TABLE TENNIS NEWS

March 2006

by Dave Banks

In December, the SW Regional Junior Final Trials took place at Cirencester and congratulations go to Alex Kearney, Alex Banks, Jessica Coggins (U15) and Jack Vaughan (U11), who have all made it to the National Finals at Filton College, Bristol, in March. This will be the first time that the finals have been played in Bristol.

The Bristol Senior League continues to stage some exciting matches every week and at the half-way stage in the Premier Division, Failand A are leaders, with Nailsea Panthers in second place. Eddie Roofe (Knowle A) leads the averages, followed by Steve Hall(Bristol Club A).

The Bath League also continues to flourish, with Oldfield B leading the first division at this stage, with Westinghouse A in second place. Alan Champneys (Oldfield B) leads the averages, followed by Clive Ellison (Frys A).

On the County front, our Senior side found Devon 2nds too strong and went down 8-2, despite good wins from Paul Hooper and David Reeves. The Veterans are also struggling in a very hot Division 1B, but did manage to take a point from Surrey 2nds, with Bob Murray grabbing two wins. Disappointingly, they were just edged out by Wiltshire 6-4, despite outstanding victories by Neil Wrigglesworth over Trevor Lloyd and Linda Porter over Brenda Baldwin.

It is with the Juniors that we are having most success this season. The first team remain unbeaten after five matches, recently recording good wins against Dorset 8-2, with Andy & Alex Banks and Alex Kearney recording two each and against Devon 2nds 6-4, with Alex Banks taking two, to snatch it in the final game. The first team had to then play our own second team, winning 8-2, with Hannah Stock playing well to also take two. This now leaves the first team with a good chance to be promoted-it’s all to play for!!

The second team have also impressed and did well to hold Dorset to a draw, with Russell Driver and Chris Edwards taking two each.

Finally, congratulations go to county stalwart Paul Hooper and his wife Caterina on the birth of their son Luke, weighing in at 6.5 pounds. Despite being desperately short of sleep, Paul managed to play the following evening and comfortably win his three sets!