North Devon Table Tennis League 2019/20 (week six) round-up

BRIDGERULE fell to their first ever North Devon League defeat as they were beaten 7-3 at second-placed Smugglers in Division One.

David Streak’s side went into the game with a perfect record of four wins in their debut campaign and were able to call upon Peter Freeburn, who was back from holiday.

However, the Instow-based hosts have their own title ambitions. And although Steve Cragg beat Peter Hedge and Matthew Thomas to make it 2-2, and Streak beat Hedge in straight games leaving them locked at three games all, Smugglers then reeled off the final round of singles and the doubles to take it 7-3.

Despite making the long trip to Chulmleigh with just two players, the Holsworthy A duo of Owen Salisbury and Dave Salisbury proved too strong for the home side, although both players had to work hard to beat Harry Collins in deciders.

They eventually won 7-3 with the home points coming from the forfeits.

Holsworthy D are finding life tough in Division One. They were whitewashed for the second time in recent weeks, this time by champions Misfits.

Such was their dominance, Misfits only conceded three sets all evening, the other seven being won 3-0.

In Division Two, Holsworthy B are up to third after a convincing 9-1 victory at mid-table Despicables. Jill Knightley and Doug Genini were both undefeated all evening, although Genini did have to come back from 2-1 down to beat Richard Nicholls, who had earlier pulled off a surprise by beating Barry Stearman.

Stearman won his other two with ease and paired up with Genini in the doubles.

Bottom side Holsworthy C lost 8-2 at Dolphins, although the match was closer than the scoreline suggests with seven of the matches going to four ends or more.

However the hosts got the better of the key moments with veterans Michael Fawcett and Derek Preston both claiming rare trebles.

Holsworthy’s points came through Sumiyo Berkeley, who also combined with Shaun Collins to win the doubles.

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