Saints’ success blows promotion race wide open

The race to grab the second promotion slot in the Sunderland Table Tennis League Division 2 has been reignited after St Gabriel’s D beat second-placed Brandon Bullets.

Gary Anderson came through 11-8 in the fifth end against Simon Knopf, and then teamed up with Istvan Soos to take the doubles in another crucial five-ender.

Tony Taylor levelled the match score with a straightends win over Anderson, but Soos hit a series of blistering drives on his way to a four-end win over Jack Jacomb.

In the climactic set, David Snowdon battled to victory over Knopf as Gabriel’s sealed a 6-4 score-line.

That result allowed Unionist Club B the chance to close the gap on Bullets and they took full advantage.

Trebles from Ray Purves and Dave Bannon, along with a double from Richard Karczewski, contributed to their 9-1 home win over St Gabriel’s C.

At the foot of the table, Sacriston Comets appear to be hurtling to relegation after a Redby CA line-up of Ken Tweedy, Malcolm Deneven, and Frank Booth proved far too strong in a 10-0 rout.

Sacriston could be joined by Silksworth IM B, who suffered a similar demolition at runaway leaders Brandon Air.

Thompson A remain on course to retain the Division 1 championship following a 9-1 win at Backspin A.

Max Duffin and Chris Blake hit maximums, but Jamie Dent’s impressive win over Marc Cotton prevented the whitewash.

Keith Weatherby hit a hat-trick, and Charlotte Weatherby (2) overcame Ian Mcallister 11-7 in the fifth end as St Chad’s defeated Sacriston Aces 7-3.

St Gabriel’s B have rallied to give themselves a chance of staying up. They are hot on the heels of the Aces after edging out Thompson B 6-4.

Jake Helm was unbeaten on the night, whilst Shirley Gelder notched a brace for the home team.

Three wins from Anthony Ainley helped Mount CA to an 8-2 success at St Gabriel’s A, with Rod Roberts and Phil Prady adding doubles. Duncan Wraight and George Gibson replied for the home team.

Brandon Crusaders’ lead at the top of Division 3 looks unassailable after a convincing 8-2 home win over East Boldon Cowboys.

West CA C are fending off challengers for second place after winning 7-3 at Redby C. For the second time this season, Redby’s top player Istvan Franko recorded a notable treble, including a five-end comeback against Mick Redfearn. However, two apiece from Alan Whitwham, Jason Gargett, and Redfearn wrapped things up for West.

East Boldon Bandits established themselves as the only realistic challengers for the second promotion place as Jordan Dove hit three in an 8-2 win over Backspin B.

In an all-Brandon affair, Patrick Nicholson was the top scorer as Energy saw off Devils 7-3.

A triple-strike from Joseph Miller was not quite enough to stave off defeat for St Gabriel’s E at Sacriston Eagles.

Luke Dumighan, Harry Veitch, and Rebecca Harrison each scored two sets as the home team came through 6-4.