End of Week 16 - Clayton Shines As Greetland Move Closer To Title

Greetland Social 'A' took a huge step towards the Division 1 title as they beat main rivals Red Press 6-3. Sam Clayton further proved why he is rated as the best player in the division as he produced the goods with a influential treble, including victory over Sean Ellis, just his second defeat.

Clayton became the first conqueror of Janet Adams this season, coming from behind to defeat her 3-1 to give Greetland the lead, before Gareth Hey doubled the lead with a 3-1 win over Steve Hanson. The sequence of 3-1 scorelines continued, but the next went the way of Red Press, with Ellis battling past Matthew Shaw in a tight affair. 

Adams leveled the match with a 3-1 victory over Hey, but then the pivotal set, went the way of Greetland and Clayton, who defeated Ellis 3-1, with Ellis inexplicably double faulting at 9-9 in the fourth. 

And when Shaw won the first end 11-4 against Hanson, momentum seemed well and truly in Greetland's favour. But Hanson fought back, going 2-1 ahead to give Red Press hope. But Shaw regathered and took the next two ends 11-5 11-2 to give Greetland a 4-2 lead.

Ellis pulled one back with victory over Hey, but Shaw secured victory with a 3-0 win over Adams before Clayton had to work hard to keep his unbeaten run intact, eventually forcing his way through Steve Hanson in the fifth.

With the top two playing one another, Warriors and Hermits tried to make up ground and did so with respective 7-2 victories. Warriors overcame Panthers, with Ian Tweedale impressively defeating Ben Fillingham on his way to three victories, whilst Hermits defeated YMEN, with Gary Foster and Geoff Dunne securing three wins apiece.

Tradesmen returned to action with a 6-3 victory over two man Grasshoppers. Stuart Sykes was the star again as he registered victories over Jake Clarke and Ken Mirfield, however Clarke did reply with two victories over Josh Reynolds and Jonathan Crossley to secure consolation for Grasshoppers.

Meanwhile, Central returned to action with a 9-0 win over BT. Malcolm Fowler and Fraser Riley were joined by Eric Greenwood in defeating two man BT in emphatic fashion.

Division 2

Hotshots' inevitable capture of Division 2 moved a step nearer to completion after defeating Evergreens 9-0. Hotshots dropped just two ends throughout the match, with Evergreens' Dave Lewis pushing Steve Marshall and Lewis Palmer.

Tribal 1 took a huge step away from relegation with a 7-2 win over Dolphins. Josh Hill embraced the pressure tie with three excellent victories, including the scalp of Dave Blackburn, whilst Hill was ably supported by teammates Carey Baggott and Michael Bush, who won two each.

Oakland Raiders cruised past Team G 9-0, who only had one player. James Dawber tried his utmost to secure points for his side, but ultimately succumbed to Oakland's trio of David Whiteley, Stephen and Matthew Horrocks.

Central 2 recorded their second 9-0 drubbing on the bounce as the thrashed Ovenden Sports. Despite six of the games going to 3-1, Central prevailed in all of them to keep pressure on leaders Hotshots, who they trail by seven points, albeit Hotshots do have a game in hand.

Rams' stunning run of form continued as they overcame Oakland Raiders 8-1. Dave Melbourne and Darrell Mann picked up three wins apiece whilst stand-in Allen Cowburn impressively added two wins.

Division 3

Leopards extended their lead at the top of Division 3 with a 9-0 victory over Old Town Robins. Leopards surrendered just two games on their way to another demolition, with Ronnie McNamara particularly impressive on the night.

Their lead is now 15 points strong after Ramsbridge could only defeat Old Town Hounds 5-4. Neil Coneron was a thorn in the side of Ramsbridge as he won all three matches for the Hounds, however two wins apiece for Allen Cowburn and Damian McCrink plus one from Joe Broadbent secured victory.

Youngster Billy Wragg was the standout star as Tribal 2 picked up an impressive 6-3 victory over Jokers. Wragg was ably supported by Derek Greenwood, who won two matches, whilst Matthew Leedham chipped in with one victory.

Player of the week - Sam Clayton - His three victories kept Greetland's unbeaten run intact and moved them close to the title.

Author: via Halifax Table Tennis League
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