Table Tennis: Chester League

Premier side Newton C maintained their mid table position with a fine and unexpected 7-3 victory over Newton D on the Wednesday and on  the following evening, with a completely different squad drew 5-5 at County Officers A.

Danny Russell, making a return to the game after an absence of five years is quickly regaining his best form and was unbeaten in the 7-3 win  including a  fine doubles win with Sebi Kustan. The match with Officers A featured one of the games of the season when young Ben Fillingham faced  Cheshire County veteran Ken Connor for the first time and recorded a remarkable victory 17-15, 11-9,  17-19, 15-13.

Both Ken and Connor Climo then went on to defeat tremendously talented Jens Andersen to force a draw and leave the Officers,unbelievably, still at the foot of the league table. Elsewhere Newton B fought extremely  hard at title chasing Pulford but were on the wrong end of a 9-1 scoreline and Saughall Deva went down 4-6 to a Mark Simpson inspired Officers first team.

Groves remain top of division 1 following a  hard fought 6 4 win over Newton E , Phil Hough stepping in for the winners and hitting a fine maximum, and John Briggs was undefeated as Tarporley Electric forced a draw at Newton F who included Brenda Buoey for a rare outing. Officers E  convincingly defeated a weakened Groves A team 8-2 with good performances from Andrew Taylor and in form Mark Rhodes.

In division 2 Haseeb Hanif led Newton H to a vital 7-3 win over third placed rivals Gt Barrow and Bryan Fitzpatrick was another player unbeaten as Barrow TTC outpointed an improving Saughall Inst squad 6-4.

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