RAWRETH & Hullbridge A are currently in second place in the first division of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League – with three games in hand on the leaders – after scoring a fine 8-2 win over the current table-toppers OCs A.

Ben Warner and Duncan Taylor were both undefeated with the defensive Duncan Taylor really hitting the heights.

He beat all three OCs players – Michael Andrews, Brandon Brouchman and Terry Dowsett – decisively three-straight. Brandon Crouchman was OCs only singles winner. He got the better of Glenn Johnson 8-11, 5-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-9.

Galleywood A also won 8-2 and they took full advantage of Maldon A’s inability to field a full side. John Holland led the way with wins over both Peter Norcott and Hamish Innes. The hard-hitting Peter Norcott beat both Mark Mulley (3-2) and Steve Kerns (3-1).

Four players scored hat-tricks in division two. James Hicks, playing as well as ever with a 75 per cent record over the season, won his three singles which helped Galleywood B draw 5-5 against OCs B. He beat Robbie Burton 13-15, 11-6, 11-13, 11-6, 11-9 in his opening singles and went on to get the better of Kevin Worthington 11-6, 11-8, 9-11, 6-11, 11-6 and finally Stephen Northcott 11-3, 11- 7, 12-10.

Chelmsford A’s Julie Johnson produced her best form of the season as she beat all three Danbury C players in her side’s 6-4 victory. This included a fine 12-10, 11-8, 9-11, 11-7 victory against Glen Laing.

Elmtree Excalibur B defeated their C side 7-3. Tony Hallett and Richard Storey both won their three singles encounters. Tony Hallett started the ball rolling by getting the better of Paul Sturton 11-9, 7-11, 11-7, 10-12, 11-8 in the first game of the evening. OCs B top the table in division three and they scored their sixth win of the season by beating Danbury G 8-2. Daniel Berry won his three singles and Frank Hodge and Nat Ravlic both won twice.

Danbury F (Ken Sheard, Tim Pulham and Gordon Gatherall) all won twice as they got the better of Danbury G 6-4 although they all drew blanks against Dave Marsh.

Marsh beat Tim Pulham by the very odd-looking scoreline of 11-3, 2-11, 8-11, 11-5, 11-0. Chelmsford C ran out 6-4 winners against OCs D. Chris Denyer won his three singles. He completed his hat-trick with a 3-11, 11-3, 13-11, 11-9 victory over Roy Moore.