Glodwick stretch lead at the top

GLODWICK maintained the only 100-per-cent record in the first division and extended their lead at the top of the Oldham Table Tennis League with a 9-1 defeat of Grotton A.

Mark Ramsbottom and Michael Moir, in his first appearance of the season, were unbeaten, with Shaun Ellis providing Grotton’s only point.

Saddleworth CC retained the other only unbeaten record in the division with a 6-4 defeat of Hollinwood A. Paul Cicchelli was again unbeaten for Saddleworth with good support from Duncan Hadfield’s (two wins).

Honeywell A won 8-2 at home to Rosehill with Gary Newton and Dave Buckley unbeaten. Richard Sarre supplied Rosehill’s only singles win.

BAE A had a good 9-1 win over Werneth B with Tom Lang and Tony Smith unbeaten, but BAE’s B team lost 7-3 at home to Hollinwood B where Ted Robakowski’s defeat of Andy Kaye was their only point won on the table, with Phil Holmes’ shoulder injury supplying the other two. Dave Cheetham won three for the visitors.

Hyde YMCA A won 6-4 away to Werneth C with Geoff Ogden trebling for Hyde, while Werneth A won 9-1 against Honeywell B, Pete Morris and Darryl winning three each and Adam Wilson, in his first appearance for three years, winning two.

In the top-of-the-table second division clash at Hyde YMCA, the home side just lost out 6-4 against Unison A. There were two wins each for Alan Auxilly and Mike Brierley. Dennis Bradshaw replied with two for Hyde.

In a match full of excellent rallies, Honeywell C drew 5-5 with Hollinwood C. Nathan Buckley of Hollinwood was the only unbeaten player on the night with Honeywell’s Barrie Royle and Brian Higgins winning two singles each and combining to win the doubles to secure the draw.

Pennine won 10-0 at home to bottom club Hollinwood F, Glen Chadwick, Steve Mather and John Robertson being the victorious side.

Hollinwood D managed to beat Droylsden 6-4 in a close-fought match. Miles Benjamin and Phil Denby won two each for Droylsden with Andy McNabb and John Foster replying likewise.

Werneth D went down 7-3 at home to the division’s only unbeaten side, Coldhurst A. Paul Howarth won three and Simon King two for the visitors.

Deaf Club A maintained their position at the top of the third division with an 8–2 win at Saddleworth, David Varney winning three for the visitors.

Unison C maintained their title challenge with a 10-0 win over Owls A, Alan Meltzer, James Bollard and Mike O’Gara the winning team.

Grotton B drew 5-5 against Honeywell E with Steve Smith and Alan Sarsfield winning two each for Grotton.

The top three in the fourth division all won again.

League leaders Deaf Club B won 7-3 against Glodwick Academy, with Abdul Gufar, finally losing his 100-per-cent record, winning one for the Academy. Dave Varney was unbeaten and Matt Garside won two for the Deaf Club.

Werneth E drew level on points at the top with two good wins, firstly an 8-2 success at St Saviours B. Joe Taylor trebled for Werneth with two each for Dave Holme and Brian Micklethwaite. Werneth E then beat Our Lady’s A 9-1 in a match that was closer than the score suggested. Joe Taylor and Dave Holme were undefeated for Werneth with Pete Chappell supplying Our Lady’s only point.

Honeywell F also maintained their challenge with a 10-0 win against Coldhurst E with Lee Rowbotham, Leo Cogger and John Rutland all winning three.

James Chappell had two good wins for Our Lady’s C against Owls B. However, they were his team’s only points in an 8-2 defeat. John Tanner trebled for the Owls.

The youngsters of Counthill were unable to cope with St Saviour’s B team and went down 10-0 despite some very close games. Mark Dalton, Josh Poole and Mark Pellowe formed the winning side.

In a very good evening’s table tennis, the Deaf Club’s C team just beat Werneth G 6-4 with Alan Cockcroft’s maximum proving decisive alongside two from Malcolm Normanton. Werneth G replied with two from Rob Ainsworth and one each from Alan Nightingale and John Barley.