BAE fly through to semis

BAE B are through to the semi-finals of the Oldham Table Tennis League Division 1 Handicap Cup after a nerve-jangling five-point win over champions-elect Glodwick.

The sizeable contribution from Mark Ramsbottom proved to be in vain for Glodwick since the gain of 18pts from in-form Kevin Hill was the deciding factor.

BAE A will contest a semi-final against their B team after a comfortable 83pt win over Hollinwood B who were unable to make any impression on the 71pt start. Tony Smith gained 19pts for the victors.

The huge clawback by Darryl Meredith (67pts) steered Werneth A to a 28pt win over Rosehill A.

Saddleworth A overcame a seven points deficit, gaining 39 to beat Grotton A by 32 thanks to Darren Lindley (43) and Duncan Hadfield (24).

In Division 2, Coldhurst A will host Hyde YM B in the semi-finals after a 53pt win over Honeywell B. The 20pt gain from Simon King was the platform for the success.

Hyde YM B, conceding 16 points start to Werneth D, won by 25 points with fine performances from Anthony Gummersall (21) and Neil Coppard (16).

Deaf Club A won by a mere 14pts at Coldhurst C in a thriller of a tie in Divison 3. The 46pt gain for Dave Varney was to no avail as an Ian Cockcroft gain of 3pts steadied the ship.

Paul Woodward did not deserve to be on the losing side after his 42pt gain for Owls A proved in vain as Uppermill B won by 11pts with the solid contribution of Stuart Hanson (17) aiding the cause.

The 19pt gain for Terry Holland was instrumental in the 17pt win for Coldhurst B over Droylsden, for whom Tim Greenald gained 23.

Coldhurst D ended any cup aspirations of the juniors of Failsworth C. The 23pt gain of Phil Mellor was the hub of the success with the 31pt gain for Andrew Tarpey proving fruitless.

In Division 4, Werneth E shaded a thriller to win at OTTC B. Gains from Darren Mitzi (43) and Phil Coombe (37) were the foundation for a 15pt win.

Alex Reilly’s 59-point gain helped OTTC D to their 38pt win over Deaf Club B.


SEMI FINAL DRAW

Div 1: Saddleworth CC A v Werneth A, BAE A v BAE B. Div 2: Coldhurst A v Hyde YM B, Grotton B v Pennine. Div 3: Deaf Club A v Coldhurst D, Coldhurst B v Uppermill B. Div 4: Owls B v Unison D, Werneth E v OTTC D.