Table-tennis: Surprise result from Ramsden

12:30pm Thursday 24th July 2008

RAMSDEN Raiders produced the most unexpected result in the fifth week of the Central Essex Summer League first division programme and their 4-1 win over SELAX enabled them to jump above the Basildon-based team into third place.

The ultra-consistent John Gagg made the most telling contribution beating both Trevor Collin and Keith Spicer in four ends.

Further down the table OCs A scored their first win of the summer as they beat Danbury A 3-2.

The hard-hitting Steve Northcott produced his best performance of the summer as he got the better of Tony Forster (3-2) and Dave Calleja (3-0).

Leaders Rayne A took a giant stride towards the title by beating Danbury B 5-0, with Steve Pennell and Steve Elmes carrying all before them.

Herby Smith came closest to taking a game to the full five ends, just succumbing 11-13, 11-8, 11-13, 7-11 to Steve Pennell.

In the second division Excalibur Musketeers were crowned Champions as they made it six wins out of six for the season. Richard Hiskey's victories against Duncan Elloy (3-1) and Mike Johnston (3-0) ensured they beat Chelmsford A 3-2 and they wrapped proceedings up in style by beating ECC B 4-1.

Hiskey sat this match out but team-mates Linda Attridge and Bill Smith took all four singles to leave themselves comfortably in charge. John Wickens and Peter Layzell who won the Doubles 11-6, 11-8, 4-11, 11-6 will no doubt claim that they saved the best for last.

OCs B have moved into contention to claim the runners-up spot by beating Chelmsford A decisively 5-0. Mark Bohan and Nat Ravlic were both undefeated with Bohan impressing as he outplayed Duncan Elloy.

The match took place over five ends 6-11, 11-9, 5-11, 11-2, 11-5. OCs B had also been successful against Ramsden Rovers although on this occasion they just about sneaked home 3-2.

Nat Ravlic who won both of his singles beat Neil Freeman in the closest game of the evening : 7-11, 12-10, 5-11, 11-9, 13-11.

The continued improvement of the young Hylands Flingers team was evident as they beat Excalibur International 4-1 in division three.

Brandon Crouchman won both of his singles and in the top game of the evening he prevailed 11-6, 8-11, 11-8, 11-8 against Michael Rostoft. Fambridge (13 points) are one point ahead of the Hylands side and they stayed in second place by beating Danbury C 3-2.

Chris Buer won both of his own singles which included a five-game success against Ken Sheard by a fluctuating 11-8, 6-11, 11-9, 6-11, 11-6 scoreline.