Three wins, a draw and a heavy defeat were enough to give Ellenborough promotion from Mens division three of the Veterans British League. Seven points from the team’s second weekend of matches added to the eight points they achieved in their first round of matches in November saw them finish as Champions, one point ahead of their Essex based rivals - BATTS Bulldogs.

Ellenborough’s weekend started ominously when they could only manage a draw with Xystus, surprisingly the first point the Yorkshire side had achieved. Mark Dare, undefeated in the first round of matches carried on where he had left off by beating both Mick Wilcockson and Keith Bell three straight and Tom Carr added a third vital win over Keith Bell. It was not a happy start for Steve Kerns, edged out over five ends by both the defensive Mick Wilcockson and by speedy counter attacker Steve Kosmowsky. Meanwhile, BATTS Bulldogs took full advantage and impressed greatly as they hammered Swindon based PSP Westinsure 5-1 to move into top place in the division on games count-back. Both George Reeves and Ian Attridge displayed superb form as they both beat Trevor Lloyd, the highest ranked regular player in the division,  3-0.

The big shock came in round two. Ellenborough produced a very solid performance against Lillington (from Leamington Spa) to win 5-1. Mark Dare was again undefeated, this time edging out Lyndon Douglas 12-10 in the fifth end.  In the process Douglas injured his back and was unable to give anything like a true account of himself against Steve Kerns. Both Kerns and Carr were winners over Phil Paine and the only game that escaped Ellenborough’s clutches was Tom Carr’s 12-10 in the fifth set loss to pen-holder Ron Vose.

At the same time BATTS Bulldogs became victims of the surprise result of the weekend when they were beaten 4-2 by Xystus. Defender Mick Wilcockson produced some truly inspired play to beat both George Reeves and Ian Attridge and Keith Bell and Steve Kosmowsky both beat Brian Adams. Much to their surprise Ellenborough were again in the driving seat.

There was no change in round three as both sides produced solid performances. Ellenborough overcame Seasiders 5-1 and BATTS Bulldogs saw off Lillington 5-1. Both Mark Dare and Steve Kerns beat the higher-rated Brian Clements in Ellenborough’s win whilst Ian Attridge and Dave Bowles both picked up doubles in BATTS' impressive performance. George Reeves only missed out 12-10 in the fifth end to another top-class defender - Pat McCabe as BATTS came very close to completing a whitewash.

Sunday morning’s matches pitted Ellenborough against PSP Westinsure and BATTS against Seasiders and with a two point advantage it was vital that the Ellenborough team won their match. They managed it, just. Mark Dare was again on superb form, beating Trevor Lloyd, 3-1, with some superb angled blocking. Steve Kerns was no match for Lloyd but he did manage to overcome Terry Parkins, 3-2, a vital win and a real struggle after he had fallen 2-0 behind. Tom Carr, added the vital fourth win with another hard-fought 3-2 success, this time against Bob Murray.

BATTS had decided to leave their top player Ian Attridge out of their match and this proved to be their undoing as the Seasiders players all hit top form. Brian Clements beat both Neil Brierley and George Reeves and Barry Crook produced some very controlled Table Tennis to beat Dave Bowles 3-1. Indeed BATTS had to fight really hard to achieve a draw and both Bowles and Reeves had to dig really deep to beat the Seasiders all-action no. three John Hope 3-2.

This meant that Ellenborough could breathe a sight of relief as they were crowned Champions whilst BATTS were also aware that they would definitely be promoted. There was nothing on the last round clash between the two sides except pride. And there was no doubting which side was the best in this clash. BATTS romped home 6-0. Mark Dare’s magnificent record was finally broken when he lost 3-1 to Ian Attridge and he was unable to gain any compensation when he also missed out 3-2 to Dave Bowles. Neil Brierley again came up  trumps over five ends against Steve Kerns and he also came through a tough five-ender, by beating Tom Carr to complete the rout. After producing such a strong performance it was difficult to pick a Player of the Match, although Dave Bowles may well have edged it. His 3-0 win over Tom Carr and his superb win over Mark Dare was certainly as strong a performance as produced by any number three in this division all season.

A disappointing finish to the season for the Ellenborough side, although Mark Dare (18 wins out of 20) can take great heart from his ultra consistent play over the two weekends. His performance was possibly as good as that registered by any player in the Veterans British League all season.  Ian Attridge (14 wins out of 18) will also have been  very pleased with his efforts over the campaign. Both players will undoubtedly fare very well in Mens division two next season.

From - Steve Kerns, Press & Publicity Officer, Essex County Table Tennis Association