’Mill dig deep to avoid relegation

Photo: Anthony Miller

FOCUS: Alex Darlington, who notched a treble for Unison ‘E’.

TABLE TENNIS: UPPERMILL are working hard to preserve their Oldham and District Table Tennis League Division One status.

Facing an out-of-form Saddleworth ‘A’ side in their most recent clash, ’Mill took a draw to lift them off the bottom of the table. Gary Crossley bagged a brace for ’Mill, while Denis Taylor and Mark Simpson claimed singles in a fine team performance.

Ian McLean and Tony Vaughan recorded doubles for Saddleworth, with Nick Mooney adding a single.

’Mill’s relegation rivals both suffered heavy defeats. Werneth ‘A’ went down 9-1 against Saddleworth ‘B’, Honeywell ‘B’ succumbed 8-2 to Hollinwood ‘A’ — despite Pete Fowler’s double — and Unison ‘A’ were thumped 10-0 by Birley Moss.

There was a relegation battle at Grotton in Division Two, where the ‘A’ team hosted Stanley Square.

The visitors won 6-4, thanks to a great show from the enigmatic Glen Dowse, who produced a sparkling treble. He combined with Glen Chadwick, who earlier won two singles, to bag the final doubles and overall victory. The Grotton team fought hard, with Steve Oliver (two), Dave Morris and Lionel Royle securing wins.

Elsewhere, Simon King made a welcome return to form with a treble for Coldhurst ‘A’ in a 7-3 success over Honeywell ‘D’. He was aided by a Simon Walsh double. Brian Higgins replied for Honeywell with a double.