Paul is king for the day as Oldham avoid drop

TABLE TENNIS:

TALENTED youngster Paul King was instrumental in the survival of Oldham in the Premier Division of the Lancashire and Cheshire Table Tennis League.

Deputising for Darryl Meredith in the last match, he stepped up two divisions to win both his singles and ensure the town team picked up the necessary point in the 3-3 draw with Trafford.

Oldham firsts, featuring Meredith, Ian McLean and Ian Quinn, also recorded a 3-3 draw with Manchester and a 5-1 reverse at the hands of Preston.

The seconds achieved the impossible by avoiding relegation in Division One, claiming five points out of six after starting the day on four straight defeats.

Wins over local rivals Glossop (4-2) and a 3-3 draw with Chester and Ellesmere Port set up a final match showdown with Blackpool. Requiring a big scoreline and hoping other results went their way, Oldham won 6-0 to finish third-bottom by a set.

Oldham will play at three different levels of inter-league table tennis next season.