Braintree League: Hicks helps leaders advance

The race for the division three title in the Braintree Table Tennis League continues to be the most absorbing as the top two slug it out.

Rayne E took a one-point lead into the week’s fixtures and increased that by just one point as they beat Rayne F 7-3, while chasing Sudbury Wanderers overcame Black Notley G 6-4.

Two sets from the newly signed Adam Pitt held up Rayne E while a similar performance from Jamie Brooks helped Notley G restrict Wanderers’ scoreline.

Oliver Hicks won his three sets in straight games for Rayne E and Ian Shrubsole was unbeaten for Wanderers.

The other two matches in the division finished as draws, Notley H at Netts D and Notley I at home to Netts E.

In the second division, Sudbury Nomads stretched their lead at the top with an 8-2 win over Notley C while Notley D and Liberal C won 6-4 and 7-3 respectively.

Sean Clift was unbeaten for Notley D where the surprise was a rare nil return for Dave Marsh.

Andrew Huckson and Gareth Davies had spotless evenings for Liberal C.

At the top end of division one, Netts A drew level with Rayne A despite being a match behind.

Netts beat Notley A 9-1 – a good win for Takunda Nerutanga over Andy Holmes the one that got away – while Rayne beat Notley’s B team 6-4.

An injury to Steve Pennell will hurt Rayne’s chances of keeping Netts in sight. He was forced to pull out of the doubles and concede his last singles after aggravating a knee injury. Alan Burgess won his three singles for Rayne.

James Mullane was in form in Netts B’s 8-2 win over Liberal B. Mike Johnston got the better of Nikki Kennard and John Cleasby but could not overcome Mullane.

Braintree League: Hicks helps leaders advance Table Tennis England.