League News

In the Premier Division, Grundy Park I are six points clear of Allenburys I after the latest round of matches.  Grundy Park beat Cheshunt II 10-0 and although they then beat Grundy Park II 9-1, Sam Flaum lost his unbeaten record.  Jason Flaum overcoming his son in five sets.  Allenburys beat Pramastars I 10-0 in a double-header and followed that up by beating Cheshunt II by the same score. HRC I are third, inflicting another 10-0 defeat on bottom club Pramastars I and winning 8-2 at Allenburys II, Fred Burdett unbeaten on the night. Grundy Park II stay fourth, after losing 8-2 to Cheshunt II, Alex Morealle winning all three, who are fifth, one point behind having played one match less. Division 1 is still close, with one point separating HRC II and Allenburys III. HRC II beat Furneux Pelham 10-0 and then drew at Pramastars II 5-5, nobody unbeaten on the night. Allenburys III won 7-3 at St Andrews and 9-1 at Watton-At -Stone, Colin Holmes getting the solitary point for the home team. Pramastars II are starting to lose touch with the top two, five points behind Allenburys III. They were involved in another 5-5 draw, this time against Grundy Park III, Harbinder Singh again winning all three, and remain one point above their opponents. St Andrews are fifth, Steve Burton, Ian Coates and Brian Jennings winning 10-0 at Furneux Pelham. Stanstead Abbotts are having a good first season, Jan Kinsman winning all three in an 8-2 win at Watton-At-Stone.

Outstanding Matches as at 28/01/2019

CHESHUNT I     v   ALLENBURYS II   CHESHUNT I     v   HRC I

Cup News

Handicap Cup

Only one shock in the first round of the Handicap Cup as 1st Division GRUNDY PARK III overcame Premier Division Pramastars I 6-3 to set up a quarter-final match against their second team. The only other First Division side left are St Andrews who have a home match against the winners of HRC I and Grundy Park I.

Results:

ST ANDREWS        6   -   3   WATTON-AT-STONE   ALLENBURYS II      9   -   0   STANSTEAD ABBOTTS   CHESHUNT II          8   -   1   FURNEUX PELHAM   GRUNDY PARK III   6   -   3   PRAMASTARS I   PRAMASTARS II     1   -   8   GRUNDY PARK II   CHESHUNT I           7   -   2   ALLENBURYS III   Outstanding:   HRC 1   v     GRUNDY PARK I     Outstanding:   HRC II    v     ALLENBURYS I

Second round matches (Q-Final) w/c 18/02/19: ST ANDREWS               v   HRC I / GRUNDY PARK I ALLENBURYS II            v  CHESHUNT II GRUNDY PARK III         v  GRUNDY PARK II HRC II/ALLENBURYS I   v  CHESHUNT I

HANDICAP TOURNAMENT

A record number of 38 players took part in the Handicap Tournament held at the Cheshunt Club on Thursday 3 January. A total of 53 matches were played in a busy and enjoyable evening that finished at midnight with two great finals that produced some super table tennis. In the Handicap singles final, Chris Wade (HRCI) came from a set and 12-0 down to win the second set 21-20 to take Sam Flaum (Grundy Park I) to a deciding set. Chris then looked as if he would win comfortably but Sam fought back to 20-20, Chris again winning the golden point to clinch the trophy. Chris then partnered Geoff Jeffries (Cheshunt II) in the doubles final. He looked set to win again as they easily won the first set but Wayne Boddy (Pramastars II) and John Hughes (St Andrews) fought back, taking the second set 21-20. The third set was just as close, Wayne and John finally edging home 21-19. Both matches were a fitting end to the evening and showed how good the handicaps were! Once again my thanks to Jo' Swain for keeping the evening flowing amidst the chaos ably assisted by Vikki Flaum, Faith Frankel for running the refreshments and everybody who took part and scored. See you all next January.

And finally...

League tables, averages, past newsletters, handicaps etc are on the website. If anybody notices any of the mistakes in this newsletter, please let me know. Also, if you have any suggestions, comments, please let me know. All newsletters are blind copied to everybody on the distribution list. If anybody wants to be added to the list, please let me know (email colin010457@gmail.com) and I'll add them to the distribution list.

Best Wishes, Colin Bullworthy Match Secretary Hertford & District Table Tennis League