The first round of the Chelmsford & District Table Tennis League's Handicap Knockout Competition produced its fair share of excitement with no fewer than five games decided by a 5-4 margin.

On the down-side there were also five concessions which is a little disappointing in what is after all an event designed to give all teams an equal chance of success.

The closest match of the round went all the way to 21-17 in the third of the final set as Writtle A finally got the better of Hatfield Peverel D.

In form League Treasurer Brian Cook emerged as the hero beating Dave Fillery at 17-in-the-third.

OCs A also needed all nine sets to get the better of OCs B, and it was Brian Shipley who emerged as their matchwinner by completing his hat-trick of wins with a 16-in-the-third success over Geoff Chatterton.

Highwood's Kevin Barber was the difference between the teams as his side beat Elmtree Graphics B 5-4.

His narrow win over Rod Maclennan in set three gave his team a 2-1 lead and it was neck and neck thereafter before his side clinched it 5-4.

Martin Goddard had the honour of playing the vital set at 4-4 and he came out on top against Melanie Bonnett.

Second division favourites Marconi won't win the Handicap Cup after falling 5-4 at the first hurdle to Writtle C.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.