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RTTL Meeting

There will be a special committee meeting on Sunday 1 Aug 2010 7pm at Ryedale Sports Club to assign teams to divisions for the forthcoming season. All players are welcome.

ETTA Rule changes

The following changes have been made to the ETTA Approved Laws of Table Tennis and so will come into effect this season:

2.4.9  A racket shall not be changed during an individual match unless it is accidentally damaged so badly it cannot be used.

30.3 [to replace previous entry]  The racket covering [ie rubber] shall be of a brand and type currently authorised by the ITTF.  [22.7.10]

RTTL Team entries

The closing date for team entries is at the end of this month so please get them in to Andy. There have been 6 entries so far and not one of them contains any ETTA membership numbers as requested by the Match Secretary at the AGM and on the form sent out to team secretaries.

Remember that all players need to be individual members of the ETTA in order to play in the league. Membership numbers need to go on the form for every player so that we have a record. 

If you haven't yet joined ETTA as a player it costs just £5.64 for seniors and can be done online at http://www.englishtabletennis.org.uk/membership/ or use the form here.  

A PDF team entry form can be downloaded here. [22.7.10]

Entry form for North & East Yorks Closed Championships

This two day tournament features events for both juniors and seniors. It will take place on the weekend of 4/5 September at the Graham Centre in Scarborough.

Full details are on the entry form which can be downloaded here. [9.7.10]

AGM report

The league AGM took place on Sunday 13th June 2010 at Ryedale Sports Club. Apologies that some people did not know that it was taking place on this date. The key outcomes of the meeting are as follows:

1. Andrew and Mary Chappell resigned as Press Officer and Social Secretary respectively due to other commitments. They both expressed how much they'd enjoyed their roles on the RTTL Committee, and the meeting thanked them for their first class efforts during their time in office. Publicity has been particularly good over the last few years. Jon Rule was voted in as the new Press Secretary, and the Social Sec role will be shared by Jean Wardman and Chris Hurst - many thanks to them.

2. Individual Membership of the ETTA:

RTTL General Secretary pat Swindell explained that ETTA is bringing in Individual Membership this coming season and that every player must be registered with ETTA (and have a membership number) in order to play in the league. There are two ways that players can register:

a) Online at www.etta.co.uk from 11th July - please register this way if possible as it will allow ETTA to contact you directly with information. Future registration will also be easier.

b) By post. Paper forms have been sent to Pat and have already been passed on to some players. All players who do not have access to the internet will need to apply this way. If you know of teammates or other players who need a blank form then contact Pat on 01653 696757 or download and print one from here.

Membership will cost £5.64 for seniors and £2.82 for Juniors. Because players are now paying this fee separately, the team entry fees for RTTL have been reduced to £25 per team. League entry forms can be downloaded below.

You can find out more about individual membership of ETTA at http://updates.etta.tv/membership/2010/06/04/frequently-asked-questions/

3. Law change: ETTA is now adopting ITTF rules which means that players cannot change their bat during a set for any reason except for accidental damage.

4. RTTL Rule change proposal: a proposal from John Freeman to slightly amend rule 13b was turned down on the basis that it was insufficiently different from the current rule to make a difference. John's suggestion for bringing forward the final 'catch up week' by 7 days was accepted, however, and this will be put in place for the forthcoming season so that final league matches take place at about the same time.

5. Reports from officers and discussion. The league is in good shape financially as the accounts from Jean showed and the committee agreed that both the closed tournament and the presentation dinner had been a success. The cost of using the new Norton College venue for the tournament will be reviewed, however. 

Match Secretary Andy Seed reported that the season had been marred unfortunately by postponements to league matches, which lead to controversy and problems in all three divisions, though especially in Div 1 where one team ended up in a relegation position due to postponed matches being conceded unnecessarily. The league may have to consider points deductions for persistent offenders in regard to postponements and all teams will be reminded that they must comply with rule 13b. Clubs with multiple teams must draw on lower ranked players rather than postpone and rearranged matches must be played within 3 weeks.

The next league meeting, to allocate teams to divisions, will take place on Sunday 1st August 7pm at Ryedale Sports Club, Pickering.  [17 June 10]

RTTL entry forms

The entry form is now available for teams to enter RTTL for the forthcoming 2010-11 season. The form has been changed slightly from last season because of the new rule about ETTA individual membership (see above). Because all players must be registered with ETTA in order to play, individual player membership numbers must be included on the entry form. Team fees are now reduced to £25 per team. The closing date for entries is 31st July and forms should be sent to Andy Seed as usual.

A PDF team entry form can be downloaded here.  [17 June 10]

RTTL AGM

The League's 2010 AGM will be on Sunday June 13th at 7pm at Ryedale Sports Club, Pickering. Please make sure that at least one person from each team attends - there are important matters to decide.

Winners 2010

Here is a full list of people given awards at this year's Presentation Dinner:

Division 1 Winners for the Reg Waterworth Trophy: Amotherby A:

Pat Swindell, Paul Young, Tom Needham, Joel Wright

Division 1 Runners Up: Ryedale Sports Club A:

John Flintoft, Ed Wardman, Dave Burnham, Mike Wheatley, Mike Fenby

Division 2 Winners: Coneysthorpe:

Malcolm Haswell, Tim Adams, Wendy Prest, Eddie Prest

Division 2 Runners Up: Ryedale Sports Club C:

Mick Carter, Titch Temple, Stephen Temple

Division 3 Winners: Hutton-le-Hole B:

Angela Parker, Chris Parker, Andrew MacMillan

Division 3 Runners Up: Ryedale Sports Club G:

Jonathan Rule, James Rule, Silviu Rusu

Averages        Division 1 Winner: Paul Young

                    Division 1 Runner Up: Steve Oldfield

                     Division 2 Winner: Tim Adams

                     Division 2 Runner Up: Gareth Bryning

                     Division 3 Winner: James Rule

                     Division 3 Runner Up: Andy Grayson

Team Handicap KO Competition for the Bower Trophy: Amotherby D:

Thomas Thorp, Gill Thorp, Ken Darby, Vic Wilson, Ryan Hood, John Mothersill, Kris Waluk

Runners up:  Amotherby A:

Pat Swindell, Paul Young, Tom Needham, Joel Wright

Pairs Competition for the President’s Cup: Ken Darby and Vic Wilson

Runners up:  John Freeman and Stephen Temple

2009 Summer League Winners for the J. F. Skilling Trophy: The Threesome:

Stephen Temple and Paul Young

Summer League Averages: Paul Young.

Handicap League Division 1 winners: Whitby

Division 2 winners: Ryedale Sports Club D

Division 3 winners: Helmsley C

Geoff Cawthorn Trophy for the Season’s Most Improved Player: James Rule & Paul Morse

Alec Cousins Memorial Trophy for the Most Sporting Player Division 1: Paul Cuthbertson & Ray Mitchell

New Trophy for the Most Sporting Player Division 2: Ryan Hood

New Trophy for the Most Sporting Player Division 3: Sara Winn-Darley

Terry Adams Memorial Trophy for the Most Sporting Team in Division 1: Ryedale Sports Club B

Terry Adams Memorial Trophy for the Most Sporting Team in Division 2: Scarborians

The new trophy for the Most Sporting Team in Division 3: Hutton-le-Hole C

2010 RTTL Closed Tournament winners

Division 1  Main Event: Winner – Steve Oldfield, Runner Up – Chris Londesborough

Division 1  Plate: Winner – Ray Mitchell, Runner Up – Ruth Purseglove

Division 2  Main Event: Winner – Tim Adams, Runner Up – Stephen Temple

Division 2  Plate: Winner – Jean Wardman , Runner Up – Ken Darby

Division 3  Main Event: Winner – James Rule, Runner Up – Andy Grayson

Division 3 Plate: Winner – Nick Knight, Runner Up – Guy Harris

Handicap: Winner – Alan Kirkwood , Runner Up – Steve Oldfield

Hardbat: Winner – Ray Mitchell, Runner Up – Malcolm Haswell

Doubles: Winner – Ray Mitchell and Steve Oldfield, Runner Up – Titch Temple and Stephen Temple

Selected Doubles: Winner – Ken Darby and Ryan Hood, Runners Up – Andy Seed and Julie Cavanagh

The Howard Wass Trophy for outstanding contribution to local table tennis: Awarded to Ruth Purseglove for years of dedicated coaching work at Helmsley with juniors. [10 May 10]

Pictures from the Presentation dinner here.

Handicap League 2010

Many thanks to Steve Miller for working out the Handicap League once again. Here are the final tables:

Amotherby Quiz

There will be a family quiz night at Amotherby Village Hall on Saturday 15th May to raise money for the next phase of the hall's renovation programme. I'm sure that many RTTL players have appreciated the improvement in the toilet facilities, and the next target is to sort out the rather grotty kitchen. The Hall committee have also agreed to improve the lighting for table tennis - hurrah!

Quiz details:

• Teams of 2-5
• Cash prizes
• Supper included
• Licensed bar
• Everyone welcome
• Raffle
• Tickets on the door
• £3 adults, £2 children

The quizmaster will be Andy Seed and the evening should be a light-hearted fun occasion as it was last year. Hope to see some of you there.  [28 April 10]

Gill brings home the cup

Bower Cup final: Amotherby D 5 Amotherby A 4

This was quite a match. As well as being an all-Amotherby affair played in an excellent sporting atmosphere it featured some stunning table tennis, several achingly close games and a finish which went down to the final set.

Amazingly, Div 2 side Amotherby D, captained by teenager Thomas Thorp, were without their two top players as they lined up to face the might of cup holders and Div 1 champions Amotherby A. Both D-team mainstays Ken Darby and Vic Wilson, who had just a few days earlier proved their worth by bagging the President's Pairs (as both in-form players and proud possessors of generous handicaps), were sadly unavailable for the final, but on the night their team proved to have another ace up its sleeve.

The first set saw Pat Swindell fall to Gill Thorp 45-42 in a tight game which saw the net playing its part in proceedings. The A-team then pulled level as Tom Needham just held off Gill's son Thomas for an edgy 42-41 win. 

The league's top man Paul Young then arrived from work and stepped up to face another of the D-team's young players Ryan Hood in what proved to be a terrific ding-dong encounter. Paul surged ahead using his trademark loops before Ryan, standing well back, began to read the spin and return them. Amazingly Ryan then began attacking Paul who produced some stunning long range returns to show that he can defend as well as attack. It was exciting biff-bang TT but the D-team man just couldn't land enough winners and so the A-team went ahead 2-1 as Paul won 42-38.

Gill Thorp then stepped up again to face Tom Needham's pimply bat and produced a sensational performance of controlled hitting to level the final at 2-2, winning with something to spare at 53-42.  The Thorps then continued their success as Thomas accumulated sufficient points against Paul for a 46-42 win to put the Ds 3-2 up.

Pat Swindell used all his controlled rallying abilities and wicked chops to then put the Div 1 side level at 3-3 as he just held off the unlucky Ryan in another tense game which finished 42-41. The unbeaten Gill next took on the might of Paul's forehand and once again gave a bravura showing to block his topspin attacks and put the D team ahead for the third time with a great 49-42 triumph. This left Pat needing to beat Thomas to keep the Div 1 side in the cup and it was yet another grippingly tight contest with the experienced senior playing using all his wile to edge out a 42-40 win.

4-4 and it was all down to the final set: Tom v Ryan. Tom, blocking with his pips and flat hitting bazooka-like forehands when the ball popped up, against the rapid reactions and whipped topspin of the D-team man. Ryan needed 27 to win and got there with another fine performance to support 'woman of the match' Gill and bring Amotherby D the trophy - the first Div 2 side to win it for many years. Congratulations to them and well done to all the players on a fitting finale to the competition.  [23 April 10]

Tom v Tom played in the light

• The Bat workshop at Helmsley School is on Saturday 22nd May not 23rd as shown before - whoops.

Dinner: Reminder

A quick reminder to send in your booking forms (to Mary Chappell) for the RTTL Presentation Dinner on Sat May 8th. Details and booking form here. Don't forget that you may have won the Most Sporting Player, Most Sporting Team or Handicap League - be there to collect your trophy!

Ken and Vic do the trick

It was oh so close but Amotherby duo Ken Darby and Vic Wilson won the 2010 RTTL President's Pairs Cup after a tremendous battle with holders John Freeman and Stephen Temple at Ryedale Sports Club. The result was 3-2 as the final went down to a tense doubles match which featured yet another fine comeback from the eventual winners.

Stephen Temple was on great form, missing not a single attacking shot as he outgunned Ken Darby. Ex-Whitby man Vic Wilson then won against John Freeman before the Pickering veteran made amends by defeating Ken. Vic then faced Steve in the set of the night knowing that a win for the youngster would give them the trophy for the second successive season. Vic dug in and used his snappy backhand to emerge the victor by one point in a fine tussle.

So, at 2-2 it all went down to the doubles and the Ryedale SC pair built a useful lead through their consistency and ability to place the ball carefully but the Amotherby pair came back strongly and with their considerable handicap advantage, stole the game at the end and with it the cup after one of the best President's Pairs competitions in recent memory. Congratulations Ken and Vic.

Ken D and Vic W

• Div 3: The RTTL league programme is now complete after Hutton A beat Amotherby F 9-1. Andrew Chappell reported: Hutton A put out a strong team of Chris Parker, Jim Bailey and Andrew Chappell and the 6 points they picked up in a 9-1 win ensured they finish third in division 3. For the visitors, Jill Adams took Chris to 5 and beat Andrew in 4. [20 April 10]

• Final league tables here.

Div 1 Completed

Div 1 fixtures finished with a whimper as Boro conceded their final match to Helmsley A after the Graham TT Centre was unavailable due to the Easter break. This hasn't affected league placings, with Helmsley finishing third once more. [19 April 10]

Helmsley Bat Workshop

The next Jarvis Sports bat workshop to be held at Helmsley Primary School will be on Saturday 22nd May 9am-12.30.

This is a chance to buy a new bat or rubbers, restock with TT balls or get yourself some cleaner, shoes, or other equipment. The date has been brought forward this year to give players a chance to get used to new bats/rubbers before the season starts.

Do come and support this event - there are tables set up and lots of different bats to try out plus expert advice on which blades etc suit your style. Please tell your team mates.

More details from Ruth Purseglove on 07732 787079.

Holders through

John Freeman and Stephen Temple, current holders of the President's Pairs trophy, eased their way through to this year's final with a 4-1 semi final victory over Howard Mayne and Philip Trevelyan. Once more it was the impressive form of young Ryedale player 'Mini-Titch' Temple that ensured the victory as he brushed aside first Howard 50-29 (42-33) then Phil 50-18 (42-34).

Spaunton farmer Phil did give the Helmsley club pair some hope by defeating old hand John Freeman 56-42 but Howard narrowly missed out against the same player 42-40. Freeman and Temple will play the winners of the second semi-final which is between Vic Wilson/Ken Darby and Jon & James Rule. Can anyone stop them? We shall see.   [13 April 10]

JF and ST

Committee Meeting details

The RTTL meeting on 11 April at Ryedale Sports Club covered a number of issues.

• Presentation Dinner: it was agreed that having a single choice for a starter was not very satisfactory so Social Secretary Mary Chappell will ensure that anyone who doesn't want the soup option can have an alternative.

• Tournament: those present agreed that the 2010 tournament was a success and that the venue was good although it cost £225 to hire. We are looking into reducing this.

• Offensive language: after four complaints of offensive language against the same team this season, the executive committee have taken the action of writing official warning letters to those involved.

• The Match Secretary reported on an unsatisfactory end to the season with a large number of postponements, conceded games affecting the promotion/relegation issues and a late finish to the league programme.

• Ryedale E played an ineligible player in their final Div 2 match against Ryedale D. The three sets won by this player have been awarded to the opposition in accordance with rule 11h and therefore points deducted.

• The result above match means that Scarborians finish second bottom in Div 2. However they are dropping out next season so there will be no play-off. This means that Ryedale G are promoted from Div 3 - congratulations to them. The meeting agreed that we are sorry to see Scarborians leave RTTL after so many years.

• It is hoped that two new teams will be joining the league next season: Swinton B and Whitby B, although neither is definite at present.

• The AGM is fixed for Sunday 13th June - please put this date in your diaries.   [12 April 10]

Play-off issues decided

Div 2: Ryedale E beat Ryedale D 7-3 to claim the points they needed to escape potential relegation. This result means that Scarborians finish second bottom of Div 2 and will now face Ryedale Sports Club G, runners up in Div 3 in a play-off.

Div 1: Unfortunately, crossed wires between Boro and Amotherby A meant that their two remaining matches against each other have not been played. The team secretaries agreed to concede one match each. Unfortunately this confirms that Ryedale Sports Club B finish second to bottom in Div 1 with the teams above them escaping due to points gained from conceded matches - a very unsatisfactory end to the season. Ryedale B must now face Ryedale C in a play-off to decide promotion/relegation.

Thorps into final

Bower Trophy semi-final: Westow 3½ Amotherby D 5½

This has been a tough season for Amotherby D, newly promoted to Division 2, finding the standard just a little too high and unable to field their strongest team on more than a couple of occasions. The blow of relegation in the league, has however, been softened by a terrific cup run which has seen the team reach the final of the Bower Trophy - the first second division team to do so since Mick Carter was a lad (OK, perhaps a slight exaggeration there).

Their opponents in the semi-final were Westow, who had demolished Div 1 Whitby 8-1 in the last round and were looking favourites for the competition. But Amotherby's mum and son pairing of Gill and Thomas Thorp, aided by the in-form Ken Darby, just squeaked through after a close contest. For Westow Roger Dunning was unbeaten, seeing off the Thorps and then drawing with Ken. 

Sara Winn-Darley also played very well to beat Gill 67-58 on aggregate but she just lost out to the other two. Ken beat Westow's number one John Clayton and captain Tom won two to secure a place in the final for the Amotherby side. They will face the winners of the Ryedale F v Amotherby A semi, with the Div 1 holders once again proving hard to dislodge.  [6 April 10]

• Sadly the Summer League will not go ahead unless 3 more teams can be found urgently - see below.

• RTTL 09-10 Newsletter 2 can be downloaded from this page. It contains the Presentation Dinner booking form.

A smiling Ken Darby stops mid-rally to pose

Summer league - teams wanted!

The RTTL Summer League runs for 7 weeks from April 14th until the end of May and is for teams of two. All matches are at Ryedale Sports Club on either Wed or Thurs nights. We still need 2-3 teams so please let Andy Seed know right away if you are interested in playing (call 01653 696704). Andy Grayson  needs a partner for his team.

More details of the Summer League here.

Averages winners

Congratulations to Paul Young, Tim Adams and James Rule who have won the averages competitions in Divs 1, 2 and 3 respectively.

Paul Young has had a tremendous season in the top tier for champions Amotherby A, losing just three sets in a very competitive league. Paul's team still has two matches to play but even if Paul lost all six sets he would still be number one, such is his lead. Runner up is Tournament winner Steve Oldfield of Swinton, a consistent and clever player always. Dave Burnham of Ryedale A also deserves a mention, losing just 7 sets but not quite playing enough matches to qualify.

Division 1 

[please note these are not final averages as there are still matches to play]

In Division 2, FERA A's Gareth 'Stone wall' Bryning put in his usual outstanding performance to lead the averages for most of the season, staying unbeaten until he met Tim Adams of top team Coneysthorpe. Tim had only lost one, to Gareth, in the first half of the season and was gunning for revenge. Tim won an epic encounter, employing his big forehand loop to great effect. Gareth had played more sets and was still in front, however, until a late shock defeat to Johann Voigt enabled Tim to overtake him on a fantastic 97.43% and claim the trophy with Gareth as runner up. Malc Haswell also had a very strong season, as expected, losing just 3 times.

Division 2

In Division 3, one player has dominated the season and led the averages charge from beginning to end: 10 year-old phenomenon and North Yorks champ James Rule of Ryedale Sports Club G. James played every match for his team, losing just a single set to finish on a superb 98.33%. Amazingly, his only defeat was against 73 year-old grandmother Jill Adams back in October - a 63 year difference between the players! Dylan Poole of FERA B had a great campaign, losing just twice to finish on 93.94% but just missed out on the runners up spot having been one match short of the 60% required to qualify. Second place is therefore between Andy Grayson and Chris Parker, with Andy hot favourite with only one match to play.

Division 3

[Not final averages]

• Div 3: Hutton A cemented fourth place after a solid 7-3 win over Laundry with Andrew Chappell unbeaten. Adrian Voicu defeated Doug Annan in a fine encounter.

• Bower: the last quarter final saw holders Amotherby A knock out Helmsley A 5-3 in a tense all-Div 1 battle. They now face Ryedale F in the semis whilst Westow take on Amotherby D in the other semi.

• Pairs: Ken Darby and former Whitby man Vic Wilson surprisingly overpowered defenders Alan Kirkwood and Paul Morse 4-1 to set up a clash with Titch Temple and Alec Hodgson. [2 April 10]

Dinner Date

Please make sure that the evening of Saturday 8th May is marked in your diary for the fabulous RTTL Presentation Dinner at the Forest and Vale Hotel, Pickering. menus will be sent out soon along with the final newsletter, and will be put online available to download also.

It is hoped that as many players as possible will support this celebration event. It's always an enjoyable occasion, with very good food, excellent service and lots of trophies to give out. Come and give the winners a cheer and don't forget that you might be a winner too, as the 'most sporting' and 'most improved' results in each division are not announced until the night. It's always a great shame when recipients aren't there to collect their awards and receive a well-deserved round of applause.

The price of the meal will be subsidised this year at £20 per person. Whilst this may sound a lot it is excellent value for a high quality three-course dinner including coffee. The Committee and Social Secretary in particular have worked hard to raise money to keep the price down this year so please also bear that in mind.

• We would be grateful if each team could provide a raffle prize for the dinner (just one per team please) - quality is more important than quantity! Thanks.

• Booking form here.

Splendid venue...

End of season snippets

• Div 3: Champions Hutton-le-Hole B kept their foot on the gas for their final fixture away to form team FERA B. The boffins were without two of their strongest players and consequently were tonked 8-2 by the impressive Hutton trio, with Chris Parker registering another maximum. Andy Baxter showed spirit with two wins for FERA.

• Pairs: The President's Pairs KO comp is now warming up nicely with a number of strong duos working their way through the rounds. The latest winners were dad and son team Jon and James Rule who just edged past Westow pairing Roger Dunning and Sara Winn-Darley 3-2, thanks to James's excellent consistency and ability. Ryedale's reigning champs John Freeman and Stephen Temple are also into the semis after a narrow win over Barry Todd and Ken Pidgeon.

• Teams with remaining league, Bower and Pairs matches need to get these arranged and played as soon as possible so that all competitions are finished in time for the Presentation Dinner on May 8th. Don't forget that we need time before this date (a couple of weeks) to prepare all the trophies.

• There will be an RTTL Committee Meeting on Sunday 11th April 7pm at Ryedale Sports Club. [30 Mar 10]

• Div 3: Ryedale G beat Amotherby E 7-3 to confirm themselves as runners up after a very good season. Jon Rule reported, 'James Rule rounded off his season with another 3 wins without dropping a leg. Jon chipped in with a win over Ollie Grimshaw and Silviu Rusu won 2 of his 3 tight encounters. Cameron Walker picked up two wins for the visitors before Rules junior and senior won 3-0 in the pairs.'   [31 Mar 10]

• Div 3: Hutton A beat FERA B 7-3. Andrew Chappell reported, 'Two wins each for all the Hutton trio but none could get past Dylan Poole who beat Mary and Andrew in 4 and Doug in 5 to keep up his superb record this season. Andrew and Doug won the doubles to give Hutton A 5 points.' [1 April 10]

FERA's fearless Andy Baxter

Summer League

Entries are now being taken for the RTTL 2010 Summer League - details and entry form here.

• Amotherby TT Club is now holding practices on Tuesday evening 7-9pm. Everyone is welcome and the cost is usually just £1. These sessions will continue as long as there is demand. More details from Andy Seed tel 01653 696704.  [27 Mar 10]

Now with bendy tables...

• Div 1: Boro conceded their away match against Whitby, who have consequently been awarded a 10-0 win. This unsatisfactory situation has arisen because the match was postponed by Boro who then couldn't raise a team for the only available date Whitby could re-play, due to their venue becoming unavailable. This means that Whitby have escaped relegation, overtaking Ryedale Sports Club B who may finish second bottom if Boro do not collect 3 points in their final two rearranged matches against Amotherby A (2) and Helmsley A. The Match Secretary has only allowed the conceded result to stand on the basis that Boro will not be entering a team in RTTL next season and therefore Ryedale Sports Club B will not be relegated, even if they finish second bottom in Div 1.  Ryedale Sports Club C will therefore be promoted from Div 2 (subject to team changes), although the structure of each division will be considered when all league entries are received for next season.  [28 Mar 10]

Hutton are champs!

Hutton-le-Hole B team have secured the Division 3 title after a fine win last night over rivals Laundry. Andrew Chappell reported:

Amotherby retain title

Div 1: Amotherby A 8 Ryedale A 2

Both team put out their strongest line up for this top of the table title decider but Amotherby had just too much firepower on the night and their formidable trio of Paul Young, Joel Wright and Tom Needham retained the Div 1 championship in style. For Ryedale, John Flintoft, Mike Fenby and Dave Burnham put up a great fight with only two sets finishing 3-0 and lots of close games.

The night was a personal triumph for Paul Young who now looks certain to win the averages competition after winning all three encounters and beating his closest rival Dave Burnham in an exciting five-gamer. Mike Fenby also took Paul to five but  eventually lost all three sets. Big looping engineering student Joel Wright also came away undefeated but struggled to finish off John Flintoft before winning a deciding end 11-5.

For Ryedale both John Flintoft and Dave Burnham beat Tom Needham although Tom combined effectively with Joel to win a very close doubles to secure maximum points for Amotherby and secure the championship. Congratulations to them.  [19 Mar 10]

Paul Young

Honours to Hutton

Div 3: Ryedale G 4 Hutton B 6 - report from Jon Rule:

A close finish...

At the bottom of Division 1 Amotherby B are already relegated but as usual there's quite a battle on to avoid the second-last spot and the end of season play-off (which will be against the dangerous Ryedale C from Div 2). Whitby are involved in the scrap and they lost 6-4 to Helmsley A this week leaving them on 41 points with one to play, against Boro. Boro themselves have only 40 points after losing 7-3 to Swinton but they have an unbelievable 5 games in hand and need just 3 points to avoid the drop, so look safe.

The other side involved are Ryedale B who completed their fixtures on time this week (Well done John!) with a 4-6 loss to Swinton. They really needed more than 2 points from that match in which Steve Oldfield and Paul Cuthbertson dominated but they still have a thread of hope as they are left on 42 points. This means that Whitby must get a 4-6 result or better against Boro who are themselves in need of points, not least as they still have to play Amotherby A twice and Helmsley A.

An updated table shows how tight it is with 21 to play in total

• A similar situation is developing in Div 2 where Scarborians' shock 7-3 defeat to fellow strugglers Ryedale E has left them in the lurch. Andy Paton's side now need a 4-6 result or better against club rivals Ryedale D who are now safe after a 9-1 hammering of already-relegated Amotherby E. It's not a foregone conclusion that RSC E will get two points in that match, however, although the teams drew 5-5 in their earlier meeting. Ryedale F escaped the drop after a sensational second half to the season. [18 Mar 10]

18 to play and it's not looking good for Scarborians

Scorecard sheet

You can now download an A4 sheet of scorecards here. This is to help people who have run out or lost theirs. The sheet is an A4 PDF containing three 'cards' which can be printed out and also used by teams who wish to keep their own records. It's also a useful backup if completed cards get mislaid or eaten by a dog as done happen now and again! (If you don't believe me ask Helmlsey C...).

• Pairs: Howard Mayne and Phil Trevelyan posted an impressive 5-0 win over John Clayton and Colin Payne, as did canny defenders Paul Morse and Alan Kirkwood over the hapless Andy Seed and John Stokes. At last we have a picture of the elusive Mr Morse...   [17 Mar 10]

Paul, in his usual specialised TT kit

Squeaky bum time

Div 2: Ryedale SC 'E' 7 Scarborians 3 - report from Steve Miller:

Scarborians needed at least a draw with Ryedale SC 'E' to condemn their rivals to the play-off zone. However Ryedale have been out-performing the Scabs of late and this was reflected in the match. Scabs rising star, Tim Penrose, won his three singles despite considerable opposition, but was let down by poor performances by team-mates Steve Miller and Henry Peak. Steve lost over four ends to both Andy Paton and Johann Voigt whilst Henry snatched an end off Barry Rudd and was perhaps unlucky to lose the fourth 11-13. He teamed up with Tim in the 'must win' doubles but lost out to 'the Patons' over three fairly close ends.

Assuming Ryedale SC 'E' pick up a few points in their last match, against club-mates Ryedale SC 'D', it will be Scarborians who face the drop to Division Three! 

Thanks Steve

• Div 3: Hutton B (8-2 winners last week) now look hot favourites for the Div 3 title after their main rivals Ryedale G suffered a shock 6-4 loss at FERA B. For the scientists, Pawel Plonzckier, Dylan Poole and Patrick Hough each beat Jon Rule and Silviu Rusu, although none could stop the division's top player, young James Rule.  [15 Mar 10]

Julie on form

Julie Cavanagh continued her strong form from the tournament as Helmsley C pulled off a very good 6-4 win over Hutton A in Div 3. Andrew Chappell said, "There were many five-game sets in this one with a shock result as much improved Julie Cavanagh fought back from two down to beat Doug Annan. Andrew Cavanagh had to fight back from two down to beat Mary Chappell and Andrew Chappell had to fight back in the same way to beat Julie in five." [14 Mar 10]  

Julie Cavanagh

• Div 1: Rebecca George demonstrated her quality once more, winning all three sets 3-2 as Helmsley A beat Ryedale A 6-4. John Flintoft and Dave Burnham took two apiece for RSC. This result means that a win for Amotherby A over Ryedale A this week in the final league fixture will ensure the championship for Amotherby for the second successive year. [15 Mar 10]

Clean Sweep for Ryedale!

11th March was the date for the North/East Yorkshire Schools Championships at Scarborough with a number of RTTL juniors taking part. The results were an amazing triumph for our players with a clean sweep for the Ryedale boys: 

U11 Winner: James Rule

U13 Winner: Guy Harris

U16 Winner: Stephen Temple

U19 Winner: Adam Ridley

All four now go to the National Finals at Doncaster Dome on 24th April. Well done, lads, and everyone wishes you the very best for that day.

Thanks to Jon Rule for this report  [12 Mar 10]

Helmsley's Guy Harris in action

John Gascoyne would like to say...

A message from our esteemed Chairman:

Thank you to all those who helped with the tables at the tournament.  It is such an important task, but so much easier when there are plenty of hands.  And a special thanks to those who turned up at Helmsley – Julie and Andrew Cavanagh, Theresa and James Ellis, Adam Ridley, Gerald Cosens, and Jean Wardman (where would I be without her?).  Please note everybody that there were three young ones in that list!

John Gascoyne   [12 Mar 10]

• Can teams still in the Bower Trophy please make sure that their quarter finals are played soon - thanks

• President's Pairs matches also need to be arranged pronto so that we can finish this competition before the dinner.

FERA Fast Effective Ryedale Attack - Slowhand Johann stops Bryning Winning!

Div 2: FERA A 6 Ryedale E 4 - report and comedy headline from Andy Paton:

Ryedale E turned up at FERA and walked into a sub tropical landscape which seemed light years apart from recent experiences in the fridge at Coneysthorpe and a heaterless Ryedale Sports club.

Undaunted, they faced the might of the scientific community, who surely on this evidence cannot dispute climate change. The hospitality however knew no bounds  and  even included a copy of  Ken Mills' 1978 PhD  paper to read a as a spot  of light relief to go with the jaffa cakes.

Ken produced a fine win over Barry in 4 to get the proceeding underway. Trevor then defeated Andy in 5 to consolidate a fine start for the scientists. The 3rd set saw Johann take on Gareth and blaze through the first two ends with such raw attacking power that worried spectators summoned the local constabulary, making the assumption that there would be no option but to charge Johann with assault and battery of a small white spherical object and causing psychological damage to his opponent. A gallant Gareth however declined to press charges and the boys in blue took their leave.  Gareth then took his revenge in kind and won the 3rd end 11-0. Johann however regained his composure and power and raced to an 11-7 win in the 4th and a prized  scalp over a fine opponent.

Unfortunately for Barry and Andy, Gareth took his displeasure out on them and defeated both in straight games.

Johann then came up against Trevor but could not adjust quickly enough to the hard bat  tight defence and whiplash backhand and lost in straight games.  Kens hardbat style also looked to have got the measure of him but Johann recovered from 0-2 to see out the set 3-2.

Andy was lucky to  beat Ken in 4  (nets, edges that sort of thing )and Barry played some sublime shots to hand Trevor his only defeat of the night.

FERA then wrapped up the doubles for the 6-4 win.

So a fine evening's entertainment – everyone won sets and everyone lost sets but some sets are bigger than others!  [11 Mar 10]

Thanks Andy - an excellent, entertaining report.

Andy Paton and Gareth's conqueror Johann Voigt

• Div 3: Hutton A beat a feisty Hutton C 6-4 - Andrew Chappell reported, "Jim Bailey was in sparkling form for the C team winning all 3 including a great 5 game tussle with Doug Annan. Jeff Andrews overcame Mary Chappell in 5 but the rest of the sets went to the A team who won the match 6-4." Thanks Andrew.  [11 Mar 10]

Hutton C's Jim Bailey

Hutton B keep up the pressure

Div 3: Hutton B 8 Helmsley C 1

The Div 3 championship race looks like going to the wire after leaders Hutton B claimed yet another max points win this week. Next week they face title rivals Ryedale Sports Club G who are in second place with a game in hand. The two meet on Tuesday in a tussle which could decide the trophy.

Hutton's 9-1 win sounded like a stroll but was anything but as Helmsley's much improved Andrew Cavanagh put up a great fight, talking all three Hutton players to five games and only losing out to their number one Chris Parker 12-10 in the decider. He went down 11-8 to Andrew McMillan in the fifth before defeating Angela Parker after four ends which went to deuce.

Hutton face a difficult run in with their final match against Ryedale Laundry, who are still in with an outside chance of promotion if they can muster their strongest side. Ryedale G still have to play third-placed Amotherby E as well as Westow and FERA B.

• Div 1: Amotherby B's relegation from the top flight was confirmed last night as they lost 7-3 to the team one place above them, Whitby. John Gascoyne found some form, beating John Hanson and Stuart Brown, but no one could hold a candle to Whitby's Bernie Welford, who whacked everything to collect three comfortable sets. [10 Mar 10]

Hutton B's star player, Christopher Parker

Coneysthorpe Champions!

Congratulations to Coneysthorpe who are champions of Div 2 after a very successful campaign with one of the strongest teams ever seen in Ryedale's second tier. Their capped their triumph with a 9-1 win over Ryedale D last week and finished well ahead of rivals Ryedale C, another strong team, who are confirmed as runners up, themselves winning 9-1 against Amotherby C.

Coneysthorpe's winning squad of Tim Adams, Malcolm Haswell, Wendy Prest and Eddie Prest have dominated the division, dropping just 4 points and remaining unbeaten, although they still have a match to play. In Div 1 they will replace the team that beat them in last season's play-off, Amotherby B, who although not technically relegated yet look severely doomed! Ryedale D will go into a play off with either Whitby, Ryedale D or Boro but it will be a tough match whichever side finishes second bottom in the top division.  [9 Mar 10]

Coneysthorpe's top man, Tim Adams

Tournament a great success

The impressive new sports hall at Norton College was packed with enthusiastic TT players on Sunday as the 2010 RTTL Closed Tournament got underway. Magnificently organised by Paul Stansfield with help from excellent son James, the day was another big success with some fine matches, a number of shocks, a few comebacks and lots of applause. 

The tournament was a great triumph for popular evergreen stager Ray Mitchell who won three competitions and probably lost at least half a stone!

A full report from Andrew Chappell along with several photos can be found here.

Hardbat and Doubles winner Ray Mitchell alongside Malc Haswell

• Many thanks to Mary Chappell, who organised the recent RTTL Quiz night, along with Andrew Chappell, and to everyone who supported it. There was fun, laughs, confusion, chips and some cunning questions. In all about £165 was raised towards the forthcoming RTTL Presentation Dinner on 8th May at the Forest and Vale Hotel, Pickering. Photos here.

• Apologies to one or two people who wrote reports on the back of scorecards which haven't appeared here. The webmeister has been away a lot over the last couple of weeks an has several other excuses too... Remember, it saves a lot of time to email reports!  [9 Mar 10]

Nothing in it

Div 3: Hutton A 5 Westow 5 - report from Andrew Chappell:

Amotherby D down

Amotherby D have been relegated from Div 2 after losing 7-3 to Scarborians last night. Tim Penrose won all three as the seasiders grabbed valuable points in an effort to keep themselves away from the dreaded second bottom spot which always seems to be such a battle. Ken Darby, finding some late-season form for Amotherby, won two and John Mothersill, returning after an op won one but the Amotherby side have struggled and never really managed to get their strongest team out on a regular basis.

• Div 1: Peter Fambely made a rare RTTL appearance for another relegation-doomed side, Amotherby B, and promptly smacked three wins in a 5-5 draw including a fine victory over Steve Oldfield and a great tussle with the hard bat chops of Ray Mitchell (who in an amusing brief report on the back of the card admitted to serving off the table at 12-all in the fourth game, his quote being, "fool, fool, fool!").

• Div 3: Hutton B maintained their surge for the title with a comprehensive walloping of Amotherby F 8-2. Chris Parker was unbeaten while Jill Adams won two for the losers. It looks like only Ryedale G can catch them now.

• The draw for the President's Pairs is now out here. Matches need to be played ASAP, thanks.   [3 Mar 10]

Peter Fambely can hardly contain his excitement as the ball rolls right along the net

Tense in Two

Div 2: Ryedale E 6 Helmsley B 4 - report from Andy Paton:

Ryedale E came through 6-4 in this tight encounter which saw 5 of the 10 sets go the full distance.

Dave was Helmsley’s main man – chugging along  again after being  unable to train because of a  painful football injury  -to win all three and  showing strength of will to come through 11-9 in the 5th  against both Barry  and Andy

Ryedale won all the other singles but both Howard and Joe can consider themselves unlucky – Joe in a tense 5 ender with Johann which swung back and forth. Howard who lost to Andy 11-9 in the 4th after being 0-5 down.  Andy was relieved and not looking forward to a 5th as Howard’s  combination of wicked spin serves and topspin attack were finally taking an effective toll.

Once again Johann and Andy snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in the doubles. After being 0-2 games down they came back to 2-2 then led 3 points to 0 in the 5th. Andy then served long – Helmsley seized their chance and stormed back to take the set. So crucial points won and lost at this tense final run in!   [2 Mar 10]

Thanks Andy

Easy does it

Div 2: Scarborians 0 Ryedale SC 'C' 10 - report from Steve Miller:

Scarborians didn't expect much of an outcome from their encounter with high-fliers, Ryedale SC 'C', but a recurring knee injury to their number one player, Tim Penrose, scuppered any chance they had of snatching a point. Steve Miller started well for the home side, winning the first two ends against Titch Temple, but faded after losing the third at deuce! Henry Peak put up the best show against the other old-timer, Mick Carter, but ran out of steam in the fourth end. Ryedale's rising star, Stephen Temple had to be taken to task by Miller for making the youngster's straight game win over the Scab's captain look far too easy.

He could have stopped grinning all the time, or maybe, broken into a sweat, or at least, look like he was having to put some effort into his game! The youth of today show no respect for their elders! Father and son Temple showed no respect in the doubles either, easily defeating Miller and Peak over four ends to register yet another maximum point win in their promotion chase.

Thanks Steve

Week 20 update

• Bower: the first quarter final saw Ryedale F hammer Laundry. Alan Kirkwood reported: Ryedale F progressed smoothly to the semi final stage of the Bower with an 8-1 victory over Laundry.  Some fast and furious hitting and a generous 28 handicap helped Mircea Voicu secure Laundry's only win but in the end Ryedale's victory was fairly comfortable.

• Bower: Amotherby A comfortably saw off club neighbours Amotherby C 5-1 with Paul Young marmalising poor James Harrison 66-9 in one set. Russ Grimshaw beat Pat Swindell for the C team's consolation score. Please note that all second round matches should have been completed by now.

• Div 3: Ryedale G underlined their title challenge with a 10-0 blitzing of Hutton C whose captain Barbara Johnson commented glumly that they didn't even win a toss!

• Div 3: Amotherby E beat Helmsley C 7-3 in a match that featured five juniors. The all-schoolboy home team saw maximums from Cameron Walker and Josh Garcia-Hall and a fine 3-0 win for Ollie Grimshaw over in-form Andrew Cavanagh.

• Div 1: a two-man Ryedale B team lost 10-0 to another team featuring three young players, Helmsley A. There were five 5-setters but the home team couldn't get over the line. Unfortunately, the match was marred by bad language.  [27 Feb 10]

It had to end sometime...

Div 2: Ryedale F 2 Coneysthorpe 8 - report from Alan Kirkwood:

Coneysthorpe, Ryedale and Yorkshire legend Eddie Prest

All square in thriller

Div 3: Hutton B 5 Hutton A 5

Third division front runners Hutton-le-Hole B were pegged back by the club's A team, who are lurking with several games in hand, in a match which held a few surprises. A breathless Andrew Chappell reported:

Doug Annan dominated Chris Parker in straight games, only just beat Andrew McMillan in 5 but won all three on the  night. Andrew McMillan had a great win against Andrew Chappell who in turn beat Angela Parker. Mary Chappell pushed Angela to 5 and Chris beat Andrew and Mary Chappell. Doug and Andrew again played well to win the doubles and rescue a draw for the A team.

Thanks Andrew.

Hutton B's in-form Andrew McMillan

• Div 1: Ray Mitchell registered a fine win over Bernie Welford as Swinton held off Whitby for a 6-4 away win. Steve Oldfield was untroubled and Paul Cuthbertson picked up a brace. John Hanson (2) kept Whitby in the game.

• Div 1: Amotherby A turned up with only two players against Amotherby B but still managed a 7-3 thanks to strong performances from Paul Young and Pat Swindell.

• Remember to get your President's Pairs entries in pronto if you wish to play in the comp - entries close Monday. Quiz entries need to be in then too!  [25 Feb 10]

Mum to the rescue

Div 2: Helmsley B 8 Amotherby D 2 - report from Howard Mayne:

Helmsley B played host to the Div 2 bottom team Amotherby D. The reverse fixture last autumn ended 5-5, on that occasion Helmsley's number 1 player, Dave Chugg was unavailable, not so this time around.

Fixture confusion in the Amotherby camp required a late call from team captain Thomas Thorp to Mum Gill, who duly answered the call to ensure a full complement of players for the visitors. Gill played tenaciously, considering no preparation and little warm up, gaining many points with an effective third ball attack from her serve, and can consider herself unlucky to lose out twice in five enders to Dave Chugg and Howard Mayne.

Chuggie won his other two games, and also the pairs with Joe Newton, for a personal undefeated evening. Ryan Hood achieved two wins for Amotherby. Overall a rare max points win for Helmsley B (8-2), nudging them towards the mid table comfort zone, with two matches remaining.   [20 Feb 10]

Thanks Howard

Joe Newton

Helmsley heading for third 

Div 1: Helmsley A 7 Swinton 3 - report from Adam Ridley:

In the battle for 3rd place in this years division 1, Swinton travelled to Helmsley for a hard fought battle which could have been closer than the scoreline suggests.

Adam Ridley, Charlie Allott and Ruth Purseglove all won 2 each on the night, each beating Paul Cuthbertson, 3-0, 3-1 and 3-1 respectively, and Ray Mitchell who gave each player a scare, but couldn't quite register a win on the night.

Swinton's Steve Oldfield once more steadied Swinton by remaining unbeaten, although was taken close by Adam, and even closer by Charlie, who just lost out to Steve 12-10 in the fifth. Ruth Purseglove played well against Steve and very nearly managed to take a game, but lost out 12-10 in the first game.

Charlie Allott and Adam Ridley managed to beat Steve Oldfield and Ray Mitchell 3-2 in the doubles to secure a fantastic victory for Helmsley A and ever closer to gaining 3rd spot in division 1 with a match in hand.  [19 Feb 10]

Thanks Adam

Ruth: still got it.

• Div 2: FERA A shocked promotion hopefuls Ryedale C with a 7-3 win. Gareth Bryning won three, as usual, and was well supported by Trevor Percival (2) and Li He (1). Stephen Temple won a pair for Ryedale.

Tournament entries must be with Paul Stansfield by Monday!

Quick round up

• Div 3: Westow crunched Hutton C 10-0 and FERA B 8-2. About the second score, Colin Payne reports, The match was closer than the result suggests.  Pawel played his games consecutively, losing to John, then beating Colin in the fifth in a fast and furious battle, and overpowering Roger.  Andy played well to take John to 5 in a wildly fluctuating match, but lost to Colin after winning the first two games and being well ahead in the third.  The games between Roger and Richard were all close, with Roger just holding off the challenge. About the Hutton match he added, Although the result was an overwhelming win for Westow, all the games were played in a spirit of great enjoyment and much fun by both teams! Thanks Colin. [16 Feb 10]

• Div 3: Amotherby E took all the points against lowly club rivals Amotherby F with an 8-2 win. Nick Knight (3), Josh Garcia-Hall (2) and Cameron Walker (2) showed composure when it mattered.

• Div 2: Ken Darby shrugged off an indifferent start to the season and found some tasty form to win a triple for Amotherby D against Ryedale F but he couldn't prevent the Pickering combo from registering their fourth win in the last 5 matches by 6-4.

• Div 1: Ed Wardman showed some of his old winner's instinct as he outplayed a feeble Amotherby B and took three sets by a 3-1 margin. Andy Seed beat Mike Wheatley in five and took John Flintoft to five once again but a 9-1 win for Ryedale A told the same old story...

Ed W: defence, attack: the full malumba

Quiz Night - get your entry in now!

The 2010 RTTL Quiz Night fundraiser is coming up on 6th March. Entry forms have been sent out to all teams by post or email but can also be found here, along with further details. Please return your team entry to Mary Chappell ASAP  [14 Feb 10]

President's Pairs - get your entry in now too!

The 2010 RTTL President's Pairs is a fun KO competition for teams of two - full details and an entry form here. Please note this has to start soon so get your entry forms in right away!  [14 Feb 10]

RTTL Closed Tournament - get your entry forms in for that as well!

The closing date for entries is next Mon 22nd Feb so please send in entries pronto! Details and entry form here.

F team continue surge

Squeaky bum time as Johann triumphs

Div 2: Ryedale E 6 Amotherby D 4 - report from Andy Paton:

This was a highly charged fixture which saved the best for last. Amotherby brought along Vic Wilson who disposed of both Barry Rudd and Andy Paton in clinical fashion changing his game in the right way at the right time to deal with the opposition .  However  he was stopped in his tracks by  the night’s man of the match, Johann Voigt who played his best TT of the season to win all 3.

Johann took the first two ends with relative ease but Vic changed tactics in the 3rd and seemed to be finding ways to deal with Johann’s big hitting.   His returns were deft accurate and effective.

However in the 4th end Johann again managed to gain the edge through canny serving and brave attacking. The laurels seemed to be his at 10-7 but Vic produced some superb attacking combinations to come back and take it 13 -11.  It was squeaky bum time in the spectators gallery as the 5th end commenced.  At the turnaround Vic led 5-2 . Some blistering shots saw Johan overtake him to lead 10-8. Vic got one back but at 10-9 to Johann, a topspin attack from Vic missed its mark and Johann having used up 4 of his 5 match points had his Vic- tory.

Other games up to then had also proved entertaining if not on such an epic scale. Andy defeated Ryan and Ken in straight games but realised it was not his night when he came back against Vic from 2-10 to 9-10 and from 6-10 to 9-10 only to lose both.  Ryan played some sweet shots and was unlucky to come away with only one win.  Barry shaded Ken in a tight encounter. Ken got some revenge for  his 3 defeats when he partnered Vic to a great fight back in the doubles where they triumphed after being 2 down. 

Thanks Andy  [13 Feb 10]

Johann - it's as if the ball was stuck to his bat...

Katha unlucky

Div 2: Scarborians 3 FERA A 7 - report from Steve Miller:

Scarborians got off to a bad start against FERA 'A', losing the first three sets in straight games. Tim Penrose steadied the ship with a four game win over Ken Mills whilst Steve Miller had a nail-biting set against a much improved Katharina Heinrich. He was never in the fifth end, being 1-5 down at the change of ends, then 6-10 down and resigned to defeat, until Kath took pity on him, letting him claw his way back to 10 all. Despite several amazing pin-point smashes from both wings to stay in the game, Kath's luck eventually ran out as Steve stole the decider, 16-14. 

Tim also beat Kath whilst Scab's Henry Peak did well to force Ken to a decider. Gareth Bryning remained unbeaten for the visitors, and with Kath, denied Tim and Steve a second point, by overturning their early lead in the doubles.

Thanks Steve  [13 Feb 10]

Katha

• Bower: Westow of Div 3 knocked out first division Ryedale A in a much-delayed first round tie 6½-2½. Woman of the match was Sara Winn-Darley who won all three alongside the also unbeaten Roger Dunning.

• Bower: whitewashes are very rare in handicap competitions but Ryedale F continued their recent blistering form by demolishing the poor Drifters 9-0. Many of the games were won by just a few points but Paul Morse, Jean Wardman and Alan Kirkwood proved just too canny for the jolly Chadwicks and Graham Izzard.

• Div 3: Hutton C registered their second victory of the campaign with a 6-4 result over Amotherby F. Jim Bailey (3) was the cornerstone for the win, supported by Paul Hampson and Barbara Johnson with a set each.

• Div 3: Helmsley C took two points off leaders Ryedale G in a close-fought encounter. The match included an epic 28-26 game in which Jon Rule just overcame the returning James Ellis. James Rule won 3 as usual while Andrew Cavanagh took two - the match ended 6-4 to Ryedale. [13 Feb 10]

RTTL Closed Tournament: help needed

League and cup latest

• Div 3: high-flying Hutton-le-Hole B hammered Westow 9-1 with Angela and Chris Parker dominant. Only John Clayton was able to restore some pride for Westow, beating Andrew McMillan 3-0. Hutton B are now in a great tussle with Ryedale G at the top of the division.

• Div 1: that evergreen gentleman of the table Mr John Freeman was on imperious form for Ryedale B against bottom side Amotherby B this week, defending magnificently for three wins. Andy Seed took two for the visitors while Titch Temple (2), playing up from RSC C, hit some vintage wallops against John Stokes.

• Div 1: league leaders Amotherby A overcame local rivals Swinton 9-1 with Paul Young and Joel Wright dominant. Ray Mitchell observed, 'As expected, a night of some superb table tennis. The final score does not reflect the hard-fought games throughout the match - every point was fiercely contested.'

• Div 1: Whitby played Ryedale A twice, catching up on their October match which was abandoned after a power cut. The contests produced two 7-3 wins for the Pickering outfit and some odd reversals of fortune (for example Dave Hildreth beating John Flintoft 3-0 in one match then losing 3-1 in the other). Mike Wheatley won 5/6 and Dave Burnham 3/3 for Ryedale SC.

• Bower KO: Amotherby D beat second division rivals Ryedale D in a close game 5½-3½. Gill Thorp and son Thomas each won two as did Barry Todd for RSC. Amotherby D will play Helmsley C in the quarter finals. [11 Feb 10]

Thomas Thorp

Coneysthorpe go clear

Div 2: Coneysthorpe 8 Ryedale C 2

The top two met at 'The Fridge' this week and Ryedale Sports Club were frozen out as the home team played their big guns and blew away the opposition to make promotion a virtual certainty. Big spinning Tim Adams was the mainstay for Coneysthorpe once more, winning his three sets with ease. Team mates Malc Haswell and Wendy Prest each chipped in with a pair to ensure maximum points.

For RSCC, Titch Temple took games off everyone and crowned his performance with a fine win over Malc in five, whilst son Stephen edged out Wendy Prest 3-2. Mick Carter took Wendy to five also but faded in the last. It now looks like Ryedale C will face a playoff against Whitby or possibly the club's B team.

Titch

• Bower: Ryedale Laundry of Div 3 progressed through to the quarter finals of the team KO cup after a close tussle with Amotherby F. Linda Clarke played a great match winning all three for Amotherby but David Grayson and Adrian Voicu won two each and Mircea Voicu one to give their side an exciting win. NB Second round matches should be played in the next 2 weeks!

• Div 1: Steve Oldfield pegged back championship-chasing Ryedale A with three stylish wins, although he was made to dig deep against Mike Wheatley's curious bat and style to take the set 3-2. John Freeman played up and won two for RSC.

• Div 2: Alan Kirkwood rolled back the years with three memorable wins against Scarborians as RSC F gained a creditable draw, continuing their good form. Tim Penrose and Steve Miller grabbed two each for the seasiders while Jean Wardman and Paul Morse came away with one.

• Div 2: Scarborians had their third draw in a week and their second in a week against Helmsley B. Last time around Dave Chugg won all three but this time no one went unbeaten as Tim Penrose toppled Chuggy and Howard Mayne saw off Tim. Clearly two well-matched sides!

• A reminder to please send in reports by email rather than writing on the card if you can as this saves valuable time. [6 Feb 10]

Summary

• Div 2: Gareth Bryning finally lost his superb 100% record to Tim Adam's powerful looping as leaders Coneysthorpe beat FERA A 7-3. Sadly the card isn't here yet...

• Div 2: Ian Johnson (3) was on top form for Amotherby C as they beat their D team neighbours 7-3. Vic Wilson scored two for the losers and Russ Grimshaw and Richard Brown a pair each also for the victors.

• Div 3: Ryedale Laundry kept up their hopes of promotion with an 8-2 win at Amotherby F. Andy Grayson was unbeaten and Mircea Voicu (2) had a fine win against rapidfire Jill Adams.

• Div 1: Helmsley A gave leaders Amotherby A a scare as the teams drew 5-5 in a high-quality encounter. Rebecca George (3) put in a stunning performance to relieve Joel Wright of his 100% record before defeating averages leader Paul Young in five. Amotherby took a very close doubles to just avoid their first loss of the season.

• Div 1: Boro have hit some fine form recently and Tom Harrington (3) was the star of their crushing 9-1 defeat of Whitby. Ross Dransfield's outstanding serves also proved too much for the opposition.

Rebecca

Comedy of errors

Div 1: Helmsley A 1 Ryedale A 9 - report from Chris Londesbrough:

A comedy club of errors was the order of the day down at Helmsley for their clash with Ryedale A.  The competition afoot was to play the most outrageous trick shot. With nets and edges galore no-one knew what was going to happen next with the winner finally being Ed Wardman who edged his serve at both ends - miraculous!
 
The score of 9-1 was to the away side with both Mike Fenby and John Flintoff winning all 3. Ed hit two leaving Adam Ridley and Ruth Purseglove with nothing to show. Chris Londesbrough was the only victor for Helmsley.

Thanks Chris

Amotherby squeak through in epic

Div 1: Ryedale A 4 Amotherby A 6 - report from John Flintoft:

A game of truly epic proportions. Ryedale got off to a great start going 2-0 up and Pat Swindell's match with John Flintoft set the right trend. John was 10-6 up in the second game only to lose it 14-12. Both players dug in and in the fifth set Pat led 10-4. No one won or lost this game but John ended up winning it 17-15.

John and Ed Wardman fought hard to beat Tom Needham each in the fifth game. Paul Young was on top form to win all three for Amotherby. A truly great night.

Thanks John.

John Flintoft searches for his blue hat

Thanks also for the following reports:

• Div 1: Ryedale B went down 8-2 at home to Swinton. Charles Allenby wrote: This overwhelming defeat leaves Ryedale B in serious danger of having to resort to an end-of-season play-off in order to remain in Division 1. In a most enjoyable encounter, Ryedale B never seriously troubled the expertise of Steve Oldfield, nor the effervescent Paul Cuthbertson, whose improvement this season has been increasingly evident. The ageless Ray Mitchell chipped in with one set, to complete an almost perfect evening for Swinton.

• Div 2: promotion-chasing Ryedale C beat Amotherby D 9-1. Titch Temple reported: Ryedale had a comfortable win, with Titch and Stephen winning their three sets in three games. Gill Thorp and son Thomas played well against Mick, while John Mothersill beat Mick in five sets even though Mick was ahead, winning the first two.  Ryedale still giving Coneysthorpe a challenge, waiting for next week!

• Div 2: Scarborians drew 5-5 with Helmsley B. Steve Miller wrote: David Chugg was on top form for visitors, Helmsley 'B', at Scarborians' hectic Graham School venue. Least affected by the numerous interruptions, he beat Tim Penrose and Steve Miller in four ends, and Henry Peak in three. Miller struggled against both Phil Trevelyan and Howard Mayne and was lucky to win 11-8 in both deciders. Penrose had a slightly easier time winning both his sets in straight games. With Henry not at his Peak, it was down to Miller and Penrose to square the match with a hard fought doubles victory over Chuggie and Mayne.

Other news:

• Div 3: Hutton C had a rare win, 7-3 over The Drifters. Jeff Adams and Jim Bailey won all of their sets and the doubles for Hutton.

Please remember that all Bower first round matches should now have been played. Do consider conceding if you cannot arrange yours within a week. If you are still in the competition then please play your second round match ASAP.

Tournament date

The 2010 RTTL tournament will be on Sunday 7th March at Norton College. Details and entry form here

Apologies from Andy

Due to work commitments I haven't had time to update tables and averages this week - sorry. 24.1.10

Big win for Scabs

Scarborians 7 Amotherby 'C' 3 - Report from Steve Miller:

Scarborians took advantage of their opponent's recent poor form, and, in particular, Ian Johnson's ring rustiness, to inflict a 7-3 defeat on the unfortunate Amotherby 'C' whose captain, Russ Grimshaw, had obligingly fielded a team at very short notice. Tim Penrose had to overcome a spirited performance by Grimshaw to win the first set in four very close ends. Then Steve Miller used up a season's worth of luck in his first ever victory over Johnson. 

Scab's surprisingly good start took the wind out of their opponent's sails with non of the visitors playing to his full potential, though all three got the better of Henry Peak to grab a point. Johnson and Richard Brown almost added another to Amotherby's tally, easily going 2-1 up in the doubles, but Penrose and Miller somehow snatched the fourth end to take the set to a decider, which they then won comfortably.

Thanks Steve

Modest Steve Miller

Div 2: Ryedale F 7 Amotherby C 3 - report from Alan Kirkwood:

Ryedale F reversed the 7-3 defeat at Amotherby early in the season with a victory by the same score in the return fixture. Paul Morse was the home team's star, winning all three of his games. His five-set win against Ray Holroyd was a classic attack v defence battle between two hard bat players which had the spectators on the edge of their seats.

Alan Kirkwood had wins against Richard Brown and James Harrison but had no answer to Ray Holroyd's consistent and accurate backhand attack. Jean Wardman, in matching knee supports - nice fashion touch there, Jean - added another win to the tally with a quick-fire victory over Richard Brown.

An exciting doubles saw Paul Morse and Alan K come back from two down to snatch victory from Richard Brown and Ray Holroyd to give Ryedale a much needed 5 points.  [21.1.10]

Thanks Alan

Latest round up

• Div 3: Hutton A drew 5-5 with Ryedale G at the top of the table - Andrew Chappell reported: 

  James Rule was again the star of the show for Ryedale G with 3 fine victories. Jon Rule and Silvio Rusu chipped in with one win each. For Hutton A Andrew Chappell and Doug Annan each won 2 but Mary Chappell was winless despite all her sets going to a fourth game. Andrew and Doug took the doubles in 4. A draw was a fair result.

• Div 2: Amotherby D registered their first win of the season with a shock 7-3 score against FERA A who were missing their star man Gareth Bryning. Thomas Thorp was the pick of the players with a fine unbeaten performance, while the returning Ken Mills score a pair.

• Div 3: top side Hutton B thrashed Amotherby E 8-2 despite Josh Garcia-Hall's excellent 3-1 win against in-form Christopher Parker. Andrew McMillan was unbeaten for HLH.

• Div 1: Steve Mills, playing his first game for Whitby this season, took three sets and helped them to a 7-3 win over bottom side Amotherby B for whom John Gascoyne scored two and Kenny Brown one.

• KO: Laundry game from 4-2 down at the break to beat FERA A 5-4 in the Bower with Mircea Voicu blasting Gareth Bryning off the table according to David Grayson!

• Div 2: Father and son Titch and Steve Temple won all their sets as Ryedale C beat Ryedale F 9-1. [21.1.10]

Come and get some coaching!

Ruth Purseglove has asked me to remind RTTL players that coaching sessions at Helmsley School are open to everyone and that coaches are available to help you improve your game.  Anyone aged 7+, including adults, is welcome and you don't have to play in the league. Beginners and advanced players are catered for.

The session times are as follows:

Thursdays             5.30 – 6.30pm      Beginners and intermediate players

Thursdays             6.30 – 7.30pm      League players

Saturdays             9.30 – 11.00am     Beginners and intermediate players

Saturdays             11.00 – 12.30       Advanced players (match play only)

For more information contact Ruth on 01439 771095 or email rpurseglove@live.co.uk

Comebacks galore

Div 1: Ryedale B 4 Ryedale A 6 - report from Charles Allenby:

The handwriting was too good to type!

Thanks, Charles  [14 Jan 10]

• Div 2: Coneysthorpe secured a further six points towards their promotion surge with an 8-2 win over Scarborians, with Wendy Prest and Tim Adams obtaining maxima. Scabs' Steve Miller and Tim Penrose undid Eddie Prest for a morsel of consolation.

• Div 2: Ray Holroyd boosted Amotherby C with a 3-win performance against Ryedale E for whom Andy Paton and Johann Voigt claimed twin sets (but no pearls). The final result was 6-4 to Amotherby.

• Div 3: Dylan Poole continued his impressive output for the Food & Environment Research Agency's second team with an unbeaten showing but he couldn't prevent an overall 7-3 loss against Amotherby E. Nick Knight, Josh Garcia-Hall and Ian Dawson each registered a double.

Laughs and Gaffes

Thanks Jon

Ray and Liz Chadwick: always enjoy their TT

I have just been informed that Stuart Ellis's funeral will be at 12 noon on 21st January at Octon Crematorium near to Langtoft in the East Riding.

Handicap change

Please note that the Bower KO handicap for Guy Harris (Helmsley C) should be +24 and not +14 as written on the newsletter. Apologies for this mistake. [12 Jan 10]

• Would teams who have postponed their Bower KO matches because of the weather please make sure that they have a date to play the game - matches must be completed before the end of January.

Stuart Ellis

It is with great sadness that I must pass on the tragic news that Stuart Ellis passed away on Friday 8th January. Stuart, from Hovingham had been a Ryedale League regular for about four years for Helmsley Table Tennis Club and was a popular player in Division Three.

Stuart was taken ill after contracting bowel cancer in late 2009. He leaves behind a young family, including son James who also plays for Helmsley: our thoughts and prayers are with them at this most difficult time. If anyone who knew Stuart would like to write a few words of tribute to him then I will gladly post them here - please use the contact link on the left.   [9 Jan 10]

Stuart Ellis 1962-2010

• Helmsley Table Tennis Club have made the commendable decision to postpone all of this week's league matches involving their three teams as a mark of respect to Stuart.
• Cliff Edens got in touch to say: My sincere condolences go to Stuart’s family.  Stuart was instrumental in setting up Hovingham Table Tennis Club with Martin and Maggie Potter.  He rarely missed a practice session and always fully supported James. A tragic loss.
• Nick Knight added I was shocked & saddened to learn of Stuart's untimely departure, I remember him as a tricky opponent but above all a man of cheerful demeanour & high levels of sportsmanship. He will be missed by many. 
• Howard Mayne said Stuart and I started playing in RTTL in the same team, at the same time, four seasons ago. Helmsley introduced a C team for the first time that season. Stuart was the type of person who would always help out if he could, nothing was too much trouble for him. 
  When he got his favoured forehand drive in against you, he'd give you a little smile and maybe comment, 'That one came off nice'. He played with a great attitude, win or lose his carefree demeanour never changed, I could imagine he might have said 'That's because I get plenty of practise at losing!' That was Stuart, he never took himself too seriously, he was a straight forward guy. I will miss him.

Chris puts skids under Ryedale

Bower KO: Ryedale B 2½ Helmsley A 5½

This all-Div 1 cup match produced some intriguing scores with some sets being close and others ending in thumpings. According to two quotes on the back of the card, 'The games that mattered were won by Helmsley. Adam Ridley beat Charles Allenby with powerful hits. Ruth Purseglove defeating John Freeman with angled drives and deft touches.'

Chris Londesbrough was too good for Alec Hodgson and Charles Allenby while the latter handed Ruth a hefty defeat also. The card also added that, 'Ryedale's disappointment at losing didn't prevent them from pushing Chris Londesbrough's car to "safety" when it became stuck in Ryedale SC's snowbound car park at the conclusion of the evening's entertainment.'  [8 Jan 10]

Chris Londesbrough

Linda is cup hero

Bower Trophy: Amotherby F 5 Amotherby B 4

In sub zero temperatures, six hardy Amotherby players battled out a spirited Div 3 v Div 1 KO match which could have gone either way. Ruth Wilson, playing off the maximum 38 handicap for the F team, needed just 5 points to win from games of 54 and 52 against Andy Seed and John Gascoyne but luck deserted her as her opponents managed to return her few nets and edges and spin kept her down to 2 and 3 respectively. She then played more aggressively against Kenny Brown, however, and hit some crisp forehands to rack up 9 points and easily win the contest.

Ruth's team-mates in Amotherby F's all-female side did her proud, with Jill Adams smiting some fearsome angled hits against all three opponents to win one set and come close in the other two. But it was veteran Div 3 player Linda Clarke who stole the show, playing off a killer 28 handicap and armed with a bat deader than a certain extinct bird. None of the B team's trio could handle Linda's crafty serve and flat hit combo nor her ancient rubbers' 100% immunity to spin and she strolled to three wins to give her team a deserved victory.   [6 Jan 10]

Jill, Linda and the infamous bat

• Many of you will have spotted the traditional gaffe on the Bower handicaps sheet. John Freeman is on there twice: once (mysteriously) at -20 and once (correctly) at -14. Apologies for this error - admin staff will be harangued.

• Scarborians, facing a backlog of fixtures, car trouble and the closure of the Graham Centre, reluctantly decided to concede their Bower tie to the Drifters. 

• Ryedale G overcame club neighbours Ryedale C 5-4 in another exciting and close contest. Stephen Temple won all three for the C team but the G team's James Rule scored two, including fine wins over Titch Temple and Mick Carter, and the improving Silviu Rusu also beat the same pair. Jon Rule just edged out Mick 43-42 on aggregate.  [7 Jan 10]

Newsletter out now

The Dec 09 RTTL newsletter, containing the Bower Trophy draw and handicaps, has been sent out to team secretaries and can also be downloaded from the newsletters page.

Tom's top draw

December bank holiday saw the second Amotherby TT Club closed tournament take place, and a small number of intrepid pongistes braved the treacherous car park ice at the village hall to battle it out in three events.

The handicap KO gave some of the club's lower ranked players a chance to shine and so it was as the E team's Ian Dawson brushed aside all comers to take the competition after beating Kenny Brown 59-42 in the final.

Tom Needham went out to Andy Seed in the handicap but made up for it by comfortably defeating him 3-0 in the final of the Singles event. Both players had tough semis with Tom coming from behind against Jill Adams and Andy overcoming Kenny Brown in a hard-fought encounter.

After a break for pushing John Stokes's Jag out of the skating rink outside, Andy and Tom then met for the third time in the final of the hard bat competition and this was a long, close affair with both players switching between defence and attack (and plenty of wild misses). Tom's greater pimple experience gave him the edge, however, and he bagged his second event of the afternoon.

The event was a welcome break from rubbish TV, cheap choccies and Cava, and provided various bellies with some much-needed exercise. Next year we might even have a toilet...

Tom Needham: Amotherby Champ for 09

• Ed Wardman rolled back the years to claim the Ryedale Sports Club Closed Tournament title beating Dave Burnham 3-2 in the final. Ed, a previous winner on several occasions, found some tremendous form and used canny tactics to outwit all of his opponents on the night. John Freeman, who organised the event, won the handicap competition and a very good night was had by all.

• Div 1: amongst the late Christmas cards was a RTTL scorecard showing that Ryedale A beat Swinton 6-4. Steve Oldfield won all three for Swinton and Paul Cuthbertson had a fine 3-0 win over Mike Fenby. John Flintoft and Ed Wardman won two apiece for Ryedale SC.  [29 Dec 09] 

Bower Draw ready

The draw and handicaps for the 2010 RTTL Team KO competition can be found here.

Matches start first week back: 4-8 Jan so please organise your team right away.

Tight at the top

Div 3: Amotherby E 3 Ryedale G 7

Division 3 is wide open this season, making for a very exciting promotion race as several teams jostle for the top places. Two of them met this week - Ian Dawson reports:

Just when you thought it was safe to play in Division 3 following the departure of the young uns do you find you were wrong.  After promotion of James Mayne and his young team members, then the promotion of Stephen Temple Division 3 seemed a safe place to play in.  Then along comes James Rule!

Last night was just another night at the office for him, sweeping away all three opponents and then helping Silvio Rusu to a win in the doubles against Oliver Grimshaw and Ian Dawson.  The final score was a 7-3 win for Ryedale to move them above Amotherby with an improving Jonathan Rule winning two games and Silvio one.

Amotherby’s point came from two wins by Cameron and one from Ian.  Disappointing for Amotherby but another good, entertaining night's table tennis.

Thanks Ian.

Ian Dawson, a Leeds fan bless him.

• A few catch-up week matches have been postponed due to the snow, not surprisingly. If you are involved in one of these games please try to arrange a date for it as soon as possible in the new year so that we don't get a fixture pile up as Bower Trophy matches start.

• The draw for the Bower Trophy is being made just before Christmas and details will be posted here, along with handicaps soon after Christmas. Newsletters with the draw will also be sent out then.

• Div 3: Helmsley C's improving youngsters followed up a 10-0 thrashing of the Drifters with a 6-4 win at FERA B with James Ellis winning six sets and Andrew Cavanagh five.

• Div 2: Dave Chugg was undefeated against Ryedale D but his Helmsley B team lost 6-4 as Ken Pidgeon and Barry Todd each won a brace and Chet Butler just edged out his old mucker Phil Trevelyan.

• John Walding has joined Ryedale Sports Club G in Div 3 and Helmsley B in Div 2 has signed Paul Atkinson. Welcome John and Paul!  [19 Dec 09]

Coach available!

Trevor Percival, a former York league player, has started up a new club based at Thornton le Clay which will be joining RTTL next season. Trevor, from Sheriff Hutton, has offered to help with coaching in the Ryedale area and is particularly interested in working with beginners.  Trevor can be contacted on 01347 878393.

Mince pies suffer

Div 1: Swinton 8 Amotherby 2

This rearranged match between two local rivals provided one of the comedy moments of the season as well as a fine six-point haul for Swinton. Ray Mitchell had hinted that there would be mince pies on offer at the interval and these were supplemented with Christmas cake and biscuits no less, although the table tennis on offer was less of a feast as bottom side Amotherby B faltered yet again in a match where they should have won a point.

As usual, Swinton's ace was the canny Steve Oldfield whose relaxed style, tactical nous and annoying ability to place the ball just where he wants it (ie in the most awkward place for his opponent) enabled him to acquire three wins at his leisure, and this despite an iffy back.  Providing sturdy support was athletic plumber Paul Cuthbertson who came from two games down against Andy Seed to win a hard-earned set with some smart defending and rapidfire counter-attacks. He had little trouble against John Stokes before overcoming John Gascoyne's anti-spin variation in three close ends.

Swinton's veteran Ray Mitchell has had a tough time this season adjusting to his 'new' bat (which still looks like a relic) and so he switched back to the old faithful broken piece of painted plywood for this match. It didn't help him against an amazing barrage of forehands from John Gascoyne (yes, forehands!) or Andy Seed's topspin drives but he did chalk up a fine 3-0 result against John Stokes, who seemed to be mesmerised by the ancient paddle's strange propensity to make the ball wobble, despite his team mates' call to just hit it.

Amotherby's last chance to avoid finishing pointless (insert your own joke here) again was the doubles and the Gascoyne/Seed partnership sensed an opportunity as Steve Oldfield stepped aside. Things appeared even more hopeful as the away pair won the first game before Ray Mitchell tripped over his own feet stretching for an angled flick. The Swinton man seemed to have regained his balance with a series of staggers but this only served to increase his momentum and the assembled players watched in horror as he crashed into the small table in the corner. Being an agile gent, Ray somehow managed to twist his body so that he landed bottom-first. Sadly, this was where the tea tray had been left and the tragic result was a broken cup two squashed mince pies and the flattest cake anyone will see this Christmas. Amotherby sportingly returned the ball into play as Ray demolished the refreshments, and claimed the point. It didn't do them any good, however, as Ray brushed off the crumbs, rubbed his pie-shaped bruise and returned to help himself and Paul win the set 3-2. Typical.  [16 Dec 09]

Ray with two of his baking trophies

• Div 1: Ryedale maintained second spot with an 8-2 win over a strong Boro side. Dave Burnham was on hot form, winning three and John Flintoft also maintained his good run of victories with an unbeaten performance

• Shepherds Social Club in York require a player for one of their teams in Division 3 of the York League for the rest of the season. If you are interested contact David Atkinson on 01904 704743.
  

Paul Shocked

Div 1: Amotherby A 8 Amotherby B 2

A regulation win for the top team against the bottom team in the Amotherby derby was given a twist this week by a shock defeat for averages leader Paul Young. The evening started well for the leaders as undefeated Joel Wright, standing in the for unavailable Tom Needham, blasted three quick victories before dashing off down the road to play a York Div 1 match.

Andy Seed then played his other two sets before dashing off down the road to the Christmas Pub quiz. A rapid exit was out of the question, however, as two epic five-gamers ensued. In the first Andy took on Paul Young, brandishing a new bat having previously smashed his old one going for one of his trademark monster loops. Paul edged the first two ends 13-11 and 11-9 before Andy started to serve well and stop Paul attacking, levelling the match at 2-2. The A team man then nosed ahead in the fifth with some big shots and two incredible long range returns before missing a series of awkward spinners on his usually trusty forehand. At 11-10 behind Paul unleashed a cunning serve which Andy only parried onto the net. It dribbled over, hitting the table edge and that was that. Only Paul's second loss of the season and everyone was shocked, not least Andy.

The Amotherby B captain then beat Pat Swindell in another long 3-2 encounter leaving his team just 3-2 down in the match as he headed for the quiz, and exhorting team mates John Gascoyne and Kenny Brown to grab the single set needed for a point for their struggling team. Alas it wasn't to be. I didn't win the quiz either... [11 Dec 09]

Andy Seed - first victory over Youngy since Paul was 7

James Rules

Div 3: Ryedale G 7 Westow 3 - report from Jon Rule:

Ryedale G showed they are gelling well as a team as they recorded a very good 7-3 victory over Westow. James Rule was mighty impressive as he made very short work of winning his 3 sets without dropping a leg. Jon Rule put in his best performance of his debut season beating Roger Dunning (3-1) and Sara Winn-Darley (3-0), only finding John Clayton far too spinny! John also spun his way past Silviu Rusu and then paired up with Sara to beat Rules Junior & Senior to grab an extra point for the visitors.  [10 Dec 09]

Thanks Jon

Jon Rule

Bits & bobs

• Div 1: Swinton overcame Whitby 7-3 in what Ray Mitchell surprisingly described as a 'panty atmosphere' (although his handwriting was a bit unclear and it might have said 'party'). In between the mince pies the tt was played with vigour and tenacity according to the card. Swinton's Steve O won 3, Paul C 2 and Ray M 1 with John H getting 2 and Bernie W 1 for Whitby.

• Div 2: Coneysthorpe maintained their dominance of the second tier by seeing off Amotherby D 8-2. Malc Haswell and Wendy Prest were untroubled, while Eddie Prest was troubled by Ryan Hood (1) and by Gill Thorp, against whom he needed to stage a rousing comeback from 2-0 down.

• Div 3: Hutton A had too much for Amotherby F with Doug Annan recording three straight-game wins, aided by Andrew Chappell (2) and Mary Chappell (1). Jill Adams offered the most resistance with a brace for the home side whilst defender Janet Bailey picked up one. Amotherby's newcomer Sue Owen is still searching for her first win.

• FERA A have signed Horacio Montes de Oca - possibly the first RTTL player with that name... Welcome Horacio! [Mexican? Peruvian? Welsh? Please let me know, Gareth!].  [9 Dec 09]

Malc Haswell - come on, it's not as cold as Coneysthorpe...

Dream performance

Div 2: Ryedale E 6 FERA A 4 - report from Andy Paton:

Chapter 1

Gareth dived under the table in terror.  “Oh no not another forehand smash from Andy” he cried. “I’ve never seen anything like it. I haven’t won a single point; 3 games and all 11-0!”

Chapter 2

I woke up. Thought about our match with FERA A.  Gareth is undefeated and untroubled again. His forehand and backhand consistently impressive. The Ryedale players put up a good show however, all  fighting from 2-0 down to lose 3-0 against him.

Katarina continues to improve  and was unlucky not to take a game of Andy.  Vorsprung durch Technik as Del Boy said; and she did  partner Gareth to a win in the doubles.

New player Horacio, showed great enthusiasm and for him things can only get better. Johann Barry and Andy all bag 2 wins, but the Ryedale man of the match and winner of a pair of tight jeans and an old T shirt  is Mr Bryning.

Final result 6-4 to Ryedale E.

Other stats – 4 nationalities and 3 languages – and  no swear words (that I could understand anyway).  [8 Dec 09]

Thanks Andy for that witty and original report!

Dreamer Andy Paton

• Div 3: Helmsley C's junior James Ellis put in a great uneaten performance against high-flying Hutton B, inflicting only the second defeat of the season on Chris Parker. Hutton won the match, played two weeks ago, 6-4.

Committee Meeting Report

Amongst the items discussed at last night's RTTL Committee Meeting were:

• There have been two reports of bad language at matches in recent weeks and the committee agreed that this is not acceptable under any circumstances. Disciplinary action will be taken against any players who persist in this.

• It was agreed that there will be another fund-raising quiz night (possibly in March - date to be announced) to raise money towards subsidising the cost of the Presentation evening so that as many players as possible can attend. Mary Chappell will be organising the event.

• There was a request by both Steve Miller and Andy Seed for team secretaries to ensure that scorecards are filled in correctly and legibly. The date, scores and other details should be checked by both captains at the end of the match and then signed. Secretaries are reminded that signing means you have checked and agreed with what is on the card. Please also remember to fill in the 'most sporting' scores before sending in the card.

• The question of postponements was again discussed. There have been an excessive number of postponed matches this season already, many without good reason. Teams are reminded that postponed matches must be rearranged right away and played within three weeks. Clubs with several teams should call on lower-ranked players to step in where necessary. Regrettably, the league will have to look at sanctions against persistent offenders.

• The 2010 RTTL Tournament was discussed and it was agreed, following Paul Stansfield's suggestion, that the excellent new Norton College sports hall should be tried for the venue since it has several advantages over the hall at Pickering (eg cost, lighting, proximity of tables, refreshment availability). A date will be announced soon and the committee agreed that the tournament should be held in February rather than March to try to increase entries.

• Publicity officer Andrew Chappell once more requested for players to take photos at matches and email them to him. There are a still a number of players who we don't have any pictures of.

• Coaching was discussed, particularly the need for good coaching for youngsters around Ryedale and to co-ordinate development. Andy Seed also mentioned that he had been approached by several people who would like to play on more of a beginners or social basis but could find nowhere to go.  [7 Dec 09]  

Tim's the hero

Div 2: Scarborians 8 Amotherby D 2 - report from Steve Miller:

Scarborians' hero, Tim Penrose, twice fought back from two games

down to win all three of his singles against under-rated strugglers,

Amotherby 'D'. Ken Darby looked to have the first set sewn up but hadn't

allowed for Tim's fightback. Tim just managed to beat Gill Thorp in

three very close games but then went two down to young Thomas Thorp

before clawing his way back. 

Having lost the last couple of encounters with the youngster, Steve Miller breathed a sigh of relief after defeating Thomas 11-9 in the fourth end, as he probably wouldn't have won if forced to a decider. Steve then lost the chance of taking Ken to a fifth end by squandering a 10-6 lead in the fourth. 

Somewhat surprisingly, having lost to her last season, Steve had little trouble

beating an admittedly ring-rusty Gill over three ends. Scabs' Henry Peak

excelled with close wins over both of the Thorps but lost out to Ken's

brick-wall-like defence. Amotherby's duo, Ken and Thomas, could have

salvaged a point by winning the doubles but found Tim and Steve's style

too awkward. Amotherby 'D' are certainly capable of holding their own in

Division Two but need more luck to get out of the relegation zone, not

helped by injuries to two of their regular players.  [5 Dec 09]

Thanks Steve

Tim Penrose - with thanks to Andrew Chappell for the photo

Honours even

Div 2: Ryedale F 5 Helmsley B 5 - report from Alan Kirkwood:

Honours were even and points shared in a hard-fought match between Ryedale F and Helmsley B. Four of the ten sets went the distance with Helmsley winning all of them, showing great tenacity.

Paul Morse and Jean Wardman each won two for Ryedale and Alan Kirkwood one. David Chugg won all three but had to dig deep to beat Paul and Alan in long five-setters. Joe Newton picked up one for Helmsley and David Chugg and Phil Trevelyan saved the match for Helmsley, winning the doubles against Paul Morse and Alan Kirkwood.   [3 Dec 09]

Thanks Alan.

In the absence of a Paul Morse pic, here's Alan K.

• Div 2: after dropping a few points in previous weeks, Ryedale Sports Club's C team has recovered with two thumping 10-0 wins including a whitewash of Amotherby C. As usual, the friendly family trio of Mick Carter, Titch Temple and Steve Temple did the damage.  [4 Dec 09]

Latest summary

• Div 3: Scarborough junior James Ellis (not the one who plays for Helmsley C) won his first RTTL set this week beating Amotherby F newcomer Sue Owen 3-0. Linda Clarke and Janet Bailey were on good form for the all-female team, however, each winning a treble as the Drifters went down 7-3.

• Div 3: Dylan Poole has given FERA B some impetus this season and he was too strong for a Ryedale Laundry side missing their experienced unbeaten man Andrew Grayson. Adrian Voicu and George Davison each registered a pair of sets for the Kirkby trio as the match finished 5-5.

• Div 2: Richard Brown continued his tasty form for Amotherby C as they beat the club's D team 7-3. He scored two as did teammates Ray Holroyd and Russ Grimshaw, with the D team's Ryan Hood (two too) offering the most resistance.

• Div 1: Helmsley A had a mixed few days, going down 4-6 at home to Boro then winning 8-2 at Swinton with Chris L and 'Charles' Allott (as it said on the card) undefeated. About the loss to Boro, Chris reported: A close game was afoot at Helmsley this week. Ross Dransfield continued his deadly serving by taking all three with only Ruth Purseglove pushing him close. James Mayne in his second game back put together some consistency two take two matches for Helmsley. Two from Trevor Teasdale and one each from Charlie Allott and Ruth who edged out John Loftus in five took it to the all important doubles. Ruth and Charlie had no answer to chop and spin from Ross and Trev and Scarboro took the match 6-4.

• Div 1: at the top, Amotherby A continued their relentless form with a 9-1 result against Whitby whilst title rivals Ryedale A dropped a surprise point against lowly Amotherby B, winning 7-3 with John Flintoft (3) demonstrating some quality. [3 Dec 09]
  

Player of the week, possibly: Linda Clarke

Dave still Chuggin' along

Div 2: Helmsley B 7 Ryedale E 3 - report from Howard Mayne:
 
Both these teams have made a slow start to the season, only mustering 3 wins between them, therefore both were in need of picking up points soon to avoid slipping towards the foot of the division.
 
Dave Chugg, who last week won his 3 sets without dropping a game, continued that fine form to again win his 3 sets. Not quite so easy this time around, particularly against a stubborn Johann Voigt, who took him the full distance, with Dave eventually coming to terms with Johann's blistering forehand smashes to prevail 11-5 in the fifth.
 
Barry Rudd had a see-saw tussle with Philip Trevelyan, edging the 5th end for a Ryedale win.
 
In a cagey contest, Andy Paton could consider himself unlucky after just losing out to Howard Mayne in another match that went to 5 ends. At 8-8 in the decider, Andy threw off the tentative shackles, and was unlucky to miss the end of the table with his favourite forehand drive a couple of times, allowing Howard a fortuitous 11-8 win.
 
As if exhausted by previous effort, Howard later made a few scoreboard errors, it seemed whenever a mistake was made the point went to Helmsley, instead of the visitors, funny that!

Thanks Howard

Chuggy: form man in Div 2

• Div 1: Paul Young finally lost his 100% record, falling 3-0 to canny Steve Oldfield as Amotherby A travelled to neighbours Swinton. Surprisingly it was the away team's only loss in a 9-1 win with Joel Wright and Tom Needham clearing up. Tom will be delighted to have beaten his nemesis Steve at last.

• Div 1: Second placed Ryedale A kept up the pressure with a max points 8-2 win over Whitby. Dave Burnham and John Flintoft were unbeaten for RSC while Bernie Welford and Dave Hildreth each took a consolation set for the seasiders.

• Div 2: Li He is still travelling over for FERA A's home matches and playing very well. He won all three as his team beat Amotherby C 6-4, as did Gareth Bryning who does look like maintaining his fine 100% record to the Christmas break.

• Div 3: Ollie Braithwaite has joined Helmsley C - welcome to RTTL Ollie! This reminds me to remind everyone that teams can add new players until the 'transfer window' closes at the end of January. Just let Andy Seed know if you wish to sign someone. [27 Nov 09]

Birthday boy blitzes Amotherby

Div 1: Ryedale B 8 Amotherby B 2

Ryedale League stalwart Charles Allenby celebrated his 66th birthday by dispatching the opposition in his familiar whacking hardbat style. His trusty forehand (I don't think he's hit a backhand in his life) was too much for bottom club Amotherby B who are struggling for points in the familiar way of promoted teams. Charles did have to work hard at times, coming from two down against Andy Seed but his three victories were thoroughly deserved.

Also on good form for Ryedale was Alec Hodgson who dismissed Kenny Brown in three then came back brilliantly after being behind in the fifth against Andy before just falling in another tight five-gamer to John Gascoyne (who was supported by Jean Wardman, amazingly also celebrating her birthday). John Freeman meanwhile sailed serenely through his encounters with John G and Kenny before falling to Andy Seed who played his third five-end set of the evening and was determined not to lose again.

Charles and John F claimed the doubles 3-0 without breaking sweat to round off an excellent evening for the very sporting Ryedale team.

Volunteer signalman Charles

• Div 2: Ryedale D continued their hot streak, so to speak, by annihilating Amotherby D 10-0. Barry Todd, Ken Pidgeon and Jan Bryan had too much for Kris Waluk, Ken Darby and Tom Thorp. Tom did, however, give Jan quite a torrid time in their game.

• Div 3: 73 year-old Jill Adams put in a fine unbeaten performance for Amotherby F against Westow but was on the losing side as John Clayton, Colin Payne and Sara Winn-Darley each bagged a brace in a 7-3 win.  [26 Nov 09]

Andy Baxter: dare he show his face in the lab? 

Respect!

Div 1: Helmsley A 1 Amotherby A 9 - report from Chris Londesbrough:

Amotherby A came with maximum respect to Helmsley A for one of their more difficult matches of the season. The big hitter side of Paul Young, Joel Wright and Tom Needham then set about to blow the opposition away. Helmsley drafted Rebecca George who can consider herself really unlucky to come away with nothing after taking two matches to five. 

James Mayne had a real test in his first game back of the season losing them all but improved as the night went on. Chris Londesbrough stopped the whitewash gaining his first ever success over Tom Needham but on this form Amotherby are going to be hard to stop. The final score was 1 - 9 and Paul Young's unbeaten run continues. [23 Nov 09]

Thanks Chris

Joel Wright knocking the spots off the ball

Postponements

Unfortunately there have been a large number of postponed matches this season for various reasons. Please remember that matches postponed in the first half of the season must be played before Christmas. It is up to team secretaries to rearrange matches and alternative dates should be offered at the time of postponement to enable the opposition to find a team.

Please arrange your outstanding matches now - do not leave them all until the catch up week!   [22 Nov 09]

Latest round up

• Div 3: Westow drew with Hutton A; Colin Payne reported: A close fought match, with the final result only settled in the doubles.  Andrew Chappell was the star player of the night, with his languid style and imposing presence at the table too much for all the Westow players, despite some valiant efforts.  The surprise results of the night were the losses by Doug Annan to both Roger Dunning and Colin Payne.  Hutton’s doubles team of Doug and Andrew was eventually too strong for Roger and Colin, and won the final set to draw the match. 

• Div 2: Ryedale D beat Scarborians 8-2. Steve Miller reported: Though supposedly struggling at the bottom of the division, Ryedale S. C. 'D' showed their true potential with a maximum points win over Scarborians. Jan Bryan started the rot by beating Steve Miller over four ends. Barry Todd then made short work of Tim Penrose whilst Chet Butler, even with a poorly knee, got the better of Henry Peak in their decider. Steve put up a better show against Barry but, again, too many unforced errors contributed to his loss over five ends. Tim also lost to Jan, though both he and Steve managed to beat Chet for Scabs' only score. Scarborians still had the chance to snatch a point but the doubles was a very one sided affair, Barry and Jan being far to good for Tim and Henry.

• Div 2: According to Richard Brown, Dave Chugg was on top form for Helmsley B against Amotherby C, 'stepping up a gear when under pressure and winning all three sets.' Amotherby won the match 6-4, however, with Ray Holroyd, Ian Johnson and Richard taking two each.

• Div 2: Ryedale E lost to Coneysthorpe 9-1. Andy Paton reported: Coneysthorpe hitment Haswell and Adams too good for Ryedale E. Andy Paton saves a complete whitewash with win over sporting Eddie Prest. Doubles saw close game but Coneysthorpe proved too strong.

• Div 2: Ryedale C beat FERA A 6-4. Titch Temple reported: Titch won two, Stephen two & Mick one for RSC. Gareth won all three for FERA with Stephen the only player to give him any trouble. Newcomer Trevor Percival played very well taking Titch to four & Stephen to five and winning against Mick in five. Katharina played very well but was unlucky not to score. Titch & Stephen beat Gareth & Katharina in four in the doubles.  [20 Nov 09]

Andrew Chappell: looking good in Div 3

Jean Sparkles

Div 2: Ryedale F 7 Amotherby D 3 - report from Alan Kirkwood:

Jean Wardman was on sparkling form for Ryedale F, helping them to secure their first win of the season against Amotherby D. Her quick-fire play and amazing angles were too much for Vic Wilson (making his RTTL debut) and Ken Darby whom she beat in four. Careful defending and impressive counter attacking from Ryan Hood secured him two ends but it was Jean's night.

Paul Morse contributed two more for the home team and Alan Kirkwood one, and their combined efforts also won a hard-fought doubles against Ken Darby and Ryan Hood. [19 Nov 09]

Thanks Alan

Jean

Neil's revenge

Div 1: Amotherby B 2 Boro 8

Boro compensated for their surprise early-season loss at the hands of Amotherby B by inflicting a heavy defeat on the same team on Tuesday night amidst the dust and breezeblocks of the village hall's building work. Boro captain Neil Raine was on dazzling form and gained retribution for his three losses in the first match by deservedly registering three wins here although he was made to scrap hard against John Gascoyne who declined the opportunities presented by five set points.

The Scarborough side was also bolstered by the appearance of Ross Dransfield who took a while to get started in his games but then found an extra gear to win each 3-1 with some big topspin action from both wings to complement his cunning serves. Macaulay Youngson also produced some fine shots for Boro but had to endure three five-end contests to earn two wins, with Andy Seed just edging him out 11-9 at the death of their set.

Andy then combined with John Stokes for a staggeringly rare 3-0 win, the only one of the evening (and possibly their lives), over the big spinning pair of Neil and Ross, Mr Gascoyne having been relegated to the scorer's table for managing to spill both the milk and the tea during refreshments. So, if you're wondering about those two big stains... [actually I think Ross spilt the tea - apologies John].  [18 Nov 09]

Neil

Ross: surprisingly shy

What he actually looks like

• Div 1: Ryedale A won 6-4 at Swinton - Ray Mitchell reported: 5 of the 10 sets going to a deciding game which shows the determination of all three players. Steve Milner stood in for Ray Mitchell and one of his games gave Swinton a vital point. Steve Oldfield only won one match and was beaten by Ed Wardman after being 2 up. Titch Temple, although losing two sets was on magnificent hitting form. Honours for Swinton go to Paul Cuthbertson, winning two of his 3. Mick Fenby won all 3 but had a very tight long game against Milner. Thanks Ray.

Committee Meeting

There will be a RTTL Committee meeting on Sunday 6th December at 7pm at Ryedale Sports Club, Pickering. As always, we welcome players from all clubs to come and have a say about the running of the league.  [17 Nov 09]

• FERA A in Div 2 have signed former York player Trevor Percival. Trevor is also starting up a new club based at Thornton-le-Clay village hall which is drawing players from that area and Sheriff Hutton where he lives. If anyone knows of people there, beginners or otherwise, who might be interested in playing table tennis then do let Andy Seed know, thanks.

• Former RTTL regular Mike O'Donnell has joined Ryedale Sports Club F in Div 2. They are struggling with injuries to 3 personnel so are still looking for other players to cover.

• Div 2: Mike O'Donnell was thrust straight into the action last week but found the going tough as Ryedale D beat his F team 9-1. Jan Bryan and Chet Butler scored maxima while Jean Wardman registered the away side's only win, outflicking Ken Pidgeon in a sideways pimple special.

Jan Bryan

Tough at the top

Div 1: Amotherby A 8 Ryedale A 2

Leaders Amotherby A blunted their rivals' winning start to the season with an emphatic six-point win thanks to more terrific performances from unbeaten Paul Young and Tom Needham. Ryedale's Mike Fenby and Dave Burnham both beat Pat Swindell but neither had an answer to the attacking fluidity of Young nor the pimple-powered defence and forehand blasts of Needham (although Dave Burnham did take Tom to five).

Amazingly, Amotherby have hardly missed the League's former number one Ian Stansfield, now looping in Canada, and Paul Young has stepped impressively into his shoes, winning 20 out of 20 and having now played every team in the division. The leaders have opened up a gap at the top but can take nothing for granted, especially as Ryedale have so many games in hand.

• Div 1: Helmsley A were surprisingly held to a 5-5 draw by a sprightly Amotherby B last night. Charlie Allott was the best player on show, calmly claiming 3 wins, while Andy Seed (2) found a bit of form and John Gascoyne and Ken Brown each also defeated an out-of-sorts Adam Ridley. Ruth Purseglove (2) stepped aside to let a batless Chris Londesborough play in the doubles but a 3-0 loss ensued.  [13 Nov 09]

Snippets

• Div 1: Boro recorded their first win of the season with a surprise 7-3 result away to Whitby. Neil Raine found some form, winning all three, while juniors Macaulay Youngson and Keegan Barstow each beat John Hanson, the latter also outplaying Bernie Welford. Only Stuart Brown (2) held them at bay.

• Div 2: Coneysthorpe surprisingly dropped their first points of the season in a 5-5 draw with FERA A. Gareth Bryning won a tremendous set against Tim Adams 12-10 in the fifth to stay unbeaten and Katharina Heinrich picked up the scalp of Eddie Prest. Tim (2) and Malc Haswell (2) managed to hold off Li He (1).

• Div 3: Westow dealt efficiently with The Drifters' assortment of styles and quirks, posting an admirable 9-1 scoreline and maintaining their record of having only lost one match all season (and that to the leaders). Messrs Clayton, Payne & Dunning did the damage. Ray & Liz Chadwick maintained some pride with a nifty 3-1 doubles win at the end.    [12 Nov 09]

Gareth: still ruling Div 2

Silvio Rusu - finding some form

• Div 2: Ryedale E's Andy Paton was too good for Amotherby D, although Ryan Hood (2) pushed him close. Barry Rudd also claimed a pair amidst the rubble of building work for Amotherby Village Hall's new toilets. Yes, new toilets! (It finished 6-4 to RSC E, BTW)

• Div 3: FERA B picked up a good 6-4 win against Amotherby F with Pawel Ponzckier starring courtesy of a winning treble, just edging out veteran Jill Adams (2) 11-9 in the decider. Dylan Poole also pocketed a pair for the boffins.  [11 Nov 09]

Doug top dog

Div 3: Hutton A 6 Hutton B 4 - report from Andrew Chappell

Hutton A brought to an end Hutton B's unbeaten run this season with an exciting 6-4 victory and Doug Annan ended Chris Parker's 100% record.  Doug is now in great form and he won all 3, the last of the singles on the night being his 5 game set against Chris in a see-saw encounter which featured some tremendous rallies. Chris beat Mary Chappell and Andrew Chappell. Andrew won his other 2 including a tight 5 game set against Angela Parker - she and Andrew McMillan won one each by beating Mary. Doug and Andrew then sealed the win with a 5 game set in the doubles against the Parkers. [10 Nov 09]

Thanks Andrew

'Deadly' Doug Annan

• Div 1: A meaty unbeaten performance from Paul Cuthbertson ensured a tight 6-4 victory for Swinton over Ryedale B. John Freeman (2) was RSC's main weapon, once again, scoring a fine 3-1 win over Steve Oldfield (2) whilst Charles Allenby maintained his comeback with a win over Ray Mitchell.

James can't save Ryedale 

Div 2: Scarborians 7 Ryedale S.C.'F' 3 - report from Steve Miller:

Facing a 'must win' match against Ryedale S.C.'F', Scarborians were horrified to see James Rule in the visitor's line-up. Although currently playing in Div 3, the ten year old is certainly capable of producing an outstanding Div 2 performance. The home side got off to a good start with Steve Miller beating Alan Kirkwood, struggling with a knee injury, for the first time ever. Then the improving Tim Penrose beat young James over four ends to double Scab's score. 

Jean Wardman restored some pride for Ryedale with a fifth end win over Henry Peak. Steve hoped his team-mate had knocked some of the fight out of James, but at 8-10 down in the decider, and still so close only because of an unprecedented amount of luck, he realised that wasn't the case. However, against the run of play, Steve stole the next four points to edge out the disappointed youngster 12-10. 

Tim remained unbeaten for Scarborians whereas Henry lost out to Alan in four. In the last two singles, an exhausted Steve (my excuse) had to play a very motivated Jean, who, leaving her best till last ran out the deserved winner in the fifth end, as, surprisingly, did Henry, coming back from two games down, to beat the shell-shocked James! Tim and Steve rounded the evening off with a straight games victory over Alan and James in the doubles. The 7-3 result doesn't reflect the true nature of a close, sporting match which could have just as easily ended in a draw.  [7 Nov 09]

Thanks Steve

Jean Wardman

• Div 2: The eagerly awaited meeting of the top two teams was played last night with Coneysthorpe convincingly beating Ryedale C 8-2. Titch Temple reported: A well supported match at Ryedale with lots of spectators. Malcolm Haswell and Tim Adams remained unbeaten, Wendy Prest beat Titch. Stephen Temple and Mick Carter played well to beat Wendy. There were some great rallies in Malcolm's games with Mick and with Stephen.  Mick took Malcolm to 5 games, losing 12:10 in the fourth (Mick was ahead 8:10 and could have won the set). Third game with Stephen resulted in Stephen winning 21:19. Malcolm and Tim beat Stephen and Titch in the doubles. Thanks Titch

• Div 1: Ryedale A just edged out Helmsley A 6-4 with Mike Fenby (2) and Dave Burnham (2) doing well for the Pickering side while Charlie Allott won a pair for Helmlsey, including the impressive scalp of Mike Fenby, secured 15-13 in the fifth. Mike Wheatley, Adam Ridley and Chris Londesbrough each won one.
  

Fireworks at Amotherby

Div 3: Amotherby E 8 Amotherby F 2 - report from Ian Dawson:

The local derby between Amotherby E and F teams played on Guy Fawkes Night certainly produced some fireworks.  The player of the night was Josh Garcia-Hall who won all three games of the evening, the best of which was an explosive performance to beat the F team stalwart Jill Adams in straight sets.  Nick Knight produced an equally sparkling performance to win all three of his matches but the final member of the team, Ian Dawson, produced what could only be compared to a damp squib, winning only one match.

For the F team, the surprise package of the evening, even at her admission, was Janet Bailey who beat Ian 3-1, lost to Josh 1-3 and narrowly lost to Nick in a thrilling 5 setter.  Jill played her usual strong game and the team was well supported by Sue Owen who, despite losing her matches produced some excellent shots to show that she has plenty of potential.

Thanks, Ian

Josh Garcia-Hall (still waiting for a better pic, Josh...)

• Div 2: FERA A, struggling for players, have managed to convince Li He to turn out for them for home games and he duly won all three sets last night, twice coming from two down, against Dave Chugg and Howard Mayne, to help his side to a 7-3 win over Helmsley B. Gareth Bryning was unbeaten also. [6 Nov 09]

Welcome back Charles

Div 1: Ryedale B 2 Amotherby A 8

This match witnessed the welcome return to the fray of one of RTTL's great stalwarts, Charles Allenby, who has been out of the game for two seasons with a mystery illness. It was a tough comeback too as he lined up against the champions, Amotherby A, but the Swinton hardbat maestro did manage to win a set, outplaying Pat Swindell 3-1.

Paul Young was Amotherby's mainstay once more - 'unplayable' according to the back of the scorecard as he maintained his 100% record. Tom Needham contributed two wins but surprisingly fell to rising star Stephen Temple, promoted to Div 1 from Ryedale C for this match. John Freeman commented that it was 'a great victory with topspin to the fore!'. Pat Swindell (2) notched an impressive 3-0 win over John to help cement Amotherby's lead at the top of the table.   [5 Nov 09]

Charles Allenby: great to see him back

• Div 3: Top of the table Hutton B maintained their powerful start to the season with a 10-0 pummelling of The Drifters. Chris Parker, Angela Parker and Andrew Macmillan proving too strong for the Scarborough trio.

Week 6 latest

• Div 3: Patrick Hough and Pawel Plonkczier played very well for Fera B, and Richard Budgey had an excellent win over Mary Chappell as they went down 6-4 to Hutton A. For Hutton Doug Annan won all 3, Andrew Chappell 2 and Andrew and Doug took the doubles.

• Div 1: John Gascoyne returned from his Central American jaunt and launched straight into a fine 3-1 win over John Hanson as Whitby won 7-3 at bottom of the table Amotherby B. John Stokes played very well to pick up his first set of the season against Stuart Brown. Bernie Welford (3) was Whitby's mainstay.  [4 Nov 09]

Bernie Welford: unique style and a nice guy

Request for results

There are a number of results from last week's matches which haven't yet reached me. This means that the results aren't included in the league tables, making them not very meaningful, nor the press reports, which go out each Monday morning.

I know that not everyone uses the internet but most people now do and it would be good if results could be sent in by email, even if it scorecards are to follow later. A quick message with the subject line 'Result' and just a score, eg 'Ryedale H 5 FERA C 5' only takes a few seconds and will help to keep things up to date. There is no need to send a report each time or details of who won how many sets etc.

Results can be emailed by anybody - it doesn't have to be the team secretary. If you're too busy midweek then send in the score at the weekend so that our Press Officer Andrew Chappell can make sure that it goes into the newspapers for the following week.

Many thanks to all those players who do send in scores promptly!

Andy

• There are still two Div 2 teams in urgent need of players - please let me know if you can think of anybody (or perhaps you are in a large squad and would like to play more games? The transfer window is still open!)    [2 Nov 09]

Whitby out of luck

Div 1: Helmsley A 10 Whitby 0 - report from Chris Londesborough:

Whitby took took the trek down to Helmsley A this week having had successive draws in recent weeks. Whitby's trio of Bernie Welford, Stuart Brown and John Hanson found luck in short supply.
Six of the matches went the distance, yet they all went to Helmsley with Charlie Allott and Adam Ridley always taking the last ends. Chris Londesbrough had a more comfortable night although he may consider
himself fortunate that john's bat crumpled in the last game after some hefty chopping. The final score was 10-0 to Helmsley, a lot closer than the scoreline suggests. [31 Oct 09]

Thanks Chris

Adam Ridley: on form

• Div 3: FERA B picked up a tremendous max-points win over The Drifters thanks to Dylan Poole and Patrick Hough who each won three sets. Ray and Liz Chadwick managed to overcome Tom Nixon but the away team will be delighted with their 8-2 victory.

Four-sixes all round

There were three close matches played last night and all finished 6-4. Brief reports as follows:

• Div 2: James Rule, playing up for an injury-hit Ryedale F, made a great debut in the second division, convincingly beating Ryedale E's trio of Andy Paton, Johann Voigt and Barry Rudd. Jean Wardman also saw off Barry to give the F team a couple of points as the E team won the match.

• Div 3: Amotherby E won 6-4 at Hutton A with Andrew Chappell reporting: Cameron Walker starred for Amotherby E as he flashed winners from both sides, winning all his 3 sets including a very fine fightback from 2-1 down to Doug Annan. Nick Knight won 2 and Oliver Grimshaw 1 for Amotherby. For Hutton, Doug won 2 and Andrew Chappell 1 and as usual the two of them found form to win the doubles.

• Div 3: leaders Hutton B dropped two points against Westow but Chris Parker maintained his fine 100% record, supported by wife Angela (2), while John Clayton (2) was once again Westow's most effective pongiste.  [29 Oct 09]

Cameron Walker (I'm still waiting for that updated pic, Cameron!)

Barbara does it!

Div 3: Amotherby F 6 Hutton C 4

Over the last three seasons Hutton-le-Hole C's Barbara Johnson has been searching for her first win in Ryedale Table Tennis League. She has practised hard, attended coaching and showed a great spirit and determination, and last night all this paid off as, amazingly in her 99th RTTL set, she finally broke her duck, beating Amotherby F's newcomer Ruth Wilson 3-0.

Barbara played a full season in 2008-09 for Hutton C without any reward but never flagged and it is great credit to her that she entered this season with more enthusiasm than ever. After losing her first 14 sets this time, including two here against Janet Bailey and Linda Clarke, she stepped up for the last singles contest of the night and promptly dispatched Ruth 11-4, 11-7, 11-4. Well done and congratulations, Barbara!

Janet Bailey put in a strong unbeaten performance for Amotherby while Linda Clarke won two, just succumbing to Jeff Andrews 11-9 in the fifth end. Paul Hampson also won one for Hutton to help them pick up two points on the night.

Barbara Johnson

• Div 2: Ryedale C continued their impressive start to the season, proving much too good for Amotherby D and racking up a 10-0 whitewash. Only Ryan Hood came close for the home team, pushing Stephen Temple to 11-9 in a fifth game, but Titch Temple and Mick Carter were untroubled.  [28 Oct 09]

Ryedale C looking strong

Ryedale C 8 Ryedale D 2 - report from Titch Temple:

Mick Carter and Titch Temple won all three for Ryedale C while Stephen Temple won one set, being beaten by Barry Todd and Jan Bryan. Titch and Stephen beat Barry and Jan in the doubles.
 
Barry took both Titch and Mick to five games, being ahead at game 3 against both of them, so was unlucky to come away with just winning one set against Stephen.  Stephen also took Jan to 5 games. It was a very friendly and entertaining game.

Thanks, Titch

Titch Temple - still quicksilver

• How good are your club facilities? Take a look at this TT club in New York and see if you're up to scratch! 
   http://www.revelinnewyork.com/takeaways/spin-nyc

  [Thanks to Andrew Chappell for sending the link]  [24 Oct 09]

   

Round up

Div 2: After playing with only two players last week, FERA A managed to find a full complement for their match against Amotherby D and came out on top 7-3, with Gareth Bryning and Li He winning three apiece. Ken Darby and Ryan Hood picked up a set each for the visitors.

Div 2: Richard Brown produced a memorable performance for Amotherby C, winning all three sets in a mammoth fifteen games for Amotherby C as they beat Ryedale F 7-3. Ian Johnson, making a rare outing, won two and champ quizzer James Harrison one. Alan Kirkwood (2) and Jean Wardman (1) replied for Ryedale.

Div 2: Coneysthorpe sealed max points for the third consecutive week with a 10-0 blitzing of Helmsley B. Tim Adams, Malc Haswell and Wendy Prest did the damage, with Philip Trevelyan putting up a good fight for the vanquished.

Div 1: Chris Londesborough outgunned high-flying Ryedale B in yet another 7-3 win, this time for Helmsley A. Adam Ridley played very well to take a couple of sets whilst Alec Hodgson did the same for the Pickering side. John Freeman (1) finally lost his mightily impressive unbeaten record.

Div 3: Amotherby E had too much in the tank for The Drifters, beating them 9-1. Ray Chadwick was unlucky as all three of his sets went to five games and he lost the lot, and Liz also played 14 games without reward. Youngster James Ellis (a different one) made his debut for the Drifters while Nick Knight, Josh Garcia-Hall and Ian Dawson were undefeated for Amotherby.

• The postal strike is going to delay scorecards so please send scans by email if you can. Don't forget that I can only enter results into the database (which produces the tables and averages) if I have scorecards - I cannot do it with results alone. Thanks.  [23 Oct 09]

Richard Brown - Amotherby legend

Jim on top form

Div 3: Hutton C 4 Hutton A 6 - report from Andrew Chappell:

Another improved performance by Hutton C with Jim Bailey on top form winning all 3 and Jeff Andrews chipping in with a win over Mary Chappell. Barbara Johnson played some tremendous stuff against Doug Annan as she took a game off him and seemed to have him in trouble before she tired. Doug and Andrew Chappell won the doubles for Hutton A to give them 4 points but Hutton C took another 2 points and should on this display be picking up plenty more as the season progresses.

Thanks Andrew  [22 Oct 09]

Jim Bailey 

Champions back to winning ways

Div 1: Amotherby B 0 Amotherby A 10

First division title holders Amotherby A were boosted for this match by the return of Tom Needham while Amotherby B, still adjusting to life in the top flight, once more had to manage without their top players Peter Fambely and John Gascoyne. The result was a decisive score for the A team with averages leader Paul Young notching three rapid wins before dashing off to play a York league match at Swinton. Ryan Hood, promoted here from Amotherby D to B, gave him a good workout, however, producing a number of spectacular forehands.

Pat Swindell was on good form for the A team as was Tom Needham, the latter hitting some good topspin loops, and both showed their experience against Kenny Brown and Andy Seed, with the latter unable to make the most of game points against all three opponents. The B team will need to get their man from Costa Rica back soon to start winning points or Div 2 will loom once more. Amotherby A, meanwhile, can look forward to another season battling for the top spot.  [21 Oct 09]

Pat Swindell: still saving for socks

• Div 3: Ryedale G beat Helmsley C 6-4. Jon Rule reports: 

  "New boys Ryedale Sports G continued their solid start in their debut season with a hard fought 6-4 victory over Helmsley C. Helmsley swept to a 2-0 lead with a good opening performance from teenager James Ellis (3-0) over Jon Rule and a 3-1 victory for Ellis Senior over Silviu Rusu. Ryedale's James Rule steadied the ship beating fellow junior Andrew Cavanagh (3-1). Stuart Ellis then put Helmsley 3-1 up before Rusu and Rule Junior turned things followed by Rule Senior beating Cavanagh 3-0 to make the score 5-4 before Ryedale completed the victory with a 3-0 victory in the pairs." Thanks Jon.

  

Steve too good

Div 1: Helmsley A 4 Swinton 6 - report from Chris Londesborough:

Swinton travelled to Helmsley in a pulsating affair on Thursday. Top seed Steve Oldfield came through the match undefeated only dropping one set for the away side. Helmsley's three of Ruth Purseglove, Adam Ridley and
Charlie Allott managed to defeat Ray Mitchell in four. Paul Cuthbertson won two of his games in four sets with his unique back to front backhand in good form but the key contest was against Adam. This went all the way, with the young Helmsley player taking the fifth 12-10 for a big confidence win. The
doubles went with the away side leaving then with a 6-4 victory.

Thanks, Chris

Paul Cuthbertson

• Div 1: Ryedale B continued their fine start to the season with a 6-4 victory over Boro. A resurgent John Freeman was once more the hero for Ryedale, winning all three. Ross Dransfield won two for Boro and young McCaulay Youngson beat Tony Kemp in five.  [17 Oct 09]

Wendy makes short work of Scarbs

Div 2: Scarborians 2 Coneysthorpe 8 - report from Steve Miller:

In the match against Scarborians, Wendy Prest starred for Coneysthorpe, disposing with all three opponents in straight games.

Malcolm Haswell also made short work of Steve Miller and Tim Penrose but appeared to struggle somewhat against Henry Peak's awkward style, winning their second game only 12-10 and losing the third 9-11 before securing an 11-7 fourth. It was good to see Eddie Prest back in harness, looking fit and almost back to his old self. He beat Henry over four ends but lost by the same margin to Tim and Steve who had started to get their eye in by then.

The doubles was a one sided affair as Wendy and Malcolm easily defeated Henry and Steve. With such displays of talent, Coneysthorpe must be favourites to take the Division Two title and make a speedy return to Division One, where they belong!

Thanks, Steve

• Div 1: Amotherby A, fielding a weakened side in the absence of Tom Needham, struggled to impose themselves on a feisty Whitby trio and dropped three points in a 5-5 draw. Paul Young was unbeaten but pushed very close by an in-form John Hanson. Kenny Brown, playing up from Amotherby B, struggled to make an impression and Pat Swindell was outgunned by a sharp-shooting Bernie Welford. [16 Oct 09]

Finally, I've managed to get some pictures of the Whitby team and, as you can see, John Hanson is thrilled about it...

• Div 3: The Drifters notched up their first points of the season with a creditable 8-2 win over Hutton C. Ray Chadwick helped himself to a maximum including a stunning 3-1 win over the vastly experienced Jim Bailey. Graham Izzard and Liz Chadwick won two apiece.

Ray, Liz, Graham and Mark. I think.

Andy makes the difference

Div 3: Hutton A 4 Ryedale Laundry 6 - report from Andrew Chappell:

Andy 'Andrew' Grayson: who says RTTL isn't at the forefront of style?

Tea break at Hutton: note how the men are helping out

• Div 3: Hutton B consolidated their tremendous start to the season by taking all the points against FERA B. As usual, Chris Parker (3) did most of the damage although the scientists' Pawel Plonczkier once more demonstrated his potential by beating both Angela Parker and Andrew Macmillan. It finished 8-2.

• Div 2: Ryedale C blitzed club neighbours Ryedale F 10-0 with the latter team suffering from two bad shoulders and a dicky knee according to the card. Paul Morse was sadly unable to take on Mick Carter due to his injury.  [15 Oct 09]

Ryan flyin'

Div 2: Amotherby D 5 Helmsley B 5

Amotherby D surprised Helmsley B in a close match where all the players won either one or two sets. The star for the home side was Ryan Hood who has been out of the game for a couple of years but has quickly found his feet and is showing some style. Ryan defeated the previously unbeaten Phil Trevelyan 3-0 and accounted for Howard Mayne by the same margin before being outplayed by Joe Newton 3-1.

Phil beat Tom Thorp in three but lost a five-gamer to persistent Pole Kris Waluk. Howard beat Kris and Tom while Joe lost to Tom but beat Kris. Amotherby won the doubles in straight games to notch up some much needed points in what will be once more a tough division.

• Div 1: Ryedale A pummelled Amotherby B 9-1 with the winning team's captain, John Flintoft, commenting: 'Tony Kemp stepped up to the plate with his old team mates after a miscommunication between the A team players leaving them with only two on the night. Tony found some old form to win three sets'. John himself won three with Andy Seed beating Ed Wardman for Amotherby's single score.

• Div 3: James Rule's fantastic 100% record was undone last night by canny veteran Jill Adams as Amotherby F overcame Ryedale G 6-4. The Coneysthorpe grandmother won all three with Janet Bailey bagging two and the pair combining for the doubles. Ruth Wilson made her debut for Amotherby, finding league play tough but pushing Jon Rule close.   [14 Oct 09]

Mr Kemp: those funny spins are back

Helmsley hit back

Div 1: Helmsley A 7 Boro 3 - report from Chris Londesbrough:

Scarboro turned up at Helmsley with two players playing their first games. 15 minutes practise time was given as neither could hit more than 3 shots a piece! The tightest game was Rebecca George, having gone 1 - 0 down to Derek Elliott, winning a marathon 19 - 17 to win the second and eventually take the game 3 - 1. Derek defeated Ruth in four who in turn defeated Gareth Olney by the same margin. Chris Londesbrough won all 3 in just 9 games ably backed up by Rebecca. Ross Dransfield starting to find form for the doubles to take a five set thriller with Derek to walk away with a point.

Thanks, Chris.

Chris Londesbrough: back to form

• Div 1: Whitby's match against Ryedale A had to be abandoned after a power cut, with Ryedale leading 3-1. The game will be resumed when the two next meet.

• Div 3: James Ellis performed well to win all three for Helmsley C against Amotherby F on Friday night. Jill Adams scored two for Amotherby and Sue Owen made her debut but Helmsley won the match convincingly 7-3.

• Div 3: Ryedale Laundry put out a very strong team against the Drifters and ended up winning 10-0. Andy Grayson, Adrian Voicu and George Davison were the victorious trio, leaving the Scarborough team still looking for their first point.  [12 Oct 09]

Phil starts in style

Div 2: Helmsley B 8 Ryedale D 2 - report from Howard Mayne:

Highly entertaining evening, with more laughter than an episode of 'Mock the Week', and the Table Tennis had its humorous moments also.
 
Star of the show for the home side was the undefeated Phil Trevelyan, including doubles success with Dave Chugg.
 
For the visitors, the evergreen Ken Pidgeon put in a sterling performance to claim Ryedale D's two wins.
 
Must get round to writing a letter to the producers of that satirical quiz show, I think there must be a place for Chet Butler, maybe alongside Frankie Boyle, he would be a natural on that show.

Thanks Howard (although I can't stand Frankie Boyle!)

Farmer Phil

• Div 2: another of the second tier promotion hopefuls, Ryedale Sports Club C, got off to a max-points start with an 8-2 win over Ryedale E. Stephen Temple won all three, Titch two & Mick two. Stephen & Titch beat Andy & Johann in the doubles. Andy Paton won two for the E team and Barry Rudd took Stephen to five sets.

• Div 3: Hutton C picked up two good points at home to Westow with Paul Hampson on ripping form. Paul saw off Roger Dunning in five then former Hutton player Sara Winn-Darley in four. He was aided by Jim Bailey who scored two wins. Colin Payne was unassailable for Westow only dropping one game on the night as the final score finished 6-4.  [10 Oct 09]

  

Hutton B looking strong

Div 3: Amotherby E 3  Hutton-le-Hole B 7 - report from Ian Dawson:

Although the score indicates a convincing win for Hutton Le Hole the games were all well fought and, mostly, close.

Man of the match was Chris Parker thanks to a great comeback against Ian Dawson.  Despite being 2-nil down he fought back valiantly to win the match, ensuring he won all three of his sets.  With Angela Parker winning two of her games and new man Andrew MacMillan winning one it was left to Ian Dawson to salvage a point for Amotherby with his second win of the night after Cameron Walker had won one of his earlier sets.

A good match, enjoyed by all for which Amotherby will be looking for revenge at the return match.

Thanks Ian

Chris Parker: fine comeback

• Div 3: James Rule maintained his 100% start to the season after Ryedale G's impressive 9-1 tonking of The Drifters. James's dad Jon also picked up his first wins, beating Ray Chadwick and Mark Philips whilst the improved Silvio Rusu was unbeaten for Ryedale.

• Div 2: Coneysthorpe signalled their intent to return rapidly to the top with a 10-0 thrashing of newly promoted Amotherby D. Ryan Hood pushed Wendy and Eddie Prest close but otherwise it was comfortable for the home side, especially with big hitter Tim Adams returning after two years away from the game.

• Div 2: Scarborians started their campaign with a good win at Amotherby C. Steve Miller said, 'A very close match where many sets could have gone either way. I think a 5 all draw would have been a fairer result, but Tim Penrose and I just snatched the doubles to claim a 6-4 victory. Richard Brown played exceptionally well, aided occasionally by the net, and forced Tim and me to a decider, as did a slightly off form Russ Grimshaw.' Ray Holroyd won two for the home side.  [9 Oct 09]

Swinton stall the leaders

Div 1: Swinton 4 Amotherby A 6

Amotherby/Swinton derbies are always lively affairs with the two villages only separated by half a mile, and this one was no exception as early season pacesetters Amotherby A were pegged back by a fine performance from Swinton who were led by their linchpin Steve Oldfield.

Steve beat Pat Swindell comfortably and then once more proved to be the nemesis of Tom Needham, defeating him 3-0 after a close first game. Steve couldn't overcome the forehand power of Paul Young, however, and the Amotherby man was the only undefeated player on the night. Paul Cuthbertson showed great tenacity in two five-end sets, winning one against Pat and then just being edged out 11-9 by Tom in the decider. Paul then combined effectively with Steve to triumph in a marathon doubles (12-10, 13-15, 11-8, 9-11, 13-11) to take two points for his team.

• Div 1: John Freeman was once again unbeaten as Ryedale B picked up an impressive 8-2 win against Amotherby B. Alec Hodgson also won three while Andy Seed was the home side's only winner, beating Tony Kemp.

• Div 3: Young James Rule of Ryedale G showed his class by winning all three singles sets against a strong Hutton A team. Hutton won the match 6-4 - brief report from Jon Rule: 

  The first match saw Doug Annan defeated in a great match by young James Rule 3-2. Hutton then took the lead 2-1 before James levelled proceedings by beating Andrew Chappell 3-1 impressively. Rule senior was shown no mercy on his league debut and left empty handed as Hutton finally clinched victory 6-4.

   [7 Oct 09]

James Rule - watch out Div 3!

Players wanted urgently!

I've had two requests for help from RTTL Div 2 teams this week who are both struggling because of the unexpected withdrawal of a player.

John Smith has unfortunately suffered an ankle injury (get well soon, John) and this leaves Andy Paton's Ryedale Sports Club E team with only three players. Andy says that this will lead to more rearranged matches unless another player can be found.

Also in the second division, Gareth Bryning contacted me to say that Li He has moved to Harrogate and so is no longer available for his FERA A team. With Giles Budge unavailable and Ken Mills only able to play occasionally this leaves the team with only two players.

If you know of anyone who might be interested or if you have a team with a large squad and a player might be interested in a transfer then please do contact either Andy or Gareth (numbers in the handbook) or Andy Seed. Even someone who can just turn out for the odd match might be a big help. [7 Oct 09]

• RTTL General Secretary Pat Swindell needs back individual registration forms from every player. These are required by ETTA before 20th Oct. Would team captains please ensure that all players have sent the forms to Pat (not to Andy please!)

Freeman stars and Kemp returns

Div 1: Ryedale B 5 Whitby 5

Former Ryedale League stalwart Tony Kemp returned to league action this week after a break of many years taxiing people to airports and the like. He picked up one set against John Hanson but it was another veteran, John Freeman, who was the star of the show, playing a captain's innings to win all three of his contests and then combine with Tony to take the doubles 3-1 and secure RSC a draw.

Whitby's Stuart Brown enjoyed a successful night with two wins and the ever-reliable Bernie Welford also notched a pair, just easing past Alec Hodgson in the fifth game of their encounter. 

The only Pic of Tony I could find (please send me a better one)!

• Div 3: Westow made a strong start to the season, defeating Ryedale Laundry 7-3. Roger Dunning, John Clayton and new signing Sara Winn-Darley each won two sets but none could overcome the might of Adrian Voicu for the visitors.  [3 Oct 09]

Amotherby B do a 'Hull'

Div 1: Boro 4 Amotherby B 6

Relegation favourites Amotherby pulled off a shock win against Scarborough side Boro last night to register a victory in their first ever top division game. With two players absent their squad was strengthened by the appearance of servemeister Peter Fambely who, although a little rusty, notched a pair of wins to help the visitors on their way.

Neither Pete nor teammates Andy Seed and Kenny Brown had any answer, however, to the blistering topspin forehands of in-form Derek Elliot who won all three sets for the home side convincingly. One to watch for the other teams, undoubtedly. Derek needed to do well too as Amotherby got off to a flyer with both Andy and Kenny beating Neil Raine 3-0 and Peter outserving Peter Lee. The Boro Peter then went up a gear edging out Kenny before suffering six nets and edges in the final game of a 3-2 loss against an embarrassed Andy.

The doubles also went to five with Neil Raine finally finding a little form to complement Derek's power before Peter Fambely and Andy sneaked ahead with some useful spin and placement to take the decider 11-9. Who needs John Gascoyne...

Peter Fambely - reluctantly dragged out of retirement

• Div 1: Reigning champs Amotherby A signalled their intent with a 9-1 demolition of Helmsley A. Tom Needham (3) and Paul Young (3) did most of the damage, with Chris Londesbrough beating Pat Swindell for Helmsley's consolation.

• Amotherby A have signed Joel Wright from Boro in another effort to fill the Ian Stansfield-shaped hole in their squad.  [2 Oct 09]

Doug stunned

Div 3: Hutton A 6 Helmsley C 4 - report from Andrew Chappell:

Andrew Cavanagh: great start

• The other two Hutton-le-Hole teams kicked off their season with a derby match and it was the B team who impressively stamped their authority on the occasion, winning 9-1. Parkers Chris and Angela won all three while debutant Andrew Macmillan scored a pair although he was overcome in a tense five-gamer by the C team's own new boy Jeff Andrews.

And we're off!

Div 3: FERA B 2 Amotherby E 8

The new season got underway on Monday night at what we all used to call CSL and before that MAFF and must now for some reason call FERA. But it was the away team who put the fera into the home side as a newly assembled Amotherby trio went away with all the points. The star of the show was 15 year-old Cameron Walker from Malton who made an admirable unbeaten start to the season including a victory over the scientists' best player, Patrick Hough.

Patrick did manage to win his other two sets, however, against Ian Dawson and Ollie Grimshaw but the Amotherby pair will be happy enough to pick up a brace each themselves. Division 3 looks to be wide open this season and should be all the more exciting for it, with at least four teams vying for the top spot. Please remember to email me results and reports so that we can keep the website up to date. [30 Sept 09]

Ian 'Digger' Dawson

Reminder

Team fees should have been paid by now! If you have not yet given RTTL Treasurer Jean Wardman a cheque for £45 then please do so urgently before we send the repo man round... [30 Sept 09]

Team changes

In a shock last-minute transfer, Swinton have swooped for Gerald Cosens from Ryedale C. The left hander will cover while Steve Oldfield is unavailable. They have also added ex-Coneysthorpe lawman Danny Foxton to their ranks. Elsewhere, Hutton C welcome Jeff Andrews, and Ken Darby has joined Amotherby D. FERA B have also added Ruth Kneeshaw to their squad.

• Peter Fambely has joined Amotherby B as cover for John Gascoyne (who is off on one of his round the world jaunts) after Kenny Brown continued his policy of asking every person he meets to play for the club.

Well, the season starts on Monday and I wish everyone the very best. [25 Sept 09]

Gerald, clearly not watching the ball

Ryedale A home night

John Flintoft has asked me to mention that he'll need to rearrange some of Ryedale Sports Club A's home night fixtures from Tuesdays to Fridays. He will get in touch with team secretaries to do this. Barry Todd may also have to change some of Ryedale D's home matches from Fridays to Thursdays in Div 2.

Remember please do not rearrange any matches unless there is a very good reason. Any that are should be rescheduled with a new date right away so that the season doesn't become unnecessarily extended and cause problems for others - thanks.  [18 Sept 09]

Handbooks out now

The 2009-10 RTTL handbooks are now back from the printers and will be distributed to teams in the next couple of days. I am not thrilled with the quality of the printing (eg the team lists have come out much too small) but hopefully all the info you need is there. [16 Sept 09]

Team wanted!

Ken Darby, who played for Malton B in Div 2 last season, is looking to join a new team for the forthcoming season as an occasional squad player in Div 2 or 3. If your team is short on players then please contact Andy Seed who will pass the info onto Ken.  [4 Sept 09]

Ken

Fixtures

Here are the fixtures for the season. The handbook are currently going to the printers and should be ready in a couple of weeks.