The second round of the Spalding and District Table Tennis League’s Moulton Shield served up a host of ‘top versus bottom’ matches last week.
As expected, all of the big hitters made progress at Spalding High School, with no shocks served up.
Division One leaders Andrew and Steve Appleby of Moulton SE faced their Division Two counterparts Pottermus Clarets and proved to be too strong, taking all five games in straight ends.
Strangely, the doubles turned out to be the best result for the underdogs, garnering a total of 33 points – each is played to 21 – despite having only one end over 15 in the singles.
Bladerunners then met Mine’s a Pint, who are currently just one place below them in Division One, though the Blades pair are currently ranked much higher.
The results of the five games reflected this, with Blades’ David and James Gibson also winning them in straight ends.
Again, curiously, the doubles proved best for the losers with one end going to a deuce, while all other games were below 16, though in double figures.
JDM faced Outsiders, who are finding points hard to come by in the league.
Jon Chesworth and Phil Chandler took the first four games for a winning position before conceding the last with Chesworth injured. Three of those were over in two ends, but Adrian Dinvlescu forced Chandler to a third end in the other.
The other Shield showdown was postponed.
In the league, South Holland and Nets n Edges brought forward their match from December.
John Gilbert got Holland off to a good start before Reece Kerry levelled the points.
Gilbert and Jean White added the doubles before the last two singles which, though hard fought, went to Holland in four and five ends respectively.
The four points earned are enough to move Holland up to second in the table on count back, but they have played a match more than Jokers.
Visit www.tabletennis365.com/Spalding for contact details and more information on the league.
