I have seen most things in table tennis, but I saw something this week that took my breath away.
Under the shrewd captaincy of Warren Slaney, Rowsley 08 have developed into a major force to be reckoned with in Matlock and their dominancy of the t
itle looks complete after only their second season together.
Playing their only other threat in the league, Warren boosted his side bringing back Sam Perry from Birmingham to play this important fixture and he needed to as well.
Rowsley Scorpions, hopes raised by the recent signing of Will Cooney from Chesterfield, looked and were a major menace.
Wins by Will (2) and Mike Bradbury (1) over Warren (1) and Jamie Smith (2) did little to ease the tension. No need to worry though as Sam Perry (3) did not disappoint and won easing up.
One moment will stick in the memory as an almost impossible ball was retreived to win a point that Sam had no right to expect. The spectators dissolved with laughter at such an outrageous shot. Rowsley 08 won the match 7-3 and deserve their lead at the top.
By his own admission that performance by Rowsley 08 was one of the best matches seen in Matlock, probably ever, and captain Warren needs no reminders that the rest of the league will not be happy until they come up with even more competition for this superb team.
Elsewhere Belper Spinners won their first match of the season with a close 6-4 victory over Cylinders B from Chesterfield.
Gerald Finney (3) was the star remaining unbeaten on the night but you have to mention the performance of Wayne Baker (2) who is developing into a major force winning two with some devastating hitting. Andy Cuckers (2) was the best of the Cylinders trio.
Colin Deaton A were at home to the CCC and lost 3-7. The CDTTA stalwart Daryl Hone got two but an all round team effort from the CCC meant that the result went the way of Cromford.
At the Whitworth Academy Pommy A took a two man Turnditch & Windley apart winning 9-1 with only the doubles to cheer the village side.
In Division Three, Highfields whitewashed Whitworth Academy 1 10-0 while Guns & Rose had a relatively comfortable passage beating Whitworth Academy 3 7-3.
