Draw halts Honeywell’s promotion progress

TABLE TENNIS:

THE race to reach Division One of the Oldham and District Table Tennis League looks the most exciting for many years.

An early contender for one of the two promotion spots, Honeywell ‘C’, slipped-up at home to an

experienced Grotton ‘A’ side, the match ending in a 5-5 draw.

Grotton new-boy Lionel Royle was the difference as he recorded a maximum, which included ruining Paul Carter’s unbeaten record and fighting off the challenge of Kenny Hayes in a five-set match.

That was quite a feat for the ex-Hyde player as Hayes often competes in the top-flight.

Honeywell veteran Bernard Davies bagged a brace.

Hollinwood ‘C’ and their Saddleworth counterparts, both of which are capable of mounting a push for Division One, went head to head with the latter claiming a 6-4 win.

Hollinwood’s George Jones produced one of his usual defensive master-classes to seal victory over previously-unbeaten Gary Crossley.

On the back of four consecutive defeats, Saddleworth ‘B’ finally won their first game of the season in Division One and they did so in style, dispatching Hyde YMCA ‘A’ 10-0 at home.

A return to form for the continuously animated Matthew Evans helped Saddleworth get their season back on track.