The 2014/15 season kicked off in spectacular fashion as a number of teams and individuals set the benchmark at the first opportunity.
Hermits hold the coveted spot of league leaders following a convincing 8-1 victory over Tradesmen.
The league stalwarts showed no signs of rustiness as they eased to victory over a Tradesmen side missing both Stuart Sykes and Marcus Reynolds.
Despite a splendid victory for Mark Knapton over Mick Kosmowski, it was the only blemish on the scorecard for Hermits as Kosmowski, Gary Foster and Geoff Barnes secured the other eight sets without dropping a single game.
Hot on their heels are Grasshoppers, who beat promoted side BT by the same score line. Debutant Jake Clarke was particularly impressive as he stormed to three dominant victories, whilst Ken Mirfield’s trio of wins were backed up with two from Adrian Walker, who was defeated by Justin Harris. Nevertheless, the victory ensured a solid start to the season for Grasshoppers on their quest to rise the league ladders
There was also victories for Red Press and Warriors, who beat Central and Warriors respectively. Red Press, who featured late signing Janet Adams, were comfortable in a 7-2 victory against a capable Central outfit. Adams’ performances caught the attention of the hall as she secured three straight victories, including one over Central’s newest addition, junior Fraser Riley.
Meanwhile, Warriors were 6-3 winners against Greetland Social ‘B’. Despite a superb brace of victories for Barry Drain, Dave Wood’s three victories set Warriors on their way and was backed up with two victories for the returning Kent Nicholson and one from Keith Skarz, who was defeated by Gilly Broadbent on his return to table tennis.
Finally, Greetland Social ‘A’ were given a major scare by Panthers before eventually winning 5-4. In what was an intense affair, Greetland managed to prevail despite heroics from young star Ben Fillingham, who managed to shock both Jack Dabrowski and Matthew Shaw.
However, Sam Clayton came to Greetland’s rescue with three victories, notably dispatching of Halifax champion Bowers in very convincing fashion to keep their year-long unbeaten run intact.
After Fillingham staggeringly defeated Dabrowski 3-1, Bowers levelled the contest at three apiece after beating Shaw 14-12 in the fifth set.
However, Greetland managed to recover with Dabrowski beating Alan Veal and Clayton defeating Bowers to make it 5-3, before Fillingham got his groove on again and beat Shaw 11-9 in the fifth.
That defeat condemned Shaw and Dabrowski to four defeats for the season in the opening week, one less than they sustained combined throughout the whole of the previous campaign.
Division 2
Hotshots proved their title credentials with an impressive 7-2 victory over Oakland Raiders.
Three wins from Lewis Palmer set the platform for Hotshots, and he was ably supported by team mates Ollie Hill and Paul Dean, who registered two wins apiece, both being defeated by Dave Whiteley.
Breathing down their necks are both Central 2 and Ovenden Sports, who picked up 6-3 victories over Evergreens and Central 3 respectively.
Despite an incredible maximum from Dave Lewis, it couldn’t help Evergreens succumb to defeat to Central 2, with Steve Thomas, Eric Greenwood and Paul Dean all registering two wins each, whilst Saj Mohammed’s three victories on debut for Ovenden helped his side secure victory.
Meanwhile, Team G secured a superb victory on their return to Division 2 with victory over Dolphins. Doubles from Robert Gee and James Dawber plus one win for Barbara Gee secured an opening day win.
Division 3
In what was a quiet week in Division 3, Ramsbridge and Jokers opened their account for the season with victories over Rainbow 2 and Old Town Hounds respectively.
Ramsbridge dispatched of Rainbow 2 7-2, whilst Jokers conquered Old Town 6-3, with Stan Bamforth recording three victories.
Ladies
Sapphires took a slender lead at the top of the division following a second consecutive 6-3 victory. Their latest win was over Ruby, who thought admirably despite having just two players. Rose Tipton’s superb treble was not enough as the trio of Abbie Parker, Helen Smith and Amy Fillingham all beat Jo Sweeney.
They are closely followed by Diamonds, who sit just one point behind them following their 6-3 win over Amethysts. Despite Ladies Halifax champion Chrissy Sykes winning all three, Amethysts fell to defeat as Joyce Walker, Jo Hinchcliffe and Faye Curran all picked up two wins each.
All results can be found at this link.
