Scott Crawford continues to top the Division 2 North averages.
The 2007/08 British League Division 2 North winning team of Jonathan Crawford, Scott Crawford, Tristran Swan and Steve Dixon were re-united for the first time this season at the weekend.
With only 5 sets dropped over 2 matches – Tristran Swan not dropping any – the proven winning combination demonstrated they haven’t lost their touch. Indeed, such was the convincing nature of the wins, it leaves very little to write about.
Barrow II vs. Derwent II
Barrow II’s first opponents were Derwent II. A team with only 1 point and almost certain to be relegated.
In the first half of the season, Barrow II beat Derwent II 7-1. This time around the team went 1 better and scored a crushing 8-0 victory. Jonathan Crawford beat Nathan Horsley (11-3, 11-4, 11-6) and Mick Wilcockson (11-7, 11-7, 11-6), Scott Crawford beat Mick Wilcockson (11-8, 11-9, 9-11, 12-10) and Richard Crowther (12-10, 18-16, 11-7), Tristran Swan beat Doug Bartle (11-6, 11-4, 11-6) and Nathan Horsley (11-4, 11-4, 11-5) and Steve Dixon beat Richard Crowther (10-12, 11-4, 11-5, 11-5) and Doug Bartle (8-11, 13-11, 11-9, 11-1).
Final Score: Barrow II 8-0 Derwent II
Barrow II: Jonathan Crawford (2), Scott Crawford (2), Tristran Swan (2), Steve Dixon (2)
Derwent II: Mick Wilcockson (0), Nathan Horsley (0), Richard Crowther (0), Doug Bartle (0)
Tristran Swan finished the day not dropping a set.
Barrow II vs. Halton II
Barrow II’s afternoon opponents were Halton II. A team sitting comfortably mid-table.
In the first half of the season, Barrow II narrowly beat Halton II 5-3. With Halton missing the experienced Chris Ford, it was a much more comfortable affair this time for Barrow II as they romped home with an 8-0 win. Jonathan Crawford beat Pawel Orzechowski (11-5, 7-11, 13-11, 11-5) and Jake Shaw (11-5, 11-8, 11-8), Scott Crawford beat Jake Shaw (11-3, 12-10, 11-7) and Ernest Mpundu (11-4, 9-11, 11-6, 11-2), Tristran Swan beat Khamal Hussain (11-6, 11-5, 11-8) and Pawel Orzechowski (11-4, 11-8, 11-2) and Steve Dixon beat Ernest Mpundu (11-5, 11-8, 11-9) and Khamal Hussain (11-9, 11-2, 11-8).
Final Score: Barrow II 8-0 Halton II
Barrow II: Jonathan Crawford (2), Scott Crawford (2), Tristran Swan (2), Steve Dixon (2)
Halton II: Jake Shaw (0), Pawel Orzechowski (0), Ernest Mpundu (0), Khamal Hussain (0)
Scott Crawford - British League Division 2 North Average Leader
Barrow II will be looking to carry forward 2010′s momentum into 2011 this Sunday at Halton Table Tennis Centre. Sitting 2 points clear at the top of the British League Division 2 North table, Barrow II will be looking to maintain their 100% record as they complete their opening fixtures of 2011. On a personal level, Barrow player Scott Crawford will be looking to keep hold of the top spot in the individual averages.
On the Sunday, Barrow II will face relegation-threatened Derwent II, who they beat 7-1 at the start of the season, as well as mid-table-but-dangerous Halton II, who Barrow II beat 5-3 in their previous encounter.
Barrow II: Jonathan Crawford, Scott Crawford, Tristran Swan, Steve Dixon
British League Division 2 North First Weekend Table
British League Division 2 North Results
British League Division 2 North Barrow Player Averages
Barrow II (from left to right: Graham Coupe, Jonathan Crawford, Tom Smith, Scott Crawford, Tristran Swan)
Last weekend, Barrow II began their quest for promotion from Division 2 North of the British League. An all Barrow team consisting of Jonathan Crawford, Scott Crawford, Tristran Swan and Tom Smith supported by Garstang based Graham Coupe entered Hynburn Sports Centre in Accrington ready to face all that awaited.
Sheffield vs Barrow II
Barrow II started the weekend against long time opposition and the familiar faces of Sheffield.
Scott Crawford and brother Jonathan got the team off to a good start with a win a piece against Bill Grant and Pete Morgan. Tom Smith then entered the court, but seemed to have left his usual fighting spirit and confidence behind him as he didn’t look up for the game against Jack Grant which he lost. Tristran Swan then returned Barrow II to winning ways with a convincing win against Liam Carson to leave the match score 3-1 to Barrow at the halfway point.
Jonathan and Scott continued as they started, scoring convincing wins over Bill Grant and Jack Grant. The lower end of the team then failed to match the top order as Tristran Swan went down to Pete Morgan and Tom Smith suffered a disappointing defeat in the hands of Liam Carson.
Final Score: Sheffield 3 – 5 Barrow II
Barrow II: Jonathan Crawford (2), Scott Crawford (2), Tristran Swan (1), Tom Smith (0)
Sheffield: Bill Grant (0), Pete Morgan (1), Jack Grant (1), Liam Carson (1)
Barrow II vs Derwent II
Scott Crawford
Barrow II’s second and final game of the first day was against Derwent II, a team that will be battling for survival this season and therefore a must win. Despite his poor display in the morning, it was decided to give Tom Smith a chance to redeem himself and turn his game around.
Barrow II got off to a storming 7 – 0 lead with Jonathan Crawford beating Mick Wilcockson and Richard Moss, Scott Crawford beating Richard Moss and Richard Breary, Tristran Swan beating Doug Bartel and Mick Wilcockson and Tom Smith beating Richard Breary. Once again, Tom Smith didn’t look his usual self and failed to crank the gear shift as he suffered a bad loss against Doug Bartel.
Final Score: Barrow II 7 – 1 Derwent II
Barrow II: Jonathan Crawford (2), Scott Crawford (2), Tristran Swan (2), Tom Smith (1)
Derwent II: Richard Moss (0), Mick Wilcockson (0), Richard Breary (0), Doug Bartel (1)
Barrow II vs Halton II
Barrow II’s second day started with the toughest fixture of the weekend and surprise package Halton II. During the close season, Halton have signed a number of players meaning one-time first team players moving down to the second team.
Given Tom Smith’s performances the previous day, it was decided to give Graham Coupe his season’s debut.
Jonathan Crawford
Barrow II couldn’t have got off to a better start as Jonathan Crawford ‘grannied’ Jake Shaw in the first set of the first game. For those unfamiliar with the term, ‘to granny’, it is to beat someone game 0. This didn’t prove to be a fluke, as Jonathan went on to win the game convincingly. Jonathan was once again backed up by brother, Scott, who scored a good win over Chris Ford. Tristran Swan once again failed to take his chances against Pawel Orzechowski and despite a fighting performance, Graham Coupe lost to strong opposition in the form of Keith Bird. At the halfway point this left the match tied 2 apiece. For Barrow II to win and keep their promotion dreams on course, they needed to win 3 out of the remaining 4 games.
Jonathan Crawford comfortably overcame Chris Ford and in a crucial game Tristran Swan beat Jake Shaw. Thankfully, Barrow II didn’t have to wait to the final game for victory to be sealed as Scott Crawford decisively beat Keith Bird. With the pressure relieved this gave the opportunity for Graham to play ‘his game’ against Pawel Orzechowski. However, on this occasion it was Pawel that enjoyed the honours.
Final Score: Barrow II 5 – 3 Halton II
Barrow II: Jonathan Crawford (2), Scott Crawford (2), Tristran Swan (1), Graham Coupe (0)
Halton II: Chris Ford (0), Jake Shaw (0), Keith Bird (1), Pawel Orzechowski (2)
Woodfield I vs Barrow II
Going into this game, a tough decision had to be made. Graham Coupe had battled hard and played well in the morning. Tom on the other hand had failed to perform and justify his selection the day before. Despite this, it was once again decided to give Tom Smith another chance to prove himself.
Tristran Swan
Barrow II started the game in uncharted territory. For the first time over the weekend, the team went behind as Scott Crawford suffered a surprise defeat in the hands of Andy Rich. A lot of credit has to go to Andy as he played sensationally. Scott simply didn’t have the power to break his solid defensive style.
Jonathan Crawford then went on to the table and scored an easy win against John Collymore. This was matched by Tom Smith as he returned to winning ways beating Leigh Hipkins. Tristran Swan extended Barrow II’s lead to 3 – 1 with a sometimes nervous win over Tom Savary.
Jonathan then faced his brother’s slayer, Andy Rich. After some incredible and intense rallies it was Andy Rich that ran out the surprise victor. As Jonathan came off the table he confessed he didn’t have a game plan and for the first time a whiff of tension drifted through the Barrow II camp.
In must win games, Scott Crawford easily beat Leigh Hipkins and a much more relaxed Tristran Swan destroyed John Collymore securing victory. Tom Smith concluded the weekend winning in deuce in a tight 5-set battle with Tom Savory.
Final Score: Woodfield 2 – 6 Barrow II
Barrow II: Jonathan Crawford (1), Scott Crawford (1), Tristran Swan (2), Tom Smith (2)
Woodfield I: Andy Rich (2), John Collymore (0), Leigh Hipkins (0), Tom Savary (0)
The clock is ticking and the opening weekend of Barrow II’s British League campaign is drawing closer.
Last season, Barrow II narrowly escaped relegation from Division 2 North after moving from the foot of the table during the final weekend of play. This season, the team aims to turn last season’s 7th position into 1st, thus winning promotion to Division 1 North.
The first British League weekend, 11th and 12th of September, is to be played at Hyndburn Sports Centre in Accrington. Barrow II’s opponents include Sheffield who were relegated from Division 1 North last season as well as Derwent II, Halton II and Woodfield I who finished 3rd last season. Sheffield and Woodfield I stand out as the weekends two tough fixtures. However, with team squads yet to be released, there could be some hidden dangers lurking.
The Barrow II team is to be an all Barrow affair consisting of Jonathan Crawford, Scott Crawford, Tristran Swan and Tom Smith. Travelling with the team will be reserve player Graham Coupe from Garstang.
Barrow II (from): Jonathan Crawford, Scott Crawford, Tristran Swan, Tom Smith, Graham Coupe
Barrow II will be facing the following teams and players in Division 2 North of the British League 2010/2011 Season.
Chesterfield
Will Cooney
Andy Henry
Andrew Horsfield
Mark Short
Shaun Bibby
Steve Mason
Winston Spencer
Derwent II
Richard Moss
Mark Land
Mick Wilcockson
Richard Brearey
Nathan Horsley
Richard Crowther
Doug Bartle
Drumchapel Glasgow III
Richard Main
Terry McLernon (Junior)
Christopher Main
Calum Main
Scott Barton
Nathan Courtney
Andrew McFadyen
Andrew Dunlop
Halton II
Chris Ford
Mark Ramsbottom
Keith Bird
Pawel Orzechowski
Fiona Dennett
Ernest Mpundu
Keith Williams
Graham Cleary
Ormesby III
Karen Shepherd
Eddie Fambely
Martin Rutter
Paul Smith
Michael Young
Chloe Whyte
Karl Shaw
Carl White
Sheffield
Bill Grant
Peter Morgan
Jack Grant
Liam Carson
Glen Carson
Woodfield I
Andy Rich
John Collymore
Leigh Hipkins
Jarenda Patel
Steve Bertie
Billy Pegg
Andrew Dixon
Lester Bertie
Barrow I British League Premier Division Fixtures
Southall
UB1 1DP
Southall
UB1 1DP
Old Harlow
CM17 0EY
Old Harlow
CM17 0EY
Widnes
WA8 7DZ
Middlesborough
TS3 8PB
Middlesborough
TS3 8PB
Barrow II British League Division 2 North Fixtures
Accrington
BB5 4EP
Accrington
BB5 4EP
Sheffield
S9 5DA
Sheffield
S9 5DA
Widnes
WA8 7DZ
Draycott
DE72 3NJ
Draycott
DE72 3NJ
British League Division 2 North Final Table
British League Division 2 North Results
Barrow II Player Averages
Going into the final weekend of Division 2 North of the British League, Barrow II were languishing at the bottom of the table. They were 1 point behind Elgre Nottingham II and 5 points behind Halton II. With 4 matches to be played, a maximum of 8 points to be won and only 1 team to be relegated, leap-frogging Elgre Nottingham II seemed to be Barrow II’s only hope for survival.
Barrow II vs Chesterfield
On paper, Barrow II’s first match looked to be the toughest of the weekend as they lined up against 2nd placed Chesterfield, a team that had convincingly beat them 8-0 in the first half of the season.
Scott Crawford
Next up for Barrow II was Mark Temple and for Chesterfield Andy Henry. A tough battle ensued, but it was Mark that succumbed to defeat (9, -3, -3, 5, -4). Then up stepped Steve, was he going to avenge his brother’s loss and guarantee Barrow II at least a draw? Unfortunately not, as Shaun Bibby proved to be too strong (-10. -9, 9, -6).
With one match remaining, Barrow II were now losing 3-4 to Chesterfield. With a lot at stake, the pressure was on Tom Smith to beat Warren Slaney. After four close sets, 8, -10, -9 and 10, it looked like things were going to go Barrow II’s way as Tom led 10-5 in the fifth and final set, guaranteeing himself at least 5 match points. However, he faltered, eventually loosing 13-11.
The disappointment in Tom’s face was clear and things weren’t made any better for him and the team as news came through that Elgre Nottingham II had won their match against Halton II. This meant Elgre Nottingham II were now 3 points ahead of Barrow II, with 6 points to play for.
Final Score: Barrow II 3 – 5 Chesterfield
Barrow II: Scott Crawford (2), Steve Temple, Mark Temple, Tom Smith (1)
Chesterfield: Andrew Horsfield (1), Andy Henry (1), Shaun Bibby (1), Warren Slaney (2)
Barrow II vs Drumchapel Glasgow III
Next up for Barrow II was Drumchapel Glasgow III, a team sitting 3rd in the division and a team that had inflicted a 5-3 victory over Barrow II in the first half of the season. With these facts, the morning’s loss still fresh in the players mind and the loss of No. 1 Scott Crawford (replaced by Graham Coupe) to the 1st team, victory looked unlikely.
Graham Coupe
This new-found belief was short lived as Steve Temple lost in another five-set thriller to Andrew Dunlop (-7, 7, -7, 5, -8). However, this proved to be nothing more than a blip as successive victories for Tom Smith, Mark Temple and Steve Temple gave Barrow II a strong 4-1 lead. A draw was therefore guaranteed, but with Elgre Nottingham II now sitting 3 points clear, a victory was a must.
Drumchapel Glasgow III weren’t prepared to make Barrow II’s life easy as they demonstrated the grit and determination associated with the Scots. They pulled two wins back with victories for Nathan Courtney over Graham Coupe (-6, -6, -10) and Andrew Dunlop over Mark Temple (-8, -5, 13, -1). With the score sitting at 4-3 in Barrow II’s favour, but the momentum going Glasgow Drumchapels IIIs way, things were looking hairy.
Once again, it was Tom Smith that found himself under the spotlight as he faced up to Connor Moran. Tom had already proven by his earlier victory over Nathan Courtney that he had pulled himself together, but were flashbacks of the morning’s loss to Warren Slaney going to come back and haunt him? Thankfully not, as Tom claimed a comfortable victory 8, 7 and 8 and in doing so sealed Barrow IIs first win of the season. Was this a first win too late though? Was it going to maintain a 3 point gap, or close the gap to Elgre Nottingham II?
Thankfully, it was the latter as Chesterfield lost to Derwent II. The day’s events had cancelled each other out and Barrow II could go back to the hotel with the knowledge that the teams destiny was still in their own hands.
Final Score: Barrow II 5 – 3 Glasgow Drumchapel III
Barrow II: Steve Temple (1), Graham Coupe (1), Mark Temple (1), Tom Smith (2)
Glasgow Drumchapel III: Andrew McFadyen, Andrew Dunlop (2), Nathan Courtney (1), Connor Moran
