Sidmouth A coast to a perfect start
23 November, 2014 Andy Rowe
Sidmouth A started life in Division 2 with a thumping 9-0 win over Cranford B. The Sidmouth team of John Carter, Paul Carter, James Newcombe, Paul Merchant, Chris Bird and Simon Heusen were rarely troubled, with only 1 rubber going to a deciding 3rd end.
Cranford B had better success against University, edging a close match by a narrow 5-4 margin. Barry Smethurst and his partner Jack Langlois led the way with 3 wins, with the remaining 2 points coming from Bernard Langlois and Brian Shemilt. Cameron Levy and Ali Whittle top scored for the students with 2 wins.
In Division 3A, Exeter C has stormed to the top after a trio of wins – a 6-3 win over St Leonards B, a 9-0 win over Otter Vale and a 7-2 win over Ringswell B. The Exeter team has been strengthened this season by the arrival of new players, notably Alexey Bessudnov and Pierre Aumjaud, who have combined well with existing players Jack Southcott, Tom Laver, Chris Bowker and Andy Sands.
In Division 3B Honiton made life hard for themselves before making it 2 League wins in a row. Honiton’s Roger Tucker and Ethan Leach starred with 3 wins to help their team triumph 5-4 in a nailbiting match against St Leonards D. Teammates Sam Prangley and Chris Marris also contributed with 2 wins. The Saints Barrie Sharman and Martin Weller bagged a brace of wins.
Chulmleigh secured a dramatic 5-4 win over Clyst Vale, despite playing an unregistered player. Ben Hamill and Richie Herkes were Chulmleigh’s heroes with 3 fine wins. Matt Hamill and John Down capped a great match with 2 wins for Chulmleigh – a feat was that matched by Clyst Vale’s top pair of James Allum and John Edwards.
Exeter A remain on top of Division 1 following a 7-2 win over Ringswell A. The Owens brothers were on opposing teams, with Sam Owens, partnered with Geoff Littler, beating younger brother Callum (and his partner Nigel Osborne) 21-15, 17-21, 21-18, on their way to 3 wins.