, Chris making an entrance during this game to boost the spirits of the Home team.

Alan next on played superbly to bring about only Stuart's second defeat of the season with a straight sets victory 3-0. Roger then beat Max 3-0 in a fast and furious game, although max at 10-8 up in the second leg gifted Roger a 'get-out-of-jail-card'. Max never recovered from the disappointment of the second leg and the third went Rogers way as well. 

Howard lost to Stuart 3-0 in a rather one sided affair and Alan did the same in the next game with Geof taking that one 3-0 also. WWCC 'A' at 4-2 now in a commanding position and next up Roger with 2 games already under his belt facing Stuart. 

Only the second time they had met since Roger come back after 23 years absence from the game and in the past they used to have some ding dong battles so it promised to be an exciting game. Not this time, Stuart runs out a 3-0 winner, with Roger looping well, but unable to push the next ball tight, Stuart using his devastating backhand smash to hit winner after winner, Match now poised at 4-3. 

The doubles was probably the best match of the night with Max and Geof winning 12-10 in the fifth set, the match finishing a draw at 4-4.

Match finished at 9.45 providing further evidence that if the match starts on time and progresses without unecessary delays or long knock ups can accommodate a shift to perhaps 9 game matches, giving every one the chance to play 3 singles!! 

I reminisced with Stuart and Geof about the good old days when the league had a lot more divisions with so many more teams and players, we must try and build the league again to increase the numbers and improve the standard, I know this is being addressed with the introduction of the Watford Academy, which will in time increase numbers and standards, but we need to improve the standard now, this will only happen by attracting players from other leagues, but at present know one would be prepared to travel that bit further for a match if they are only playing 2 singles, we must change the structure to include 3 singles for everyone

Match Report by : Roger Pyle (1st every Roger and thanks for filling my massive shoes!!)

WATFORD & DISTRICT TABLE TENNIS LEAGUE

After a week of Handicap Cup matches, it was back to the ‘hard stuff’ fighting for league points.

In the Premier Div, top met bottom with the expected result, a win for West Watford ‘A’ vs. Abbots Langley, 7-1 the score. Second placed Fullerians dropped a point to Dolphins, when winning 6-2. Caroline Wilkes and Denis Robinson winning all their games. Aardvarks met Bats and also dropped a point, 6-2 the score, with Max Bonyadi unbeaten.

In Div One, Post Office the leading side, met West Watford ‘B’ and as expected a very hard fought match ensued, with P.O. just winning 5-3. West Watford ‘B’ also played a postponed game vs. Watling ‘A’, winning 5-3. Watling ‘A’ did no better when meeting Falcons, who won 6-2. Graham Smith their star. Another 6-2 result saw Gazelles beat Oxhey Hall ‘A’, with Dave Sims starring for Gazelles.

In Div Two, top team, Hounds continue to do well, this time beating Kangaroos
7-1. Gerry Evans and Mitch Haynes, both unbeaten. Jaguars beat bottom team Oxhey Hall ‘B’ 5-3, Dave East unbeaten for the losers. Iguanas overcame Watling ‘C’ 5-3, with Peter Meisel winning his three for Watling.

In Div Three, Audit ‘B’ continue their winning ways, beating Ospreys 7-1. John Hutchison and Tom Sapundziev both unbeaten. Roger Dean and Bob Wyard starred for Lions in their win vs. Newts. 6-2 the score. Also winning 6-2, Meerkats, in second spot keep just ahead of  Lions by a point. Watling ‘D’ losing 6-2 to Meerkats. Ishan Bairoliya unbeaten for the winners.

Results:

Premier Div: Abbots Langley vs. West Watford ‘A’ 1-7; Fulleriams vs. Dolphins 6-2; Aardvarks vs. Bats 6-2.
Div One: West Watford ‘B’ vs. Watling ‘A’ 5-3; West Watford ‘B’ vs. Post Office 3-5; Falcons vs. Watling ‘A’ 6-2; Gazelles vs. Oxhey Hall ‘A’ 6-2.
Div Two: Hounds vs. Kangaroos 7-1; Oxhey Hall ‘B’ vs. Jaguars 3-5; Watling ‘C’ vs. Iguanas 3-5.
Div Three: Ospreys vs. Audit ‘B’ 1-7; Newts vs. Lions 2-6; Meerkats vs. Watling ‘D’ 6-2.

Report posted by : Geof Bax

DARK CLOUDS GATHER OVER ST. MARKS

Last night Audit were struggling for players, as an under strength "B" team fought out a draw with the fast improving youth of the Meerkats.

Tom Sapundziev being the steadying influence for Audit winning his three singles. The Meerkat pairing off Jordan Olney and Abhinav Agrawgi saved the day by beating George Myers and Dave Steuart in the decisive (doubles) eighth game 11-6 in the fifth to earn their side a commendable draw. Ishan Bairolina also won two of his singles.

On the other table the "A" team could only field two players - Colin Dunstone and Gordon Hitchman (playing up) to take on top of the division Hounds. The result was a forgone conclusion. Colin put up a stout fight against top of the averages Gerry Evans, losing in the fifth. Gordon acquitted himself creditably and took both Gerry and Mitch Haynes to deuce before losing out. With Karl Sedden in fine form the result could be none other than 8-0 to the Hounds.

Gordon Hitchman