Table Tennis: Ibis climb table to put themselves in title contention (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Table Tennis: Ibis climb table to put themselves in title contention

4:50pm Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Sport By Patrick O'Kane, Senior News/Sport Reporter

THIRD-placed Ibis are rapidly climbing the Division One table and although they trail leaders Natland A by 20 points, last season’s runners up hold four games in hand.

Ibis though got the week off to a stuttering start when they were held 5-5 by mid-table Glaxo B. The Ulverston based side flew out of the starting blocks, as Tony Whitehouse and Gareth Brunton’s victories against James McGrath helped them craft an early 3-1 lead.

Ibis held onto the match by their fingertips thanks to Steve Dixon’s three victories, but Glaxo’s Brunton, Whitehouse and Keith Mallinson’s wins against Trevor Nicholson, edged Glaxo into a shock 5-3 advantage.

A draw was salvaged though at 5-5 when McGrath eased beyond Mallinson 11-8, 11-2, 11-6, and Dixon and McGrath triumphed in a last gasp fifth set doubles clash.

Defending champions Glaxo A lie in fifth place with five games in hand over their rivals and this week they earned their ninth win from ten games by dispatching Natland B 8-2. Glaxo’s Keith Dymond and Tom Smith eased to three wins, while Natland’s dogged determination paid dividends when Luke Biggins and Roger Pimblett netted successes against Paul Ackred.

Crook B have moved 22 points clear of the relegation zone after a crucial 7-3 success against fellow strugglers Natland C. Bob Bagot was impressive for Crook with a hat-trick of wins, while his team mate Brian Tigg contributed two points to the tally with successes against Howard Pimblett and Louisa Bevan. The result leaves Natland C in all sorts of danger, lying second from bottom.

Burton A moved into second after an 8-2 success against Dallam A. Burton’s Chris Knowles and Julie Stitch remained unbeaten, while Craig James and Jonathan Hyman’s triumphs against Martin Wakelin ensured the Milnthorpe side did not go away empty handed.

Bottom side Burton C are awaiting their first victory of the season, as they sank to an 8-2 derby defeat against club rivals Burton B.