League News
Despite a few cancellations (more of that later!), the league is under way. Four players have lost just one in nine games.
In the Premier Division HRC A have made a strong start to the season, defeating champions Water Lane A 7-3 away, Dave Page unbeaten on the night including a four set victory over Shaun Gardner. They only dropped one point in their other two matches. Kidston A have also started well, although Ian Smith of Cheshunt A won all three in a 5-5 draw. Promoted side Cheshunt B are bottom despite a narrow 6-4 defeat to Water Lane A who are third.
HRC C lead Division 1 with 20 points from three matches. Water Lane Phoenix A have also made a good start, dropping just three points in their first two matches.
Division 2 looks like it could be close, the top three all having played three matches. Cheshunt D four points ahead of Water Lane Phoenix B with Lytton a further point behind. Although one from bottom, Aston have only played one match but have already got nine points.
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Divisional Cup News
Unfortunately, KIDSTON B HAVE HAD TO WITHDRAW FROM THE DIVISIONAL CUP. Division 1 pool B will now have three teams only.
Sandy Nash & Paul Jones beat John Barnes & Neil Skull in the final doubles to secure a 5-4 win as HRC A overcame their B team 5-4. John Hughes of St. Andrews A was unbeaten in singles and doubles combining with Ian Coates to win 11-5 in the fifth set of the final doubles to clinch a 5-4 victory over HRC D. Water Lane took their revenge for the league defeat, beating HRC A 5-4.
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Cancellations
Over the last few years, many leagues throughout the country have ceased to exist and in our own league some clubs have struggled to attract players. As a result "playing up" is allowed throughout the league to ensure matches are played with the maximum number of eligible players.
Whilst appreciating that sometimes there is no alternative than to postpone, most clubs hire venues. These are not cheap and if opponents do cancel, on most occasions the hire charge still has to be paid. If more than one team is playing at home, a cancellation means that the hire charge is paid by the remaining team(s), rather than spread. A rearranged fixture will mean further cost, providing that a suitable date can be found. On some occasions, the opponents have offered to reverse the fixture. This may be acceptable on agreement but may be inconvenient, dates not good and team that were supposed to be at home having to travel, use petrol etc. Most clubs have more than one team and unless it is the lowest registered team, players can "play up" to complete the team and fulfill the fixture. Alternatively, although not great, teams can play with only two players to ensure the fixture is fulfilled.
I hope that postponements can be kept to a minimum, and if this happens a suitable compromise can be reached. However, if no agreement can be reached, as a last resort the match can be claimed as a walkover. I hope that this does not happen, postponements are reduced and matches played on agreed dates and the ultimate is only used as a last resort.
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Start Times
Both Furneux Pelham and Grundy Park ask for a 7pm start due to hall restrictions.
Obviously matches can start as early as possible if both teams agree. If players arrive early, providing there are at least one player from each side, and by agreement, matches can start.
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And finally...
Everybody who takes part in the league should be registered with Table Tennis England. Please pass this message on to anybody in your team who does not receive the newsletter.
All newsletters are blind copied to everybody on the distribution list. If you know of anybody who currently does not receive a newsletter and would like to receive one, please let me know.
Also, if you have any suggestions, comments, please let me know.
League tables, averages, past newsletters, handicaps, Cup News etc are on the website.
Best Wishes,
Colin Bullworthy
Match Secretary
H&DTTL
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