Crook's nine high sees them go clear at top of table tennis league (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Crook's nine high sees them go clear at top of table tennis league

9:00am Saturday 20th October 2012 in Sport

CROOK B are the early leaders in Division 2 of the Kendal and District League after a crushing 9-1 victory at Grayrigg A made it two wins from two games.

Brian Tigg was given a scare by Jon Cooper, who narrowly lost out to the Crook defensive maestro 11-5 in a pulsating final set.

Grayrigg’s persistence paid off when Cooper eclipsed Ed Lister 11-5, 11-1, 11-5 to earn his side a solitary point. Colin Pratt and Tigg looked solid throughout for Crook, as both players recorded three triumphs apiece.

The only other side to maintain a 100 per cent record in the division is second placed Burton D, who defeated Kirkby Stephen A 8-2.

Dave White battled for Kirkby, recording straight sets victories against Shelley Rhodes and George Pickering but he was finally defeated 11-9 in the fourth set by Brian Rhodes, bringing an end to their night as Burton took the remaining points.

Dallam C gained their first win of the season, as they defeated Dent A 7-3. Dent gave a good account of themselves early on, with Dallam edging in front 3-2, thanks to Phil Hyman.

Steve Hawley’s two wins kept Dent in the tie including a tense 11-7 success in the deciding set against Norman Philbey. But Dallam were too strong for Dent, as Hyman secured three victories, adding to Philbey’s brace and a three set victory for Sam Horrocks against Gardner.

Natland E are the early pacesetters in Division 3 after winning 26-10 against Burton, who made a bright opening when Mark Stitch overpowered Gavin Lowe 11-8, 11-4, 11-6.

Stitch once again proved awkward to beat, edging out Tim Marris 11-7 in a nerve-wracking final set. Burton’s hopes of victory were eventually put to bed when Marris and Lowe completed two wins apiece, in addition to a narrow five set win in the doubles for Natland.

Crook C moved to second after a 25-14 triumph over Natland F - Glen Allen got Natland off to a flying start, edging out Chris Mowat 11-6 in a final set showdown.

Allen was outstanding once again for Natland, as he overhauled Paul Metsers, adding to George Pickthall’s four set defeat of Ben Metsers.

Meanwhile, in Division 1, Glaxo A and B are first and second respectively, with Natland B and Burton A following close behind.