Newspaper Article W/c 29th October 2007

Report for week 7, ending 26^th October 2007.

Oldham TTC “A” continued their challenge to the leaders in the 1^st Division of the Oldham TT League with a close fought contest against Hollinwood “A”, winning 6-4 with 2 wins each from Dave Griffith and juniors Josh Boult and Matt Weatherby. Rosehill “A” are only 3 points behind, beating Grotton “A” 8-2 thanks to a maximum from Richard Sarre and doubles from Dave Pegg & Phil Ashworth with Shaun Ellis replying with 2 wins.

Wardle recorded their first win of the season, 6-4 against BAE B, with doubles from Liaqat Ali & Sajied Mohammed and a single from Paul Howarth. Kevin Hill was unbeaten for BAE.

Werneth “A” and Hollinwood “B” ended 5-5 with Darryl Meredith being the only player to escape defeat.

In the mid- table contest Werneth “B” beat Hyde YMCA “A” 8-2 in a close fought match, with Phil Myers (3), Eddie Darlington (2), Mandy Winskill (2) for Werneth and Dave Hamilton (2) for Hyde.

In division 2 newly promoted Gilders “A” are finding it tough with just 29 points from 7 matches. This week they beat Unison “B” 7-3, Adi Ewelna (3) making a welcome return to the team. Mike Brierley replied with 2 for Unison.

Joe Redikin (Hollinwood “C”) continued his winning ways maintaining his seasons’ 100% record with a treble against Failsworth “A” (8-2). Failsworth turned out 3 juniors, Nathan Buckley, Matty Evans and Paul King who all put in creditable performances with Nathan registering the only singles win for Failsworth.

Unison “A”are now firmly in 2^nd place, with old stalwarts Les Evans (3) Dave Cheetham (2) and Dave Hanson (2) having a good 8-2 win over Werneth “D” for whom Mike Pellowe replied with 2 wins

First Transport’s win over Unison “B” was closer than the score suggests but Transport deserved the win with Tommy Ryan winning 3.

In Division 3 Alf Barker remains unbeaten (21 games, 21 wins) keeping Grotton B firmly at the top with an 8-2 win over Uppermill “C”. Alf was ably assisted by Steve Smith (3). Jim Bradbury and Stuart Hanson replied for Uppermill.

Coldhurst “B” are close on the heels of Grotton with a whitewash over Honeywell “D”, Simon Walsh, Gary Keylock and Tom Chander winners for Coldhurst.

Unison “C” proved too strong for Coldhurst “D” with a 10-0 win although some of the games were close. John Mark, James Bollard and Mike O’Gara were the victors for Unison.

Although there were some close games a weakened Owls “A” succumbed to Honeywell “B” 8-2. Alan Marston (3), Peter Buckley (3) and Alan Wynn for Honeywell, Dave Harthan (2) for Owls.

Division 4. Werneth “E” proved too strong for Honeywell “E” 7-3. The final result did not reflect some of the close games with some very good attacking play on both sides. Darren Mitzi (3), Brian Micklethwaite (1) & Mark Riddle (2) for Werneth, with John Ganley (2) and Peter Ganley (1) for Honeywell.

Unison “D” were victors over Failsworth “F” 10-0, D. Heyes (2), T. Hyde (2), M Haigh (2) with 3 awarded.

Marjory Riddle continued her winning ways with 3 wins for Werneth “F”, but this was not enough to prevent them losing the match to Oldham TTC “B” 4-6. John Rutland and George Jervis each notched up 2 for Oldham TTC.

Coldhurst “E” have set their sights on reaching the top place by beating Failsworth “D” 7-3 thanks to wins by Dave England (3), Neil England (2) and John Greenwood (2). Dave Wilson (2) replied for Failsworth.

Newspaper Article W/c 22nd October 2007

Report for week 6, ending 19th October 2007.

The major surprise in week 6 in the First Division of the Oldham & District Table Tennis League was Hyde YMC A A’s 6-4 home victory against BAE A, which resulted in an excellent match between Steve Lyons & Tony Smith, the latter winning 15-13 in the 5^th game. Ken Ward, Geoff Ogden & Steve Lyons each won 2 for Hyde, with Tony Smith (2) & Pete Bradford (1) replying for the visitors.

OTTC A climbed into 2^nd place in the table with a 6-4 win over Rosehill A. Josh Boult (2), Matt Weatherby (2) and Andy Kaye (1) recorded wins for OTTC with Dave Pegg (3) and Phil Ashworth (1) replying for the losers.

Glodwick A retained pole position defeating Hollinwood B 8-2.thanks to a treble from Mark Ramsbottom and doubles from Khamal Hussain & Majid Tubasum.

In the struggle to avoid bottom place, Werneth C narrowly beat Wardle 6-4, Wilf Crompton (3), Eddie Darlington (2) and Karen Hill being the scorers for the Oldham based side

Hollinwood A ‘s visit to Uppermill A proved a fruitful one, Dave Buckley and Gary Newton being maximum winners, supported by 2 wins from Simon Hardwick, the final result being 8-2 for the visitors.

In Division 2, Failsworth A shocked previously undefeated Unison A, Adam Rowbotham (3), Steve Collins (3) and Matty Evans (2) being in splendid form to record an 8-2 win, a score by which Rosehill B beat Hollinwood E, Jimmy Findlow (3) Andy Perry (2) and Warwick Francis (2) scoring for the Ashton team, Ron Mitchell’s 2 being in vain for Hollinwood.

A closely fought match between Pennine & Hyde YMCA B resulted in a draw, Glen Chadwick and John Robertson obtaining doubles for Pennine with Dennis Bradshaw, Steve Buckley and Anthony Gummersall being successful for Hyde.

Werneth D’s home 6-4 win over Gilders A proved to be a triumph for Mike Pellowe with 3 wins ably supported by 2 victories for Alan Else. Martin Nicholls (2) Colin Ogden (1) and an excellent performance from reserve Fred Wood, standing in for the flu-ridden Ade Ewenla, helped to keep the visitors in the match right to the end.

Honeywell Lane’s A 9-1 defeat of Hollinwood D could be attributed to excellent play by Barrie Royle & Brian Higgins, both of whom posted 100% victories and a double success from Peter Buckley, while Andy McNabb prevented a whitewash.

Hollinwood C’s emphatic 8-2 win over Coldhurst A allowed them to gain a clear lead in Division 2. Joe Redikin & Phil Holmes were outstanding for the winners, gaining maximum victories, while Simon King & Simon Walsh worked hard for the losers.

In the 3^rd Division, the derby match between the Honeywell B & C teams was marred by the unfortunate illness of Terry Cooper, who had to concede 2 of his games, but the C team eventually emerged as 7-3 winners with Ken Dunkerley, Dave Watts & Derek Naylor proving successful, with Alan Marston recording a treble for the B team.

Coldhurst B travelled to Uppermill B and came out on top by 7 sets to 3, the two Simons, King & Walsh, recording trebles while Pete Watson, Howard Meadham & Keith Moores each scored one success for the home team.

The youthful players of Failsworth C proved too strong for their more experienced opponents, Jake Crawley winning 3, Joe Crawley (2) & Callum Jones (2), while Tom Loftus & Lee Rowbotham each won one set for 8-2 losers Honeywell D.

Failsworth B had a creditable win against Coldhurst C with trebles from Richard Hinchliffe & Brian Handley, whilst Malcolm wills, Terry Holland & John McLoughlin won one set each for Coldhurst to add respectability to the score of 7-3.

Owls A beat Uppermill C 7-3 with trebles from Dave Harthan & Paul Woodward, while Gilders B whitewashed Coldhurst D 10 –0 in a score that was closer than the result would indicate, but Gerry Lees, Mark Craven & Gerrard Lennox each achieve 100% success.

Division 4 results saw Saddleworth CC strengthen their position at the top of the table, Ian McLean taking advantage of his previous 1^st division experience, being backed up by cricket professional Peter Skuse and Chris Brazewell against a gallant Honeywell E team in a match that was played in a great spirit despite the 10-0 score.

Paul King continued his excellent recent form by gaining 3 wins for Failsworth E in their 7-3 victory at OTTC B. He was ably supported by Andrew Tarpey (2) & Alex Leach (1), whilst the home side must give credit to John Rutland (2) and George Jervis (1) for their fight back.

Phil Coombe once again proved almost invincible, having won 17 out of his 18 sets played so far this season, he posted a treble in Werneth E’s win against a young enthusiastic Failsworth F side which never gave up trying, Sean McPhail & Alex Reilly playing well for the losers. The highlight of the evening, however, was the excellent doubles win by the unproven doubles combination of Phil & Olive Ashworth, which proved decisive in the eventual 6-4 result.

Deaf Club retained 2^nd place with a 7-3 win at Lees against Oldham Owls B who had Dinesh Gorasia & Philip Tamworth to thank for their wins. Ian Cockroft (3), Prakash Bhojani (2) and Ron Tench (2) being responsible for the Deaf victory.

Unison D drew against Coldhurst E in a very closely contested match, Tony Hyde (2), Martin Hague (2) and Jan Galikowski being winners for Unison and Dave England (2) & Phil Mellor (2) for Coldhurst.

Owls B were far too strong for a weakened Werneth F side, Dinesh Gorasia (3) Philip Tamworth (3) & John Tanner (2) gaining sets for the Owls, Ashley Murray preventing the whitewash for the Coppice side.

Newspaper Article W/c 15th October 2007

Report for week 5, ending 12th October 2007.

In Division 3 of the Oldham & District Table Tennis League, the youngsters from Failsworth C picked up their first win of the season against Coldhurst D with a fine treble from Jake Crawley, backed by doubles from his brother Joe & Callum Jones.

Grotton B moved clear at the top after an 8-2 win against Gilders B thanks to maximums from Steve Smith and the still unbeaten Alf Barker.

Honeywell C had a similar win against Uppermill C, with a treble from Dave Watts and doubles from Ken Dunkerley and Derek Naylor.

The Coldhurst B team, comprising Simon King (3), Gary Keylock (2) & Tom Chandler, beat Failsworth B 8-2 with Richard Hinchliffe winning the two for Failsworth

Honeywell B came away from Coldhurst C with a 7-3 victory thanks to a treble from Howard Travis and a double from Alan Marston. Malcolm Wills replied with a double

Trebles from Keith Moores & Vince Hill helped Uppermill B to an 8-2 win at Honeywell D.

A depleted Unison C team could not overcome the numerical disadvantage of being a player short. Frank Sheldon won two and John Mark won one whilst Dave Harthan was undefeated for the Owls A.

In Division 1, the Hyde YMCA A team of Terry Taylor (3) Geoff Ogden (2) & Lionel Royle (1) beat Grotton A 7-3.Phil Schofield (1) and Dave Morris (2) replied for Grotton.

The three Tony’s (Bates, Smith & Vaughan) all trebled for BAE A against Wardle.

Werneth A beat their C team 9-1 with Wilf Crompton avoiding the whitewash by beating Pete Morris game 8 in the fifth.

The Rosehill A versus Uppermill C match ended in a draw, with Phil Ashworth, Gary Crossley & Mark Simpson all scoring doubles.

Hollinwood B upset their A team winning 6-4. Man of the match, Ian Quinn scored a treble & Tristran Swann doubled for the B team with Gary Newton replying likewise.

In Division 2 Unison A top the table following their 8-2 win against Coldhurst A. Dave Cheetham, again unbeaten, was assisted by doubles from Les Evans & Peter Dawson. Simon King & Roger Lee replied.

Hollinwood C were pegged back to a 6-4 win against their D team, mainly due to an excellent 3 wins by Andy McNabb.

Rosehill B returned to winning ways beating Honeywell A 9-1 thanks to trebles from Simon Collins & Andy Perry and a double from Jimmy Findlow. Barry Royle was Honeywell’s only winner.

Gilders A drew with Failsworth A thanks mainly to a treble from Ade Ewenla. Adam Rowbotham & Nathan Buckley scored doubles in reply.

Hyde YMCA B recorded their first win of the season against Hollinwood E 7-3 with unbeaten performances from Dennis Bradshaw & Steve Buckley.

A maximum from Ron Mitchell helped Hollinwood E to draw with Pennine.

Saddleworth CC posted 8-2 & 9-1 wins against Coldhurst E & Failsworth F respectively to remain top of Division 4.

The Oldham Deaf Club beat OTTC B 9-1 with maximums from Ian Cockcroft & Ron Tench, and a double on his debut by Matthew Gartside, narrowly losing game 9 in the fifth to John Rutland.

The Unison D team of Jan Galikowski (3), Tony Hyde (3) & Martin Haigh (2) beat Failsworth D 9-1.

Failsworth E lost 6-4 to Owls B, despite a maximum from youngster Paul King. Dinesh gorasia and Philip Tamworth replied with doubles.

Honeywell Lane E scored their second successive 7-3 victory, this time against Coldhurst E, with maximums from John & Peter Ganley.

A Phil Coombe treble helped Werneth E to a draw against Coldhurst E, for whom Dave England & Phil Mellor replied with doubles.

Newspaper Article W/c 8th October 2007

MEREDITH SETS THE STANDARD

Darryl Meredith was in scintillating form for Oldham Mens inter league side last weekend. He won all of his six matches, one notable scalp being against England top 60 ranked Paul Cicchelli. Oldham began with a 4-2 win against Ellesmere Port and followed with 3-3 draws versus Bury and Bolton respectively.Khamal Hussain enjoyed an excellent inter- league debut contributing three sets. Peter Morris and Dave Buckley also made valuable contributions.The four points from six return sets Oldham up nicely for the remaining fixtures in the Lancs & Cheshire premier division.

Report for week 4, ending 5th October 2007.

Last seasons’s division 2 champions Wardle are finding top flight table tennis anything but easy after another reverse at the hands of Werneth A.Peter Morris was unbeaten backed by doubles from Stuart Meredith and Eddie Darlington in the 8-2 scoreline.

A 9-1 win for OTTC A over a depleted Hyde YM A sees them move into second place in the table.Dave Griffith and Matthew Weatherby trebled backed by an Andy Kaye double.

Unbeaten stints from Dave Buckley and Gary Newton helped Hollinwood A to a 7-3 win at BAE B.

A key fixture in Div 2 saw Hollinwood C shade proceedings at Rosehill B.Ian Quinn and Joe Redikin both posting trebles in the 6-4 scoreline.

Unison A share the leadership after a hard fought 6-4 win at Hollinwood D. Dave Cheetham was unbeaten backed by a Dave Hanson double.

A Barry Royle maximum backed by a Brian Higging double helped Honeywell A to 7-3 win over struggling Pennine for whom Glen Chadwick won 2.

In Div 3 an 8-2 win for Grotton B at Coldhurst D gives them a share of the leadership. Alf Barker was unbeaten backed by doubles from Steve Smith and Alan Sarsfield. The unbeaten stint of Alan Marston was to no avail as Gary Keylock, Simon Walsh and Tom Chandler all notched doubles in the 6-4 win for Coldhurst B at Honeywell B.

Owls A and Gilders B shared the spoils in a close fought 5-5 draw.

Paul Woodward was unbeaten for Owls backed by a David Harthan double with Colin Ogden responding likewise.

Division 4 welcolmed back former Oldham inter – League lady Marjorie Riddle after many seasons absence. Her treble might suggest she had never been away but doubles for both Sean McPhail and Alex Leach shaded the result for Failsworth F 6-4 over Werneth F.

The Philip Coombe treble for Werneth E was in vain since doubles from Glen Jackson, Tony Hyde and Jan Galikowski shaded proceedings 6-4 for Unison D. Unbeaten stints from John and Peter Ganley helped Honeywell E to a 7-3 success over Failsworth E.

Newspaper Article W/c 1^st October 2007

Report for week 3, ending 28^th September 2007.

Three weeks into the new season finds two teams, not normally at the top of Division 1, in pole positions. Rosehill A achieved this following a 7-3 win at BAE B, Dave Pegg being the only unbeaten player.

Hyde YMCA A, in 2^nd spot, achieved a 10-0 over Uppermill A with Steve Lyons, Ken Ward & Geoff Ogden undefeated, although the scores suggest many close fought games.

Glodwick defeated newly promoted Wardle 10-0. Mark Ramsbottom, Majid Tubasum & Khamal Hussain playing well and moving into the top three.

Hollinwood B travelled to Werneth B and won 6-4. Phil Myers & Eddie Darlington won 2 for Werneth with George Jones & Tristran Swann replying likewise for Hollinwood.

Hollinwood A beat Werneth C 9-1 and OTTC A beat Grotton by the same score with Matthew Weatherby and Joshua Boult, both juniors, undefeated.

BAE A registered a 6-4 win against Werneth A. Tony Bates, Tom Lang & Tony Vaughan all winning 2 with Darryl Meredith undefeated for Werneth.

In Division 2, two unbeaten teams, Hollinwood C & Coldhurst A beat, respectively, Pennine 9-1 and Unison B 6-4. Phil Holmes, Joe Redikin & Bob Johnson were undefeated for Hollinwodd as were Duncan Hadfield & Simon King for Coldhurst A.

First Manchester were too strong for Failsworth A running out 9-1 in a sporting match which Ken Hayes & Tommy Ryan scored 3 wins each.

A close match saw Honeywell A run out 6-4 winners against Hyde YMCA B with only two of the games decided in three sets. Barry Royle was the only triple winner.

Gilders A and Hollinwood D fought out a tense draw. With 4 of the games being decided in the final set, the match of the night saw Glen Dowse beat Adi Ewenla in 5.

Honeywell B & C teams remain unbeaten in Division 3. The B Team played their D Team and won 8-2.Peter Buckley and Alan Wynn were unbeaten with Tom Loftus & Derek Naylor replying with one win each.

The C team beat Gilders B 8-2, with Dave Watts the only undefeated player on the night and Colin Ogden replying for Gilders with 2.

Coldhurst B turned out a strong team against Uppermill C winning 10-0, Simon King, Gary Keylock & Tom Chandler inflicting the damage.

Coldhurst D lost at Owls A 8-2, although the result did not reflect the closeness of the sets, with only 2 games being decided in three. Dave Harthan & Paul Woodward remained unbeaten.

Grotton B travelled to Failsworth C and won 9-1. Alf Barker and Steve Smith each won 3 with Jake Crawley beating Alan Sarsfield for the one point. The Failsworth team were described as ‘ players of the future’.

Coldhurst C and Unison C ended in a draw with Coldhurst’s Terry Holland unbeaten.

Saddleworth remain undefeated in Division 4, with an emphatic 8-2 win over Unison D. Chris Brazewell & Peter Skuse scoring 3 wins each.

In the battle of two Junior teams, Failsworth E were comfortable winners against their F team, with Paul King & Andrew Tarpey unbeaten and Alex Leach replying.

The Deaf Club consolidated 2^nd spot with a second successive 10-0 win, this time against Honeywell E, although several of the games were decided in the 4^th & 5^th sets. Prakesh Bhojani, Ian Cockroft & Ron Tench all played well for Deaf.

Failsworth D went down 3-7 against Werneth E with Phil Coombe unbeaten and supported by Brian Micklethwaite(2) and Geoff Aspinall (1). Dave Wilson replied with 2 wins.

Werneth F ran out 6-4 winners against Coldhurst E with Peter Altham scoring a hat trick for Coldhurst.