Rosehill struggle against leaders

OTTC A had an excellent 7-3 win over last season’s runners-up, Werneth A, Dave Griffith being outstanding, but BAE A retained the leadership in the Oldham Table Tennis League first division by defeating Rosehill B 10-0.

Tony Bates, Tom Lang and Tony Smith all recorded maximums for BAE A.

Rosehill A were beaten by a weakened Hyde YMCA A side, for whom Neil Coppard, moving up a division, scored excellent wins against Ian Stott and Dave Pegg.

Honeywell Lane A beat Saddleworth CC A 7-3, young Adam Rowbotham having a memorable evening as he beat Ian McLean 15-13 in the final game.

In the second division, Werneth D surprisingly moved into top place by defeating Grotton B 8-2, Richard Hinchcliffe and Mike Pellowe winning all their singles.

Honeywell Lane B shared the points against Unison A, a similar result being recorded by Unison A against Honeywell Lane C - Brian Hall at the age of 75 being outstanding in this match by winning all his singles games.

Third division leaders Honeywell Lane Dd efeated Unison B 7-3 despite Peter Dawson winning all three sets for the losers.

Paul Woodward was the star in both of Owls A drawn matches against Gilders and Uppermill B where he was undefeated on both occasions.

Coldhurst C beat Deaf Club A 8-2 during a close-fought affair in which Neil Chapman and Neil England both gained treble success for the victors.

Unison D consolidated their position atthe top of the fourth division by beating OTTC B in a match in which Dennis Heyes proved outstanding.

Division 1: Honeywell A 7, Saddleworth CC 3; Werneth B 3, Hollinwood B 7; Grotton A 7, BAE B 3; OTTC A 7, Werneth A 3; Rosehill A 4, Hyde YMCA A 6; BAE A 10, Rosehill B 0.

Division 2: Unison A 5, Honeywell C 5; Hyde YMCA B 9, Pennine 1; Uppermill A 6, Hyde YMCA B 4; Werneth D 8, Grotton B 2; Honeywell B 5, Unison A 5; Honeywell C 6, Failsworth A 4; Hollinwood E 2, Coldhurst A 8.

Division 3: Gilders Tackle 5, Owls A 5; Droylsden A 3, Unison B 7; Unison B 3, Honeywell D 7; Failsworth C 3, Gilders Tackle 7; Owls A 5, Uppermill B 5; Coldhurst C 8, Deaf Club A 2; Coldhurst B 7, Failsworth B 3; Coldhurst D 3, Droylsden A 7.

Division 4: Unison D 8, OTTC B 2; Deaf Club B 8, Coldhurst E 2; Owls B 10, Werneth G 0; Werneth E 10, Werneth F 0.