Round One of the Clacton League’s Handicap Cup was dominated by teams from the lowest Division, with an unprecedented four of the five teams from Division Three making it through to the quarter-finals.
Third Division leaders Brotherhood F faced Brotherhood C of Division Two, an encounter which saw a first competitive meeting of father and daughter, John and Ruby Gallagher. But it was the youngsters of the ‘F’ side who emerged victorious 5-1, with Ruby (+1) defeating dad John (-6) 11-9, 11-7, 7-11, 11-8 in the process. Ruby (pictured above – photo by Roger Hance) and team-mate Joe Sherwin remained undefeated.
There was victory also for a second Brotherhood team of youngsters, Brotherhood H beating top-flight Brotherhood B 5-3, having led 2-0 and then fallen behind 3-2. Both Savindu De Silva (+1) against Joe Plummer (-5), and Harindu De Silva (+1) also against Plummer (-8), won individual matches which went the distance.
Windsor Falcons were another Third Division team pitched against Division One opposition. But another unbeaten performance from Kelvin Olano-Harper, with sterling support from team-mates Ferdy Rodriguez and Matt Thomas, earned them a 5-2 victory against Walton C.
However, it was a somewhat earlier evening for Nomads Bobcats, 5-0 winners against Windsor Kestrels. Alex Baldock and Sam Watling (+1) wrapped up affairs in the closest match of the contest, winning 3-2 (11-9, 11-4, 13-15, 9-11, 11-4) against Graham Bunce and Jackie Bunce (-5).
Three teams from Division One – Nomads Lions, Brotherhood A and Walton B – did make it to the quarter-finals.
The Lions had to fight hard, winning two matches which went close in five, before defeating Windsor Harriers 5-2. Lions’ skipper Jason Lloyd, who remained unbeaten in both singles and doubles, settled the tie with victory (on -5) over Barry Allen (+1) 9-11, 11-9, 5-11, 12-10, 11-7.
Brotherhood A were 5-1 winners over club-mates Brotherhood D with, once again, two of their wins being settled close in five. Kevin Gowlett (-8) defeated (+2) Paul Alden 11-8 in the decider while Russell Hillier (-8) edged past Tricia Salter (+1) 12-10 in the decider.
Walton B had the easiest ride, breezing past a two-player Nomads Ocelots 5-1, meaning the Ocelots were the only Third Division side which failed to win in the round.
With Brotherhood C, Windsor Kestrels, Windsor Harriers and Brotherhood D all falling by the wayside, it was left to Windsor Penguins to uphold the honour of the Second Division, the trio of Neil Chegwidden, Sharon Gowlett and Paul Stanton defeating Walton C 5-2. Gowlett was unbeaten on the night, although it was a close-run 3-2 (11-6, 9-11, 11-6, 11-13, 11-8) against Walton reserve Lynette Sparks in a match played off scratch. The Penguins crucially won both doubles.
The draw for Round Two, to be played in week beginning 24 February, will be circulated by 7 February.
* The League’s Handicap Singles Tournament takes place at the Windsor venue of St James Hall this Saturday (8 February). Play starts at 9.30am. Further information, including details about check-in times, has been sent to all 32 entrants. Any player who does not receive these details should contact League Secretary Isabel Barton.
* Entry forms for the League’s Closed Championships, which take place on 12 and 13 April, will sent out later this month. The closing date will be 14 March and players who wish to enter will need to ensure they’ve played sufficient matches by this date in order to qualify. This is likely to be six matches.