Week Commencing 21st April 2008           St. Joseph's collected a welcome eleven points in their final two matches - points which moved them two places up the table.   Sue Hickman, Gary Carr and Francis Ma claimed an 8 - 2 home win over Buttsbury "C" with both Hickman and Carr unbeaten and Ma gaining one win. Hickman gained her win over Sam Gilbert in five having to come from behind to win in five 4/11, 11/9, 10/12, 11/8, 11/5 - both Gilbert and Joyce Bassett recorded wins over Ma but Peter James was the unfortunate third player for Buttsbury and failed to score.      The next and final match for St. Joseph's was another home fixture - this one a losing one 3 - 7 against Writtle "A" - the home trio of Sue Hickman (2 wins), Lindsay Phelps and Francis Ma were unable to get the better of Brian Cook who was unbeaten with both Dave Moles and Francis Whitbread winning twice - Hickman and Phelps picked up another point in a four end win in the doubles.

Week Commencing 14th April 2008                     Billericay Sports "C" and BAE "B" completed their matches for the season but it was no happy ending for the home side as they were soundly beaten 1 - 9 by the visitors - Colin Clements and Gary Hhartgrove were unbeaten with Alby Warner winning twice - his defeat coming at the hands of Robert Kemp playing his first match of the season for the Sport's side - Mick Joslin and Brian Wellman did their best to stem the flow and took several games to four ends but the difference between the two teams was seen in the final result - although it must be said that the home side were weakened by holidays and were without their number one Mike Johnston.

Week Commencing 7th April 2008              Mountnessing "C" found themselves in trouble against visitors Billericay Sports "D" and were soundly beaten 10 - 0 by Alf Fox, Linda Murray and Nigel Swanton. Gordon Reid and Paul Singleton lost the first two singles against Fox and Swanton before Joan Donovan collected the first two ends against Murray but the visitor fought back against a very difficult opponent and won the next three ends to take Sports three up 4/11, 9/11, 11/3, 11/5, 11/6 and from then on it was all Sports "D" although Murray was engaged in another five end battle - on this occasion against Reid - Murray winning 11/6, 9/11, 12/10, 8/11, 11/8.                     A 5 - 5 draw was the outcome when Brentwood "B" entertained Writtle "A" - Brian Steward who had failed to win a game against BAE Selex "B" found his touch in this match and soundly defeated Ian Hockley, Frank Neill and Brian Cook - all in three ends - Colin Griffiths pitched in with one win over Hockley in five but losing to Neill in five - the home sides third player Mary Nicholls also picked up one point by defeated the out of form Hockley but she, like Griffiths lost in five to Neill - the visitors collected a further point with a win in the doubles.

Week Commencing 31st March 2008                    Divisional Champions BAE Selex "B" are ending their successful season on a high - in their home match with Brentwood "B" Trevor Ward was in excellent form and unbeaten with Colin Clements and Chris Aukett winning two apiece - their defeats coming at the hands of Bob Garson, both Brian Steward and Colin Griffiths failed to score.      By defeating their visitors BAE ensured that Billericay Sports "C" would complete their season in runners-up position as Brentwood needed maximum points from their remaining two games to overtake the Sports team.        

Billericay Sports "D" won their fifth game of the season by defeating St. Joseph's at Crays Hill 6 - 4.  A team affair as Alf Fox and Malcolm Henstock both won twice with Linda Murray picking up one point but sharing a doubles win with Henstock.   Gary Carr was the star performer for the visitors - just edging out Fox in the first singles 7/11, 11/3, 11/7, 7/11, 11/6 and then having a tremendous battle with Murray before edging home 3/11, 5/11, 11/7, 11/8, 15/13.   Lindsay Phelps defeated Murray for her single point but also gave a good account of herself with five end struggles against both Fox and Henstock - Francis Ma was the third St. Joseph's player and failed to score.       A much changed Mountnessing "B" team of Peter Hardiman, John Hickey and Len Jupe were 7 - 3 winners away at Buttsbury "C" who had Carolyn Cole to thank for an unbeaten performance and the three Buttsbury points - against Hardiman having to come from losing the first two ends to win in five - Joyce Bassett and Peter James were unable to score for the home side who also lost the doubles. 

Week Commencing 24th March 2008                           Mountnessing "B" recorded an 8 - 2 home win over Billericay Sports "D" to reverse the score in the reverse fixture.  On this occasion Mick Morris and Chris Crooks were unbeaten- Morris losing one end all evening while Crooks had to battle a little harder - being taken to five ends by both Nigel Swanton and Linda Murray and four ends by Alf Fox - Swanton and Murray defeated Jon Dyson for the visitors two points with Dyson getting the better of Fox in five ends.  An easy win for the home side in the doubles in four but the match saw four encounters to five ends and four to four ends.            The second Mountnessing team in the Division were home to BAE Selex "B" and could only field two players in Paul Singleton and Joan Donovan - unfortunately for Mountnessing the visitors of Trevor Ward, Alan Wood and Gary Hartgrove were in no mood to consider the low position in the League of the home side and sailed through the games with only one going to four ends.               Billericay Sports "C" were another home team who could only field two players in Brian Warren and Brian Wellman against a Buttsbury "B" team comprising of James Kelly, Sue Body and Tony Nettleingham and were soundly beaten 3 - 7 with Kelly unbeaten, Body defeating Warren and Nettleingham defeating Wellman - the home side gained another extremely valuable point with a win in the doubles.      

Week Commencing 17th March 2008              Leaders BAE Selex "A" were 7 - 3 winners at home to St. Joseph's - Colin Clements remaining unbeaten having lost twice in 25 games - Alby Warner lost to Gary Carr in three in the first game of the evening with Sue Hickman claiming a second point in the singles with a win over Trevor Ward - St. Joseph's third point came via a doubles win for a Hickman/Carr combination over Warner/Ward in the only game to go the full distance of five ends winning 8/11, 12/10, 8/11, 11/7, 12/10.     Billericay Sports "C" maintain their second position with a 6 - 4 away win at Brentwood "B" - Mike Johnston was instrumental in their victory with an unbeaten performance which keeps him in second spot in the top ten averages with 92% - Mike Joslin won twice losing to Bob Garson in four but defeating both Colin Griffiths and Mary Nicholls while Sports third player picked up a solitary win by defeating Nicholls in five.     Buttsbury "C" collected only their second win of the season by defeating Writtle "A" 6 - 4 at home - they had Carolyn Cole to thank for an excellent unbeaten performance - Vince Gurney defeated Dave Moles and Martin Goddard (1 win) but lost to Ian Hockley (2 wins) in four - Joyce Bassett also defeated Moles but the visitors picked up another point with a doubles win in five.    The following week Writtle "A" were at home to Mountnessing "C" and with the visitors Brian Nicholson picking up a hat trick of wins and Joan Donovan winning once (victory over Francis Whitbread) and the combination of Nicholson/Donovan taking the doubles over Neill/Whitbread a 5 - 5 draw was the outcome - Gordon Reid being unable to score for the visitors.

Week Commencing 10th March 2008                               Billericay Sports "D" entertained bottom club Buttsbury "C" and were worthy 9 - 1 winners with both Alf Fox and Malcolm Henstock remaining unbeaten and Nigel Swanton winning twice - his defeat coming at the hands of Joyce Bassett who completed the double over Swanton having won in the reverse fixture - Vince Gurney and Carolyn Cole were Buttsbury's other players - Gurney fighting back against Swanton from two ends down only to lose in the final end 11/13, 10/12, 14/12, 11/8, 4/11 and a similar five end struggle against Henstock.           Buttsbury "B" were at home to Brentwood "B" and had to give best to their visitors 4 - 6 although they did have Reagan Nettleingham picking up three of their points and then collecting another point in a doubles win over Bob Garson, Colin Griffiths and Mary Nicholls - Sue Body and Tony Nettleingham were Buttsbury's other two players - all three Brentwood players picking up two wins each with five of them to four ends and one in three.     Writtle "A" collected a 6 - 4 home win over Mountnessing "B" but the home side were unable to match the difficult skills of the visitors Mick Morris who was undefeated and taking all games three straight - Chris Crooks had three long battles against Ian Hockley, John Barrett and Frank Neill with all of them going to a fifth end with the home players taking the final end in each to leave Crooks pointless as was Peter Hardiman - a Morris/Crooks pairing took the doubles for a fourth point for Mountnessing.           Mountnessing "C" were outsmarted by visitors Buttsbury  "B" who provided two unbeaten players in James Kelly and Tony Nettleingham - their third player Sue Body collected her point with a win over Len Jupe who was pointless with both Brian Nicholson and Joan Donovan for the home side both getting the better of Body.

Week Commencing 3rd March 2008               Brentwood "B" entertained high flying Billericay Sports "C" and had to be content with four points in a 6 - 4 defeat - Mike Johnston was again the cornerstone for the visitors and won his three games, Mike Joslin (another top ten player) won twice - being denied his maximum by Bob Garson with Brian Warren defeating Mary Nicholls for his one point. - with Garson scoring twice, Colin Griffiths collected one point and then teamed up with Garson to gain an excellent doubles victory over Johnston/Joslin.           BAE Selex "B" were handed their first defeat of the season when Mountnessing "B" pulled off a 6 - 4 home win thanks to a fine Mick Morris treble - having to fight all the way in his contests with Trevor Ward, Chris Aukett and Alan Wood - Morris fell 2 - 2 behind in ends in each of the games but stayed the course to win all in five ends - Chris Crooks weighed in with two wins and the pair then combined to take the doubles for a memorable win - Jon Dyson was Mountnessing's third player , taking Wood to five but unable to score.          BAE Selex "B" had a week earlier gained a 9 - 1 home win over luckless Buttsbury "C" with both Alby Warner and Chris Aukett picking up maximums, Gary Hartgrove was their third player and suffered a five end defeat at the hands of Vince Gurney for Buttsbury's solitary point - Joyce Bassett and Peter James being Buttsbury's other two players.

Week Commencing 25th February 2008                 Confusion at Mountnessing "B" when their visitors Buttsbury "B" turned up for a fixture only to find a Parish Council meeting taking place in the hall - as a consequence the match was conceded to Buttsbury "B" 10 - 0.  Buttsbury "B" then went on to collect another six points with a 6 - 4 home win over St. Joseph's who could only field two players in Sue Hickman and Gary Carr - with Reagan Nettleingham unbeaten in two, James Kelly defeating Carr in five but losing to Hickman in four and Duncan Ramsey (P/up) unable to score - one would imagine that St. Joseph's would be pleased with their return of four points from the match considering that  Nettleingham's playing ability is much higher than the Division in which he is currently playing.    With results from BAE "Selex "B" still not in it was left to Billericay Sports "C" to go back to the top of the Division with a 10 - 0 home win over luckless Mountnessing "C" - Mike Joslin, Mike Johnston and Brian Warren were rarely troubled by Gordon Reid, Len Jupe and Paul Singleton with only two encounters going to a fourth end - unfortunately the visitors were outclassed by Sports "C" who look destined for promotion barring accidents.        Writtle "A" were at home to Billericay Sports "D" and ran out comfortable winners 7 - 3 - Brian Cook and Frank Neill were unbeaten with Dave Moles losing to both Linda Murray and Nigel Swanton  - Malcolm Henstock was pointless but never gave up - losing to both Neill and Moles in five - the doubles point was conceded to Sports "D".

Week Commencing 18th February 2008                       BAE Selex "B" continue their relentless run to the Premier Division and gained a haul of 18 points in their latest two matches.  At home to Writtle "A" Chris Aukett, Gary Hartgrove and Colin Clements collected all ten points against Dave Moles, Brian Cook and Ian Hockley - the only game going the distance being the doubles.        Their next match away to Billericay Sports "D" almost ended in similar fashion but Nigel Swanton earned the home side their two points with excellent victories over both Alby Warner and Chris Aukett with both Alf Fox and Malcolm Henstock unable to score - Colin Clements was the visitors third player and collected a handy maximum.      St. Joseph's and Billericay Sports "C" fashioned a 5 - 5 draw from their match with Mike Johnston unbeaten for the visitors and supported by Brian Warren and Linda Murray with one win each - the doubles decided the outcome of the match with the pairing of Sue Hickman and Gary Carr just getting the better of Johnston and Warren 11/8, 11/9, 6/11, 10/12, 11/8. Lindsay Phelps was St. Joseph's third player and was unable to score.           Mountnessing "C" remain near the bottom of the table and could only register one point via a win for Joan Donovan over Bob Garson in their team's match with Brentwood "B". Final score 9 - 1 in favour of Brentwood with Colin Griffiths and Mary Nicholls unbeaten and Garson winning twice - Gordon Reid lost to both Garson and Griffiths in five putting up strong resistance but failing to score.

Week Commencing 11th February 2008                                   With a couple of results still to come from BAE Selex "B" the table shows a new team at the top as Billericay Sports "C" gained an 8 - 2 win at the expense of Mountnessing "B" - the home side had Mike Johnston to thank for three of their points in an unbeaten performance but both Brian Warren and Mike Joslin made good contributions with two wins each.  Mick Morris prevented Brian Warren from achieving a maximum and John Hockley did likewise to Joslin -  a number of the encounters went to five ends and there were a generous sprinkling of nets and edges throughout the games Jon Dyson in particular being on the wrong end of some of them.                           The two Buttsbury teams in the Division faced each other with the home "B" team of Reagan Nettleingham, Tony Nettleingham and David Ramsey (P/up) in opposition to the "C" team of Joyce Bassett, Carolyn Cole and Vince Gurney - Buttsbury "B" were 9 - 1 winners with Gurney the points scorer for the "C" team - he had a five end encounter with Ramsey in the first singles and was a trifle unfortunate to lose 11/9, 8/11, 2/11, 12/10, 9/11 - he later defeated Tony Nettleingham in another five end ding dong battle 12/10, 12/10, 9/11, 12/14, 11/9.   Ramsey was forced to battle back from a two end deficit against Cole before getting home 10/12, 8/11, 11/3, 13/11, 11/7.           Brentwood "B" and St. Joseph's were two other teams to settle for a 5 - 5 draw at Tipps Cross with the doubles being conceded to the visitors for their fifth point - Bob Garson with two wins over Gary Carr and Nicola Parks, Brian Steward also two wins over Sue Hickman and Parks and Colin Griffiths with a five end win over Hickman were responsible for Brentwood's five points.  Carr,s victory over Steward was also in five ends but the final point in the doubles being conceded to St. Joseph's with the pairing of Hickman and Carr in the lead 2 - 1 at the time. 

Week Commencing 4th February 2008                                        Leading the Division and still favourites to go up as Champions are BAE Selex "B" who gained a 7 - 3 home win at the expense of Buttsbury "B" - the home side fielded Gary Hartgrove (2 wins), Chris Aukett (3 wins) and Colin Clements (2 wins) against James Kelly, David Ramsey (P/Up) and Sue Body.  Body claimed Buttsbury two singles wins - four ends over both Hartgrove and Clements - both Kelly and Ramsey played well without any luck - both taking ends from their opponents.          Billericay Sports "C" remain in second place thanks to a 9 - 1 away win at Buttsbury "C" - Mike Johnston and Mike Joslin produced good performances against Caroline Cole, Vince Gurney and George Gaze and were both undefeated - Buttsbury's point coming with a win for Cole over Brian Warren.         Billericay Sports "D" faced Reagan Nettleingham of Buttsbury "B" for the second time this season with the inevitable result - Reagan unbeaten in a Division where his talents are wasted - he was on the winning side however as both Tony Nettleingham (2 wins) and David Ramsey(P/Up 2 wins)  made short work of both Alf Fox and Malcolm Henstock - they were unable to get the better of Linda Murray however who claimed the Sport's teams two points.    Chasing the top two and still five points adrift are Mountnessing "B" who gained a worthy 9 - 1 home win over luckless Brentwood "B" - the home trio of Mick Morris, Chris Crooks and Jon Dyson were far too strong for Brian Steward, Colin Griffiths and Dave Parker - Dyson was the only loser for the home team going down to Steward in five - and almost losing to Parker in five 11/7, 7/11, 12/14, 11/7, 11/9.        A week earlier Brentwood "B" had disposed of Buttsbury "C" inn a 9 - 1home win over Vince Gurney, Caroline Cole and Peter James with Cole picking up the away teams single point with a four end win over Bob Garson - losing unfortunately to both Colin Griffiths and Mary Nicholls in five.            St. Joseph's earned a 7 - 3 home win thanks to Sue Hickman and Gary Carr being undefeated against Mountnessing "C" - Brian Nicholson, Joan Donovan and Paul Singleton all defeated the luckless Francis Ma who claimed an end from two of his opponents but was unable to score.  The doubles win for Hickman and Carr secured the seventh point for St. Joseph's.

Week Commencing 28th January 2008                    Buttsbury "B" found themselves an early night in their home fixture against Writtle "A" as the visitors could only field two players and with Reagan Nettleingham in the side Buttsbury soon made short work of their opponents although Writtle did take two of the singles on offer - Frank Neill defeated Sue Body in four ends and John Barrett completed an excellent three end win over James Kelly - Barrett almost claiming another point against Body - taking a 2 - 1 lead but losing in five 11/8, 8/11, 11/5, 4/11, 8/11.  Final score 8 - 2 to Buttsbury.     The clash of the two Mountnessing teams resulted in an 8 - 2 "away" win for the "B" team over the "C" team.  Fielding a strong side Mick Morris and Chris Crooks completed trebles with Peter Hardiman winning once - his win over Joan Donovan coming in five ends despite losing the first two ends.  Crooks had a couple of close games which went his way - against Brian Nicholson he came from 2 - 1 down to take the fifth end 11/5 and against Gordon Reid he won in four.  Donovan was unfortunately not able to add to the scoreline for the "C" team.  Another local "derby" match saw Billericay Sports "C" at home to Billericay Sports "D" and the result keeps the "C" team in second place - the 6 - 4 win saw Mike Johnston maintain his excellent form with three reasonably comfortable wins - losing an end to both Linda Murray and Nigel Swanton - Mike Joslin earned his side two points with wins over Swanton and Malcolm Henstock in three ends but was unable to force home a 2 end lead against Murray who finally succeeded in a pulsating all out attacking game 8/11, 8/11, 11/4, 11/9, 12/10.  All three of the "D" team players outwitted the normally determined Brian Wellman with both Swanton and Henstock winning in four and Murray in three.  The doubles saw the "C" team get home in four to gain the extra vital point and the victory 6 - 4.

Week Commencing 14th January 2008                      A win for second placed Billericay Sports "C" away at Writtle "A" 7 - 3 saw them close the gap on the leaders to nine points although BAE Selex "B" have the advantage of two games in hand.    Mike Johnston was the key to success for the Sports team with an unbeaten performance which keeps him in the top five of the division's averages.  Brian Wellman supported with two wins both narrowly, over Chris Hibbitt in five - Hibbitt taking the first two legs but losing out 11/4, 11/7, 8/11, 5/11, 9/11 and over Ian Hockley in four - Hockley was unable to score as he also lost in five to Nigel Swanton (1 win) in five - Frank Neill claimed two wins for the home side and Hibbitt one win with the doubles point going to the visitors.                  Mountnessing "B" made short work of their match against visitors St. Joseph's with a thumping 9 - 1 home win - although it must be said that the visitors could only field two players in Sue Hickman and Lindsay Phelps - the visitors only point coming via a win for Hickman over Jon Dyson in four ends - Hickman losing out to Chris Crooks in five and to Mick Morris in three.   Brentwood "B" were entertained by Billericay Sports "D" at Crays Hill and recorded a 6 - 4 away win - Bob Garson and Colin Griffiths picked up two wins each with victories over Nigel Swanton (pointless) and Malcolm Henstock (1 win) with Brian Steward gaining one point - Henstock's point coming via a three end win over Steward - none of the visitors could however get the better of the excellent Linda Murray who defeated both Garson and Steward in three ends and Griffiths in four.  Griffiths was the unsung hero for Brentwood - in his first match he looked all at sea in the first two ends against Henstock but battled his way to a fine five end win 8/11, 3/11, 11/9, 11/9, 11/5  and in his next encounter handed out a lesson in control to Swanton - defeating him in three.                Buttsbury "C" were unable to contain a vibrant Mountnessing "C" team in their home match with the visitors pulling off a 10 - 0 victory - Gordon Reid, Brian Nicholson and Joan Donovan were far too good for Joyce Bassett, George Gaze and Peter James with only one game going to the full five ends. 

Week Commencing 10th December 2007                                The top two teams in the Division met at BAE Sports and Social Club where the Selex "B" team of Colin Clements, Chris Aukett and Alby Warner took on second placed Billericay Sports "C".  The visitors began with a win for Mike Johnston over Clements in three but then had to wait until game eight before winning their second point with another three end win for Johnston - this time over Aukett - Johnston being denied his treble by Warner.  Brian Wellman took games from two of his opponents but unfortunately for Sports they lost Brian Warren through injury having played only one game and any hope the visitors had disappeared with the loss of Warren - the final score saw BAE Selex "B" record an 8 - 2 victory.          A heavy home defeat for Buttsbury "C" against St. Joseph's keep them firmly fixed in the bottom two - Caroline Cole with two wins - over both Gary Carr (three ends)  in the first singles and later over Lindsay Phelps (fopur ends)  was Buttsbury's only point scorer , Joyce Bassett and Peter James being unable to collect any wins although Bassett lost to Phelps in four, to Sue Hickman (unbeaten) in five and to Carr in five - in these last two Bassett forced her opponents to a fifth end despite having lost the first two ends in each.  

Week Commencing 3rd December 2007                             Billericay Sports "D" continued their recent winning vein with a 7 - 3 home win over bottom club Mountnessing "C" - Gordon Reid was the visitors most successful player with two wins - defeating both Malcolm Henstock and Nigel Swanton in five ends but losing out in the last singles of the evening to Alf Fox - Fox being denied his maximum by a determined all action contest with Joan Donovan who won in four ends - Brian Nicholson was pointless.    Writtle "A" edged a little nearer the top but dropped valuable points in a 5 - 5 draw with visitors Brentwood "B" - Bob Garson was instrumental for Brentwood and produced a cracking performance defeating Ian Hockley, Dave Moles and Frank Neill all in three ends - Brian Steward and Colin Griffiths weighed in with a point each but the home side collected the doubles with a win for Hockley and Neill who both won two singles.

Week Commencing 26th November 2007                Top team BAE Selex "B"  enjoyed an 8 - 2 away win at Brentwood "B" and had Chris Aukett and Colin Clements picking up maximums and Alan Wood winning once with Wood and Aukett taking the doubles over Bob Garson and Brian Steward - only one singles Colin Griffiths defeat at the hands of Wood  and the doubles went to five ends but there were numerous four end tussles which went in BAE's favour - both Garson and Steward completing three end wins over Wood - with one game left in the first half BAE look certain to take a healthy lead into the final nine matches of the season.                                      Third placed Mountnessing "B" pulled off a 9 - 1 home win over Buttsbury "C" with both Mick Morris and Chris Crooks unbeaten and Jon Dyson winning twice - surprisingly only one game went to five ends,  Crooks over George Gaze and one to four ends, Dyson over Carolyn Cole Joyce Bassett was Buttsbury's sole points winner defeating Dyson in three ends.               Billericay Sports "D" collected their second win of the season with an 8 - 2 away win at St. Joseph's - Linda Murray was their star player with three wins although her win over Francis Ma came in five ends with Murray finding the pen holder style of her opponent difficult to adjust to - the first two ends to the visitor but Ma fought back and just failed to pick up the vital points in the fifth end losing 12/14, 1/11, 11/9, 12/10, 7/11.   Sue Hickman collected one win with victory over Nigel Swanton while Nicola Parks gained the other St. Joseph's point by defeating Alf Fox.           Still seeking their first win of the season are Mountnessing "C" who lost 4 - 6 at home to Writtle "A" - Brian Nicholson won twice for Mountnessing with wins over Brian Cook and Martin Goddard - Goddard also losing to Joan Donovan and Paul Singleton - Frank Neill was the top player for Writtle with an unbeaten performance - his three wins coming all in three ends - Cook (2 wins) having to put up a more sterner fight to beat Singleton in four and Donovan in five.    A week earlier Writtle "A" had fallen 3 - 7 at home to St. Joseph's who had Gary Carr to thank for three excellent wins and with both Sue Hickman and Lindsay Phelps winning twice - Hickman losing to Dave Moles in five and Phelps losing to Hockley in four.

Week Commencing 19th November 2007                      Billericay Sports "D" finally claimed their first win of the season in an 8 - 2 home win over Mountnessing "B".  Linda Murray was the star of the evening with three wins - over Mick Morris in three, over Peter Hardiman in four and Jon Dyson in three, Alf Fox won twice, Jon Dyson preventing a maximum by winning in the first game of the night 10/12, 11/9, 8/11, 11/9, 11/9 - Dyson scoring 51 points in the process and Fox 50.  Mountnessing's other win came from a win for Morris over another two point player for Sports in Malcolm Henstock - Henstock recovering from a two end deficit against Dyson to record a five end win and with Murray/Henstock winning the doubles over Dyson/Hardiman the 8 - 2 scoreline was a little flattering for the home side.         BAE Selex "B" went to the top of the table with a 10 - 0 home whitewash against bottom club Mountnessing "C" - Gary Hartgrove, Trevor Ward and Alby Warner proved too strong for Gordon Reid, Larry Bohosee and Paul Singleton - none of the encounters went to a fifth end and BAE look a safe bet to recclaim their Premier Division place that they lost last season.    Close rivals Billericay Sports "C" meanwhile were away to a Butsbury "B" team who employed Reagan Nettleingham again as their number one - he duly obliged with another maximum losing one end on the night to Mike Johnson who defeated booth Tony Nettleingham and James Kelly - two other points came the way of Sports "C" with Brian Warren defeating Tony Nettleingham and Brian Wellman beating Kelly - Wellman also a shade unlucky to lose a 2 - 1 lead against Tony Nettleingham and going down 11/9, 6/11, 11/8, 4/11, 8/11 - the doubles went to Buttsbury in a 6 - 4 home win for Buttsbury.

Week Commencing 12th November 2007                               Brentwood "B" maintained pressure on the top two teams with a 6 - 4 home win over Buttsbury "B" all three of Brentwood's players collected two points - Bob Garson (in four ends)  and Brian Steward (in five ends)  both lost to James Kelly who was outsmarted by Colin Griffiths (in four ends) - Griffiths being denied his maximum by Tony Nettleingham in three ends - Laurie Tunbridge was Buttsbury's third player but failed to score.  

Week Commencing 5th November 2007                 Divisional leaders Billericay Sports "C" won their match with close rivals Brentwood "B" and had Malcolm Henstock (P/Up) to thank for an inspired maximum - he defeated Dave Parker in five ends followed by an excellent win over Bob Garson 21/19, 11/7, 6/11, 5/11, 11/9 with his final win coming against Mary Nicholls.  Mick Joslin had a hectic evening - defeating Garson in five after taking the first two ends, then Nicholls in five again after taking the first two ends and finally against Parker he once again took the first two ends but on this occasion his opponent picked up the last three ends.  Garson and Nicholls defeated Brian Warren for their single point and with the visitors taking the doubles for a 6 - 4 defeat.              BAE Selex "B" were at home to a depleted Mountnessing "B" team who could only muster two players Jon Dyson and Peter Hardiman - despite several close encounters the home side of Colin Clements, Gary Hartgrove and Alby Warner collected all the points in a 10 - 0 result - Hardiman for the visitors gaining several ends but to no avail.         Yet another victory for BAE Selex "A" to report on - this time away to St. Joseph's - their team of Alby Warner  playing alongside Gary Hartgrove and Alan Wood against Sue Hickman, Nicola Parks and Francis Ma - Warner was instrumental in the final result winning all three of his games and taking a share of the doubles win - Hartgrove won twice - losing to Hickman but winning his other two - against Parks 9/11, 8/11, 11/6, 11/9, 11/9 - Wood losing to Hickman and Parks.         A 6 - 4 home win for Buttsbury "C" over Billericay Sports "D" takes them level on points but with Sports holding a game in hand.  Vince Gurney proved to be the decisive factor for Buttsbury as he was unbeaten - he defeated Linda Murray (2 win) in five, Nigel Swanton in four and in the decisive ninth singles came from a 1 - 2 deficit to defeat Malcolm Henstock (2 wins) in five - Joyce Bassett and Caroline Cole had a victory over Swanton to add to their points total - after seven games Sports held a 4 - 3 advantage but Buttsbury stormed back to take the final three for a 6 - 4 winning scoreline.          Reagan Nettleingham was on call again for Buttsbury "B" and duly took all of his games in three ends in a 7 - 3 home win over Mountnessing "C" - father Tony Nettleingham picked up two wins losing to Bruno Handel in three ends and with Sue Body also winning twice - her loss coming at the hands of Brian Nicholson in five ends7/11, 12/10, 6/11, 13/11, 10/12 - Joan Donovan was Mountnessing's third player.

Week Commencing 29th October 2007                        Buttsbury "B" collected a welcome 7 - 3 home win over Mountnessing "C" and had Reagan Nettleingham to thank for three of their points, father Tony and Sue Body supported with two wins each but the visitors took the doubles - Brian Nicholson defeated Body for his single win and Bruno Handel defeated Tony Nettleingham for the visitors second point with the third coming via the doubles.          Buttsbury "C" cannot gain sufficient points to take them out of bottom spot and lost 9 - 1 at home to BAE Selex "A" - Gary Hartgrove and Colin Clements were unbeaten with Alan Wood winning twice - his defeat coming at the hands of Vince Gurney - Joyce Bassett and George Gaze were Buttsbury's other two players.      Frank Neill of Writtle "A" completed a maximum in his team's 6 - 4 win over Buttsbury "C" Brian Cook won twice but was defeated in five by Graham Sturton (P/Up), Carolyn Cole gained one win over Martin Goddard but Buttsbury's third player Peter James failed to score - Buttsbury collected their fourth point in a close doubles encounter with Cole and Sturton beating Cook and Neill 7/11, 9/11, 11/6, 12/10, 14/12.

Week Commencing 22nd October 2007                         For the second week in succession and for the fourth time this season Billericay Sports "C" were forced to call on a player from a lower team - again this week it was Malcolm Henstock (P/Up) who stepped in against Mountnessing "C" and recorded his second unbeaten performance - he supported Mike Johnston who was also unbeaten with their third player Brian Wellman unusually empty handed although taking a share in the doubles win.  All three of Mountnessing's players collected their point with Paul Singleton being made to fight the hardest for his win over Wellman - losing the first two ends he never gave up the chase and picked up an excellent win 4/11, 9/11, 11/9, 11/5, 12/10.  Gordon Reid and Joan Donovan also collected one point but put up good performances against their other opponents.            Billericay Sports "D" lost their home match against Writtle "A" 3 - 7 who had Ian Hockley to thank for an unbeaten performance although he came narrowly close to being beaten by Linda Murray - losing the first two ends Murray fought back to take the encounter to a fifth end and actually held the advantage at 11/10 in the fifth end but dropping the vital points in the run in - losing 9/11, 9/11, 14/12, 12/10, 12/14 - Murray also won her other two games against Brian Cook and Frank Neill in three ends.  Alf Fox lost the first two ends against Neill but prevailed in the fifth end 11/7 for his one point - against Cook a similar start saw Fox stay in the game by winning ends three and four only to lose in the fifth 8/11, 5/11, 11/9, 11/5, 9/11.  Nigel Swanton lost in five to Cook but was unable to score on the night.                St. Joseph's collected their second 10 - 0 win of the season when they demolished Buttsbury "B" at home - Sue Hickman, Gary Carr and Lindsay Phelps gained fairly comfortable wins over Tony Nettleingham, James Kelly and Sue Body although it must be said that Body lost her first game to Carr in five, followed that by losing to Hickman in four and then failed to maintain a 2 - 1 end advantage against Phelps before losing 6/11, 11/9, 12/10, 10/12, 8/11.

Week Commencing 15th October 2007                  Billericay Sports "C" maintained their place at the top when they were gifted three points in their home match with St. Joseph's- the visitors could only muster two players Lyndsey Phelps and Francis Ma and went down to a 9 - 1 scoreline - Brian Wellman and Malcolm Henstock (P/Up)  winning twice and Brian Warren falling in five to Phelps.                       A 9 - 1 home victory for Brentwood "B" against Mountnessing "C" keeps them second in the Division - Bob Garson and Brian Steward were undefeated and Colin Griffiths supported with two wins against Gordon Reid, Brian Nicholson and Paul Singleton - Garson's wins were all taken in three ends with Steward having a somewhat more difficult time - beating Reid in four and Nicholson in five 14/12, 5/11, 11/4, 9/11, 11/8 - Griffiths was also involved in a five end tussle with Reid 11/9, 11/7, 6/11, 4/11, 11/8.         Reagan Nettleingham made his second appearance in Buttsbury's "B" team and had two comfortable wins against the Mountnessing "B" team of two players - Jon Dyson and Peter Hardiman collected three points for their efforts with Buttsbury's third player Laurie Tunbridge losing to both of his opponents.  Hardiman collected a superb win over Kelly in five - having lost a two end lead the game seemed lost when Hardiman lost the third and fourth ends 7/11 and 1/11 but giving no quarter the visitor refused to go under and was successful 11/9 in the final end.           BAE Selex "B" entertained Billericay Sports "D" and picked up a 6 - 4 win with both Colin Clements and Trevor Ward unbeaten - Alan Wood was the unlucky player on the night losing all three to Alf Fox, Linda Murray and Nigel Swanton and with Fox and Murray combining to defeat Clements and Ward in the doubles the visitors were pleased with their evenings work although the result might have been different had Murray been able to hold on to an advantage in her match with Ward - at 2 - 1 in her favour Murray had three game and set points snatched away in the fourth end with Ward patiently hanging in- and succeeding eventually in the fourth and then  final end of a nail biting contest. 

Week Commencing 8th October 2007                           St. Joseph's continued their winning run at the start of the season with their third victory in succession by defeating Brentwood "B" 6 - 4 - Gary Carr was unbeaten defeating Bob Garson and Colin Griffiths in three and Bruce Hay in four, Sue Hickman claimed two wins losing to Garson in five 9/11, 10/12, 11/9, 11/4, 6/11, defeating Griffiths in three and Hay in five 8/11, 15/13, 12/14, 11/5, 11/7 - three of the visitors points were picked up with wins over Francis Ma who failed to score - an easy three end win in the doubles for Carr/Hickman over Garson/Hay secured the sixth point for the home side. 

Week Commencing 1st October 2007                          Billericay Sports "C" pulled off an excellent 10 - 0 home win over luckless Buttsbury "C" - the home side of Brian Wellman, Mike Joslin and Nigel Swanton (P/up) were too strong for Joyce Bassett, Vince Gurney and Peter James and looked on course for at least one point with Gurney taking a two end lead over Swanton but the home player got back into the game taking the third end 12/10 followed by the final two ends 11/2, 11/9.     The same three Billericay Sports "C" players Brian Wellman, Mike Joslin and Nigel Swanton (P/up) were not so lucky however in an away match several days later against Mountnessing "B" but still managed to  force a 5 - 5 draw.  Mick Morris was unbeaten losing only one end all night in his encounter with Brian Wellman - Chris Crooks (1 win) defeated Wellman and lost his other two - against Swanton in five ends and against Mike Joslin while Mountnessing's third player John Hockley failed to register any wins.   The fifteen points picked up from these two matches took the Sports "C" team to the top of the table.        Alby Warner, Gary Hartgrove and Alan Wood travelled to Writtle for their match with their "A" team and would have hoped for more than the five points they came away with. The home side could only field two players in Dave Moles and Frank Neill but they more than made up for their absent third player by taking five of the six singles on offer - Neill losing to Wood in three ends but defeating his other two opponents - Moles had a tougher evening going to five against Warner and Hartgrove but remaining unbeaten and with the visitors taking the doubles the final score 5 - 5.           Buttsbury "C" failed to conquer their "B" team in their local derby 4 - 6 as none of the home side Carolyn Cole, Joyce Bassett and Peter James could get the better of Tony Nettleingham who was undefeated, Graham Sturton (P/up) claimed two wins over Bassett and James while Sue Body picked up one win over James but having five end games against all of her three opponents - losing to Cole 9/11, 12/14, 11/3, 11/9, 9/11 and to Bassett 6/11, 11/5, 9/11, 11/6, 12/14. 

Week Commencing 24th September 2007                          Buttsbury "B" introduced Reagan Nettleingham a former Junior England International (1995)  and Essex County Singles Champion (1996/7)  into their line-up for their match with Billericay Sports "D" - James Kelly and Sue Body made up the team against Alf Fox, Linda Murray and Malcolm Henstock.             Nettleingham showed no signs of his long lay off from the sport due to injury and played the first match of the evening against Fox.  Somewhat surprisingly the visitor took two of the first three ends and held his opponent to 9 points each in the fifth and final end when Nettleingham held his two services to take the encounter 10/12, 11/8, 10/12, 11/4, 11/9.     Fox went on to defeat Body but lost to Kelly in five having held a 2/1 lead and a 5/1 advantage in the fourth end - finally going down 11/6,  8/11, 11/7, 8/11, 5/11.     Henstock also defeated Body and then combined with Murray to take the doubles to bring the final score to 7 - 3 to Buttsbury "B".       Brentwood "B" took over at the top after three successive wins - this week's home success 6 - 4 coming against Mountnessing "B" - both Bob Garson and Colin Griffiths recorded maximums while Mary Nicholls was empty handed losing in five to John Hickey, in four to Jon Dyson and in three to John Hockley - the visitors claimed a fourth point with a walk over in the doubles.         Another team closing in on the top was Writtle "A" in their 8 - 2 home win over Buttsbury "B" - Ian Hockley recorded three five end wins over James Kelly, Sue Body and Tony Nettleingham- Brian Cook picked up two points but lost to Body in three while Frank Neill also won twice but lost in five to Kelly.  Nettleingham posted three five end losses and might consider himself unfortunate to be on the losing end each time.                  Mountnessing "C" succumbed 10 - 0 to a rampant St. Joseph's who had Sue Hickman, Gary Carr and Nicola Parks on top form in their away win with only one game going the distance of five ends - Len Jupe losing to Parks - Mountnessing's other two players were Bruno Handel and Paul Singleton.

Week Commencing 17th September 2007                       Billericay Sports "D" entertained their Sports "C" team and were hammered 9 - 1 by Mike Johnston, Mike Joslin and Brian Wellman with only Johnston surprisingly dropping a point to Nigel Swanton - Linda Murray and Malcolm Henstock were the "D" team's remaining players  with Murray taking both Johnston and Wellman to five ends.             Jon Dyson, Mick Morris and Peter Hardiman showed no mercy to their Mountnessing "C" team colleagues and ran out 10 - 0 winners against John Hickey, Michael Marsham and Paul Singleton - both Dyson and Hardiman were taken to four ends by their opponents but their opponents resistance at that stage folded.            Joyce Bassett was the only winner for her team in a 9 - 1 defeat at home to Brentwood "B" - Bassett claiming a superb three end win over Brian Steward, Bob Garson and Bruce Hay were winners over all three of their opponents George Gaze and Vince Gurney who took both Steward and Hay to five ends.

Week Commencing 3rd September 2007                          Mountnessing "C" made the leap into the First Division and gained an excellent 7 - 3 home win over Buttsbury "C" - the home side had Gordon Reid to thank for an excellent maximum with Brian Nicholson supporting with two wins and Joan Donovan with one win - for the visitors Carolyn Cole was Buttsbury's best player with two wins just being edged out by Nicholson in a five end thriller 8 - 11 in the final end - Joyce Bassett collected one point with a win over Donovan while George Gaze, despite picking up ends in each of his encounters and indeed losing to Nicholson in five was unable to score - the home side taking the doubles in their victory.      St. Joseph's began their season with a 6 - 4 home win over newly promoted Mountnessing "B" - Sue Hickman was unbeaten for the home side, Gary Carr gained two wins with Lindsay Phelpe unable to score.    For the visitors Jon Dyson won twice - having to come from two ends down to defeat Carr while Peter Hardiman and Mark  Allaway had wins over Phelps to show for their efforts - Allaway losing a two end lead against Hickman to go down 8/11 in the final end - the home side took the doubles in five ends to ensure victory.                                                                 Buttsbury "B" played hosts to BAE (Selex) "B" - the newly relegated team of Trevor Ward, Gary Hartgrove and Alan Wood showed their intentions of a quick return to the Premier Division with a thumping 9 - 1 win over Sue Body, Tony Nettleingham and James Kelly - Body with a win over Wood gaining Buttsbury's consolation point.                Brentwood "B" picked up a 6 - 4 win over visitors Billericay Sports "D" - Brian Steward was instrumental for his side with three wins - his win over Alf Fox coming in five ends, Bob Garson gained two wins (losing to Fox) and the same two players paired up to take the doubles - Dave Parker was unable to score for Brentwood - losing to Nigel Swanton and Fox in five and to Malcolm Henstock in three all at 10/12.      Billericay Sports "C" were pleased to see Mike Johnston on top form as he won all three against Writtle "A" yet still ended on the losing 4 - 6 side - Brian Warren and Brian Wellman failed to score against Writle's combination of Frank Neill, Brian Cook and John Barrett - Warren losing two at five ends and Wellman two at four ends and one at five.