Mafi-a decides outcome but its no fix!
Division One:
A thriller of a game was had this week in the Division one relegation battle between Whalley Eagles and KSB C. Reporting on the game Mike Turner said: “you may want to mention an amazing recovery in the Division One relegation dog fight…The score was 13-12 to KSB, David Borland was playing really well and was leading Darius Mafi two games to nil and was 8-0 up in the third game. Darius recovered brilliantly to win the game 13-11, and then go on to win 3-2. Andy Risk then beat Alan Calow in a five game thriller in the final singles to secure the KSB victory 20:19†(Andy Risk, Darius Mafi 3/3). With Jack Keogh rolling back the years with fine unbeaten performances across two matches, Brierfield demonstrated their case for being counted in the promotion chase and go third after two big wins this week: 27:9 v HSC, & 27:11 away to Hyndburn TTC B (Dave Eastwood also 3/3 in the latter). KSB A increased their supremacy of the division with a 30:8 thrashing of a depleted Nets n Edges 30:9. KSB B beat Clitheroe LMC B 22:14 with Trevor Elkington & Ray Kay unbeaten for the home team. Old Masters lived up to their name led by John Thornber with 3/3 as they won v Hyndburn TTC B 27:13.
Premier Division:
Just two matches this week. Ramsbottom B saw off East Lancs 26:11 with Neil Booth unbeaten for the victors after overcoming Matt Nettleton in a 5 set thriller in the game of the night. Clitheroe LMC A go top after a 29: 12 triumph v Hyndburners as Dave Kay & Keith Rudd gained 3/3 each.
Division two:
Philip Grace & Martin Drury won 3 each to lead Whalley Kestrels in a 25:13 victory over struggling Misfits, and their team mates Whalley Hawks kept promotion hopes alive in an away win 24:18 v Doals Army, despite an outstanding performance from Gerald Laxton winning all 3 for the Army. Tackyfire were victors away over Adpak Aces 28:8 as Elkin Atkins & Pak Wan were unbeaten & KSB D maintained their lead of the division as they won 25:14 v Slayers with Neil McKinnon in great form scoring a 100% clean sheet on the night. With a reserve in place of the absent Charlie NcGrath the notable result of the week was Hyndburn TTC D losing for the first time as they went down 16:25 to their club mates Hyndburn TTC C, with Ben Farrar also losing his first game of the season 2:3 to a good performance from Roy Steventon who won 3/3 for the victors. Both Hyndburn sides look capable of a promotion challenge at present.
Division three:
Doals Jetstream hold onto their place at the top of the division with a 30:2 whitewash away to Hyndburn TTC F, with Bernie Milnes, Jon Andrews & Bob Walker showing no mercy to the young beginners. But Rolling Doals are menacingly close with a game in hand and go second after a 28:2 win over club mates Doals Vikings with Ryan Fallon & Peter Hepworth winning 3/3 each. Richard Staines much reported on in these despatches previously lost for the first time in the division and met his match against a very good Carlton Cooper who in winning all 3 again helped KSB F triumph as the beat Hyndburn TTC E 21:14. Whalley Falcons won the derby v Whalley Phoenix 25:8 as Kim Croydon took 3/3 and also new promising looking signing in Steve Nightingale also in his first match winning 3/3. With their squad strengthened and games in hand Falcons may yet challenge for promotion.
From Neil Hepworth (East Lancs. Table Tennis League match reporter & Press Officer)
Email: Hepworth_neil@hotmail.com. Mob 07873834942