Students A get vital win over title rivals to move a step closer to Division One championship crown
STUDENTS A are in pole position to be crowned Loughborough and District Table Tennis League champions after a vital victory at nearest rivals Draycott Diamonds.
Helena Dicken got the hosts off to a fine start with a convincing three game win over Joseph Hume but they then ran into the unbeaten juggernaut that is Craig Witheford.
He quickly levelled the scores at the expense of Lucy Vernon before teaming up with Hume for what proved to be the decisive set of the evening.
Vernon and Dicken were excellently placed after taking the first two games 11-4 11-9. But Witheford hit back to win the next two 11-6 and 12-10 before again triumph 12-10 in the decider.
Vernon briefly hauled Draycott back into the match by beating Hume in four games but the last two sets both went the way of the Students without dropping a game.
Their 4-2 success left Students level at the top of Division One with Diamonds but with a crucial match in hand. With only four to play, it is difficult to see them being overhauled.
Witheford has been key for Students winning all his 18 sets so far.
At the other end of the table Sawley Nags have ended their losing run although it looks as if it is going to be too late to prevent them from taking the wooden spoon.
Wayne Glossop made a huge difference to Nags as they beat nearest rivals Thringstone A 4-2 as he won both his singles and teamed up with Dave Fox to claim the doubles. However Clive Stretton and John Szostak won one each to ensure they remain well clear of Sawley.
Sawley’s plight is not helped by the fact that their next game is away to
Students this week.
Division Two also makes good reading for Students with their B side currently at the top.
They maintained their promotion push with a 5-1 win at Sawley Stars as Jacob Sharp won two and Yin Nga Lai one. Stephen Cooper prevented the whitewash for Stars.
Draycott Dolphins however remain favourites for the title as they have matches in hand.