Saturday 14^th May 2011

By John Temple

York RI C retained their place in Division 1 after a 6-3 win at Bootham C in the play off, in the CE Electric York and District Table Tennis League.

BT A won promotion to Division Two as they overcame Shepherds C, 6-2, George Morrison and Howard Broadbent in top form, Broadbent taking the opening set against Paul Kozyra, 11-9 in the final game and although Mike Surtees and Chris Hutchinson picked up wins for the losers, it wasn't enough.

Aviva B retained their place in Division Three with a narrow 5-4 win over York RI H. Dennis Chatterton and Howard Lewis won two games each, and were backed up by an important success from Andrew Slezak to clinch the victory.

Saturday 30^th April 2011

By John Temple

Coneysthorpe A, champions of Division One of the CE Electric Table Tennis League, completed their season with a whitewash of RI C. Runners-up RI A could muster only a two man team for the trip to Crescent B and crashed 7-3. RI B edged out a depleted Bootham A team, while Gareth Bryning led relegated Bootham B to an 8-2 win at a two man Shepherds A.

In Division Two, Bootham C confirmed their place as runners-up with an emphatic 9-1 win at Shepherds C, despite a straight sets win for Chris Hutchinson over Mike Cooper. Richard Collyer pulled off a narrow win over John Freeman, but his relegated Bootham D side went down by the same score to Crescent C, who snatch third, despite RI D overcoming Holgate D, 8-2, and they had to settle for fourth. The losers recovered to beat Bootham D 7-3.

In Division Three, a two man Aviva B went down 7-3 to RI G.

Jamie Cameron guided RI I to a narrow success over Holgate F in Division Four.

Champions Div 1; Coneysthorpe A

Relegated; Bootham B

Play-off; May 11 Bootham C v RI C

Champions Div 2; RI E

Relegated; Bootham D

Play-off; May 9 BT A v Shepherds C

Champions Div 3; CE Electric

Relegated; Aviva A

Play-off; TBA

Champions Div 4; University B

Saturday 23^rd April 2011

By John Temple

York RI E, a new team only voted into the CE Electric York and District Table Tennis League by one vote, justified that decision, as they secured the second division championship with a 9-1 thrashing of Shepherds B. Filip Wojtkowiak and Alan Balmforth were undefeated. The losers had earlier pulled off a fine 7-3 win over their ‘C’ team with only two players, Dave Simpson and Stu Stevens. The C team were whitewashed by RI D, Jake McCarthy, Mark Blackburn and Nathan Taylor, playing up from Division Three, were all successful, and they followed up with a 7-3 win over a depleted Sessions A, though Terry Nicholson picked up a fine win in straight games, over Mark Blackburn.

RI C will have to play off to retain their Division One status after successive defeats, going down 7-3 to Coneysthorpe B for whom Chris Londesbrough was unbeaten, and then going down narrowly to a weakened Holgate A. Coneysthorpe B thumped Shepherds A 9-1, but were no match for Holgate A, whose John Farmery led them to a 7-3 win. John Wooldridge helped a two man Bootham A to a fine 6-4 win over Crescent B.

Jen Pang has had a difficult campaign in Division Three, but he registered his first win of the season in the final match, at the 60^th attempt, though his side Aviva A went down narrowly to Holgate E, for whom Tom Lines played up from Division Four and beat Mich Slezak. Champions CE Electric showed no mercy to Shepherds D in a whitewash, while a two man RI G embarrassed RI F in a 6-4 success, Dom Ainger unbeaten.

In Division Four, Bootham F went down to successive defeats, losing 7-3 at Sessions B, veteran Pete Taylor overcoming Lee Poulter in an epic contest, winning 11-9 in the final game, and they then provided Hartrigg Oaks’ fourth win of the season as their two man side crashed 7-3. New club, Thornton le Clay went down to an 8-2 defeat at Sessions B and finish at the foot of the League.

Saturday 16^th April 2011

By John Temple

Coneysthorpe A have retained their title as champions of the York and District Table Tennis League after a narrow 6-4 win over challengers RI A. Ashley Hodgson was the hero, overcoming Rich Moss, who in turn beat Martin Lowe. The Ryedale side had earlier won by the same score against RI B, Martin Lowe unbeaten, though Rich Crowther picked up a fine win over Hodgson. RI A thumped RI C 9-1, Moss and Mick Wilcockson undefeated. Bootham B make a swift return to Division Two after successive defeats. They lost to an Alfie Potter inspired Crescent B, 8-2, and then crashed 9-1 to Bootham A. Crescent B went down 7-3 to RI B, while Holgate A’s John Farmery and Tony Reed were undefeated in an 8-2 win over Shepherds A, though Paul Kozyra, playing up from Division Two, picked up a notable victory over Graham Hatfield, in straight games.

RI E moved closer to the Division Two title with a 6-4 success against Crescent C, for whom Ed Wardman was in excellent form, though the losers had earlier proved too good for Shepherds C, winning 7-3, thanks to an unbeaten John Freeman. Stu Stevens led Shepherds B to a narrow win at Holgate D, and Sessions A overcame relegated Bootham D 7-3.

CE Electric are the champions of Division Three after a 6-4 success over Bootham E, Nigel Reeson the top player, though Dave Robinson went down to only his second defeat of the season, to Pete Corner. BT A are guaranteed a play-off spot after dismissing BT B 9-1, with the losers earlier too good for RI F, Jim Stevenson unbeaten in an 8-2 win. Aviva B are battling to avoid the drop to the basement, and they did well to earn a draw with Holgate E despite having only two players. They had earlier gone down 7-3 to RI G for whom Dom Ainger was unbeaten. Shepherds D beat a depleted Aviva A 7-3, who are relegated. Despite a good performance from Mich Slezak, they had earlier gone down by the same score to Bootham E. Holgate E and Shepherds D fought out a draw.

RI H look likely to be in the play-offs after a 9-1 thumping of Hartrigg Oaks in Division Four, despite their rivals RI I whitewashing a two man Thornton-le Clay. Lee Poulter was unbeaten as Bootham F drew with Holgate F, while Pete Taylor nudged Sessions B to a narrow win over RI J.

Saturday 9^th April 2011

By John Temple

Jane Cohen was promoted to RI A for the trip to Holgate A in Division One of the CE Electric Table Tennis League, and she justified the call up as she won all her singles, and aided by Mick Wilcockson, helped her side to a resounding 9-1 success. Bootham A won by the same score at a depleted Shepherds A.

The battle for the Division Two title took another twist, as second placed Bootham C were held to a draw by Sessions A, despite Richard Ingleby being unbeaten. Mike Robinson and Keith Elsegood picked up notable wins for the opposition. Bootham C recovered some ground with a 9-1 thrashing of Holgate D, Ingleby and Dave Rawlings undefeated. Leaders RI E collected their first whitewash of the season as they overcame Bootham D. Mark Blackburn and Jake McCarthy guided RI D to a 9-1 success over Shepherds B. Crescent C were given a tough match by Holgate D, John Flintoft unbeaten in a 7-3 victory, though both Rob Farmery and Steve Potter picked up surprise wins.

In Division Three, CE Electric enjoyed an 8-2 success at RI F, and a 7-3 win over second placed BT A, while RI G edged out BT B, despite a good display from Jim Stevenson. Ray Mitchell and Rob Plant starred in a 7-3 win for Bootham E over Holgate E.

RI I and RI J are fighting it out for the runners-up spot in Division Four, and they drew their clash, Norman Smithson the top player. John Mothersill and Chris Megone were too strong for Sessions B in an 8-2 success, while University B won by the same score against Holgate F.

Saturday 2^nd April 2011

By John Temple

Coneysthorpe A continue to look strong favourites to land the CE Electric York and District Table Tennis League title after three successive wins. James Atkins did well to pick up a couple of victories, but his Shepherds A went down 8-2 to the leaders, who also beat Coneysthorpe B, 9-1 and Bootham B, 10-0. Martin Lowe was undefeated in all three games. RI A are not going down without a fight, enjoying an emphatic 9-1 win over Coneysthorpe B, and then whitewashing RI B. Nathan Horsley and Mick Wilcockson were unbeaten in both games, and Rich Moss still heads the division’s averages. RI B remain third, despite another defeat, at Holgate A, 7-3, but they recovered some ground when they thumped RI C 9-1. Holgate A are having a good spell, and they also won 7-3 at Crescent B and then overcame a two man Bootham A 8-2, Tony Reed unbeaten in all three wins. Alfie Potter was in fine form for Crescent B when they overcame Shepherds A, 8-2, and though Chris Londesbrough won his singles, it was not enough to stop Crescent B following up with a 7-3 win at Coneysthorpe B. Jeff Cohen and Rich McCarthy guided RI C to a 7-3 win over Bootham B.

Bootham C thumped Shepherds B 9-1, Dave Rawlings and Mike Cooper on top, as they underlined their title challenge in Division Two.

Shepherds D picked up invaluable points in their fight to avoid the drop in Division Three, going down 6-4 at Bootham E where they found Pete Corner too good, but they recovered to win their key clash against Holgate E 8-2, thanks to a captain’s performance from David Atkinson, though they could only manage a draw when they took on a two man Aviva B. Holgate E picked up a draw at RI F with Colin Dickson in fine form, but they found BT A difficult opponents, going down 8-2, and the winners followed up with a whitewash of a two man Aviva A. Howard Lewis was undefeated, but it wasn’t enough to prevent his two man Aviva B side losing 7-3 to BT B.

RI H are currently winning the fight for a play-off spot in Division Four, taking nine points from a depleted Holgate F, though Dom Conricode won a five set thriller, beating Mike Dinsdale 17-15 in the final game. Jean Luc Weller was a surprise inclusion in Holgate F’s side which surprised RI J in a narrow win, though the losers bounced back with an 8-2 success over Hartrigg Oaks, Andy Whitehead and Norman Smithson unbeaten. Three wins from steve Pearson was not enough to prevent Thornton-le Clay being edged out by Bootham F.

Saturday 26^th March 2011

By John Temple

The title and promotion battle in Division Two of the CE Electric Table Tennis League looks like going to the last game of the season, with leaders RI E finding their title quest held up by a determined Dave Hough of Sessions A. Hough won two sets, including the scalp of Division Two champion Filip Wojtkowiak, only his sixth defeat in 63 games, but he received little support as his side crashed 8-2. Hough and Terry Nicholson guided Sessions A to a win by the same score over Shepherds B. Crescent C have seen their promotion challenge falter with successive defeats, first going down 7-3 to fellow contenders Bootham C, despite three singles wins from John Flintoft, and then losing 6-4 to a Richard Church inspired RI D, Flintoft’s 21 set unbeaten run coming to an end. RI D also beat a two man University A, 8-2, the students previously losing narrowly to Holgate D, despite Frank Cheung retaining his unbeaten record. Matt Ayres was unbeaten as Bootham D gained a draw at Shepherds C.

CE Electric continue to have a clear lead at the top of Division Three but they were pushed all the way by the youngsters from RI G, edging home 6-4. Nigel Reeson, who has lost only one set this season, was undefeated, though there were notable wins for Nathan and Steve Taylor. The leaders also overcame BT B 8-2, Dave Robinson not dropping a game, though Jim Stevenson played well for the losers to gain a couple of sets. Rob Plant played well to defeat Howard Broadbent, but Terry Botting nonetheless guided BT A to an 8-2 win over Bootham E, who recovered to thump Aviva B 9-1, Jan Suchecki well supported by Pete Corner.

The battle for a play-off spot in Division Four is gathering momentum and RI I currently occupy that place after consecutive wins, dismissing Hartrigg Oaks 9-1, and then edging out Bootham F, David Dunn, who has only suffered three defeats all season, undefeated. However Dunn had earlier lost to Daniel Chan, who guided champions University B to an 8-2 win. That defeat allowed RI H to gain ground, and they did so with a narrow win over Bootham F, whose Lee Poulter was in top form, and an 8-2 victory over Hartrigg Oaks, John Mothersill unbeaten.

Saturday 19^th March 2011

By John Temple

Filip Wojtkowiak has achieved over fifty singles victories this season, and he guided Division Two leaders RI E to successive wins in the CE Electric York and District Table Tennis League. Wojtkowiak and John Temple were unbeaten in their 9-1 win over Holgate D, while the recalled Alan Balmforth joined Wojtkowiak in an 8-2 win over Shepherds C. Crescent C continued their excellent form with a whitewash of Shepherds B and go second, with Ed Wardman, John Flintoft and John Freeman doing well. Bootham C also remain contenders, and they are a close third after an 8-2 win over a depleted University A, who then enjoyed emphatic wins, beating a two man Shepherds C 9-1, and whitewashing Bootham D, who in turn lost 7-3 to RI D, who had Mark Blackburn and Jake McCarthy to thank. That pair were also in top form for a whitewash of Shepherds C, with Nathan Taylor making a fine Division Two debut. Terry Nicholson picked up his first maximum of the season as Sessions A overcame Shepherds C 7-3.

Coneysthorpe A continue to be the clear leaders in Division One, and Martin Lowe and Ashley Hodgson helped them to an emphatic 9-1 success over Bootham A, who bounced back with a 7-3 win over RI C, despite Jo Suchecki and Jon Wooldridge being their only players. James Atkins was unbeaten as RI C also lost narrowly to Shepherds A. Bootham B remain at the foot of the table after crashing 8-2 to RI B.

The battle to avoid the drop at the foot of Division Three may go down to the last game of the season, after Shepherds D went down to successive defeats, losing 7-3 to Ken Brown’s RI F, and then finding George Morrison and Howard Broadbent too good as they crashed 9-1 to BT A. CE Electric remain in control at the top after a whitewash of Aviva B, while Lewis McCarthy, Nathan Taylor and Dom Ainger of RI G, were undefeated in a 9-1 win over Aviva A. Bootham E edged out RI G with Ray Mitchell their top player.

University B were confirmed as Division Four champions after a whitewash of a depleted Thornton-le Clay.

Saturday 12^th March 2011

By John Temple

Coneysthorpe A remain the clear leaders in Division One of the CE Electric York and District Table Tennis League, after a 9-1 win over a two man Crescent B. RI A closed the gap with a whitewash of Shepherds A, while Richard Crowther steered RI B to a narrow win over Coneysthorpe B. Holgate A also enjoyed a decisive 10-0 win over seemingly doomed Bootham B.

RI E maintained their lead at the top of Division Two with two successive wins, though they had Filip Wojtkowiak to thank for a narrow victory over RI D, before a comfortable 8-2 win over University A. Bootham D did well to take three points from second placed Bootham C, Rich Collyer turning in a fine performance to beat Rich Harrison in straight games. Crescent C continued their fine run and go third after a 9-1 win over Sessions A, winning five of the sets in a final game, two by the minimum margin. Ed Wardman and John Flintoft were unbeaten, but Dave Hough picked up a notable win over John Freeman. Mike Surtees was unbeaten but Shepherds C went down narrowly to Holgate D. University A whitewashed Shepherds B.

CE Electric look booked for a swift return to Division Two after a 10-0 win over Aviva A, Dave Quinlan edging out Adrian Church 15-13 in the final game. Dom Ainger led RI G to an 8-2 success over Shepherds D, while Anne Barnard was in top form as she guided RI F to a narrow win over Bootham E. Jim Stevenson helped BT B to a draw with Holgate E.

University B are running away with Division Four and they won 9-1 at RI H and 8-2 at Bootham F. Holgate F whitewashed Hartrigg Oaks and Thornton-le Clay were edged out by RI J despite three singles wins from Steve Pearson.

Saturday 5^th March 2011

By John Temple

The top of the table clash in Division Two between Bootham C and RI E ended all square, in an epic four hour duel. Rich Harrison turned in his best performance of the season for the Conservative Club, winning his singles in tenacious fashion. Crescent C are in a rich vein of form and they thumped University A 8-2, thanks to John Flintoft, who was unbeaten. Bob Young played well, but it was only enough to help his Holgate D draw with Sessions A. Matt Ayres won his singles but he was on the losing side as Bootham D went down 7-3 to Shepherds B.

Last year’s champions, Coneysthorpe A whitewashed Holgate A in Division One and are clear at the top, RI A beating a depleted Bootham A, 9-1. Alfie Potter was in charge as Crescent B edged out RI C. RI B whitewashed a two man Shepherds A, while Coneysthorpe B enjoyed an equally emphatic success over Bootham B.

CE Electric maintained their lead in Division Three, overcoming a two man Holgate E, 8-2, with second placed BT A inspired by George Morrison, overcoming RI F 8-2, despite Anne Barnard surprising Howard Broadbent. BT B had a narrow success over Shepherds D, while a two a side clash at Aviva saw the A team beat the B side, 7-2.

University B have established a decisive lead at the top of Division Four, and the students whitewashed RI H, while Lee Poulter guided Bootham F to a 7-3 win over RI J. Jean Luc Weller made a rare appearance to help Holgate F to a draw with Sessions B, who then shocked promotion seeking RI I, winning 6-4, with Pete Taylor inflicting David Dunn’s second defeat of the campaign. Nick O’Keeffe helped a two man Thornton-le Clay to a draw with Hartrigg Oaks, with David Dunn doing the same for RI I in their tussle with RI H.

Saturday 19^th February 2011

By John Temple

RI E extended their lead at the top of Division Two of the CE Electric York and District Table Tennis League as they inflicted Shepherds B’s biggest defeat of the season, winning 9-1 thanks to maximum hauls from Filip Wojtkowiak and Alan Balmforth. Bootham C, inspired by Rich Harrison, kept up the chase in second however, with an 8-2 defeat of Shepherds C, though Paul Kozyra claimed the scalp of Richard Ingleby for the losers. There was a comfortable 9-1 success for Sessions A over University A, Keith Elsegood and Mike Robinson unbeaten, with Mark Blackburn guiding RI D to an 8-2 win over Holgate D. Despite a shock win for John Lloyd over John Eastwood, Bootham D went down 8-2 to Crescent B, who had John Flintoft and John Freeman to thank.

Coneysthorpe A continue to command Division One, and Martin Lowe and Ashley Hodgson were unbeaten in their latest success, a 9-1 thrashing of RI C. Rich Moss and Mick Wilcockson were on top as RI A won by a similar score over Crescent B. Paul Robertson was the star man as RI B overcame Bootham A 7-3 while Shepherds A were grateful to James Atkins as they defeated Bootham B 7-3.

Nigel Baker of Shepherds D has pulled off some shock wins this season, and he claimed Dave Quinlan as his latest victim. It was his side’s only win of the night against Division Three leaders CE Electric, though David Atkinson took Quinlan and Nigel Reeson to a final game. George Morrison and Howard Broadbent maintained their fine form in BT A’s 7-3 success over RI J. Holgate E edged out Aviva A, and Pete Corner led Bootham E to a 7-3 win over BT B.

In Division Four, Pete Taylor ground down Steve Pearson in a five game thriller, to help Sessions B to an 8-2 victory over Thornton-le-Clay, while University B have suddenly gone clear at the top after whitewashing RI J.

Saturday 12^th February 2011

By John Temple

Coneysthorpe A extended their lead at the top of Division One of the CE Electric York and District Table Tennis League, with a narrow win over title rivals RI A. Martin Lowe avenged his defeat at the hands of Richard Moss in the York Closed Championships, but then went down to a determined Mick Wilcokson, who was in turn beaten by Ashley Hodgson in a keenly fought tussle. Despite Paul Robertson winning two singles for RI C, the leaders had earlier registered a 7-3 success. RI A had also run up a big score when whitewashing RI C. York Ladies title holder Jane Cohen turned in a fine performance as she guided RI C to a 7-3 win at Crescent B, and they defeated Bootham A by a similar score with Paul Robertson in top form. Holgate A edged out a depleted Shepherds A, who also went down narrowly to Coneysthorpe B, having earlier crashed 8-2 at Bootham A, who had Jon Wooldridge and Jimmy Mills to thank.

Bootham C were the big movers in Division Two, and they are now a close second after whitewashing Holgate D for the second time this season. Tim Ang was undefeated but his University A only just overcame bottom side Bootham D. RI D’s Jake McCarthy and Mark Blackburn proved too good for Sessions A, winning 8-2.

George Morrison and Howard Broadbent are ranked third and fourth respectively in Division Three just now, and they re-inforced BT A’s second place with a 9-1 success over BT B. Dennis Chatterton was unbeaten but his Aviva B were edged out by RI F and then drew with Holgate E. Nigel Baker saw Shepherds D to a 7-3 win in their relegation battle with Aviva A. There was a remarkable success for a two man RI G in their local derby with RI F, winning all available points in a 7-3 win. Dom Ainger and Lewis McCarthy, who won all his singles by very narrow margins, were successful.

In Division Four, RI H are holding onto second place after an 8-2 win over RI J, with Chris Megone and Colin Smith unbeaten. David Dunn and Geoff Leafe were the stars as RI I kept up the pressure with a 9-1 win over Holgate F, who bounced back with a whitewash of Thornton-le-Clay. Youngsters Dom Conricode, Tom Lines and Tom Fynn enjoyed their trip into the country. Lee Poulter was the key man as Bootham F gained a 7-3 win at Hartrigg Oaks.

Saturday 5^th February 2011

By John Temple

Nick O’Keeffe, a debutant for Thornton le Clay in his first competitive match, pulled off a shock win as he beat the experienced Rick Gledhill of Bootham F, dropping only one game in Division Four of the CE Electric York and District Table Tennis League, though his side went down narrowly.

In Division Two, it was a week of surprise results, and Nigel Baker of Shepherds C, who normally plays in Division Three, shocked Ed Wardman of Crescent C, winning 11-6 in the final game, though it was his side’s only win. Wardman though bounced back, as he surprised Filip Wojtkowiak, the Division Two Champion, as his team beat leaders RI E by the minimum margin and they go second, and look a live threat in this form. Bootham C dropped to third after a Mark Blackburn inspired RI D produced their best performance of the season to win 7-3. Shepherds B also went down to a shock defeat, their promotion challenge floundering after losing to their ‘C’ team. They had earlier found the opposition easier when they overcame Holgate D, 7-3. Keith Elsegood and Mike Robinson were in top form as they helped Sessions A to an emphatic 9-1 success over Bootham D.

CE Electric’s Dave Quinlan is ranked at four in Division Three but he crashed to Bootham E’s Jan Suchecki, though the leaders managed a 7-3 win.

University B have surged into a clear lead at the top of Division Four after dismissing RI J, Sessions B and title challengers RI I, though David Dunn proved too good for them in that clash. Lee Poulter helped Bootham F to a draw with Holgate F, but he came unstuck against Pete Taylor, who steered his Sessions B outfit to a narrow success. John Mothersill led RI H to an 8-2 win over Hartrigg Oaks.

I sadly have to report that Ray Holroyd, founder member of Hartrigg Oaks and previously with Holgate WMC, has died at the age of 79. Ray was an accomplished player, and much respected throughout the league for his sportsmanship.

Saturday 22^nd January 2011

By John Temple

Coneysthorpe A maintained their lead at the top of the CE Electric York and District Table Tennis League after a 9-1 win over their ‘B’ side. Martin Lowe and Ashley Hodgson were unbeaten. York RI A have not given up the chase however; they won by a similar score against Bootham B. Bootham A beat a two man Crescent B 7-3, while Alan Balmforth won his singles on his Division One debut, to help York RI C to a 9-1 defeat of Bootham B. Rich McCarthy and Mark Blackburn also starred. Tony Reed turned in a fine display as his Holgate A drew with Bootham A.

York RI E extended their lead at the top of Division Two with a 9-1 win over Sessions A. Trevor Wright was undefeated on his return from illness, as was Filip Wojtkowiak, though Mike Robinson picked up a notable win over Alan Balmforth. Tim Ang steered University A to a draw with York RI D, but the students went down narrowly to Holgate D, for whom Bob Young was unbeaten. Paul Kozyra was the key man as Shepherds C overcame Bootham D, 7-3, while John Eastwood led Crescent C to a draw with York RI D.

CE Electric/Bootham are heading for a swift return to Division Two if they can maintain their current form, which saw them dismiss both York RI G and York RI F 9-1, with Nigel Reeson proving too strong. Mich Slezak picked up a good win over Dave Quinlan, but the leaders also overcame a two man Aviva A 8-2. BT A thumped a two man Holgate E 9-1, while relegation threatened Shepherds D picked up important points in a narrow defeat to Bootham E, who had Pete Corner in top form. Barry Thomas and Jim Stevenson led BT B to a 9-1 victory over Aviva B, while Anne Barnard knew too much for Aviva A, as her York RI F won 7-3.

York RI H have gone to the top of Division Four after a 9-1 thrashing of Holgate F. Mike Dinsdale and Chris Megone were unbeaten. York RI I are second after the 7-3 defeat of a depleted Bootham F. John Mitchell guided Hartrigg Oaks to a narrow victory over York RI J.

It is with regret that I pass on news of two former players who have sadly passed away. Keith Bojas, who represented York in representative matches on over 100 occasions, and who also was a Division One Championship winner on two occasions with Fulford Road WMC, as well as a seven times mens’ doubles, and five times mixed doubles winner, has died at his Hull home. In addition, Alan Milner, a former player for Fulford Road WMC and more recently Shepherds, has also died.

Saturday 1st January

By John Temple

RI D went down to their heaviest defeat of the season, as RI E swept to the top of Division Two of the CE Electric York and District Table Tennis League thanks to an 8-2 success, Filip Wojtkowiak unbeaten, though he overcame Richard Church only after a five game thriller, taking the final game 11-9. The losers had earlier won 7-3 at University A, though Tim Ang is still unbeaten this season for the students. Crescent C received a setback to their promotion ambitions, as a Mike Robinson inspired Sessions A defeated them 6-4, despite a desperately close doubles loss.

Coneysthorpe A have established a clear lead in Division One, and they swept aside Bootham A 9-1, Ashley Hodgson coming through a close five game set with Jon Wooldridge, and Martin Lowe was also unbeaten for the Ryedale side. The losers recovered with a 7-3 success over a two man Crescent B side, though a fine performance from Alfie Potter in the return fixture ensured his depleted side forced a draw. Bootham A also thumped RI C 8-2, with Jon Wooldridge in fine form. Richard Crowther guided RI B to a narrow win over Holgate A.

Shepherds D have dropped to second bottom in Division Three after two defeats, the first a 10-0 thrashing at the hands of BT A and the second a 6-4 reverse against RI G. Relegation threatened Holgate E pulled off the shock result of the week, a 6-4 defeat of BT B, despite Jim Stevenson being unbeaten on the night.

Entries for the York and District Closed Championships, which are held on Jan 29/30 2011, are now being taken and the forms are in the centre of the handbook.

Saturday 25^th December 2010

By John Temple

The battle for the Division Two title in the CE Electric York and District Table Tennis League involves five teams, and Shepherds B are the new leaders after a resounding 9-1 thrashing of Sessions A, who sadly could muster only two players. Bootham C bounced back into the picture after an excellent 8-2 win over fellow challengers Crescent C, with Rich Harrison and Mike Cooper in fine form. Crescent C had earlier dismissed a weak University A side 9-1, with John Freeman and John Flintoft unbeaten. Bootham D look set for a swift return to Division Three, and they crashed 9-1 to RI D who had Pat Swindell and Jake McCarthy to thank, with the bottom club also stumbling to an 8-2 defeat at the hands of Holgate D, whose Bob Young and Rob Farmery were undefeated.

Coneysthorpe A have a clear lead at the top of Division One, and they whitewashed Shepherds A, who had earlier edged out RI C thanks to James Atkins. Coneysthorpe B enjoyed a decisive 8-2 win at RI C, Paul Young unbeaten.

Division Three leaders CE Electric whitewashed a depleted BT B outfit, while RI F overcame Shepherds D 7-3. Holgate E remain in the bottom two despite a meritorious draw at Railway G, whose Dom Ainger was undefeated.

University B have surged to the top of Division Four after three emphatic wins, whitewashing Bootham F, dismissing Holgate F 9-1, and finally picking up a 7-3 win at Thornton le Clay, where Xiaofei Zhang claimed the scalp of Trevor Percival. Holgate F recovered to thump RI J 8-2, Jean Luc Weller picking up three singles wins and a doubles success. RI H kept up the chase at the top however with an 8-2 win over Thornton le Clay.

Saturday 11th December 2010

By John Temple

New team, RI E, who only gained entry to Division Two by a solitary vote, have gone to the top of the table in the CE Electric York and District Table Tennis League after thumping Holgate D 9-1. Matty Graham, Alan Balmforth and John Temple were unbeaten in their singles. Dave Simpson and Keith Webster of Shepherds B, were in good form in the 9-1 dismissal of University A, with the winners going third. Shepherds C picked up a fine win as they edged out Holgate D.

Coneysthorpe A whitewashed a two man Crescent B side and remain top of Division One, despite four resounding wins from RI A, whose Rich Moss is unbeaten this season, as they overcame Bootham A, despite Jimmy Mills beating Mick Wilcockson, Shepherds A twice, and Coneysthorpe B, who only fielded two players in an 8-2 defeat at RI B. Bootham B whitewashed a weakened two man Holgate A.

BT A have climbed to the head of Division Three after three victories over RI F, Aviva A and Aviva B, Howard Broadbent undefeated in all three matches. Pete Corner guided Bootham E into third place after a 7-3 success over RI F, but they were beaten 7-3 by rivals RI G, whose Dom Ainger pulled off a fine win in overcoming Corner.

Despite three singles wins from David Dunn, Division Four leaders RI I struggled as Sessions B took a tense doubles to grab a draw, and go second, where they are joined by Hartrigg Oaks, who dismissed Bootham F 8-2, but were then held to a draw by a young Holgate F side. Ray Holroyd was unbeaten for the veterans, while Dom Conricode and Tom Lines picked up important successes. University B were sent to their first defeat of the season in a remarkable win by a two man Bootham F, the undefeated Lee Poulter well supported by Rick Gledhill.

Saturday 27^th November 2010

By John Temple

Bootham C, clear leaders of Division Two of the CE Electric York and District Table Tennis League, went down to a shock 8-2 defeat at RI E. Filip Wojtkowiak and Alan Balmforth were unbeaten as the gap has now been closed to two points. RI E had earlier been held to a draw by Shepherds B, with Wojtkowiak winning his singles. Despite Tim Ang remaining undefeated this season, his University A went down narrowly to Bootham C, who whitewashed a two man Holgate D. RI D have games in hand and they romped to a 9-1 win over bottom club Bootham D, and then hammered Holgate D 8-2, with the improving youngster Jake McCarthy unbeaten in both games. Bootham D also went down 9-1 to Holgate C.

Division One leaders Coneysthorpe A are clear at the top after whitewashing RI C. RI A overcame Holgate B 7-3, as Rich Moss did not drop a game. Bootham A’s Jimmy Mills was in top form claiming the scalps of Paul Robertson and Richard Crowther, being undefeated in his side’s 7-3 defeat at the hands of RI B.

CE Electric remain the runaway leaders in Division Three as they whitewashed Holgate E. Wins for Howard Broadbent and George Morrison helped BT A go second, after beating RI G 7-3. RI F edged out Aviva B, with six of the sets going to a final game. Pete Corner was unbeaten but Bootham E were only able to draw with BT B.

Pete Taylor inflicted the first defeat of the season on Trevor Percival, with his Sessions B edging out Thornton le Clay. Daniel Chan guided University B to a 7-3 win over RI H.

Saturday 20^th November 2010

By John Temple

Holgate A have picked up three successive victories which have carried them to second place in Division One of the CE Electric York and District Table Tennis League. They whitewashed Coneysthorpe B, beat RI C 7-3, though the losers picked up some notable wins, and then beat Shepherds A by the same score thanks to three singles wins from Tony Reed and Graham Hatfield. The battle to avoid the drop already looks interesting, and although Coneysthorpe B also went down 7-3 to Bootham A, they bounced back with a win by the same score against Shepherds A. RI C drop into the bottom two after also going down to Bootham A, 8-2.

Bootham C are the new leaders of Division Two, despite going down to a Mark Blackburn inspired RI D. They recovered to overcome Shepherds C, who are second bottom, 8-2. Andy Bevan picked up his first maximum of the season as he led University A to an 8-2 success over Bootham D, with Tim Ang unbeaten this season. Shepherds B go third after showing no mercy as they dismissed Shepherds C who failed to get a point.

CE Electric already looked booked for a return to Division Two after thumping Shepherds D 9-1, with Dave Quinlan and Dave Robinson in good form, and they have a clear lead at the top of Division Three. Holgate E recalled Mike Belton to the side, and it made all the difference as they picked up their first win of the season, climbing off the bottom of the table, as they thumped Aviva A 9-1, with the losers now crashing to the foot of the division in their place, despite earlier drawing with a David Atkinson inspired Shepherds D. RI G upset RI F in a resounding 9-1 thrashing, with Dom Ainger and Nathan Taylor starring.

Division Four is very close, a point underlined as leaders RI I were held to a draw by University B, despite David Dunn not dropping a game. Pete Taylor nudged Sessions B to a narrow win over bottom club Bootham F, with Thornton le Clay also edging out Holgate F.

Saturday 13^th November 2010

By John Temple

Martin Lowe lost to both Mick Wilcockson and Rich Moss as RI A edged out last season’s champions Coneysthorpe A, and have a clear lead at the top of Division One of the CE Electric York and District Table Tennis League. The losers also lost valuable points to RI B in a 7-3 win, Paul Robertson picking up a couple of points for the railwaymen. RI A found RI B even harder, winning narrowly, Robertson again winning a couple of games, including a win over Wilcockson, and RI A also lost 3 points to RI C, with Division Two player, Filip Wojtkowiak picking up a notable win over Nathan Horsley. Crescent B thumped Bootham B 8-2, who also crashed, 9-1 to Bootham A.

In Division Two, Dave Simpson guided Shepherds B to a 7-3 win over Holgate D, and despite Matt Ayres’ two wins, his Bootham D went down 8-2 to Sessions A.

Dave Robinson was the key man as he guided Division Three top side CE/Electric to a narrow win over Bootham E. Marian Broadbent claimed the scalp of George Morrison, but it was BT B’s only win as they were dismissed by BT A, for whom Terry Botting and Howard Broadbent did well. BT B overcame RI F 7-3 thanks to a maximum from Jim Stevenson. Steve Webster and Nigel Baker were the top men as Shepherds D won 7-3 at Holgate E, who were also edged out by a Dennis Chatterton inspired Aviva B.

RI I have nosed to the top of Division Four and they had a narrow win over University B thanks to David Dunn. Second placed RI H were held to a draw by Hartrigg Oaks, with John Mitchell’s two wins being crucial, though he lost to John Mothersill, who remains unbeaten. Lee Poulter led Bootham F to a tight win over Holgate F.