A TABLE TENNIS team comprised of the best players in West Essex enjoyed success in the Essex Inter-league last weekend.

The team of Paul Pells, Ray Brown and Russell Stone were pitted against the best outfit that the Burnham league could muster at Maldon sports centre.

The challenge for the Essex boys was to defeat opponents who had recently brushed aside leaders Southend in an 8-1 drubbing.

First blood went to Burnham, who won the opening doubles.

Paul Pells then played Burnham number one Eric Green and emerged victorious from a gruelling five game battle.

Next, Brown matched his team-mate by defeating his Burnham counterpart 11-9 in a close fought battle.

Russell Stone followed with a superb win against a heavy hitting opponent, but Burnham kept in touch with a second doubles match victory.

Ray Brown then had a straight games win to extend the lead, only for Burnham to get back to 4-4.

But Pells and Brown weren’t to be denied as they teamed up and secured the win.