Title race still in the balance

 TABLE TENNIS; WITH only four weeks of the season remaining, promotion and relegation issues are largely in the balance in the Oldham Table Tennis League.

Division 4 is the closest, with current leaders Deaf Club B leading by just four points from Werneth E after 10-0 and 9-1 victories respectively.

The two teams meet in their next fixture in a game which will more than likely determine the title.

The Allman family of Dean, Paige and Callum came away from Coldhurst E with an excellent 9-1 win for Our Lady’s C.

Our Lady’s B team of John Moran, Matt Kelly and James Chappell had the same result at St Saviour’s B.

The juniors from Counthill are also finding their feet somewhat, with wins for Tom Farrell and Adam Newton in their 8-2 defeat against the experienced Honeywell F.

In Division 3, the title is between Deaf Club A and Unison C, who are all but assured of promotion.

Relegation matters are similarly clear with Coldhurst D and Unison D adrift. They met this week and Unison D emerged as 6-4 victors despite a Philip Mellor treble for Coldhurst.

St Saviours A won 7-3 against Saddleworth B with excellent trebles for Brian Huskinson and Alex Reilly.

Coldhurst A are in a commanding position at the top of Division 2 but second spot is between Hollinwood C, Honeywell C and Uppermill A.

Honeywell C came unstuck at Unison A, going down 6-4 despite a Pete Buckley treble. Liaqat Ali and Alan Auxilly both scored doubles for Unison.

Hollinwood C took advantage, winning 8-2 against Werneth D with a maximum from Nathan Buckley. Mick Pellowe replied with two wins.

Uppermill A drew at Hyde YMCA B thanks mainly to doubles from Dave Grundy and Keith Moore, with Steve Hilton unbeaten for Hyde.

Hollinwood F are adrift at the bottom, having been beaten this week 9–1 by their E team.

Honeywell D’s 8-2 win against Pennine could prove significant with a maximum from Ian Naylor and doubles for Allan Marston and Paul Carter.

In a crucial match in Division 1, BAE B beat Hyde YMCA A 7-3 keeping the relegation battle alive between the two teams. A Kevin Hill treble and a Mick Hill double did the damage, with Ken Ward picking up two wins in reply.

Bottom team Werneth C had a draw against an understrength B team with a good treble for Karen Hill.

Champions-elect Glodwick surprisingly dropped three points to Rosehill. Mark Ramsbottom was unbeaten but Jeff Craighill lost to Phil Ashworth and Khamal Hussain lost to Dave Pegg.

BAE A appear favourites for runners up but Werneth A, Hollinwood A and Honeywell A are pressing.

Werneth A could only manage a 6-4 win at Grotton mainly due to a maximum from the home team’s Shaun Ellis which included a win over Darryl Meredith. Karen Hill stepped in for the injured Stuart Meredith and won two for Werneth.