One step forward, two steps back seems to be the order of the day in the Spalding and District Table Tennis League at present.
On the plus side, progress was made in the Guardian Cup last week.
The three first-round matches left over from March 1 were resolved, as were two second round ties from March 29.
Chunky and Monkey Jnr faced Outsiders, coming away with just one win out of the four games, but a total of 84-119. The handicapper gave them a further 39 points, enough to take them through by four.
Skidlids, title chasers in Division Two, had a busy night, firstly playing Castle Sports who are still looking for their first league win.
They took three of the four games – a good win for Ping Wang of Castle spoiling the clean sweep – but had 125-88.
Unsurprisingly, the handicap of 33 went to Castle – but Skidlids still went through.
They then faced Nets and Edges, from the bottom half of Division One, in round two.
With the Edgers’ pair lacking confidence it was not altogether surprising that Richard Matthews won both his games.
Clive Shardlow then made the most of his chances to win one of his, which gave them a lead of 113-108. With the handicap of 16 going their way as well, the Edgers were left to rue missed chances.
Meanwhile, Jokers and Mine’s a Pint completed their round two match.
Sasha Martin came in all guns blazing to take the first game 33-1. However, his second opponent managed a very creditable 20 for a final score to Jokers of 130-70.
The handicap for the Pinters was 65, meaning they go through by five.
In Division One, Mine’s a Pint played a close match of two deuces and three games of four ends.
Pinters Jeremy Hitcham and Andrew Hay, and JDM’s Phil Chandler and Jon Chesworth each took one point but the latter proved strong enough to hold out in the final end of the doubles to take the match.
Bladerunners faced Aches and Pains and Dave Gibson and Colin Vertigan took all five points to move ahead of JDM. Even so, this was not without a scare or two – especially in the first game which went to five.
Jokers also won in five facing Outsiders, another match which was not all one way with only one end completed in regulation. They are now just one point behind South Holland who had a curtailed match with Nets and Edges.
With only Richard Hammond available, who took both games in four, Holland are in a good position with three to play.
