TABLE TENNIS NEWS December 1993/January 1994 Issue 219 The official magazine of The English Table Tennis Association

Third Floor, Queensbury House, Havelock Road, Hastings. TN34 1HF Tel: 0424 722525 Fax: 0424 422103

President J A Leach MBE

Chairman A E Ransome

EditorJohn F A Wood Editorial Office: 5 The Brackens, Hemel Hempstead, Herts. HP2 5JA Tel/Fax: 0442 244547 Mobile: 0850 293518

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Unsolicited articles are welcome for possible publication, but the publishers will accept no responsibility for return of manuscripts and/or photographs. Whilst every effort is taken to ensure reports and facts are correct at the time of going to press, no responsibility will be accepted by the Publishers should errors be published, either for errors or mailers arising as a result.

TIle views expressed in Table Tennis News are those of the contributors and are not necessarily official E'ITA policy. Similarly TTN accepts advertisements in good faith, but cannot accept responsi­bility for the goods or services described in advertisements. If you have any queries these should be addressed directly to the advertiser.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced without wrillen pennission from the publishers.

• Table Tennis News' wishes all its readers a Merry Christmas ~and~ ,a Happy New vear,

The ETTA would like to thank the following companies for the

support they give to English table tennis:

'IButterfly a=D~_O~

Jf"I[]]OOOOlIIilques

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Fri~Jl~Y WOOLWICH -BUILDING SOCf[TY­

TABLE TENNIS NEWS 1993/94

Publishing dates:

SEPTEMBER 1st September 1993

(Copy date 15th July) OCTOBER

1st October 1993 (Copy date 1st September)

NOVEMBER 1st November 1993

(Copy date 1st October) DECEMBER/JANUARY

1st December 1993 (Copy date 1st November)

FEBRUARY 1st February 1994

(Copy date 1st Jllnuary) MARCH

18th March 1994 (Copy date 1st February)

MAY 3rdMay 1994

(Copy date 1st April) JUNE

1st June 1994 (Copy date 30th April)

PAGE 3

Nicola Deaton's

£700 Tampax award

DERBYSHIRE'S young interna­tional player Nicola Deaton reached the final of the National 'Tampax Sport for Women' award.

At the London Park Lane Hotel. she received a cheque for £700 and was the only table tennis player from over 60 applicants to reach the national finals.

The £5,000 first prize went to a young international gymnast currently training in Bulgaria.

Nicola is this season spon­sored by Butterfly Grove Table Tennis Club. Nicola Deaton

CITY OF DERBY SELECT JUNIOR

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New Format for 1994 Banded Events

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Douglas and Gordon

overtake champions

THE two English national champions, Carl Frean and Andrea Holt, have been over­taken by older players, in the latest English Ranking List, published on Friday 12th November 1993.

Desmond Douglas, 38, from Walsall and Glasgow-based Alison Gordon, 30, have risen from NO.3 to NO.2 on the lists. They replace the current English champions Frean, 26, and 23 year old Holt, from Bury, Lancashire, who have each fallen a place.

Only the naturalised former Chinese player Chen Xinhua (Yorkshire) is ahead of Douglas on the new list.

Gordon, a former English champion, is behind the Euro­pean silver medallist Lisa Lomas (Luton), who has held the England NO.1 place for two years.

17 year old Nicola Deaton from Chesterfield is listed in the top four for the first time, having gone one place ahead of

Katherine Goodall from Leeds. ENGLAND RANKINGS MEN 1 Chen Xinhua (Yorkshire) 2 Desmond Douglas (Wshire) 3 Carl Frean (LOW.) 4 Matthew Syed (Berkshire 5 Alan Cooke (Derbyshire) WOMEN 1 Lisa Lomas (Bedfordshire) 2 Alison Gordon (Berkshire) 3 Andrea Holt (Lancashire) 4 Nicola Deaton (Derbyshire) 5 Katherine Goodall (Yorkshire)

New Director CONGRATULATIONStororm~

junior international Paul Judd (Birmingham and Warwickshire) on his appointment as the new Director of Coaching for British Columbia (Canada).

Euro 94 As part of the Euro 94 initiative and during the run up to the championships a tournament for all non league players is being staged at 20 leisure centres throughout Birmingham - and space has been allocated to play the finals on 2nd April 1994 in the main hall at the NIA.

£1000 prize FRIENDLY HOTELS British League champions BFL Grove, from Market Drayton, Shrop­shire, have won a £1000 prize at the Foundation for Sport and the Arts Club of the Year Awards.

Grove finished joint third in the inaugural competition, organised by the C.C.P.R. (Central Council for Physical Recreation).

Governing bodies from over 100 different sports selected a club to enter the competition, totalling 175 clubs.

Grove's prize was collected by the club manager Ian Marshall, a French teacher at the Grove School, Market Drayton, home of the table tennis club.

T.T. VIDEOS SYD FRYER 8 Clevelllnd KOlId, Hale, Albtncham, Cheshire WA15 lAY - 081-980 8110 GOTHENBURG 93 • TAPE NO.1· Coaching Tape: Featuring III leading players (except Swedes), commentary and analysis by Donald Parker. TAPE NO 2.• Swedish Mens Team Matches vFrances, N. Korea (Group &SemQ, Germany, Belgium and China (Final). Last game from each set played a presentation ceremony. Camera: Syd Fryer, commentary and analysis Donald Parker. Priced £15.00 each inc. p&p, lull three hour tapes.

PAGE 4

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT~~~~~~~~byAlan Ransom~

European successes ENGLAND women enjoyed their best victory to date in the European League Super Division when they defeated Hungary at Crewe by four sets to one last month. Lisa Lomas played some of her best table tennis, equivalent to her performance when she won the silver medal in the European Championships in Stuttgart two years ago. Both her singles as well as combining with Andrea Holt to win the doubles. Her best victory was over the former European Champion Csilla Batorfi. Lisa was supported by Alison Gordon who is now also back to her best form. Alison defeated Vivien Ello.

This victory moves the England girls up the league table and away from the relega­tion zone. In the European League this year three teams are to be relegated to bring the number of participating nations down from ten to eight. This result, added to the win secured over Sweden in September, virtually assures England of a Super Division place for next season. An away victory over France on 14th December would make this certain and could, dependant on results between other teams in our group, place our girls in the league finals.

As reported in the last issue of Table Tennis News, the England mens team are through to the semi final of the Super Division of the Mens European League and are playing a two leg fixture against Belgium. The first match will be in Belgium on either the 14th or 15th December and the return leg on the 15th February in Mansfield. With the three-a-side, seven set system, the two sides are very evenly balanced. Jean Michel Saive, the runner-up in the last World Championships will be the star man for Belgium, but Donald Parker will have the choice of Chen Xinhua, Carl Frean, Matthew Syed and Alan Cooke. All of these four players are capable of winning sets against Belgium. Victory would be re­warded with a two leg final against either Germany or Sweden.

Staying on the international front, the Japanese mens and womens teams are making a short tour of England over the New Year period. The first mens match between England and Japan is to be played in Andover on 29th December followed by the second match in St. Austell, Cornwall on the 30th. This is to be followed by the Cleveland Open on 2nd and 3rd January. Further matches are to be played in Grantham on 4th January and Bletchley on 5th January. The Japanese womens teams will train with the England women before the New Year, then compete in the Cleve­land Open followed by matches against England on 4th and 5th January at venues

Alan Ransome

to be finalised. The womens tour has been arranged at the request of the Japanese Association at short notice.

The Commonwealth Championships are to be played in Hyderabad, India from 25 January to 1 February. The Commonwealth always gives our players the opportunity of winning medals, although the competition is becoming stronger particularly as a number of former Chinese players are now eligible to represent a number of Common­wealth countries. In particular Canada are strong with Johnny Huang and Lijuan Geng within their squad. The Commonwealth will provide good publicity for table tennis in the run up to the European Championships.

Other events to be played in the New Year include the European Nations Cup in Munich in which our mens team will be competing from the 14 to 16 January and the new European Womens Cup also in Germany from 21 to 23 January. The European Top 12 is being played in Italy from the 4 to 6 February. When combined with the European League this is a very busy time in the run up to the European Championships.

Entries for the Euro 94 continue to flow in. Currently we have received entries from 46 national mens teams and 42 womens teams including all the top European countries such as, Sweden, Germany, France, Russia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Hungary and the Czech Republic. With the entries received so far Euro 94 will be the largest European Championships of all time. The last Championship played in Stuttgart two years ago had entries from 40 mens and 37 womens teams.

In fact, this will probably be the largest European Championships played so far in any sport when calculated by the number of

participating national associations. The event is made larger still by the change of system for the womens team event. In the past the womens team event has been played on the Corbillon Cup two a side system, but at the last ETrU Congress in Stuttgart a proposal to change to the same system as the men, three a side with seven sets, was adopted and this in itself will increase the number of women participants in Birmingham. So far entries have been received from 215 men and 173 women.

Whilst the Euro Executive Committee are concentrating on the organisation of the Championships, it is the Association's Development Department that is working hard to ensure that our member leagues and clubs throughout the country are ready to take advantage of the additional interest in the sport generated by the Champion­ships. When the last championship of this size, the World Championship in Birming­ham in 1977 was played, the interest in table tennis immediately afterwards was enormous, but unfortunately the Associa­tion and its members were not fully pre­pared for the upsurge.

This time the Development Department, including our ten full time Regional Devel­opment Officers, will be encouraging our member leagues and clubs to be ready for the increase in interest. One major initiative will be the formation of junior leagues throughout the country in conjunction with our own local leagues, sponsored by the Woolwich Building Society.

In the main these leagues will com­mence at the beginning of next season. However, leagues are being encouraged to arrange individual competitions for young­sters interested in playing table tennis in April with a six to eight week taster summer league following in May and June. This is designed to capture the interest immediately after the Championships and· not to leave it until the start of next season by which time much of the enthusiasm may have waned.

On the junior international front the fast improving Danish team paid a short visit to England in November to participate in the England v. Denmark Junior and Cadet Internationals at Gateshead supported by Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council and to play in the Cleveland Junior Open.

The England junior girls pair of Sally Marling and Nicola Deaton were in com­mand throughout the whole weekend as were the Cadets, Debbie Pestka and Tracy Davies.

However, with one exception when Christian Thompson beat Michael Maze in

PAGES

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT -2~~~~~~~~~~~~~

the second round of the Cadet Boys Singles in the Cleveland, our England boys were well beaten at both the Cadet and Junior level. Although more is being done now to assist the improvement of our juniors, the results on the boys side, are not showing through so far. The appointment of a Junior National Coach is likely to be made later in the season in an attempt to accelerate our junior improvement particularly on the boys side and help bridge the gap with the leading European countries.

B.F.L. Grove Club who are currently British League Champions in both the mens and womens section and head the premier division this season, were selected in joint third place in the Foundation for Sport and the Arts, Club of the Year Awards which were presented at an Award Ceremony in London recently.

In first place was the South Yorkshire Boat and Ski Club, second place was the Blackbrook Amateur Rugby League Club from St. Helens and joint third with Grove was the Letchworth Ladies Hockey Club. In the press release that was issued by the Foundation, the Grove Club were congratu­lated as being ·· ....an outstanding example of a true sports club providing opportunities for all sections of the community to get involved in sport. The youth section makes

up 80% of the total membership with a structured coaching programme for players of all abilities. Voluntary assistance enables the Club to be open during afternoons and evenings, five days a week and all day on Saturdays and Sundays..,

I would like to add my congratulations to Grove and to Ian Marshall for winning this Award. I do hope that with the assistance now available for Facilities Programmes via the Foundation for Sport and the Arts. the Sports Council and E.T.T.A. that other clubs will be encouraged to emulate Grove and provide their own success stories.

1993 has been a good year for English table tennis. Despite the spate of injuries in the early part of the year, our England players have done well, particularly in the European League. Our events and competitive programme has run well despite the pressure of organising Euro '94.

Our coaching scheme is seeing a new lease of life with activity considerably increased and our Development programme with the eight full time Regional Develop­ment Officers, the facility programme and the increased funding makes table tennis the envy of many governing bodies. All of this has omy been made possible because of the considerable amount of effort and

dedication given by many members, both volunteers and staff to whom I am deeply grateful. Much of the work undertaken in 1993 will come to fruition in the New Year. We have a lot to do, but also have a lot to be encouraged by and look forward to.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy, exciting and fruitful 1994.

BFL Grove's Ian Marshall

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Anyone for table tennis

"ANYONE for table tennis?" ask the members of the newly formed Shropshire Table Tennis Development Group. (Left to right) Victoria Wilkinson (Sports Development Officer. Shropshire County Council). Ian Pennington (Shrewsbury League), and Sandra Roden (Regional Table Tennis Development Officer).

"The Group hopes to co-ordinate a more structured approach to table tennis development within Shropshire in terms of setting up participation centres and in Coach Education. We have already made significant inroads in both these areas in the short time that the Group has been operating" said Brian Reid. Chair of the Group. He went on to urge people to .. clear out their cupboards" and donate to the Group any unused equipment such as bats. tables. nets etc. which they might have laying around. "This way we can begin to build up a pool of equipment which can be used throughout the County."

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PAGE 6

WOMENS EUROPEAN LEAGUE

Lisa thrills in Crewe ENGLAND'S No.1 player Lisa Lomas produced a career-best performance to topple the European No.3 Csilla Batorfi, and help England to a surprise 4-1 victory against Hungary in the European League Super Division at the Victorian Community Centre, Crewe on November 2nd. Writes Graham Carter

Lisa celebrated her promotion to 13 on the European rankings list by out-hitting the high-serving former European champion in straight games 21-19121-16.

She started the evening well with an efficient display against Krisztina Toth, herself rated European No.21. Lomas beat her 21-15/21-12, and then combined with Andrea Holt to stop Batorfi and Toth in the doubles.

With the score at 3-1. there were worries of a repeat of the Netherlands match exactly a week earlier when we lost 4-3 after establishing a similar lead. This time Lisa made sure of the result with a brilliant win we shall savour for a long time.

The first game was pretty even. with Lisa's defence matching Batorfi's Pictured above is all conquer­attack 14-14. Lomas then drew ahead ing Lisa Lomas who beat both to 19-17 before capturing the game Hungary's Csilla Batorfi and 21-19. Krisztina Tofh. Pictured right is

Things were finely balanced in the Csilla Batorfi, whilst far right is second until at 13-12 to Lomas play

England's rising star Kate was disrupted due to a lost ball in the crowd. This could have effected Goodall. Bottom right is Batorfi's concentration. At 18-13 she England's Alison Gordon who drew rapturous applause for a beat Hungary's Vivien Ello forehand back court smash yards from the table.

Lisa had clearly benefited from her the last, as the Hungary game summer trip to China, where she had attracted much interest. worked hard on her attack; surprising. It was the first visit to the but effective for a defensive player. Community Centre by the BBC TV

Kate Goodall. 18. gained valuable North West film crew. experience when she was selected for ·We were delighted to stage the the singles. She looked very impres­ match. It was a tremendous occasion. sive even though she was first on and we would very much like to hold against Batorfi. No signs of intimida­ more international matches in Crewe tion here. managing 19 points in the soon.·· enthused Keith Turnbull. Head first game against those very high of Recreation and Leisure at the serves. Borough Council.

Alison Gordon produced a gutsy display of attack to beat the pony­ RESULTS tailed Vivien Ello in three games, at a ENGLAND 4 HUNGARY 1 Match crucial stage for England. Score

·We are absolutely delighted with European Women's League the performance. On paper Hungary Super Division. Crewe were the favourites. but Lisa and the Kate Goodall lost to whole team did outstandingly well... Csilla Batorfi 21-19 21-17 0-1 said a jubilant Jill Parker after the game. Lisa Lomas beat

The victory placed England top of Krisztina Toth 21-15 21-12 1-1 the European League Super Division table, with two wins from the three Alison Gordon beat matches so far played. Vivien Ello 21-1414-2121-12 2-1

This match was very much a joint Doubles: venture between the ETTA and the Lomas/Andrea Holt beat Crewe and Nantwich Borough Batorfi!Toth 21-13 21-18 3-1 Council. It was the first international table tennis match to be held in South Lomas beat Batorfi Cheshire, but hopefully not 21-1921-16 4-1

PAGE?

WOMEN BRITISH LEAGUE

Marling ends limina's 100% run PLAYERS from Russia, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Czechoslova­kia and Nigeria joined those of the four Home countries when the sixth season of competition opened at Bletchley over the weekend of November 6nth.

The three teams of B.F. L. Grove were each led by a European in Elena Timina, Sybille Schneider and Maud Billen; for good measure Grove's Anglo Dutch player Jose Bongers who again went through the weekend unbeaten was presented With the 'Women of the Weekend' award.

For several seasons the Premier Division has had a "whose going to be second" look about it and that is now becoming "whose going to be third" as Hull Sandhill have firmly established themselves as second favourites. The result between these two was a decisive 5-1 Win for Grove but note the one that got away.

Sally Marling, who normally manages to produce a headline ended Elena Timina's competition unbeaten record when after obtaining but three points in the first game Sally recovered to take the next two 14 and 16. Sally lost to Lisa Lomas but lost one other set only throughout, that to Wales Natasha Williams who had a golden patch (match!) when she also decisively defeated Lynda Radford. Graham Spicer's unex­peeted, and probably unwanted, promotion to the Premier opened well with the 4-2 defeat of Welsh Ladies but thereafter struggled to average a set a match Writes Brian Lamerton

Horsham Angels made an impressive debut in division one and at the half way stage occupy second place only as the result of an inferior games average (7-6) in the drawn match With Grove.

Claire Hunter won two for Horsham in that match whilst Emma Hurling'S defeat by Jose Bongers was her only one after being ever-present. City of Milton Keynes, the other promotees, also acquitted themselves well despite the loss of Gemma Schwartz to HUll; Dawn Barnett being their leading player with eights wins from 10. Division one produced the longest individual set when Horshams Sally Weston defeated Michelle Cohen of Milton Keynes 21-18; 16-21; 33-31.

The second division was that most keenly fought with five draws and seven 4-2 results; Olivetti BOOar are the early leaders Oust); their Lynda Fahey's seven from eight putting her in third individual

PAGE 8

Hull Sandhill's Sally Marling conqueror of BFL Grove's Elena Timina

WOMEN'S BRITISH LEAGUE P W D L F

PREMIER DMSION BFL Grove 5 5 0 0 27 Hull Sandhill 5 4 0 1 21 S. Kesteven Sovereigns 5 3 0 2 15 Hull Sandhill 2 5 1 1 3 10 Graham Spicer 5 1 0 4 8 Welsh Ladies 5 0 1 4 9

FIRST DMSION BFL Grove 2 5 4 1 0 22 Horsham Angels 5 4 1 0 23 City of Milton Keynes 5 2 1 2 14 Amity Generation 5 2 0 3 15 S. Kesteven Sovereigns 25 1 0 4 9 Bayer Bradford

SECOND DMSION Olivetti Bribar Bio Strath Irish Ladies Oaks Club Fullerians Edison T.T.C.

DMSION3A Westminster Bribar Belles City of Sunderland Norton T.T.C. Dumfries

DMSION3B Pavilion Ladies Gonerby T.T.C. BFL Grove 3 Leicester L.C.S.C. Worcester Ladies

5

5 5 5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4 4

4 4 4 4 4

0

3 3 2 1 1 0

3 2 2 0 0

3 3 2 1 0

1

2 2 2 1 1 2

1 1 1 2 1

1 0 1 0 0

4

0 0 1 3 3 3

0 1 1 2 3

0 1 1 3 4

7

21 18 16 12 12 11

18 13 15 10 4

17 18 13 8 4

A

3 9 15 20 22 21

8 7 16 15 21 23

9 12 14 18 18 19

6 11 9 14 20

7 6 11 16 20

PTS

10 8 6 3 2 1

9 9 5 4 2 1

8 8 6 3 3 2

7 5 5 2 1

7 6 5 2 0

position behind only her team captain Sandra Rider and Fullerians Sarah Williams who both appeared only twice. "Irish Ladies" were obviously determined to get every penny out of their entry fee; their drawn match with Olivetti Bribar producing six three game sets and their matches with Bio Strath, Oaks and Fullerians four each. Only two other matches throughout the whole weekend went to three on four occasions. Geraldine Green of the Irish went all the way in all of the six sets in which she played, but Winning only once.

Newcomers Westminster are early leaders in division three (A) and also supply the two leading individual players, Karen Harden, 100% and Sandra Duncan dipping out only to Norton's Tracey Spencer.

New womens committee chairman, Pauline Steel was a non playing captain on this occasion and cheered on her team, Pavilion Ladies, to the half way lead in division three (B), Sarah Stedman and Rosemary Rainton, each wit h six from eight, occupying equal third position in the individual averages. In first and second positions are Nicola Massingham (Gonerby) and Kathryn Woodward (Grove Three); these two did not meet when Gonerby ended the weekend with a somewhat surprising 5-1 victory. Newcomers Leicester also lost heavily to Gonerby but otherwise enjoyed three close encounters.

The press room had their busy moments, none more so than during a 20 minute period on Saturday afternoon when Jane Barella's live interview on BBC Radio Surrey was followed by a similar interview between their Sussex counterparts and Sally Weston and that was immediately followed by a straight report on the local channeL Chiltern Radio, by your scribe.

Amity Generation, founder members of the league, received the "Team of the Weekend" award. Presentations were made by Councillor Fred Smith, a past Mayor of Milton Keynes, who has been very supportive of table tennis and the Womens League in particular and the opportunity was taken to present Councillor Smith with a memento of his table tennis association. Proceedings had been opened on Saturday morning by the present Mayor, Councillor Les Hostler.

As usual support from the mangement and staff of Bletchley Leisure Centre was outstanding particularly in the erection and dismantling of the arena.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 1994~~~~~~~~~

Birmingham, table tennis city BIRMINGHAM will become a at the National Indoor Arena by table tennis city for eleven days forty overseas umpires. In next year. Already over 11,000 addition four referees have been bed nights have been booked appointed of which two will be for players, organisers, del­ English, one Italian and another egates, press and umpires etc. from Croatia. But that could be just the tip To make sure there is a of the iceberg as spectators consistency in the enforcement begin to plan their trip to the of the laws during the event, championships during the next the National Umpires and few weeks. Writes Jim Referees Committee will be Beckley holding an umpires seminar at

While it maybe an organisers the same venue on Saturday 8th nightmare, for the hotels January 1994. Stuart Sherlock on concerned its a welcome bonus. 0253886470 is the man to The four major hotels, the contact for further information. Holiday Inn, Novate!, Copthorne Table Tennisand Midland are fully booked.

A further 5000 bed nights Newshave been allocated for the thousands of spectators who are WHO are the favourites? Who expected to flood the city for the are the outsiders? and which duration of the championships. countries are likely to dominate Prices are expected to be in the Euro 94. Will someone spring a range of £23 to £30 per person surprise? per night. If you want to catch up, be

An agreement has also been Sweden's Peter Karlsson who vvill be at Birmingham in touch or just on top of what is happening at next years big event in Birmingham, Table Tennis News is the magazine to read. . Full of pictures and colouroorr features, the ETTA's own magazine will be publishing a DES DOUGLAS Table Tennis European Special for the championships in March. rt '1t~9~Stu)4 But besides covering the

P.O. Box 3522, London E18 2DZ . European scene our correspond­ents will be bringing you newsTel/Fax: 081-532 9006 from the Friendly Hotels British League, the county champion­ships and all the major touma­*mas ~pe(ial <l&ffers ments plus a lot more.

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EUR094 COUNTDOWN

KmI DAYS TO GO ~C~=

PAGE 10

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 1994 -2~~~~~~~~~

Euro 94 Promotions/ Marketing Consultant appointed

Sue Withycombe

SUE Withycombe has joined the EURO 94 team based at Brewmaster House. Sue will be working alongside champion­ships director, Clive Oakman, to publicise the European Championships, with the overall objective of increasing awareness, resulting in the highest possible spectator attendance over the eleven day period.

Sue comes from a back­ground of ten years in an advertisinglPR and event co­ordination role with an adver­tising agency and has spent the last seven years in a customer care role with IBM UK. She is looking forward to the challenge this role will offer and has thoroughly enjoyed getting involved with table tennis.

Anybody with ideas for further opportunities to promote the event can contact Sue on 021-265 4645 or by writing to: Euro 94 Champion­ships Office, Brewmaster House, International Conven­tion Centre, Birrningham B1 ZEA.

Press Officers meeting

A Regional Press Officers meeting has been arranged for 12th December 1993 to give information and press packs and ask for support through the table tennis network to ensure press coverage throughout the UK.

GIVE US A STORY AND WIN A SWEATSHIRT WE are giving away a EURO 94 sweatshirt for the best three stories (judged by the PR Committee) which have a connection with table tennis. We are looking for any items of interest, either funny, sad, historical, factual or general knowledge. For example, do you know somebody who collects table tennis programmes? or does a relative of a famous player from the past live near you? Please send any story, however short or long, to Sue Withycombe, EURO 94 Championships Office, Brewmaster House, International Convention Centre, Birmingham B1 2EA.

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IAddress: .

Tel. No.: Date: .

1. Where are the European Table Tennis Championships being staged? 2. What dates do the Championships start and finish? 3. What date is the Men's Team Final? 4. Who is the current Men's World Champion? 5. Who is producing the official EURO 94 merchandise? 6. How much is a season ticket for the full eleven days at the Championships? 7. Who will be defending her Individual Silver Medal at EURO 947 8. Over what holiday does the Championships fall? 9. What is the phone number of the ticket hot-line? 10. What dates will the individual events be held on? (including qualifying round)

Tie break questions: Why do you want to attend the European Championships?

(maximum of 25 words) ..

This competition is notopen tomembersofstaffofthe EnA. Please cutoutthe form, complete and return to Sue Withycombe, EURO 94 Championships Office, Brewmaster House, International Convention Centre, Birmingham B1 2EA. Closing dote for entry forms is 1stJanuary 1994

~------------------------------~ PAGE 11

HORACE MALLETT of GUERNSEY~~~~~~~~~~~

'Stop gap' for 46 years WHEN the young Horace Mallett was elected (albeit reluctantly), to the presidency of the Guernsey Table Tennis Association in 1947/8, he could hardly have imagined that it would be another 46 years before he handed in his resigna­tion.

He had offered his services for a single year, 'to fill a gap', but stayed to preside over enormous changes in the ways in which the game is both played and administered, and to become a world figure in his chosen sport.

Horace's involvement with table tennis began at the age of 12, in 1931. At that time he was a member of the 4th Guernsey Town Church Scouts who counted among their number a Rover Scout called Lloyd Strappini, an island class player whose skills fired the interest of the youngster.

Table tennis is no different from any other sport: an early sight of a fine player can inspire the novice to follow, and Horace was off and running.

To speak to him now is to hear the obvious affection he still holds for those early days. The great names of the day are recalled without hesitation ­Strappini, Roy Martel, Bill Druce and, above all, Bert Brenton, winner of championships by the bucketful.

Horace played for his Scout troop and also the Toc H Youth Club team, run by Arthur Banton in premises at the North Pier Steps.

It was there that Horace played during the Occupation, when table tennis balls were hard to come by and a candle at each end of the table made up for the lack of electricity.

At the end of the war, Guernsey players had new opponents against whom to test themselves when they played matches against members of the Liberation Forces, at various venues round the island.

Local hot-shots of today, seeing the avuncular figure of their president with a bat in his

PAGE 12

Horace Mallett

hand only at his annual outing at the island championships, would be forgiven for thinking that a swift exit in the first round of the men's singles had always been the limit of his ambition.

Not so. I questioned Horace about his own game and found that he had held his own against top local players in his youth.

He had made his own bat ­plywood and sandpaper, would you believe! - and played with the 'pencil-hold' grip, but with a style all of his own.

He regrets not changing to the more conventional 'shake­hands' grip, feeling that he would have become a better player had he done so.

The immediate post-war years saw increasing interest in table tennis, with membership rising to a peak of more than

400 players, registered in some 25 clubs, encompassing schools, youth clubs and business houses.

It was at this time that Horace first played league table tennis, as a member of the Old Intermedians.

On joining the social com­mittee of the OIs with Frank Stroobant, Alec Rose, Roy Nicolle and others, he organised table tennis at the boys' school in 1945/46, and in 1946/47 season they played at the girls' school. where they joined forces with the 01 girls.

Horace remembers this as a time of 'great fun', and is still in touch with many of the friends he made then.

Through his membership of the Town Church, they were offered the use of the Lower Central Halls by the then rector, the Rev. Basil Guille, and

became part of the church's social club, with an affiliation to the GTTA.

His long administrative career began in eamest in the 1946/47 season when he became treasurer of the GTTA. with the princely sum of six shillings and four pence (about 32 pence now) at his disposal in its bank account!

Besides being president of the GTTA, Horace is also president of the Lions Club, which began life as a splinter group from the Town Church Club in the mid-'60s, and for a couple of seasons were known as Town Church Lions.

With no premises of their own, they played at the Ozanne Hall until it was sold, and then at the Church Hall at Potters Corner.

When the Lions' present premises, at Maurepas Road, became available, Lions mem­bers were seen at their best. Led from the front, as always, by their president, they tackled the hard, physical work of making a silk purse out of a sow's ear with determination

HORACE MALLETT talks to

DAVE BACON

and stamina, and now have a purpose-built centre with accommodation for visitors.

Typically, Horace isn't content to rest on his laurels, and thinks there is still plenty to do at the Lions, where he will stay on as president.

Having brought his story up­to-date, I asked Horace to go back over the years, to pick out his table tennis highlights.

Immediately he recalled the 'exhibition' years of 1952/3/4, when locals were treated to a display of breath-taking skills by world-beaters at the peak of their powers.

Johny Leach, Richard Bergmann and the Rowe twins, Diane and Rosalind, are names that probably means little or

HORACE~ALLETTofGUERNSEY-2~~~~~~~~~

nothing to the present .genera­tion of players, unless they take an interest in the history of their sport.

But they were all world champions, and drew packed houses to the St. John Ambu­lance hall in the Rohais.

In each of those three years, they played on two nights, to all-ticket crowds of 400 per night. 'Fire regs' must have been more casually observed in those days!

Incumbent Lt-Governor Philip Neame, who was among the spectators, made the comparison with a tin of sardines, but bore the discom­fort in good humour.

Horace doesn't trust his memory absolutely, but thinks that Leach and Bergmann were paid £50 each per visit while the Rowes both received £25. No sex equality there!

These visits were extensively covered by the Evening Press, which Horace regards as a significant factor in the GTTA membership boom of the time.

Next in Horace's 'pick of the years' was 1972, when Guern­sey table tennis celebrated its 50th anniversary.

An invitation tournament was held at the Badminton Hall, the participants being England, Germany, Scotland, Jersey,

Ireland, Wales, Holland and, of course the hosts.

Besides the Bailiff, Lt­Governor and other local notables, Roy Evans, president of the ITTF, was among the guests, a sign of the growing esteem which Guernsey table tennis attracted, largely through the efforts of its president.

In 1977, Guernsey hosted the Commonwealth championships, and this is obviously Horace's 'pick of the highlights'.

I was one of an army of helpers at that event and it was then that I really became aware of the amount of work that Horace took on.

We all worked hard, but someone had to co-ordinate it all, and that was Horace. At every committee meeting he would arrive with an enormous armful of paperwork that, like Topsy, 'just growed'.

The organisation went on for months, and I swear that if it had taken just a couple of weeks longer, Horace would have needed a barrow for his file of papers.

When it was first mooted that Guernsey should hold the championships, I'm sure that it was only Horace's drive and vision that got it off the ground. Reproduced by kind permission of the Guernsey Evening Press

IN MEMORIAM NORMAN LEE

by John Hatfield NORMAN LEE, president of the Sheffield Table Tennis League for 22 years, died on the 28th October 1993, aged 84 years old.

He was a founder member of the League in 1931 and represented Woodseats Methodists until retiring from the game in 1955.

Norman took over the Presidency in 1971, following the death of Sol Rosenberg and was actively involved in the organisation of the League and

was a regular attender at meetings.

In 1977 he presented the League with the Norman Lee Jubilee Trophy, which has become a prestigious annual award for outstanding club secretaries.

He leaves a widow Kathleen, a son and daughter and five grandchildren.

A memorial service was held fittingly at Woodseats Methodist Church on the 3rd November 1993.

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PAGE 13

2000 players on 66 tablesl THAT many players on that many tables sounds like a tournament organisers nightmare, but that I am assured is the target that is likely to be achieved by the Australian TTA as organisers of the World Veterans Championships in Melbourne from April 22-29, 1994 Writes John Woodford

The expected breakdown figures are: Asia 600, Australia! New Zealand 300, Germany 600, EnglandlIreland 100, Scandinavia 250, France 100. John Glew, 7 De 'Vitre Green, Wokingham, Berks RG11 lSE is in charge of accom­modation arrangements for Brits going to Melbourne and there is still time to enter. The closing date is February 10th.

Players who require World Veterans Table Tennis Champion­ships Limited Edition T-Shirt should note that this is being sold only prior to the tournament and will not be available during or after the event. The special shirts cost £12.50, available pre-paid from John Glew.

So, British veterans you have only eight weeks left to increase the numbers coming from Britain for this event, which promises to be the best organised World Vets Tournament so far, by far. With Sydney having secured the 2000 Olympic Games.

Australian organisers are on their toes and certain to do a good job.

Sussex 2 Star tournament

ONLY 28 vets entered this event and with entries on the Tourna­ment down, one wonders if this tournament will be on next ·seasons calendar. 1do hope so for its a well run event played in excellent conditions. The previous winners lists are like a Who's Who of English table tennis.

Ivan Andreadis an ex-world mens singles finalist won the mens singles in 1947 and came back 20 years later as a team manager for the Czech national team and won the vets singles. Evergreen vet Gordon Chapman (Sy) won the vets title in 1972 and 1973 and 20 years later is still playing in this event and moaning about not being seeded! Writes Ron Langheim

With five players failing to appear, the first round saw no surprises but Margaret Maltby gave Turner (Cambs) a tough match. 2nd round saw Billy Brookman beat Stanley Battrick. Derek Wood beat Gordon Chapman. New Essex vet Boyce beat Turner and Dave

WeIsman crushed Langheim 9 and 10.

In the quarter finals we had the competitions only close match when Brian Allison beat Peter Radford (or was it Dave Crowley in disguise) 21-19 in the 3rd after being 16-19 down. Last years winner Derek Holman had an easy win over B. Taite. Billy Brookman beat Derek Wood and WeIsman beat Boyce.

The semi finals saw Holman beat Allison 9 and 10 and WeIsman beat Brookman not before the Middlesex man had taken the 1st game off David 22-20. Rumour has it that if David let Bill off lightly he could expect a large pay rise next year as David is a loader at Bill's freight empire.

The final saw the two Surrey players trading blow for blow and in a rather disappointing final WeIsman pocketed the winners cheque by winning 15 and 16.

See you all next year (I hope!). P.S. Where were local Sussex

vets - Messrs Stace, Horton, Meads and Chandler?

Western Masters

HOW pleasant to see all the super keen vetts again at the superb (and beautifully organised) 1st vetts get together of the new season. A greatly improved performance from Mr. adaptability Henry Buist, at last adapting to the loss of effectiveness his game suffered with the ban on glue. Finishing off his last opponent Ralph Gunnion 8,6 in the 50's final meant that he was finished earlier than usual and, anxious to make a quick getaway and escape the usual throng of autograph hunters ­fans of his many stage/screen and TV appearances - he announced that we must leave immediately.

This means that 1am unable to write on who won what, but the plus side is that this leaves me space to mention some interesting health and fitness tips from some of the most dedicated players. What an amazingly diverse range of ideas on how to be successful! The following is a few of them from the fitness fanatics concerned. Writes Paul Beck

Firstly, three highly respected men, all members of the bar:­Conme VVarren swears (Conme swear???! !!) by 15 pints of lager on the Saturday, followed by an early night - straight to bed as soon as the bar staff refuse to serve him anymore.

Ralph Gunnion enjoys a job

through the hotel corridor, trying in vain to keep up with his lovely wife's two corgi dogs, a dozen or so leisurely pints of lager on Saturday evening while continually berating Connie Warren for having the audacity to suggest that he gets in a round of drinks.

Clive Morris, another hardened veteran of the bar, reckons he has seen the error of their ways and thinks this lager drinking very unwise. Clive keeps his drinking in strict control - only one bottle of wine with the meal and no more than 12 pints of Guinness after­wards. He is then helped up to bed by his highly trained nurse/ pharmacist (and county t.t. star) Margaret, who also administers the aspirins in the morning, while gently massaging his throbbing temples, totally ignoring his tantrums and touchiness and patiently convincing him that he is going to live to fight another day.

In strict contrast to the first three, Nigel Eckersley believes in no alcohol, an early night and up early on Sunday morning (around five) for a little light training - 500 sets up, 300 press ups, 1000 bench press, etc...before breakfast.

Perhaps the strangest regime of all however, certainly as far as Sunday mornings are concerned, is the one of the brilliant former vets mag. editor John Holland, who, rumour has it, has been studying the latest scientific findings. John believes that too much soap is bad for the skin, so uses only a very small piece when showering and follows this with a cup of hot water in the hotel bedroom before going down to breakfast.

As with the current record breaking Chinese female runners, there is a great deal of mystery surrounding John's theories which is far too complex for me to under­stand, so I suggest that anyone interested in them should speak to John himself, or Bill Brookman, or event the fitness professor himself, ageless Henry Buist.

On a final note the sound barrier breaking shout of .. G' Boy" on the Sunday that frightened the children in neighbouring Cardiff was, contrary to rumours not in fact Henry Buist or Matt Sheader, but surprisingly that usually shy retiring player, Derek Holman, just sneaking home 19 in the 3rd against plucky Chris Budden.

Des Douglas Table Tennis would like to announce the signing of a

new three year agreement between Stiga

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The Swedish National Team Players like Jan Ove Waldner,

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and European championships in Stiga clothing.

We wish them the very best for the next three years

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PAGElS

FRIENDLY HOTELS BRITISH LEAGUE~~~~~~~~~

Team Peniel in striking distance DESPITE being on the losing side,

Darren Griffin, recently transferred

g~~~~~l~:~~at~~~:~when he defeated Sean Gibson of Team PenieI21-17, 21-17. Peniel, however, ran out 12-2 winners to at least stay in striking distance of BFL Grove Writes Aubrey Drapkin

The Market Drayton side easily saw off the challenge of Sedgefield to the tune of 14-0 - the fourth time that they had run up this scoreline this season.

Launceston had new signing Carl Morgan in their side for the visit to Vymura International and he won his first two sets before losing out to player of the match Stephen Horsfield. Launceston went on to win 10-4. Policy Plus St. Neots and Horsham Angels shared the spoils in a closely fought game at St. Neots to give the home side their first point of the season. There was no single outstanding performance and the player of the match award was shared by Keith Richardson and Ritchie Venner.

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Team Peniel's Sean Gibson

BFL Grove II kept their 100% record in Division One North, but only just! In a closely fought encounter with Sedgefield IT six of the eight sets went the distance with Matthew Brown just edging out Ian Robertson 21-16 in the third end of the last set of the day to give Grove a 5-3 win. Needless to say, having already beaten Mick Stead, Brown was made player of the match.

Cheltenham Saracens, without Griffin, are really struggling in this division and had picked up only three sets from their first four matches. Another 8-0 reverse carne at the hands of Ruston Marconi Lincoln.

Sunderland's Peter Lau put in a tremendous performance against Olton and West Warwicks, beating both Phil Gunn and Adrian Dixon but the Midlanders eventually won 5-3 to stay in second place.

There's no stopping BFL Grove ill in Division One South where they have opened up a six point gap at the top of the table after only five matches. Edison TTC were expected to give them a run for their money, having beaten them last season, but Grove made no mistake, winning 7-1.

Steve Rand had two very imposing victories for BSG Brentwood. His win over LarkhalI's

Dave Harding put BSG back in it as they were trailing 0-2 at the time and his second success of the day, against Gordon Chapman in the final set, gave his side a 5-3 victory.

Leicester Lions consolidated their position at the top of Division Two North by beating Vale Royal Warrington 6-2 whilst Uxbridge (Burton) stayed in second place after a fine 7-1 victory away to Vymura IT. Mark Green became the first player this season to beat Bernie Wentworth and Mark Hankey.

Levis Westfield seem to be most unpredictable this seasOn and after some heavy defeats bounced back to beat City of Leeds 5-3. Tony Isaac of Leckie TTC saved the day for his side by beating Derwent's Simon James to force a draw.

In the South Eastern section of the second division Linda Farrow are stamping their authority and after five matches still boast a 100% record. Duncan Taylor was in great form for them as they defeated Pillinger Air Croydon 5-3.

The Kent derby between Byng Hall and Ashford ended up all square. Even the player of the match award was shared between Mark Brown and Phil Saxby. . Team Peniel IT gained their first points of the season with a 5-3 home victory over Norwich Todd Foxwood.

Horsham Angels II, leaders of Division Two South West, started badly against DML White Hart Launceston IT losing the first two sets of the day but recovered to win the match 5-3.

VRS Fareham stay in contention after easily winning their 'derby' match against Amity Generation 6­2.

Local rivals Gridfine St. Neots and Peterborough are setting the pace in Division Three East with the St. Neots side just ahead of Dennis Neale's team.

Unbeaten performances by Norman Swift and David Hyde helped St. Neots to overcome Britannia Ipswich 6-2 whilst Neale and Brian Hill were both unde­feated in Peterborough's 5-3 success against the Chelmsford League.

Division Three Midland continues to be keenly contested with Bribar Colley Toyota II, Hawbush C.C., and DML Launceston ill all locked together on equal points at the top of the table. Launceston won 5-3 against Horsham ill and Hawbush

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PAGE 16

British L@ague

FRIEND~HOTELSBRITISHLEAGUE-2~~~~~~~~

by a similar score at Bromsgrove. Bishops Otter College. Colley went one better to win 6-2 First points away to Bathwick Tyres TIl with Ryan Owen and Ryan Jenkins both In the matches played on 31st ISupported by.Schildkrot Iundefeated. October, Bathwick Tyres gained

The Scottish side Drumchapel their first points of the season with Glasgow defeated Moorland a 9-5 victory over St. Neots. Seasiders of Blackpool 8-0 in a Second Division Jolliffe Poole match that was much closer than also won for the first time, beating the score suggests but they remain Amity "Generation 6-2. a point behind Sedgefield ill who On the other hand Second obeat AALCO Leeds 7-1. Division Leicester Lions lost their

Barclays Bank dropped their unbeaten record when they went first point of the season when they down 5-3 at Leeds. Another team were held to a draw by WSIHE to lose their unbeaten record were Lennox House Group in what was Sedgefield ill who were beaten 7-1 described as the finest and most at home by Moorland Seasiders Fri~Tllsilycompetitive match ever played at Blackpool in a third division match.

PLACINGS AT 31st OCTOBER 1993

PREMIER DMSION P W D L F A PTS DMSION TWO SOUTH WEST P W D L F A PTS BFL Grove 6 6 - - 81 3 12 Horsham Angels II 5 5 32 8 10 Team Peniel 6 5 1 - 60 24 11 VRS Fareham 5 3 2 - 27 13 8 Sedgefield District 5 3 1 1 34 36 7 DML Launceston II 6 3 1 2 29 19 7 DML Launceston 5 3 - 2 36 34 6 Kingshurst Briliar 6 2 2 2 26 22 6 Vymura International 6 2 - 4 32 52 4 BFL Grove Colts 6 1 3 2 22 26 5 Horsham Angels 6 1 1 4 33 51 3 Bathwick Tyres II 5 2 1 2 15 25' 5 Bathwick Tyres 6 1 - 5 22 62 2 Jolliffe Poole 5 1 - 4 11 29 2 Policy Plus St. Neots 6 1 5 24 60 1 A.G. Fareham 6 1 5 14 34 1

DMSION ONE NORTH DMSION THREE EAST BFL Grove II 6 6 - - 36 12 12 Gridfine St. Neots 6 5 - 1 30 18 10 Olton & W. Warwickshire 6 4 1 1 33 15 9 Peterborough 6 4 1 1 28 20 9 Sedgefield District II 6 3 2 1 32 16 8 Brent Juniors 6 3 1 2 27 21 7 British Gas CMK 6 2 2 2 24 24 6 BSG Brentwood II 6 3 - 3 30 18 6 R.M. Lincoln 6 2 1 3 23 25 5 Fellows Cranleigh II 6 3 - 3 25 23 6 Bribar Humberside 6 1 3 2 20 28 5 Chelmsford League 6 2' 1 3 20 28 5 City of Sunderland 6 1 1 4 21 27 3 Britannia Ipswich 6 1 2 3 18 30 4 Cheltenham Saracens 6 - - 6 3 45 - Norwich Todd Foxwood II 6 1 5 14 34 1

DMSION ONE SOUTH DMSION THREE MIDLAND BFL Grove III 5 5 - - 31 9 10 Brthar Colley Toyota II 6 5 - 1 30 18 10 Brthar Colley Toyota 5 1 3 1 21 19 5 DML Launceston III 6 5 1 27 21 10 OLOP 5 2 1 2 20 20 5 Hawbush C.C. 6 4 - 2 28 20 8 Edison T.T.C. 5 2 1 2 19 21 5 P.D. Newport 6 4 - 2 24 24 8 BSG Brentwood 6 2 1 3 22 26 5 OLOP II 6 2 1 3 26 22 5 Rejects 5 1 1 3 16 24 3 Horsham Angels III 6 2 - 4 23 25 4 G.S. Larkhall 5 1 1 3 15 25 3 Bromsgrove 6 1 - 5 19 29 2

Batbwick Tyres ill 6 - 1 5 15 33 1 DMSION TWO NORTH Leichester Lions 6 4 1 1 29 20 9 DMSION THREE NORTH Uxbridge (Burton) 6 3 2 1 31 17 8 Drurnchapel Glasgow 6 5 - 1 36 12 10 City of Leeds 6 3 1 2 24 24 7 Sedgefield III 6 4 1 1 29 19 9 Vymura International II 6 2 2 2 25 23 6 Moorland S. Blackpool 6 4 1 1 28 20 9 Derwent T.T.C. 6 1 3 2 24 24 5 BFL Grove N 6 2 2 2 26 22 6 V.R. Warrington 6 2 1 3 23 25 5 Uxbridge Burton II 6 2 1 3 22 26 5 Levis Westfield 6 2 1 3 20 28 5 Crusaders Lincoln 6 2 4 19 29 4 Leckie T.T.C. 6 3 3 17 31 3 AALCO Leeds 6 1 1 4 16 32 3

Co-op 6 1 - 5 16 32 2 DMSION TWO SOUTH EAST Linda Farrow 6 6 - - 34 14 12 DMSION THREE SOUTH JAGS 6 3 2 1 25 23 8 Barclays Bank 6 5 1 - 39 9 11 Pillinger Air Croydon 6 3 1 2 28 20 7 WSIHE L.H.G. 5 3 1 1 23 17 7 Byng Hall 6 3 1 2 27 21 7 Rejects II 5 2 1 2 20 20 5 Ashford (Kent) 6 2 3 1 27 21 7 Linda Farrow II 5 2 3 20 20 4 Fellows Cranleigh 6 1 1 4 20 28 3 G.S. Larkhall II 5 1 2 2 '16 24 4 Team Peniel IT 6 1 1 4 16 32 3 Ellenborough 5 1 1 3 ~,5 25 3 Norwich Todd Foxwood 6 1 5 15 33 1 Adeyfield N.A. 5 2 3 11 29 2

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PAGE 17

PERSONALITY PROFILE ~~._~~~_~~~~_~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Two terms in the hot seat SWAYTHLING Club

president Johnny Leach will have completed two terms in the hot seat when he hands over to Ferec Sido at the world champi­onships in TIanjin, China in 1995. But for the former twice world champion work for this famous old club will go on.

Johnny, who holds a similar post for the ETTA, is a founder member of the Club and has no intention of settling for a quiet life on the sidelines.

"There are a lot of things which I want to see through. It's doubtful that I will be able to finish them off in my current term but I will carry on in some capacity until everything is in place," he said.

The exclusive Swaythling Club exists for players who have taken part in two or more world championships. Over the years it has expanded and nowadays membership stands at an all time high of about 500 from over 60 countries.

It's the SwaythJing Club International which is also responsible for the organisation of the World Veteran Champion­ships, to be held in Melbourne, Australia in 1994, Norway 1996 and England in 1998.

Their main aim is to encour­age new players, especially younger ones and sportsmanship. They do this in various ways including the presentation of two major awards the Richard Bergmann Trophy for Fair Play and the Victor Barna Award for the Best Player. Both are pre­sented at the world champion­ships.

And there's no secret that once a member always a member and that you will bewell looked after.

"We always take a keen interest in our members and will always help out where necessary. Members are not just members

but part of an ever expanding family," said Johnny.

The Swaythling Cup is played for every two years in the mens team competition. At present Sweden are the holders and they will defend their title in China in 18 months time.

A meeting of all club mem­bers takes place at every Euro­pean and World Championships. So we will be certain to see many past world champions at Bir­mingham, including the famous Rowe twins, Ferenc Sido and Ichiro Ogimura.

Nowadays Johnny is still very active and keeps an eye on the family business, which special­ises in the manufacture of dartboards and dartboard cabinets, with his two sons John and Jeffrey. Recently he and his wife Daisy moved house and that is something he would not like to do too often.

"It was the most traumatic job of all. I wouldn't wish it on anyone, I'm still aching," he laughed.

But there is another Johnny Leach that probably gives him a higher profile than his connection with the Swaythling Club. . For the last 40 years he has

written a table tennis column for the News of the World and it is his proud boast that in all that time he hasn't missed a deadline. Not every story gets in, of course, but many do and space in the country's biggest circulation newspaper is a real bonus for a sport where column inches are like gold dust.

Main picture: Johnny Leach with his OBE. and small picture is of Johnny with his two sons at their Opex Sports Limited premises, John Junior is left and Jeff is pictured right.

Words by Jim Beckley, Pictures by John F.A. Wood

t.....

(I"i \1('11

-­

'\GE 18 l"'Al>r. 19

COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS~~~~~~~~~~~~

Berkshire lead Junior Premier THE first round of Junior Premier matches was played in Liverpool. Berkshire, the newcomers to Premier status, was the team of the weekend. They won their three matches and head the league table! Berks' wins over previous strong contenders - Essex, Yorkshire and Lancashire. Surrey, last season's champions, have already lost a match - to Essex - so Berkshire must have great prospects of being champi­ons this season. Their closest contest was against Essex when it was left to Garath Herbert to beat Stephen Joslin (E) at 22 in the 3rd game to secure a 6-4 win. Writes Doug Moss

Essex and Middlesex are jointly in 2nd place having each lost one of their matches. Surrey and Yorkshire teams each suffered a loss and, when the teams met, the result was a draw. Yorkshire came back from 3-5 down with wins by Sally Marling over Glenda Ashison and Philip Neal (Y) over Adam Laws.

Cheshire, the other promoted team, had a good 7-3 win over Devon with Clare Newns and Karen Lockwood successful in their four events. Cheshire lost 3-7 to Surrey and 4-6 to Middlesex, when the Cheshire girls again had 100% success. It came close to a draw with Middlesex as Gary Thornton-Allen (Ch) lost to Jason Sugrue (Mi) 11, -19, -231 Lancashire got a win over Devon but suffered 8-2 defeats at the hands of Berkshire and Yorkshire. Devon, without two of their top ranked players, lost all three matches.

The most successful players were Stephen Lampkin (Sy) and Gareth Herbert (Berks No.3) who were un­beaten. Clare News (Ch), Sally Marling (Y) and Shelley Ruocco (E) also got 100% wins. A surprise result was Stephen Joslin (E) beating Darren Blake (Sy). This was a big factor in the Essex 6-4 win over Surrey.

LEAGUE TABLE P W D L F APts

Berkshire 3 3 0 0 2010 6 Essex 3 2 0 1 17 13 4 (37-32) Middlesex 3 2 0 1 17 13 4 (37-32) Yorkshire 3 1 1 1 17 13 3 Surrey 3 1 1 1 16 14 3 Cheshire 3 1 0 2 14 16 2 Lancashire 3 1 0 2 1020 2 Devonshire 3 0 0 3 9 21 0

In senior 1B Division, Devon 2nds did well on their visit to Kingfisher Club to beat Berkshire 2nds 8-2. Berkshire first

PAGE 20

Yorkshire's Sally Marling

team visited Gwent and got a 7-3 win with David Barr having a good win over Steve Ward (Gw). ClWYd received the Cumbria team for a senior 2A match and, with Natasha Williams and Meinir Davies winning their four events, the homesters secured a point from a draw. Nottingham team went to West Warwickshire T.T.C. and came away with an 8-2 win over Warwickshire 2nds. Mark Green and Tim Sheppard (Ng) both had wins over Steve Meddings. Nicola Meddings got the two events for Warwickshire.

Cheshire had wins over Staffordshire 2nd and 3rd teams - 6-4 and 9-1. Clare Newns (ranked 130), after her success at Junior Premier level. excelled with wins over Jose Bongers and Janet Dunning. Lancashire 2nds have a strong team in Division 2A - Steve Scowcroft, Tony Taylor, Graham Clarke, Lindsey Thornton and Tamar Connolly. Visitors Leicester 2nds went down 9-1! In Senior 2B the Cornwall 1st and 2nd teams visited Worcester. The 1st team lost 2-8, with Cara Rowe and Esme Stevenson each getting a win, and the 2nd team went down 10-nil. Worcester 2nd team visited Gloucester. In the final event Sylvester Callum (Gs) beat Lewis Siket at 23 in 3rd game to gain a point for Gloucester. Carrie Hunt (Wo) made her debut at senior level and won both her events. Somerset team was a player short at Plymouth RO. but achieved a 7-3 win over Devon 3. Wiltshire team was 3-5 down against Avon 2nds but wins by Brenda Lee and Trevor lloyd earned a point. In senior 2C Suffolk 2nds lost 3-7 to Essex 3rd team. Claire Lowe had two wins for Suffolk. At Barnet Kent 3rd team met Hertfordshire 3rds, in senior 20,

where the visitors led 4-3 but Hertford­shire carne back to take both points from a 6-4 win. In the final event Chris Marlow (He) beat Craig Hastie at 15 in a decider. Five events went to a decider in the Hampshire IJHampshire 2 clash but the first team won 9-1. Sussex 3rd team had a conclusive lO-nil win over Dorset.

Three matches were played in the Junior Division lB at Milton Keynes. Buckinghamshire did well to get 6-4 and 8-2 wins over Gwent and Hampshire. Wendy Barlow (Bu) was undefeated. Gwent 4-nil up in their clash with Hampshire. Lorna Dutch and Donna Granville (Ha) got three wins but Gwent ran out winners 7-3. Essex 2nds had a hard fight at Yeovil with six events going to a decider. Essex carne through with a 6-4 win over Somerset. In Junior 2B Norfolk 2nd and 3rd teams received Huntingdonshire at the Norwich Norman Centre. The 2nd team won 7-3 but Huntingdonshire retaliated with an 8-2 win over Norfolk 3rds. Essex 3/Bucking­hamshire 2 was a very hard fought match. Six of the events could have gone either way but the Essex team won 6-4 when, in the final event, Barry Mays beat Gareth Thomas -26, 20, 8. Bedfordshire 1st team was indebted to Martine Whittaker QIld Jenny Sanders winning their four events to get a 7-3 win over Hertfordshire 2nds. Just one event went to a decider in Suffolk 2nds 9-1 win over Cambridgeshire. Three Junior 2C matches were played at Plymouth RO. Devon 2nds beat Cornwall 9-1 but the Cornish team eamed a point from a draw with Devon 2nds. Devon 2 beat Devon 3 lO-nil. Glamorgan 2nds visited Worcester and got a 7-3 win. David Stephens (Wo) had a good 11 in 3rd win over Robert Chell. Cadet Craig Weekes looks a very good prospect for Glamorgan. Wiltshire/ Gloucestershire match ended as a draw when, in the final event, Jon Roberts (Gs) beat Stephen Penfold in straight games. Dorset girls - Elaine Moore and Tina Young - won their four events on their visit to Avon but, with a 22 in 3rd win for Tom Orlik in final event, Avon won 6-4. In Junior 2D the Surrey 2nd and 3rd teams visited Fareham to play Hampshire 2nds. Surrey 2nds won 7-3 with Anna McNamara and Sarah Lane winning their four events. Against Surrey 3rds the home team led 5-2 but the visitors fought back well to earn a draw. There was another draw when Berkshire 2nds received the Kent 3rd team. Kent 2nds fared better with a good 8-2 win over

COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS - 2 ~~~~~~~~~~~

Middlesex 2nds. Sussex 2nds beat the Sussex 3rd team 8-2. Surprisingly it was the Surrey 2nds NO.1 - Martyn Sims - who lost the two events.

The first round of VETERAN PREMIER matches was played at Barnet. The top two teams Cheshire and Yorkshire each had three wins. Again it seems it will be down to these two teams to decide the Championship at Ashford T.T.C. in January. Cheshire beat Hertfordshire 7-2, when Paul Collins (Ch) lost his two events, and Sussex 8-1. Against Dorset

' glesTony Clayton (Do) had two easy sm · and cornbi'ned Wl·th Bn'an Burn to WillS

take the mens doubles. But Dorset could

not improve on this and Cheshire won 6­3. Yorkshire's first match was a tough one! Opponents Hertfordshire led 4-3. Malcolm Corking 00 then beat John Taylor at 21 in 3rd game and Nicky Davies followed with a win over David Seaholme to clinch a Yorkshire win. Yorkshire played well to beat Essex 8-1. Essex won the mixed doubles but Sancha Rider 00 beat Marjorie Dawson at 15 in deciding game. Yorkshire's other win was over Surrey 6-3. Dorset and Essex both won two matches each beating Sussex. Essex went 2-00 down against Surrey but won 5-4 and Dorset had a hard match against Kent before winning 5-4. In this match Ruth Bentley (K) beat Joyce Coop. Kent and Hertfordshire each had some close matches and each secured one win. Kent beat Surrey 5-4 when Clive Morris (K) won his two matches. Hertfordshire's win was over Kent 5-4. With match score 4-4 Stuart Seaholme (He) beat Clive Morris in the 3rd game. Sussex and Surrey both failed to win a match but each team was involved in matches with a 5-4 result. The most successful players were Nicky Davies 00, Derek Schofield (Ch). Tony Clayton (Do) and Doreen Schofield (Ch) who each won 100% in singles events. Tony Clayton, with Brian Bum, was also undefeated in mens doubles.

Cheshire Yorkshire Dorset Essex Kent Herts Surrey Sussex

LEAGUE TABLE Pts P W L F A 3 3 0 21 6 6 3 3 0 19 8 6 3 2 1 14 13 4 3 2 1 11 16 4 3 1 2 13 14 2 3 1 2 11 16 2 3 0 3 11 16 0 3 0 3 8 19 0

Just one Veterans Division 1A match. Worcestershire received Lincolnshire, who won three of the six mens singles and recorded a 6-3 win. Janet Hunt (Wo) had a good 15 in 3rd win over Beryl Voss. Berkshire went 2-00 down to Middlesex in Veterans 1B but came back to win 6-3. Syd Montgomery (Bk) was involved in three wins. Hampshire did well on their visit to Essex. They beat Essex 2nds 6-3 by winning the six mens singles events. Gloucestershire's team was without Dennis Holland and went down 5-4 to

Kent 2nds, who won both doubles events. Somerset beat Essex 3rds 6-3 with Brian Reeves and Graham Green involved in all six wins. Staffordshire and Northampton­

Dorset's Tony Clayton

shire met in Veterans Division ZA, the teams firlished level last season but this time Northamptonshire's team was in great form to win 8-1. Warwickshire 2nds, on promotion, found it hard going at North Shields. They went 4-00 down and Northumberland concluded with a 6­

3 win. Nottinghamshire won both doubles at Clwyd and this was certainly an influence in their 6-3 win. Essex 4th team firlished well above Buckinghamshire 2nds in Veterans 2B last season. But the tables were turned with Buckingharnshire

getting a 6-3 win. Mike Atkinson (Bu) was involved in three wins. Cambridgeshire team visited Norwich, went into a 2-00 lead and got a 6-3 win over Norfolk 2nds. John Turner (Ca) won both singles matches and the doubles with Malcolm Stennett. In Veterans 2C Surrey 2nds received Kent 3rd team and won 7-2. Kent's two events were won by Graham French who beat Frank Hams and Dave Crowley - both at 18 in 3rd game. There were two domestic battles with Sussex

2nds beating their 3rd team 7-2 and alth h Ox 1 t be t 0 2nds 8 1 t oug on saxon - a1 ~ d 'ded 1east lOur events were eCl narrow y.Three matches in Veterans 2D each

ded . h th 6 3 en Wlt e away team getting a ­win. Surrey 3rd team, on promotion, have started well and had their second win at the expense of Devon. Dorset 2nds went into a 3-00 lead over Somerset 2nds and, with Cyril Bush winning both his singles events, earned two points. Wiltshire 1st team, on demotion, was beaten by Hampshire 2nds for whom Maurice Shave won both singles. Newcomers Warwick­shire 3rd team beat Cheshire 3rds 7-2 in Veterans 3A. Roger Moss won the tyvo events for Cheshire. Wiltshire 2nds visited St. Neots T.T.C. and secured a win when Alan Duke (Wi) beat Tony Olver at 22 in 3rd game. Huntingdonshire beat Hertford-shire's 4th team 6-3 at Barnet T.T.C. with Alan Kirsop and P. Laughun

winning their four singles. Two DdW

teams were in opposition in Veterans 3B and visitors Kent 4 beat Hampshire's 4th team 5-4 with Ted Tydeman (K) getting a vital win in the firlal event. Dorset 3rd

team beat Hertfordshire 3rds 6-3 with Darmy Allen (Do) involved in three wins. Berkshire 2nds got a 6-3 win over Sussex 4 at Hove. At Kingfisher T.T.C.

Hampshire 3rd team gave Berkshire 4 the "whitewash". Newcomers Devon 3rd team started well with a 5-4 win over Wiltshire 3rds at Swindon. But

Devon 2nds did not fare so well when losing 3-6 to Hertfordshire 5th team. Gloucestershire 2nds received Herefords and got a 6-3 win. Carol Milnes was involved in two of the Hereford wins. In a match wholly decided in straight games, but with a number of games going to deuce, Northamptonshire 3rds beat Berkshire 3rds 7-2.

County Championship results will be given, as early as possible, on each Monday morning affer the seven organised match dates, in the News Update Section

FOR ALL COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS TELEPHONE 0891 664300

Calls charged at 36p per minute cheap rate and 48p per minute at other times

PAGE 21

COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS - 3

COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS OCTOBER 1993 SENIOR SECTION DMSlON lB C'td DMSION 2A C'td

Norfolk 2 7 Huntingdonshire 3 Northarnptonshire 3 Northumberland 6

DMSION lB Essex 3 6 Buckinghamshire 2 4 Northamptonshire 2 5 Clwyd 4 Berkshire 2 2 Devon 2 8 Suffolk 2 9 Carnbridgeshire 1 Northamptonshire 5 Clwyd 4 Gwent 3 Berkshire 7 Bedfordshire 7 Hertfordshire 2 3 Berkshire 2 8 Berkshire 2 2 Hertfordshire 2 4 Essex 3 6 DMSION2B Surrey 2 8 Berkshire 2 2 Huntingdonshire 8 Carnbridgeshire 2 Essex 4 3 Buckinghamshire 2 6

Suffolk 2 5 Bedfordshire 5 Norfolk 2 3 Cambridgeshire 6

DMSION2A Buckinghamshire 2 6 Cambridgeshire 3 Clwyd 5 Cumbria 5 DMSION2C Essex 4 4 Bedfordshire 5 Cheshire 6 Staffordshire 2 4 Worcestershire 3 Glamorgan 2 7 Essex 4 5 Norfolk 4 Cheshire 9 Staffordshire 3 1 Devon 2 9 Cornwall 1

Lancashire 2 9 Leicestershire 2 1 Devon 3 5 Cornwall 5 DMSION2C Warwickshire 2 2 Nottinghamshire 8 Devon 2 10 Devon 3 0 axon 2 1 axon 1 8

Leicestershire 2 7 Cheshire 3 Wiltshire 5 Gloucestershire 5 Sussex 2 7 Sussex 3 2 Staffordshire 2 6 Warwickshire 2 4 Avon 6 Dorset 4 Surrey 2 7 Kent 3 2 Staffordshire 3 4 Warwickshire 2 6 Gloucestershire 7 Devon 3 3 Kent 3 6 Oxon2 3 Nottinghamshire 10 Cumbria 0 Cornwall 5 Worcestershire 5 Sussex 3 4 Middlesex 2 5 Clwyd 3 Lancashire 2 7 Gloucestershire 1 Devon 2 9 Surrey 2 6 Sussex 2 3

Glamorgan 2 8 Dorset 2 DMSION2B Avon 5 Wiltshire 5 DMSION2D Worcestershire 8 Cornwall 2 Devon 3 Surrey 3 6

Worcestershire 10 Comwall2 0 DMSION2D Somerset 2 3 Dorset 2 6

Devon 3 3 Somerset 7 Sussex 3 2 Sussex 2 8 Wiltshire 3 Hampshire 2 6

Gloucestershire 5 Worcestershire 2 5 Hampshire 2 5 Surrey 3 5 Dorset 2 3 Avon 6

Avon 2 5 Wiltshire 5 Hampshire 2 3 Surrey 2 7 Hampshire 2 6 Devon 3 Somerset 3 Worcestershire 7 Berkshire 2 5 Kent 3 5 Somerset 0 Wiltshire 9

Cornwall 6 Gloucestershire 4 Kent 2 8 Middlesex 2 2 Cornwall 2 0 Gloucestershire 10 Surrey 3 6 Kent 3 4 DMSION3A Devon 3 7 Gloucestershire 3 Middlesex 2 3 Sussex 2 7 Hertfordshire 4 3 Huntingdonshire 6

Worcestershire 2 5 Wiltshire 5 Middlesex 2 5 Susses 3 5 Huntingdonshire 2 4 Wiltshire 2 5 Cornwall 6 Devon 3 4 Surrey 2 4 Kent 2 6 Warwickshire 3 7 Cheshire 3 2 Cornwall 2 2 Devon 3 8 Bedfordshire 2 6 Bedfordshire 3 3

VETERAN SECTION Huntingdonshire 2 Warwickshire 3 7

DMSION2C Cheshire 3 8 Huntingdonshire 2 1

Essex 3 7 Suffolk 2 3 PREMIER Wiltshire 2 3 Bedfordshire 3 6

Suffolk 2 6 Huntingdonshire 4 Cheshire 8 Sussex 1 Bedfordshire 2 6 Hertfordshire 4 3 Kent 4 Dorset 5

DMSION2D Essex 5 Surrey 4 DIVISION 3B Hertfordshire 3 6 Kent 3 4 Yorkshire 5 Hertfordshire 4 Sussex 4 3 Berkshire 2 6 Hampshire 9 Hampshire 2 1 Surrey 3 Yorkshire 6 Hamps~e4 4 Kent 4 5 Dorset 0 Sussex 3 10 Hertfordshire 5 Kent 4 Dorset 3 6 Hertfordshire 3 3 Hampshire 2 4 Hertfordshire 3 6 Dorset 3 Cheshire 6 Berkshire 4 0 Hampshire 3 9 Kent 9 Dorset 1 Sussex 4 Essex 5 Hampshire 3 5 Hampshire 4 4

Cheshire 7 Hertfordshire 2 Kent 4 8 Dorset 3 1 JUNIOR SECTION Kent 5 Surrey 4 Sussex 4 5 Berkshire 4 4

Yorkshire 8 Essex 1 Hertfordshire 3 3 Berkshire 2 6 PREMIER Sussex 3 Dorset 6

Middlesex 8 Devon 2 DMSION3C Surrey 7 Cheshire 3 DMSION1A Wiltshire 3 4 Devon 3 3 Berkshire 6 Essex 4 Worcestershire 3 Lincolnshire 6 Devon 2 3 Hertfordshire 5 6 Lancashire 2 Yorkshire 8 Worcestershire 5 Warwickshire 4 Gloucestershire 2 6 Herefordshire 3 Devon 4 Lancashire 6 Northants 3 7 Berkshire 3 2 Cheshire 4 Middlesex 6 DMSION1B Gloucestershire 2 7 Devon 2 2 Essex 6 Surrey 4 Middlesex 3 Berkshire 6 Wiltshire 3 4 Hertfordshire 5 5 Yorkshire 4 Berkshire 6 Essex 2 3 Hampshire 6 Devon 3 6 Berkshire 3 3 Devon 3 Cheshire 7 Kent 2 5 Gloucestershire 4 Surrey 5 Yorkshire 5 Som~rset 6 Essex 3 3 AMENDED RESULTS Middlesex 3 Essex 7 Hampshire 8 Essex 3 1 SENIOR2C Berkshire 8 Lancashire 2 Gloucestershire 4 Essex 2 5 Essex 3 6 Suffolk 2 4 DMSION lB Berkshire 4 Kent 2 5 (Essex player not ranked) Buckinghamshire 8 Hampshire 2 Sonlerset 6 Middlesex 3 JUNIOR2C Buckinghamshire 6 Gwent 4 Devon 2 10 Cornwall 0 Somerset 4 Essex 2 6 DMSION2A Devon 3 7 Cornwall 3 Hampshire 7 Somerset 3 Northumberland 6 Warwickshire 2 3 (Players in wrong ranking order) Essex 2 1 Sussex 9 Staffordshire 1 Northamptonshire 8 JUNIOR2D Kent 6 Buckinghamshire 4 Clwyd 3 Nottinghamshire 6 Berkshire 2 7 Kent 3 3 Norfolk 3 2 Huntingdonshire 8 Warwickshire 2 5 Nottinghamshire 4 (Kent had ineligible player)

PAGE22

REGIONAL NOTES

South West Region

byAlfPepperd Cotswold Select National Junior

Open Championships ­January 29th and 30th 1994

WHEN the 'Cotswold' tournament takes place over the above men­tioned weekend, it will signal the 27th year of this highly successful event, since its inception in 1968, and it will again be staged at the New Sports Complex, at Tommy Taylor's Lane in Cheltenham.

Being designated a 'Select' tournament by the English T.T. Association, means that the best boys and girls in the country compete - at age levels Under 17, 14 and 12, in order to gain their computerised rankings.

Also included in the tournament are some class two events especially aimed at young players who are either lowly ranked or perhaps taking their first intrepid steps on the competitive table tennis circuit.

It is anticipated that some 300 players will participate, which will entail two days of continuous play on 16 tables in the new sports hall, and it will be covered by the press, radio and often teleVision.

Tournaments all over the country and similar to the 'Cotswold' are so vital for the development of our young players.

Entry forms for the 'Cotswold' have long since been distributed ­and a gentle reminder, the final date for entries is, Thursday 23rd December 1993.

Glancing through the West Cornwall T.T. league handbook I note that DML White Hart Launceston remain the only club in the South West Region competing in the British League providing three teams competing in the Premier Division, Division Two S.W. and Division Three Midland.

British League matches are played periodically at Launceston College on Sunday afternoons on four tables.

They involve many of the regions leading players and are a fine spectacle for spectators, my thanks to Peter Hancock for this information. Sponsorship - Kessells Garages ­National Westminster Bank pic The West Cornwall T.T.· League are extremely grateful to Kessells Garages who have kindly agreed to sponsor the main league progTamme for the fourth successive season, thus enabling the league to maintain its standards of administration and to make some improvements.

Nat West have again agreed to sponsor the Divisionals on Sunday January 9th at Carn Brea for the ninth successive season - again many thanks for this continued support to both Trevor Huntley (Kessells) and David Harris (Nat West).

With the progression of many of Cornwall's leading juniors into the senior ranks, this seasons trials were mainly an experience for many of Cornwall's youngsters when held last Autumn at Wellington, Somerset. However, there were some bright

points with Ben Pocock of Carnborne remaining unbeaten to qualify in the Cadet Boys event, Graham Worth (Launceston) qualified in both the Cadets and Junior Boys whilst Kevin Worth also qualified in the Juniors.

The remaining members of the party were Avadh Srivastava and James Burrow (Truro), James Maddern, Anna Reed and Rachel Tedstone (Falmouth), Julia Mitchell (Carnbourne), Adrian Noott (St. Austell) and Chris Blake (Launceston).

london Region byJohn Llewellyn

DESPITE the fact that I have only been Press Officer for the London Region since April 1993, it feels like I have been doing the job for years! I'm happy to say it feels that way for all the right reasons. You see in terms of grass roots developments the Region is exploding with new projects and ideas! An example being the London Junior Table Tennis Scheme, although it's not a new project, it has undergone changes which reflects the huge success it had last season.

Some of the events are now run over two days to cope with the increase in demand. One of the other changes has been the addition of an under 21 section. The figures from the first of these two day events have been good with 129 entries received for the North of Thames competition. This was held at the popular Janet Adegoke Leisure Centre, in Hammersmith. A very deserving well done goes out to Graeme Bartrop for running the tournament on both days.

Reg Rockall is the new Regional Staff Coach for London, having taken over from Nigel Thomas who has had to leave the post due to increased commitments at work. This will fit in nicely with Reg's other position of Regional Director of Coaching.

September/October has been one of the busiest periods for Coach Education with a total of 60 people attending level one and two courses throughout the Region. The demand for these courses is now such that we need more tutors. A tutors course has been arranged for 23rd January 1994, contact Reg Rockall (tel: 081­341 9081) for details. With so many new developments taking place it has been hard to keep up with them all, so I have highlighted a few to keep you informed of what's happening. Publicity: the 4th newsletter was released at the start of October with a circulation of over 1,000. A grant application form for the Foundation for Sport and the Arts was also included in the circulation.

This now means every ETTA affiliated club in London has now received a form. Coach Education: level one and two courses held in the follOWing Boroughs: Brent, Eating, Haringey, Redbridge, Southwark, the tutors were Reg Rockall, Brian Etherington and John Llewellyn. New coaching generated: Hammersmith & Fulham, Townmead Youth Club,

Harrow Boys Club, four hours per week. Tower Hamlets College, 10 hours per week. Don Head School, Merton, coaching part of P.E. curriculum, now with 100 players per week. SchooVClub link: Notre Dame Girls School in Southwark, coach: Mike Kercher. Colin Wilson the London Region Development Officer is to be congratulated as he has been instrumental in getting most of those projects off the ground. Colin has recently carried out a survey to find out how much outside capital has been put into table tennis in London. Incredibly an estimated £57,000 has been contributed by outside sources from January-October 1993.

South East Region

byJohn Woodford BOTH parties are seldom happy after a divorce, but it seems that the recent split between London and the South East regions caused by the re­shuffling of the Sports Council administrative areas has caused happiness all round and no grief. Brian Spicer remains in the chair in our area.

A useful test of his guidance along the development paths will come at Crawley on November 27th when a large-scale Development Conference will be staged at which the South East Region Development Plan will be launched.

There is still a great deal of work to be done in the county - some local leagues are making excellent progress with grants, but a few leagues are still bogged down.

The Hastings league who have successfully staged the Stamco Sussex Open for 59 years and who still have a substantial sum of money in the kitty earmarked for develop­ment, league premises etc, are missing out on development publicity.

I was astonished to learn that RDO Claire Hunter has a lot of work to do in the Hastings area - where junior coaching is making good progress - in educating the Press Officer. He told me at the Sussex Open that the sport still seemed to be going downhill and losing members everywhere and that nothing was being done about it to his knowledge! That is the sort of abject permission that has to be eliminated.

The Sports Council will only help sports who help themselves. Following the appointment of Claire Hunter last year as the Regional Development Officer, progress is being made at boosting the sport at grass roots level. There are a whole range of events in place for this season, ranging from a special womens day held at Hove which was attended by 21 recruits new to the sport and a coach education programme was held at Eastbourne on October 16th-17th. Full· details of the events will be sent to leagues and in some cases direct to clubs as well.

Southern Region

byJohn Cunningham WHILE details of matches played are not actually flowing through the letter box, I have a few details from the usual reliable sources Le. Kingfisher, Artel 'SSV' and the ladies of OLOP 'Scottih Provident'.

Justin Mead and his Kingfisher 'A' team had a convincing 8-1 win over Merton. Mead and old war horse Brian Halliday leading the way with maximums. Perhaps the best contest was that between Halliday and Howard Davies the score 21-18, 20-22, 22-20 to the Kingfisher veteran.

Earlier Merton had beaten OLOP 'Scottish Provident' 6-3, no details of this match as yet, but a combination of Friendly Hotel British League calls, a clash with a veterans tournament and injuries, caused OLOP to call in local lad Brian Bickell to join his son Paul and John Millward. Thanks for helping out Brian.

The ladies league started well, played at Ash with all clubs participating.

Again I have only the OLOP Scottish Provident details, with Sylvia Bruton and Sharon Mitchell in outstanding doubles form for OLOP, remaining unbeaten throughout the day. The duo also defeated Aldershot A and B and lost a good contest with Ash 'B' 2-3.

Artel 'SSV' are confident of winning division two this season and new signing Geoff Davis could be the key player in their squad. Davis one of the top players in the Reading League, started with a maximum as SSV beat Cippenham 'c' 8-1.

Stanley MathUrin was the lone winner for Cippenham, beating Geoff Huggins 14-21, 21-16, 21-13. Credit to Edgebarrow Sports Centre for superb refreshments, and to Cippenham in particular their un­named star, a cross between Lenny Henry and Frank Spencer, thank you from Artel for a sporting and enjoyable evening.

Back in the Premier the 'AI team from Cippenham had a good 5-4 victory over OLOP Scottish Provident 'A'. The win achieved in the last rubber of the evening when Mike Rhodes defeated Tony Reynolds 21­18,13-21,21-14. Earlier however Steve Joel had sewn the seeds of victory, beating Ian Schwartz 21-9, 21-18.

Who is Steve Joel Stephen Joel is th~ new Southern Regional Development Officer for table tennis. Based at the Southern Region Sports Council Offices in Reading, Stephen is already making a great impact on local table tennis.

The Regional Committee is to have a very high profile in his plans for the 'Way Aheac~' for table tennis over the next three years.

The number one priority in the Region will be facilities and to this end a working paper is being produced.

We all wish Stephen the best of luck.

PAGE 23

COACHING

Excellence training IN the past, each Sports Council The Calendar Working party region has run one Centre of has agreed to place some Excellence. For a variety of training dates in the calendar reasons, these centres have not and these will be used to bring been as successful as it was together players from different hoped they would be. One Centres for Excellence for reason was the locations and training days. the difficulty that many young Each centre will have a players had with actually squad of 12 players, all of whom getting to the centres. Writes will have training log books. Gail MCCUlloch These logs will be used to:

Now, under the Focus Sport monitor the training pro­programme, each region will grammes and progress of each aim to run three or four centres player; as a means of communi­which will be called Centres for cation between individual and Excellence. Obviously the centre coaches; to highlight standards may initially be quite problems that players may have diverse, but all talented players in finding suitable practice of national potential will have partners; and to assist Regional access to a good training and and National coaches when the coaching session. The centres players go to training camps (as are aimed at the junior and hopefully many of them will). cadet players but good interme­ The log books will be checked diate players will also be periodically by centre coaches. considered for inclusion. All Centre for Excellence

EXPQE~~ ~PORT~ INTERNATIONAL TRAINING CAMPS

AT MINSTER SCHOOL

LEOMINSTER, HEREFORDSHIRE Winter Course: Only £125 for 5 Days Monday, December 27th, start 2pm

to Friday, December 31st, finish 2pm

As usual the coaches are of the highest proven standard, including John O'Sullivan and Rowden Fullen, Course director is Malcolm Francis, star players include senior internationals Alex Perry and Kate Goodall.

For more information or to reserve your place, ring Express Sports - 0825 764566

STOP PRESS Eight page summer camp colour brochure soon available, please ring for your copy.

coaches have also been given training log books. These are: to help the coach prepare the sessions more effectively; to help plan progression nong term); and to cater for individual needs. These logs will be monitored by members of the National Coaching Committee.

LEVEL 3 COACH COURSES

In response to the demand to upgrade more coaches, there will be four level three courses this season as follows:­May 6-Sth - (SW. Region) at Yale Leisure Centre June 3-5th - at Lilleshall June 10-12th - at Stockton-on -Tees July 29-31st - at Chichester

Application forms will be available in January from Jill Parker. TUTORS & ASSESSORS

COURSE January 23rd will be a training day for all would-be tutors and assessors (up to level two standard).

This is for level thr~

coaches from the London, South East, Southern and South West regions. Places are limited and so application should be made to the Regional Development Officer. EURO 94 - ADVANCED

COACHES COURSES A course not to be missed. Have you booked your place yet? Application forms from Jill Parker.

ENGLISH TABLE TENNIS ASSOCIAnON

1. COACHING AWARD This Is a six hour course which alms to give a very basic Introduction to coaching. It may be suitable for parents. 6th formers. Duke of Edinburgh candidates or anyone considering a career In leisure. sport or related professions.

Although a good playing stondord Is not a prerequisite of this award It Is suggested that students spend a good propor­tion of the time on the table In order to a1d1heir understanding of the basic principles.

2. SPORTS LEADER AWARD 3. TEACHERS AWARD

These are 12 hour courses which alms to give an introduction to table tennis coaching. They are suitable for those who work In local authority or commercially operates sports centres or leisure clubs. qualified or student teachers or for those who work within the youth or community services.

4. COACH - Level 2 This consists of a 12 hour theoryIpractical course plus 12 hours of practical coaching under the gUidance of a qualified coach. Assessment takes place when both of these criteria have been completed. The course Is aimed at anyone Wishing to learn the fundamentals of coaching table tennis and a satisfactory playing standard Is necessary - I.e. the ability to demonstrate the four basic strokes competently. students whose playing ability Is weak will be given help to improve and should not be put off from attempting to qualify at this level.

5. COACH - Level 3 This course Is for the experienced coach with a minimum of one years experience at Level 2. The course Includes three NCF courses (Level 2) and the coach must pass the County Umpires test. attend four Open Tournaments. submit a written paper and be working regularly within the NCS.

6. COACH - Level 4 (Senior) This Is for only the very best coaches. who must have a minimum of two years experience as a Level 3 Coach. They must attend two 12 hour NCF courses (Level 3) and satisfy all the criteria set by the NCC.

PAGE 24

DEVELOPMENT

National Lottery OVER the next twelve months, the National Lottery is expected to be widely publicised in Britain with an estimated 50% of Britain's adult population likely to become regular players when it becomes established in late 1994. Writes Diccon Gray the E1TA Development Manager

The ETTA are monitoring the progress of the Lottery as it develops and progresses through various government stages so that table tennis has a clear understanding of the potential benefits to sport. We are working very hard to­wards table tennis being at the front of the queue when funds are distributed.

The ETTA intends to keep members updated on Lottery progress, and the following information (courtesy of the Sports Council) is relevant background information.

.. •. JAB.LE1. ~

; For tournament quality tables telephone or write for details

• rnA HOveloqk Rd, Hastings East Sussex, TN34 1HF TeJ: (0424) 722 525 Fax: (0424) 422 103

National Lottery Bill The Government has stated that the primary objective of the National Lottery is "to raise as much money as possible for designated 'good causes'" nominated are sports, arts, heritage, chari­ties and a Millennium Fund for projects celebrating the year 2000.

The National Lottery bill was introduced to the House of Lords May 1993 and Royal Assent gained in October 1993.

The bill proposes that sport will receive 20% of the overall surplus allocated to .. good causes". Of this sum, 83.3% will be administered by the Sports Council, 8.9% by the Scottish Sports Council, 5% by the Sports Council for Wales and 2.8% by the Sports Council for Northem Ireland.

Lottery surpluses will primarily by used for capital projects Le. buildings and facilities, not salaries or small revenue projects.

Potential benefits to sport

Additional funding of £100­200 million per annum for sport.

Sport may also derive benefit from the proposed Millennium Fund for major projects, e.g. future Olympic Bids.

Spin-off benefits to sport in terms of possible event sponsorship by Lottery Company, sport-related games, sport-related advertis­ing.

The Lottery industry - key facts

Single Jackpot prizes in the USA have reached levels exceeding $100 million. In Europe, Jackpot prize levels are more in the $1 million ­$3 million range. In Britain, the Lottery is expected to have £14 million in weekly prize money. The characteris

tics of the Lottery are to have a small number, one or two each week, of instant million­aires and then lots of smaller prizes.

The Lottery is played by purchasing scratch/instant tickets or selecting Lotto numbers for the weekly draw. Tickets are instantly validated through a computerised on­line network and smaller prizes are paid through the retail agent. Tickets normally cost 50p or £1 equivalent.

Lottery agencies will probably be located in newsagents, convenience stores, shopping malls and post offices. It is estimated that Britain will need 15,000 ­20,000 individual retail agents to achieve the desired coverage.

Issues for sport Ensure maximum proportion of Lottery surplus for .. good causes".

Ensure fair and consistent proportion of Lottery surplus for sport.

Present and represent the case for sport and it's value as a beneficiary area.

Capital v. Revenue funding

Ensure funding from Lottery is targeted at all levels of sport: International, National, Community.

Ensure current Sports Council funding is main­tained.

Define relationship between National Lottery, Foundation for Sport and the Arts and other Football Pool industry income.

N.B. The applicatioEs procedure is not yet finalised and clubs are requested not to contact the Sports Council at this stage.

As soon as the procedure is known the ETTA will circular all relevant information.

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PAGE 25

EUROPEAN AND WORLD REPORT~~~~~~~~~~

A shorter, sharper game GET ready for a shorter, sharper game. That's the message being delivered by the ITTF who feel a radical shake-up of our sport is overdue Writes Jim Beckley

The most controversial of changes in the pipeline is likely to be that of playing to 11 points instead of 21. Many sports including badminton, squash, netball and soccer have consid­ered ways and means of making their sport more'attractive and table tennis is no exception.

But playing to 11 must be considered one of the biggest changes to effect table tennis for many years. And it does have its supporters with many top players giving encouraging noises.

But that's not all. Other changes up for senous considera­tion include lighter and larger balls, a change in the thickness of rubber covedngs and even the length of pimples. These rules and others will be decided upon next May in China and if they go through, the English Open could be one of the first major events to feel the wind of change.

Top 13 Our own Sally Marling has been nominated to play in the Euro­pean Top 12 junior tournament in the city of Tikra, Israel in January. The stylish.....Yorkshire girl wins her place ahead of nval Nicola Deaton. Nicola is first reserve and will join Sally if someone drops out of the onginal list. Nevertheless its good to see two English girls in European Top 13.

European women are going through a bad patch. Unlike the men who tend to dominate the world scene these days, in contrast 1:1'1e ladies are hardly to be seen. Now the E'ITU has recognised the problem and is aiming to bnng our ladies up to scratch. They intend to form a working party to study the problem and hopefully in time, come up with the answer.

Golden racket Belgium has asked the E'ITU for approval to hold a new invitation tournament late next year which promises to be a glittenng event in more ways than one. Besides

Sweden's Jan Ove Waldner

JOOLA EUROPEAN MENS LEAGUE Super Division (3rd Round) Group A: NED - POL 0:4 SWE - ENG 4:0 Group B: FHA - GER 2:4 AUT - BEL 4:2

!imlmA ~ SWE 2 11:5 (7:4) 5 BEL 2 1 10:7 (6:5) 5 ENG 2 8:6 (4:5) 5 GER 2 1 9:7 (5:5) 5 POL 2 9:7 (5:7) 5 AUT 2 1 9:7 (5:6) 5 NED 0 3 2:12 3 FHA 0 3 5:12 3 2nd stage matches: 14.12.93 BEL - ENG GER - SWE, AUT - NED, FHA - POL 15.02.94 SWE - GER, ENG - BEL POL - FHA, NED - AUT

Results of JOOLA EM!. Super Division - 3rd Round SWE - ENG 4:0 Waldner Taylor 07 09 Appelgren Cooke 14 14 Persson Syed 11 19 WaldnerlAppelgren Taylor/Cooke 10 18

EUROPE CLUB CUP OF CHAMPIONS Results of 2nd round: MEl! TJ Nova hut Ostrava (CZE) Borussia Dusseldorf (GER) 0:4 Euromirex Radom (POL) DT Etzella Ettelbruck (LUX) 4:0 Kiskunfeleghaza (HUN) Modum BTK (NOR) 4: 1 La General De Granada (ESP) BFL Grove (ENG) 4:2 Olimpik-RTI Moscow (RUS) Levallois UTI (FHA) Efes Pilsen Spor Kulubu TIC Industrogradnja

Istanbul (TUR) zagreb (CRO) 2:4 SKST Sporitel'na Halmstad BTK (SWE) 4:3

Bratislava (SVK) Post SV Telekom Mulheim (GER) Royal Villett Charleroi (BEL) 3:4

WOMEN DSI Niluferspor Bursa (TUR) SV Steinhagen e.V. (GER) 0:4 Montpellier Le-Cres (FHA) NTK Olimpija (S1O) 0:4 w.o. CS Universitatea Ijpips KS Siarka Tamobrzeg (POL)

Constanta BFL Grove (ENG) DT Etzella Ettelbruck (LUX) 4:2 TSG Dulmen (GER) Sparvagens BTK (SWE) 4:0 ETI Centre Manage (BEL) SV Schwechat (AUT) 4:1 SSK Vitkovice (CZE) HASTK Miadost zagreb

Montaza (CRO) 4:3 SKST Sporitel'na Statisztika Metalloglobus

Bratislava (SVK) Budapest (HUN) 0:4

major pnze money the winner will also take home a golden racket studded with diamonds.

New trophy Borussia Dussledorf, winner of the Europe Club Cup of Champi­ons, have been given permission to keep the cup after winning it for three years on the run. Now the E'ITU will have to pay for its generosity by forking out for a new trophy.

Olympic city Sydney

Full marks to Olympic city Sydney who have already announced details of the table tennis arrangements. The event will take place at the Sydney Exhibition Centre on the shores of Sydney harbour. It is a 10,000 seater stadium will include 16 tables plus all facilities for officials and players and practice halls are close by. Apparently twice already the ITTF have inspected the centre and were impressed by what they saw.

'Glue for Paris The European Youth Champion­ships in Paris, 15-24 July 1994 have been given the go ahead to use liquid glues although they take place after the l'ITF's official datelineof1 June 1994. The ETIA has informed the E'ITU of its concern.

Diary DECEMBER 3-6 Finnish Open, Helsinki 17-19 Portuguese Jun Open,

Usbon

1994 JANUARY 7-9 Czech Open, Most 8-12 Global Youth Champs,

Tokyo 14-16 Euro Nations Cup,

Bayreuth, Germany 22-23 Euro Ladies Team Cup,

Daulman, Germany 23-24 Europe Junior Top 12,

Israel 25-1 Commonwealth Champs,

Hyderabad

FEBRUARY 4-6 Europe Top 12, Arezzo

PAGE 26

Simplifying the service law HAVING got the volley out of the way perhaps we ought to turn our attention to the service law and try to suggest a way of simplifying it to make it easier for the umpire to apply; a rather difficult and daunting task as most players and umpires probably each have their own ideas on what form the service law should take. Writes Fred Groom &: Jac1r RandaH

It seems to us that orten changes are made to the service law, and one part of the law is changed without looking for any consequential simplify­ing changes which could be made. For example, when black and red rubbers were introdUced, it should have meant that one need not worry about the racket always being in sight above the playing surface during the service.

However, the first trouble comes with the ball having to be on the free hand. How cupped may it be before a fault is called? Is the ball on the palm or the fingers? The only thing the server has which cannot be cupped at all is the racket. So why not use that; and start with the ball resting on the blade of the racket.

Another bone of contention is how far should the ball be projected upwards. The server had to hit the ball as it was falling, and this was impera­tive to prevent the ball being thrown at the racket. No matter how far the ball travelled upwards, when it was struck the umpire had to decide if it was falling at that instant. Why not say that the ball, after being project upwards from the racket, must fall at least 15cms.

With the present law the racket may be hidden behind the server's back until just before striking the ball, but must not be hidden below the level of the playing surface. As above, we said this is not worth complicating the law for.

So, let us look at a law with such changes. 3.6 A GOOD SERVICE 3.6.1. At the start of service the ball shall rest on a side of the racket blade and shall be stationary. 3.6.2 The server shall then project the ball near vertically upwards,without imparting spin. 3.6.3. Arter the ball has fallen at least 15cms from the highest point of its trajectory, the server shall strike it so that it touches first his court and then, after passing over or around the net assembly, the receiver's court; in doubles; the ball shall touch succes­sively the right half courts of server and receiver. 3.6.4. The ball shall be above the level of the playing surface and behind the server's end line, from the last moment at which the ball, in service, is stationary on the racket blade, until it is struck. 3.6.5. When the ball is struck, it shall be between the server's end line and that part of the server's body other than his arm, head or leg, which is nearest to his end line.

The rest of law 3.6 I.e. 3.6.6 and There were some unfortunate read "no such things as a volley, the 3.6.7 stay as now. printing errors and missed proof server loses a point" .

The .. free hand" is kept, but is not corrections in the November issue in the In the 3rd column, line seven now used in the service. Umpires' Comer article. "ideal" should read "idea". 5) line one

Hopefully some discussion will In "Edge Over" eight lines from the "loss" should read "loses". ensue from these rather radical changes, end "also noted .. should have read In 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 11) 12) 13) lines one so, comments please, particularly how .. always noticed" . "Law" should in each case read might somebody gain an advantage by In "Law Changes, 4" line eight, "Regulation" . manoeuvring under this suggest new .. without" should read .. before" , line 11, Now doesn't that make more law. "now such thing as a volley" should sense?

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PAGE 27

Glue RARELY have we been treated to such balderdash and inaccuracy as we were by Mr. John Woodford under the headline "Glue Rumpus at Brentwood·· (T.T. News October 1993). We read inter alia the folloWing: the ETTA National Council tried to rush the rest of the world into an immediate glue ban·· and ·· .... .it seems highly unlikely that England is right and the rest of the world is wrong.··

I have criticised various ETTA administrations in my time, but on this occasion the ETTA deserves our praise and support. Mr. Woodford's remarks depart from fact as well as fair play. Hundreds of teenagers all over the world, which includes the U.K., die from glue sniffing/solvent abuse every year. It must be obvious that the inhalation of glue solvents cannot do the user much good. A table tennis player may attach glue to his bat several times per day, which may be more than a thousand times per year.

As Mr. W. says, none have dropped dead after gluing their bat, but vomiting and fainting have been reported, sometimes by innocent bystanders. Long term the harm must be consider­able. I see similarities with smoking which for so long was seen as sophisticated and pleasant until, many years later, the cancer implications began to sink in. Even passive smoking is now thought to be harmful. I cannot see how the inhalations of solvents can be other than dangerous.

Players use the stuff to make their rubbers faster and so to play better. The use of glue bestows undoubted advantages, which is why players cling to the right to use the stuff and so to poison themselves.

Far from .. rushing·· the matter, the National Council listened to a lecture by Dr. Keith Powell, an Industrial Chemist with a great deal of experience in glues. His conclusion was that some may lead to death··. Mr. Rufford Harrison, the Chairman of the Equipment Committee of the ITTF, spoke of cancer. How then can we allow our players to pay such a price in exchange for player somewhat better? Surely the answer is that no one uses the stuff. Moreover, it was not something that was initiated by the ETTA. This was done by the ITTF, the international governing body of the sport. There was an overwhelming majority within the ITTF Council for the banning of liquid glue and the ban was to begin in September 1993. A powerful lobby persuaded the President of the ITTF to delay implementation which he had the right to do. The date was therefore pushed forward to the 1st June 1994. I thought this was a disastrous surrender. The ETTA did not surrender and continued the ban on liquid (fast) glues in English events.

Considerable credit is due to both Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the ETTA, with whom I have often agreed on other matters, for their stand in this vital matter. The frequent re-gluing habit, as Mr. Ransome has rightly said, is a ··Menace··. It has to be stopped for the players' sake and to ensure the future of the sport itself. Parents will not allow their children to take up a sport where such health risks are the price of excellence. I know better than most that English players have suffered as a result of the English glue ban, but surely

PAGE 28

no governing body can allow the continuation of what is, after all, a poisonous practice.

John Frean.. Isle of Wight

Copy date WE are, as a family, in our third year as a subscriber to T.T. News whose delivery is eagerly awaited and contents avidly secured but usually with the same disappointing result.

The hope for table tennis must surely lie with the development of the youngsters, to kindle their interest and make them feel part of the overall scheme. Of course, we want to hear of Lisa and Andrea, Carl and Chen but this is a bit like reading of Liverpool F.C. when you play for your school in the local league.

Why was there no coverage of the Kirklees tournament, except for a few lines in ..County Notes·· on the Yorkshire players, which was played first in September in a magazine that was published 1st October? Your copy date is giVen as 1st of September, does it really take a whole month to collate and print. We don't expect tomorrow's news today but last months news next month is stretching it a bit far.

If indeed a month is required why no mention of the English Primary Schools teams who went to Dumfries on 17 and 18th April 1993? Both boys and girls teams won their competitions beating Scotland, Wales, I.O.M. and N. Ireland and English players won both individuals trophies, this was probably the most successful English team all last season. The celebratiOns were terrific, everyone was proud to be English, the photos were taken and I believe reports submitted to your magazine but not mention could be found in any future issue.

Why not run a page on under 12s and one for cadets, not everyone can Win but the mention of who reached the semis and the shock results could make a young player feel important and encourage others to have a go. A ..Junior Notes·· section alloWing two thirds of a column is not sufficient.

John Lockwood Cheshire, England

.When space permits I like to include reports on Junior and Schools tourna­ments. But I don't always receive the reports in time for publication - Editor

Programs AT present there appears to be a lack of commercially available t.t. programs which calculate league tables and averages from the scorecard. However during the summer I wrote one for the Amstrad PCW8256 which in its original form has been in use in the Thames Valley League for five years, on a BBC computer. If anyone is interested in these programs, which could be adapted for other machines, perhaps they could contact me for an example of the input and output data.

John C. Fairweather Woking, Surrey

Tables IN recent Chairman's reports I have been pleased to see a revival in commercial support for table tennis being announced through various

sponsorship deals the latest being the Woolwich Building Society, including the financial sums involved. However when the sponsorship has involved the Chairman's company or one in which he is closely involved, the latest occasion being the supply of tables by Butterfly to Euro 94 silence on the question of money is the order of the day.

Surely it must be in ETTA's interest to demonstrate its support from the trade obtained from all sponsorship deals to gain as much publicity as possible. As a recipient of substantial government funds through the Sports Council and other government agencies also be prepared to be open in all its financial dealings.

David W. Taber, Managing Director Comilleau (UK) Ltd.

Cheam,Surrey • In a few cases of both commercial and trade sponsorship we have been asked by the sponsor to treat the amounts involved as confidential, and obviously in such cases we have to honour their wishes.

In the specific case that David Taber mentions, that of the equipment adoption agreement with Butterfly Tamasu Europa for Euro 94, I would point out that with Butterfly's full agreement the association did issue a press release that stated that Butterfly's support to the E1TA was now in excess of £160,000 - Harvey Webb, Chairman of the Trade Committee

Applause I was very interested to read your circular letter of the 21st June in connection with the Join a Table Tennis Club Campaign. I applaud the idea and hope it will be successful, but believe there is one fundamental factor which will limit the extent of its success.

The reasons you give for why the three million players do not join a table tennis club are probably true, but if they are so motivated I very much doubt if most of them will find a club that suits them. The majority of people we are talking about are probably not at present up to league standard, and will initially likely to be apprehensive of playing in the league, or have no inclination to do so at all. However, the vast majority of table tennis clubs are solely league orientated and realisti­cally one really needs to have league experience before joining.

What I consider is needed are table tennis clubs that really do cater for all ages, abilities, and inclination, and preferably have a programme of social events. Provide the right atmosphere and facilities that will encourage them to join, and play at their level. Later when they have improved their game, they may well want to play in the

'11ieUitqr 'TaMe 'Tennis 'J.IJws 5'11ie '.BriU~

1femd9fempsuaa !Jlerts 9iP25J.Jt

league. The philosophy is simple, and I know from many years experience that it works. Such social table tennis clubs are not difficult to form and organise and I believe Badminton Clubs are sometimes run along similar lines, but I consider it fair to say that the concept is generally relatively unique as far as table tennis clubs are concerned.

I have been playing league table tennis continuously for well over 40 years, but it is only during the last 16 years that my wife and myself have been involved with the formation and running of two table tennis clubs. As we are Methodists it is therefore no coincidence that both operate from Methodist Church Halls but the areas in which they are located are entirely different. The first in Tilehurst, Reading commenced in 1977 and is still going strong. The other we started in 1986 here in Cornwall in the small village of Crafthole.

In both clubs the concept suggested was adopted and the majority of members had no league experience when they joined. Some have been content just to playa relaxed game on the club night, whereas others have decided to play more competitively.

As a result both clubs now have several league teams comprised mainly of players without prior league experi­ence. Despite a restriction imposed on the club at Tilehurst limiting membership to those attending church, the club expanded and within a few years acquired eight tables all of which are often in use on a club night. The restriction has now been gradually relaxed. At Crafthole it is only just possible to cram the three tables into the small Church Hall for the junior section.

However, the hall which was only used on one weekday evening a month before the club was formed is now rarely out of use during the league season. Each club has had its fair share of successes at senior and junior level in league and other competitions.

Other featwes common to both clubs which I believe have contributed to their growth, are a regular programme of social and fund-raising events run by a social sub-committee, separate junior sections, junior coaching, and club competitions comprising of several events spread over about four months culminating in a club finals night.

Geoff Cadwallader, Torpoint, Cornwall

News from the Counties AVON

Bob Murray OCTOBER has seen our Senior 2nOO, Veterans and Juniors in action.

The Senior 2nOO were involved in an exciting 5-5 draw against Wiltshire at Failand. Mark Butler was our man of the match with excellent wins over Eddie Roofe and Dave Richards. Hugh Dalton and Clive Ellison chipped in with one each as did Carey Barrett to earn a deserved point.

The Veterans travelled to Boume­mouth to take on Dorset 2nds and returned with two points after a 6-3 victory. Gary Baldwin, enjoying his table tennis immensely as a 'cadet' vet, won both of his games as did Bob Murray. Gary and Bob also teamed up to take the important mens doubles. John Higgs was involved in two marathon games emerging victorious in one of them. Surprisingly neither went to expedite but only just, the 15 minUtes for two of the sets coming with the score at deuce.

The Juniors have been in action twice during the month. Two wins each from Alex Sheppard, Graham Long and Jon Thorn secured a 6-4 victory against Dorset. This was followed by a 5-5 draw against Wiltshire, a match in which Alex was outstanding, taking both his games in style. Tom Orlik was also in good form winning both his singles and Graham won one to secure the draw. lizzie McDonald and Jessica Orlik have played well in all of the games this season and, although not wmning any in the recent round of matches, it will not be long before they are winning consistently at junior level.

Bristol League Bristol staged an excellent Western Masters in the VETI'S series of tournaments. The outstanding local performance was that by Gary BaldWin who took some impressive scalps in reaching the final of the Over 40 singles where he was defeated by top seed Nigel Eckersley.

On the league front, Knowle and Brislington 'A' have started well defeating both last season's runners-up Bristol Club 'B' and last season's Division One champions Falland. The game against Falland was particularly tight with K & B edging it 6-4 despite a superb maximum from Brian Reeves.

BERKSHIRE John Cunningham

Berks Juniors on track for Premier title

IN the English Table Tennis Associa­tion's County Junior Premier Division, Berkshire have beaten their closes riVals and look to be a good bet to take the championship.

Each of the eight counties involved

"CountyNotes" is for the publicity ofcounty activities. The accuracy of what is published is the responsibility of the County Associations, as the Editor cannot possibly know what "facts" may be incorrect. Copy containing libelous or personally abusive matter or "political" comment will not be published.

played their first three matches in the 1993/94 Premier Division at Liverpool's Everton Sports Centre. The matches involVing Essex and Berkshire were particularly well supported - with the spectators loudly showing their appreciation of the excellence of the play.

Berkshire's first match was against Essex. This turned out to be very tense for the supporters. There was never more than one set dividing the two teams until Berkshire's Ben Johnson relieved the pressure by thrashing the Essex No.1 21-10, 21-15. This made the match score 5-3 to Berkshire with two sets to play. Berkshire lost the next set 22-20 in the deciding game, so 12 year old Gareth Herbert had the responsibil­ity of trying to win the final set, and hence the match for Berkshire.

Things were looking bad as Gareth was on the defensive in losing the first game. However, Berkshire's coach Jim Stokes gave him some fresh ideas for the next game and Gareth won it comfortably. The final game went to deuce, but Gareth looked very composed as he took control of the last two points to win for Berkshire. The Berkshire supporters suffered some near heart attacks through all this, but looked very happy to shake Gareth's hand at the end!

The match score was Berkshire 6 Essex 4. Berkshire wins came from Ben Johnson (two), Terry Young, Gareth Herbert (two) and Gemma Schwartz.

The next match for Berkshire was against Yorkshire who always have a very strong team. This was just as nailbiting as the Essex match for the Berkshire supporters. At 5-3 to Berkshire, the team was again close to victory when Gemma Schwartz went on to play fellow England Junior Interna­tional, Sally Marling. Gemma had never beaten Sally, but she had her in serious trouble in the first game until the later stages. Gemma unfortunately lost this game 21-18, and also lost the next. Now it was Terry Young's turn to play under extreme pressure to get a match win for Berkshire. He narrowly lost the first game, but to the relief of his supporters, he conclusively took the next two.

The match score was Berkshire 6 Yorkshire 4. Berkshire's wins came from Ben Johnson (two), Terry Young, Gareth Herbert (two) and Gemma Schwartz.

Berkshire's third match was against Lancashire. This proved to be relatively easy for Berkshire, who quickly ran up a 6-1 winning lead when Kay Leslie recorded a thumping 21-16,21-7 win over the Lancashire No.2. With the

pressure off, Ben Johnson lost his 100% record. He reached 20-17 in the deciding game against Kevin Dolder, currently four places above him in the England ranking list, but let his lead slip and unluckily lost 24-22. Gareth Herbert maintained his 100% record by winning Berkshire's final set.

The match score was Berkshire 8 Lancashire 2. Berkshire wins came from Ben Johnson, Terry Young (two), Gareth Herbert (two), Gemma Schwartz (two) and Kay Leslie.

Thanks must go to Ali Subhan and Susan Johnson, Berkshire's other team members who travelled to Liverpool. Although there was no opportunity for them to play in the matches, their support and dedication in practising with their fellow team members at the event and at the Kingfisher Club in the lead-up to the championships was crucial.

With each team having four matches left to play at Grantham on the 26th/27th February 1994, the position in the Premier Division is now:

W D LP PTS Berkshire 3 0 0 6 Essex 2 0 1 4 Middlesex 2 0 1 4 Yorkshire 1 1 1 3 Surrey 1 1 1 3 Cheshire 1 0 2 2 Lancashire 1 0 2 2 Devon 0 0 3 0

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE Harry Yeates

Junior County matches 18.9.93

THE Buckinghamshire junior county teams' first matches in this year's County Championships proved to be quite successful affairs, the 1st team winning 8-2 away to Essex 2nOO and the 2nd team beating BedforOOhire 7-3 at home.

The 1st team (Stephen Munson, Harry Yeates, Tom Yeates, Lucy Templeton and Donna Tuohy) faced what looked like a team of less than maximum possible strength and as a result only dropped two sets - Munson to Thomas Thostrup (a hard-bat chopper). and Tuohy, in her first county match, to Karen Mason (43rd), closish in the 3rd.

The 2nd team of Jake Yeates, Mark Pilcher, Mark Cotton, Elizabeth Seymour and Katie Dickens weren't quite as

convincing, although Yeates and Pilcher played well to win their two matches.

As far as other county-related matters go, British Gas CMK have so far played three matches in Division One North of the British League and have lost two (7-1 vs Grove 2nOO and 5-3 vs City of Sunderland) and won the other (6-2 vs Cheltenham Saracens).

The Buckinghamshire juniors who have qualified for the finals of the Regional Trials are Yeates, Yeates, Yeates and Munson (U17 boys) and Wendy Barlow and Donna Tuohy (017 girls). Unfortunately our cadet boys (Dave Ralls and Lawrence Fo) lost the lot in the preliminaries.

Junior County matches 16.10.93

The good form of the county junior 1st team continued on 16th October, despite the selection of a sligh Iy weakened boys' side (because Tom and Harry Yeates were in the USA).

Playing two matches at the Kingston TIC, the team, consisting of Stephen Munson, Jake Yeates, Mark Pilcher, Wendy Barlow and Lucy_. Templeton, first beat Gwent, containing a strong boys' side, 6-4, with both of the girls winning both of their matches with consummate ease. The boys were a much harder task though, and Pilcher. Yeates and Munson all lost to Gwent's one and two. They had strength in depth as well, and the other matches were won by Pilcher and Yeates only 15 aod 19 in the third respectively.

The second match, versus Hampshire, was won 8-2 by Bucking­hamshire, leaving us with 100% victories this season. This time it was the Hampshire girls who were the stronger, providing both their wins. It could have been more, as Barlow was seriously troubled, before eventually winning 17 and 19 in the third. The boys won all of their matches for us, although we were all taken to three games. Yeates beat Greg Burns 10 in the third, and Pilcher and Munson both beat Gareth Scadden 15 in the third.

The day ended with Barlow having won all of her games, Pilcher and Yeates having won three each, and Munson and Templeton on two each.

The 2nd team, sadly, fared a little worse. The side, suffering from the knock-on effect of Tom and Harry Yeates being unavailable for the 1st team, fell 4-6 at the hands of Essex 3rds. The team consisted of Mark

PAGE 29

COUNTY NOTES - 2

Cotton, Elizabeth Seymour and Clare Hales, along with debutants Gareth Thomas and Kevin Holland.

There were some positive results from the day's play though, and the victories came from Hales (one), Seymour (two) with some excellent close-to-the-table attacking from both, and Thomas (one). Thomas, a promising newcomer with a deceptive backhand 'hit', was made to fight for his victory, though, and, with a fine display of forehand looping, finally prevailed 28-26 in the third, against Essex's NO.1. He ran into trouble in the other match, though, and will have to watch his 'illegal' service in future.

CUMBRIA Gordon Brown

AFTER 50 years in the game, Eric Tyson, of Barrow, has had to finish through a shoulder injury.

To specialists' advice that his left shoulder cannot take any more wear and tear, Eric said, "It's terrible news; absolutely terrible...

But for every old 'un bowing out like 63 year old Eric, Barrow always has half a dozen youngsters - and brilliant young players at that.

What town or county would not feel secure for the future with a brother and sister partnership such as Tristran and Katherine Swan, for example.

Age 13 and 11 respectively they played together in Cumbria senior team's 5-5 draw with Clwyd - Cumbria's first county championship point for two years - and did not disgrace themselves.

Tristran won two sets against NO.2 Keith Williams and NO.3 Chris Robson, for whom the match brought back Hlemories. For he used to play in the Carlisle League.

In the October rankings, Tristran was 79th junior boy, and joint 769th in the senior men's rankings, while Katherin, who played well in the county match although dropping both sets, was third ranked under 12 and 304th senior woman at the same time.

Other sets for Cumbria against Clwyd were gained by Mark Temple, of Carlisle (two) and Jimmy Cummings. Jimmy plays in the Carlisle league as well, but is a former individual champion of the Whitehaven league, officials of which have decided not to re-affiliate to the English Table Tennis Association.

Such action has been mooted for a few years now on a consensus of opinion that, as one of the country's many small leagues, they get nothing for the affiliation. Members felt at the annual meeting in the YMCA that fees went towards national administration and helping players in the upper echelons.

DURHAM Keith Wilson

THE October and November version of these notes were dedicated wholly to the information received from the various individual leagues. 'That is the

PAGE 30

simple reason for their failure to appear! The season itself is now under way

with the main news concerning the juniors, veterans and Friendly Hotels British League. The county's Advanced Training Centre at Newton Aycliffe now has the services of England international Bradley Billington. Even for someone so young, Brad's experience and technical knowledge seems to be showing by virtue of the improved performances of his jUnior squad. The Northern region ranking trials were a personal triumph for 14 year old Nicola Parks. She remained unbeaten and will be joined in the National Trials at Bristol, by Newton Aycliffe ATC squad mates, Nicky Hobson-West and John Bousfield. All three qualified under the Cleveland banner but deserve a mention here simply because they play in both counties but are part of 'Bradley's Bunch'.

The County Veterans league stuttered into action with Sedgefield gaining a 10-0 whitewash over local rivals Darlington, and Philadelphia winning 8-2 against Stanley. Champions Peterlee have yet to enter the fray but Sedgefield have a couple of new veterans and they could make a challenge for the title this season. In the Friendly Hotels British League Sedgefield District's three teams have chances for honours. Apart from receiving the usual from BFL Grove, their Premier side have won three and drawn with Team Penie!. Possibilities here of 2nd place. Sedgefields 2nd team are in the top three in the 1st North and the 3rd team lead the 3rd North at the time of writing. City of Sunderland also compete in the 1st North but seem to be suffering from 5-3itis. Lately the league leaders from Grove gained that score at Seaburn but Peter Lau gained a surprisingly easy win over the highly rated man from Barbados, Robbie Roberts. Unfortunately Dave Robson found out how good Nicola Deaton was in the vital last match.

Decernber should see more junior action.with a large squad attending the English National Championships and the Tameside 2 Star, once a happy hunting ground for Sunderland's Ian Collier. Hopefully too, Durham leagues will feature in this column, at least prOViding me with more information than the previous two months.

ESSEX Steve Kerns

ESSEX Junior teams have been in action, and the first team made the long journey to Liverpool for the Premier league weekend where their first set of opponents were Berkshire, Surrey and Middlesex. The campaign opened with a narrow 4-6 loss to Berkshire after a memorable match. Reagan Nettleingham, who is only 14, scored a sensational victory over Terry Young, at NO.6 on the national ranking list, some 33 places above him. Shelley Ruocco also contributed a tremendous win over Gemma Schwartz, after being 11-16 down in the third game, and James Wickens lost -18 in the third to Gareth Herbert, whilst Steve Joslin fell -22 in the decider to the same player. Clearly

no lack of excitement here! The next match was against Surrey,

and this time it was Steve Joslin who produced a stunning performance by beating England NO.5 Darren Blake 21-9 in the decider. This excellent initial win sent things our way and we were never headed, eventually winning 6-4.

Our 'final game was against Middlesex, and although lacking the excitement of the previous games we won 7-3. Both Reagan and James Wickens took their two singles. Pride-of­place however goes to Shelley Ruocco who stayed unbeaten, with a splendid six-out-of-six wins.

The Junior third team have also made an impressive start beating Huntingdonshire I 6-4 and Buckingham­shire II by the same score. Nicky Lapwood took the Man of the Match award against Huntingdonshire whilst Barry Mays repeated the feat in the Buckinghamshire game.

The Senior third team also began their campaign with a win by 6-4 over Suffolk II. Their team was Steve Rand, David Cole, Vince Avery, Kate Wadling and Sue Hickman.

Moving onto the tournament scene, it was pleasing to see Linda Radford annexe the Sussex 2 Star Open title beating Katie Goodall (Yorkshire) the national No.4 14, -17, 14 in the final. A very good win.

A lesser known Essex player Gary Tendler also had one of those perfect days in this tournament. Ranked a lowly 289 on the national ranking list he beat Paul Jablon (Middlesex), Paul Butcher (Sussex), Justin Goodall (Kent) and Eddie Roofe (Wiltshire) before falling to Martin Lowe (Surrey) in the semi final of the Restricted Event.

The Essex Committee would also like to offer their congratulations to Dick Roffe on receipt of his ETTA Merit Award. Dick has of course been hugely involved in all county affairs for many years, is a Life Member of the County Association and was a winner of the Corti-Woodcock Memorial Award (the county's foremost award for service to the game) in 1979.

Finally, the Clacton league have reported a new playing format for this season. Their Press Officer Tony Oswick explains: "Forty teams are competing for honours in four divisions, of which divisions one, two and three are divided into two sections, of five or six teams each. In the first half of the season, two teams will be promoted from each section and two relegated, and all teams will play each other twice. In the second half of the season the teams will again play each other twice, and at the end of the season the winners of the respective halves of the season will contest play-offs to settle the issue. So far the indications are that this new format is providing more interesting and competitive...

GLOUCESTERSHIRE Alf Pepperd

AS I write these notes in what remains the last couple of days of October, Gloucestershire has much to offer table tennis players in all aspects of our sport.

Commencing with the annual Junior and Senior County (Closed) Champion­ships, the former which takes place on Sunday 28th November provide an interesting insight especially for the County Selectors to note, the venue is at St. Benedicts School, AIle Road, Cheltenham, and the Secretary and Hon. Referee will be Mrs. Gill Smith from Cheltenham.

Moving on a week to the following Sunday December 5th the County are staging the Senior (Closed) Champion­ships at the new Cheltenham Sports Hall at Tommy Taylors Lane, Chelten­ham.

This excellent venue has a restaurant and bar available for refreshments well in the vicinity of the player area, and ample car parking space both in front of the hall and opposite at the Sports Stadium, as with the Junior events - Mrs. Gill Smith again steps in as secretary and referee for this event, it is hoped that there will be a big response from playing members to both of these important local events.

May I remind all Juniors that 'The Cotswold National Select Junior Open' will be held on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th of January 1994, the closing date for all entries will be: Thursday 23rd December 1993 - full information upon this National Tournament which is expected to attract around 300 entries in this month's South West Regional News.

With, in some cases County matches being put very much forward this season because of Euro 94, Selectors, I imagine all over the country have had an added increase of selection meetings, for example - County Championships (two) and County Championships (three) only had 14 days between them, see what I mean? This is the price that we pay for the European Championships next year, but if they are well supported by the media in general, then it's a small price well paid, and indeed well worth it.

Bits and Pieces In a Junior County match versus Wiltshire, Gloucestershire's 13 year old Ann Humble scored a great win against Wiltshire's very experienced Debbie King, scores: -la, 18, 19, that result without any doubt should push Ann's ranking up considerably.

Darren Griffin, Gloucestershire's NO.1 player beat Sean Gibson 17, 17, in a Premier Division British League match recently, Griffin plays for Bathwick Tyres and Gibson who at the time of writing is ranked at NO.8 plays for Penie!.

HAMPSHIRE Brian Lamerton

GRAHAM Toole regained his Hamp­shire mens singles title when he defeated Graham Pointer 18-21; 21-19; 21-13 in this season's final played at Southampton Redbridge Sports Centre. The event which saw the baptism of a new referee in Trevor Spraggs (Yes, son of Harry!) attracted an entry of 40 in the mens singles; semi finalists were Micky Sinanan and the unseeded Steve Riley

who had earlier put out the holder Ramesh Bhalla. An entry of 10 for the Ladies singles was good but provided little opposition for champion Sarah Turner. Mark Giles in an outstanding Intermediate final won the title vacated by his brother Jeff when he overcame Tony Reynolds 26-28; 21-19; 21-18. Chris Shetler and Gill Larking retained their veteran titles and most of the doubles success went the way of Ramesh Bhalla and Barbara Savage who together won the mixed and then partnered Graham Pointer and Sarah Turner in the other events.

Much of the play at Redbridge was on the four new tables which hard working General Secretary Harold Albery had obtained after much persistance with the Foundation for Sports and Arts.

The second round of County matches produced four wins. a draw and five defeats. The Veteran 2nd and 3rd. sides kept up their winning sequence. the 3rds without the loss of a set and two wins apiece for Chris Shetler. Bob Cox and Graham Outrim brought the 1st team their first win. The juniors continue to struggle having to blood new boys; all five sets won in the 'A' sides defeats at the hands of Gwent and Buckinghamshire went to the girls. Lorna Dutch (three) and Donna Glanville (two). The Junior IBis took on Surrey 2nd and 3rds. losing 7-3 to the former and achieving a creditable draw with the latter. The team was changed a little for the two matches and each of those named won at least one set; Danny Burns. Sonia Pointer. Dalbir Chaggar. Mark Wilshere. Chris Butt, Kevin Smith and Wanda Hutchinson.

The Senior 'AI string eased into their season with a nine sets to one victory over their own IB' side for whom Rachael Chefty. newly returned from working in France, won the one set which got away.

Congratulations to Basingstoke's Kevin Macken, a leading player in last season's junior success story who has been awarded an Outstanding Sports Person of the Year Award by the Hampshire Schools Sports Association.

HERTFORDSHIRE John Wood

WINNER of this season's Cadet Inter­League competition was Barnets League, who were undefeated on Sunday 31st October 1993, at the Barnet Table Tennis Centre.

The three champions from Barnet and Mark Freyd. Adam Klein and Donna Greenberg.

Runners-up were Hertford. who lost just once. to Barnet 1-3.

CADET INTER-LEAGUE 1993/94 P W D L F APTS

Barnets 4 4 a a 14 2 8 Hertford 4 3 a 1 11 5 6 Hemel 4 2 a 2 10 6 4 Watford 4 1 a 3 5 11 2 Watford II 4 a a 4 a 16 a

The Sunday previous to the cadets. saw the first of three Sundays com­mence with a gigantic upset when

reigning veterans champions Cheshunt were beaten 4-3 by Barnets.

In this opening game of the session the match stood at 3-3 when Cheshunt's mighty Alan Lamprell stepped up to face Barnets' Dennis Robinson. The first set was really tight going point for point, until Robinson just snatched it 24-22. But in the second leg the man from Barnets, pulled away with Robinson taking the honours 21-12.

So after the first Sunday we have a new leader at the top of the Veterans Inter-League table. Watford, who were led by legendary Dave Seaholrne, who was undefeated on the day.

Hemel Hempstead are in second spot with Mike Atkinson on a 100% personal average. whilst Barnets are in third position.

Cheshunt's Derek Balding main­tained his usual 100% average, keeping his league in with a chance on the second Sunday early next year, when Barnets face Watford and Cheshunt meet Hemel Hempstead.

Best dressed man of the veterans first Sunday was Hemel Hempstead II's Mike Chandler, who looked super smart in his new red and black Donie kit.

VETERANS INTER-LEAGUE 1993-94 P W L F APTS

Watford 2 2 a 12 2 2 Hemel 2 2 a 10 4 2 Barnets 220 8 6 2 Cheshunt 2 1 177 1 Hertford 2 1 159 1 N. Herts 2 a 2 6 8 a St. Albans 2 a 2 6 8 a Hemel II 2 a 2 3 11 a

ISLE OF WIGHT John Prean

AN often expressed view about the deterioration in playing standards. particularly in our First Division, is likely to be heard less frequently this season. Younger players have invaded the premier section with some success. Greg Burns, Alex Rorke and Nic Hutchings have all won their first nine matches and Danny Burns, in his last cadet season, has won eight out of nine. I also note a hatrick by Lorna Dutch against Wroxall'A'. not bad for a cadet girl! There is now every encouragement for older players to work harder on their game if they want to maintain their winning ways.

I do not think that our young lions will shake Sandwon's superiority, anyway not yet. The title will again go to South Wight. Sandown have merged with Shanklin and found a new home in Newchurch. at the attractive local sports centre. The new club should begin to grow again. I recall the days when the two ran a dozen or more teams between them. Now they are down to three. but the recovery has begun. For Sandown Roger Hookey is almost unbeatable.

He. and all the youngsters I mentioned earlier. were part of our summer coaching sessions and most of the 'pupils' made remarkable progress. It will be harder to maintain in view of the space famine from which we suffer. I can think of no hall with four tables

where our practice sessions could have continued and so something that was an enormous success has ended till next summer. We saw the real problems of English table tennis, as it exists in so many fringe areas.

I saw it was my first priority to find space in which table tennis. as we know it. can be played. I have three thick files to show for my efforts, but so far little else. Even I was amazed at the bureaucracy that exists, the devotion to red tape in organisations in theory devoted to sport and leisure. I found a splendid room in a sports centre which had gone bankrupt. which has not been used for many years. One local authority is eager and willing to let the room to us. Another is putting every obstacle our way in the shape of quite ludicrous paper work as part of the price for a reduction in the rates. As these were fixed at £2,000 p.a.. a substantial discount is needed. We first started talking in August. Such are the realities of sport in many parts of the country.

Our team in the Southern Regional League has won its first two matches ­on target to return to the Premier Section. The team in the Ladies' League must give cause for concern, since the top ladies do not appear interested or available. I hope the obvious conclusion at the end of the season may yet be avoided. In the Hampshire Inter-Town Mixed League our team defeated Bournemouth 10-2. I have seen stronger Bournemouth team indeed played against them many times. but it was good to see Taffy Davies back on the Island. where once he was in our top half dozen and. of course. Cyril Bush, a remarkable player in both unorthodoxy and skill and always an ornament to the game. A good debut for Alex Rorke and Lorna Dutch. who played well. but Roger Hookey and Mike Turner were our stars despite losing the doubles, which I thought were our 'banker'.

I share the view of other corre­spondents that 'County Notes'. not necessarily mine. deserve more space in this magazine. particularly since so much space is otherwise given to non­playing matters.

KENT Adrian Hall

Kent Senior Open THERE seems to be a great possibility that Ken will once again be staging a senior open tournament. In conjunction with the ElfA a date in May 1994 is being sought. Watch this space for more details.

South London Junior League

Entries for teams to compete in the above league to be played on Saturdays approximately once a month in age groups Ul0. U12. U14 and U17 should be sent to Len Pilfold. 57 Merchland Road. New Eltham, London SE9 2BQ. tel: 081-850 3910. To be plqyed at the Farringtons T.T. Centre. Chislehurst. teams will consist of two players with at least three registered.

Can you count to twenty-one

Then why not take the first step in qualifying to be an umpire. County Umpires Secretary Bill Lavis (0622) 729750 will set you off in the right direction. As with most things the better you become at it the farther you can go. Bill. as a Qualified International Umpire. has been all round the world. Why not give him a ring and put something back into the game we all love.

Kent League Already matches have been postponed and late score cards received. The committee agreed that the rules of the league would be stringently applied.

Plea for senior players Kent now has one of the most progressive youth policies in the country, and some of our youngsters are amongst the highest ranked in England. To continue this drive for excellence. Kent regularly hold Junior residential weekends. what is desperately required is quality practice for the players. We need quality senior players to give up a little time to practice with the young­sters at the various weekends. If you can help please contact Allen Fisher 081-466 1220 or Roy Willey 081-304 9934.

England call up for Scott .

12 year old Scott Friday was selected as a member of the England Cadet side at the Cleveland Select tournament 13/ 14th November and competed in the International team event as well as the singles - good luck Scott. Kent links with Belgium continue Kent will be ~g a junior squad to play in Menarc~~e. Belgium on 23rd January 1994. Any Kent players interested in making the trip should contact Reg Thompson 0634 235865 as soon as possible.

The Belgians have invited selected cadet boys to train with their National Squad. Other training camps involving different age groups and sexes will follow during the season. certainly selection to be invited to these camps should act as a great stimulas to our players.

South of England champions

Christian Thompson retained his U14 title at the South of England tournament on 23rd October 1993 only to be upstaged by Scott Friday who won the U12 title for a third consecutive time. Well done lads.

Kent Junior Open The Belgians have provisionally agreed to send a squad of four players to play in the Kent Junior Open 5/6th February 1994 although the French were also invited they have declined the invitation on this oc~sion. Entry forms from Bill Lavis (0622) 729750.

County Championships Junior Division 2D Kent II 8 - Middlesex II 2 Christopher Hall (two). Scott Dawtry (two). Lee Howes (one). Alison Smith (one) and Angie Bristow (two).

Another good alround performance by our juniors. but a rather surprising

PAGE 31

defeat for Alison Smith at the hands of the unranked Sarah Horsnell after convincingly winning the first leg 21­11, she then lost 14-21, 15-21. Junior Division 2D Berkshire II 5 - Kent III 5 Lee Smith (two), Antony Lickfold (zero), Ashley Steers (one), Rachel Woollven (two) and Cally Howes (zero).

A slightly disappointing result here for Kent despite maximums from Lee Smith and Rachel Woollven. With Kent leading 4-5 Robert Poutney playing at No.3 put in a splendid performance for Berkshire by winning both his matches to level the match 5-5 with a 21-19,25­23 win over Antony Lickfold. Junior Division 2D Surrey II 4 - Kent II 6 Scott Dawtry (two), Scott Friday (two), Simon Chambers (one), Rachel Woollven (one) and Cally Howes (zero).

After gaining a 2-0 lead Kent then lost four of the next five matches to trail 3-4 but then Dawtry played the second of his excellent matches to beat Surrey No.1 Gerald Ashison 21-11, 21­16 to level the match. Rachel Woollven and Scott Friday then did the business for Kent for a hard fought victory. Junior Division 2D Surrey III 6 - Kent III 4 Antony Lickold (zero), Jonathan Cheng (two), Ashley Steers (zero), Charlote Eke (zero) and Amanda Bateman (two).

Splendid performances here from Jon Cheng and Ashford's Amanda Bateman who both returned maxi­mums, but the better alround team performance of the Surrey side won the day. Senior Division 2D Kent I 9 - Dorset 1 Andy Cunningham (two), Spencer Thompson (one), Phil Saxby (two), Juliet Houghton (two) and Lesley Hollingworth (two).

An under strength Kent side did extremely well to come away with a convincing victory. Dorset's Brian Garraway (ranked 202) beat Thompson (178) 21-13,21-18 and pushed Cunningham (33) all the way only just losing 18-21, 21-12, 21-19.

Congratulations Malcolm Skates (Ashford and Maidstone) seems to have made one of his better decisions by making an honest girl of Tracy. Her father still thinks she's far too good for him.

Many members of the: county will remernber Mark Pegram (Maidstone) who moved away to find fame and fortune in Preston. Well he has found a wife and now we hear there is to be the patter of tiny feet. Well done Mark and Debbie.

LINCOLNSHIRE Kath Fisher

THE Junior Closed Tournament was held at Grantham on October 17th when the turnout was a bit lower than eXPected, nevertheless it turned out to be a very good tournament with some extremely good table tennis.

In the girls events three players stood out against the rest Rachael Lewis, Jody Cox and Dawn Charlton. In

PAGE 32

the U17 event Rachael had a tough semi with Dawn before plaYing Jody in the final this was a very good game to watch with some excellent rallys which Rachael won 12, 17. In the U15 they faced each other again this time Jody took it to three sets but Rachael kept her cool and won 10, -8, 12. Then we had Dawn and Jody in the U13 final again a very good game, with Dawn leading in the third 19-16. It looked as if Jody would be runner-up for the third time, but she dug in and won the next five points and won the title and they teamed up to win the girls doubles.

The boys Ull was won easily by Steve Davies but there were some good performances in the groups from Thomas Walker, Tom Meek and especially Chris Barnard. Steve also reached the U13 final where he met Chris Duncan who had a tough semi with Stephen Huckett winning -18, 15, 14. This final also went to three sets, the first two very close but Chris overcame Steve to win -19, 19, 14. Steve's brother Darryl and cousin Mark Davies both made their mark in the U15 and U17 events making the final in both, excellent games with both players giving their best and Darryl emerged the winner in both U15 -16, 16, 15, U17 -18, 16, 16.

Big surprise in the boys doubles, winners were Daniel Brown and Francis Banks from the groups they went through as runners-up and played very well in the rounds and in the final played Ben Holvey and Mark Davies. In the group they jUst lost to them 19, -19, -22, but must have learned something from this as i nthe final they won two straight 12,8.

And the last event, the mixed class singles, was won by Daniel Brown who beat Ben Holvey 14,18. A very good win for Daniel.

Our thanks to Peter May for doing a very good job organising the tournament and also his wife working hard at the desk all day.

MIDDLESEX Lorna Taylor

ON the 28th October, a number of the championship winning Middlesex first team and a few county representatives attended a dinner. It was held at Twickenham Rugby Club and many top sporting personalities attended, including Linford Christie, the County Cricket team and the first woman to climb Everest. John Souter was awarded a special team award on behalf of all the table tennis team. He was also pres(~nted

with a framed map of the county for playing for the county, now 100 times! This award was given from the Middlesex Federation of 3ports.

The Junior 1st team performed well in the first weekend of the Junior Premier County Championships. The new team was Caroline O'leary, Joanne Weare, Simon Jablon, Jason Sugrue and Marios Michaelides (who took over from Anthony Jeyanajah - unavailable). They won against Cheshire, 6-4, with Simon, Jason and Marios winning two games each. The team comfortably beat Devon 8-2. With Simon, Caroline and Joanne winning both games.

III the Premier Division of the Ted Connell Championship 0Ieterans), the only inter-league matches played so far and available and Wernbley beating North Middlesex 1 5-4 and Wembley losing to North Middlesex 2nd 6-31

In the County Championships, the Junior 2nd team lost to Kent 2nd team 8-2, with Sarah Horsnell and Binnal Patel, making his debut, picking one game up each. The Veterans first team were also on a losing streak losing 3-6 to Berkshire. Tony Taylor won his two games and Maurice Isaacs won one.

At the moment we are hoping to get two large table tennis centres in Middlesex. The first one being at the Linford Christie Stadium, Acton and the second at the Bishopsgate Institute in Central London. However these are in the early stages of negotiation and we are hoping for support from the Foundation for Sports and Arts.

NORTHANTS Dennis Millman

THE County Veteran firsts maintained their fine start to the season, when they took the first six successive rubbers against Staffordshire and then going on to an eight one victory, with Keith Jones, Michael Edwards and Margaret Maltby all unbeaten. The Veteran thirds were also in a winning mood and after dropping the opener to Brian Halliday, Brian Dangerfield, Alan Ashberry, Muriel Cox and Ray Kingston took six in a row to complete a deserved win over their Berkshire counterparts.

The much heralded Westfield Invitation League got off to a successful start with the first series of matches in the Premier Division. Graeme McKim­almost a part-time player nowadays ­survived an early crisis against the up and coming Ryan Keates, but then he and Kieron Dabbs proceeded to destroy both Golfers Choice (Keates and Andy Trott) and Emancipation (Nikki Cowley and Samantha Marling) to head the table.

Golfers Choice also went down to Team Electric, who fielded Dave WeIsman and Ian Hawes, but the real power struggle came when Electric had· to face a British Gas side from Milton Keynes consisting of Craig Millwood and Neil Bigrave. Electric went two up before the British Gas pair took the doubles late in the third and then took bo~h reverse singles, with Bigrave taking the deciding game against Welsman 22-20 in the nailbiting finale.

North and South pairing Ian Collier and Colin Bowler easily won their opening match but when they tried to repeat their success against Milton Keynes All Stars, Ian Musk overturned the national rankings with a 24-22 third end win over Collier, and went on to take the match with partner Steve Cowley.

Local player Steve Brown played superbly without reward, except for a Mark Nannery engineered win over Barton Buildings, a result that left Steve Silk as the only player to win twice in a match and yet still end on the losing side.

A much more subdued start to the Westfield's First Division saw a consistent display from Ray Kingston, who won four singles and two doubles, as the awesome Gruesome Twosome took a clear lead at the top. However the best performance of the night carne from the Midnight Cowboy duo of Ian Sclater and Valdi Papiernik, who proved themselves true professionals as they overcame Dave Marsh and Gordon Shaw.

The St. Neots Senior League's clash between Northampton and Kettering ended in the former's favour despite a superb hatrick from Julian Marshall who accounted for Steve Silk, Phil Snelling and County Closed Champion Kieron Dabbs. Steve West added a fourth point, but Northampton took the rest.

Kettering made an excellent start in the Veterans Second Division, with David Hoddle and Alan Ashberry taking trebles in sweeping victories over Peterborough Band St. Neots B, but though they both accounted for Brian Spittlehouse it was not enough as Peterborough A went to the top of the table.

At Junior level, Sally Russell and Joe Trippett remain unbeaten for Wellingborough but there is still a long way to go before they can retain the title.

In the local league, Higham Band's large contingent of players are not having things all their own way, particularly in Wellinborough, where Westfield A, fielding Ryan Keates, Ian Bird and Ian Sclater, with Kieron Dabbs and Dave Marsh in reserve, could cause an upset. However in Kettering, Higham continue to dominate mainly due to the unbeaten run to date of skipper Steve Brown but the matches with Team Electric should be crucials.

NORTHUMBERLAND Aubrey Drapkin

THE points system in the National Power Northumbria League has been changed for this season with one point being awarded for every set won instead of the old method of two for a win and one for a draw.

Early indications are that this may have an effect on the championship as leaders North Shields YMCA have picked up 40 points, four wins and one defeat, whilst second placed St. Gabriels have only got 34 points from four wins and a draw.

Only time will tell, of course, but it appears at this stage as though the champions Shields, who have a strong overall side, may benefit from the change.

The County veterans have started the season with two victories but the seniors and juniors are both plaYing over two weekends which does nothing for the continuity of publicity for the County.

It's good to see that the Northern Regional Leagues are to be re-started this season and it is to be hoped that they will be well supported by clubs within Northumberland.

The County's leading player, Eddie

Smith, has suffered an injury to his hand that has kept him out of action in not only the local league but also the Friendly Hotels British League. However, Ian Robertson and Andrew Wilkinson have both been performing well for Sedgefield.

NOTIINGHAMSHIRE THE seniors have made an excellent start to the season with victories over Cheshire II, Warwickshire IT and Cumbria. Surprisingly, perhaps, it has been the male element who have been particularly dominant with Junior Stoddart, Mark Green and Robert Yong unbeaten so far and Tim Sheppard having had to bow the knee only once. Whilst it may be courting disaster to say it, I feel we·do have an excellent chance of gaining promotion with the current squad strength as the ladies (Linda Collins and Sarah Smith) are also now coming into good form.

The veterans, despite the addition of Terry Bull - who ended a period of speculation by admitting to being 'over 40' for this season, have made an indifferent start losing to Northumber­land (3-6) and Warwickshire II (4-5) and beating Clwyd (6-3). The star performers here have been the ladies Shirley Baldock and Janice Moulds who, whilst not always victorious have played to their full potential which perhaps cannot be said of the men who have dropped vital rubbers - particularly doubles.

Inter-Town Competition This team competition was organised by Worksop League and held at Wellow School - to whom we are grateful for the facilities provided, and drew entries from Mansfield, Nottingham and Worksop. As expected, Nottingham emerged victorious with wins over Mansfield (12-0) and Worksop (9-3) with Worksop beating Mansfield 9-3 to take second place. Whilst he did not finish on the winning team, special mention must be made of Mark Short who was unbeaten in singles for Worksop throughout the day.

Around the Leagues Newark - Despite a fall in the numbers of teams - 13 down to 11, the move­ment of players during the close season should produce a more open league than in recent years. On the junior scene John Williams continues his sterling work at the Northend club ­where he has now been joined by Paul Thompson and his Grove youngsters, and now has five tables in operation on a number of evenings each week. Newark are fortunate to have both Paul and John who have given a consider­able amount of time to local youngsters in recent years.

Nottingham - Nine divisions comprising 108 teams sees the league continuing to flourish. At the top level we are sorry to have lost the talents of Steven Shaw, Gary Knights and Bill Bridgeman but pleased to note that the Worksop duo of Mark Short and Mick Bartrop will be making regular

appearances. At the lower levels it is good to note the increase in jUnior teams and praise is due to the people responsible - Pat Muir, Dave Bullas, Brian Draycott, Ralph Green etc. Mansfield - This year the league comprises 44 teams, an increase of four, this increase largely due to new junior teams. At a time when the availability of premises is a big problem it is encouraging to hear that Mansfield Rugby Club have six tables and are keen to attract greater usage. Worksop - The league continues to enjoy sponsorship from D.T.H. Engineering and reports a 15% increase in membership for the current season. Development work appears to be in sound hands with the possibility of league headquarters currently under investigation.

Tournament Round-up No report of table tennis in the county these days would be complete without a mention of one or more of the Pestka family. True to form Debbie - joint England No.1 cadet, came up trumps in her first two tournaments of the season winning the cadet titles at both the Kirklees Junior 2 Star and more importantly the East Yorkshire JUnior select at Bridlington. The victory at Bridlington was particularly praisewor­thy since it required a 'gutsy' final game recovery against arch rival Tracy Davies from Essex.

Whilst Debbie and Michelle Haynes are the lofty-ranked stars of Notts table tennis perhaps the tournament performance so far of the season came from Junior Stoddart at the recent Yorkshire/Humberside 2 Star at Halifax. On his way to the semi final he overcame Robert Roberts the Barbadion No.1 and Nigel Eckersley of Cheshire before bOWing to top seed and eventual winner Alex Perry of Devon. On a more general note it was good to see the substantial Notts prescence at this tournament - a far cry from my early years, when a Notts player at an open tournament was a real rarity.

On a lighter note I have two questions for all Notts fan: 1. Why do we still refer to Comad Stoddart who is six-foot tall, built like a middleweight and possesses a forehand like a sledge-hammer as 'Junior'? 2. Does Terry Bull throw the ball high enough - LIKE WOT I DO, when serving?

SOMERSET Andy Seward

TWO thoughts regarding bats. The ElfA at their July National Council meeting passed a resolution that puts into Law" that bats shall be red on one side, black on the other...

What has been the effect apart from a lot of hot air blowing from just off the South Coast? In this part of the country, the younger players and their coaches appear to be in favour of the decision and the sales of red paint has definitely increased. I await details from any of our leagues of any team losses due to this new Law. Presumably, the law enforcers on this topic will be Batman

and Robin?? Secondly, it was a welcome change

to note a Barna (type) bat being used by an Essex junior in a County match versus Somerset recently. Suffice to say that the matches made compulsive viewing but one has to question whether in the long term the spongeless bat has a future in the game. Sad. For the record, two wins for Andrew Hewitt, one each for Alan Russell and Andrew Rumary gave Somerset a good base but it was not to be as the Essex girls collected four wins to take home the points.

On the subject of County matches, it is always very pleasing to take a County Veterans match to a new venue. Somerset wishes to express its thanks to Child Okeford (where you may ask?) for their arrangements and hospitality for our 'home' match in Dorset versus Dorset!! In the match itself, Somerset were unable to contend with the Dorset bats and styles and a win in the mixed doubles came as a surprise. Two late wins for George Philpott and Alan Maidment made the score 6-3 to Dorset. The next new venue will be Godney, down narrow lanes on the 'levels'. Whether our opposition will find it is debatable, it may be our only way of achieving a win.

To those of you who avidly study the monthly Ranking List produced with much professionalism nowadays by Hastings, I ask the following simple question. Is the list a true reflection of the relative strengths and abilities of ALL the players in your County? Sadly, it is my view that the answer from a Somerset point of view is 'No'. As Loyd Grossman would say "let us look at the evidence".

The player currently ranked in the Mendip League at No.26 is currently in the ETTA Senior Men list at NO.716. I do not in any way decry the efforts of the gentleman in question, he is a very talented young player who is improving all the time. However, how many of the 25 players above him in Mendip are ElfA ranked. Answer: Four. That concerns me.

Next month, more on Somerset rankings and the local League scene.

SUSSEX John Woodford

THE popular Moore family continue to dominate the playing arenas in Sussex. Brother and sister Adrian and Teresa boosted their haul of Sussex singles successes at Lancing on October 24, when Adrian triumphed for the seventh time and Teresa who is now married to Jeremy Bennett of Brighton, lifted herself to win for the fifth time outgunning her usual final opponent computer wizard Sally Weston of Horsham despite the fact that Sally is eight places above Teressa in the national ranks. Adrian came from behind in his singles final to beat off a very strong challenge from Crawley star Ritchie Venner -19, 13, 12.

There were plenty of surprises for the 80 players who battled through twelve hours play organised by the

Worthing lfC very efficiently and sponsored by Express Sports.

The mens doubles winners were Scott Greenbrook and Mayur Majithia. The Crawley boys scythed their way through the seeds knocking out the Moore brothers Stephen and Adrian on the way - a superb shock win.

Two players had special reasons to feel frustrated. Paul Elphick could not resist smashing the ball down the stadium as he was well beaten by Venner in the men's semis. He was warned by the umpire for equipment abuse.

But it was Hastings-based racquet sports enthusiast Sheila King who kept ice-cool as she lost to top seed Sally Weston in the womens singles semis. Miss King, a fine counter-hitter won the first game losing only three points, led 17-13 in the second, 18-15 in the third but lost 19, 19 after losing three unlucky points on the net and table-edge!

The new Sussex junior champions are Paul Butcher (Haywards Heath) and Joanna Bush-Harris of Brighton. Butcher, .although still troubled by a shoulder muscle problem showed remarkable poise as he emphatically trounced Kevin Doyle (Arundel) in the final 13, 12.

Joanna Bush-Harris was a worthy winner of the girls singles, knocking out the younger holder Tina Beaney 1~; 17 in the final.

An investigation has however, been promised to probe the reasons why the entry for the junior event was down to 30 players - 90 last year - officials and coaches in the Brighton and Crawley areas will be invited to suggest the reasons, leading up to a debate the December 12 meeting of the Sussex lfA.

WARWICKSHIRE Pete Walden

THE Coventry and District League continues to flourish under the auspices of Allan Stockham as Chairman and his son Matthew as the General Secretary. Like many other leagues up and down the country, falling members of players, teams and venues were beginning to take their toll. The Coventry Committee has addressed these problems in a positive manner, and has managed to stabilise a rapidly deteriorating position by striving hard to maintain its existing player base, and by some shrewd financial tactics. Much work has also been put into the formulation of the leauge's Development Plan, produced with the full co-operation of the Regional Committee and the Sports Council.

Two major changes for Coventry this season have already been implemented. The system of ranking the players will now follow the one in use by the ElfA and the setting for the Coventry Closed Championships has been changed. Instead of taking place at the Disabled Centre'f: facilities in Tile Hill, this season's championships will be held at the St. Augustine's Sports Centre in Radford, on Sunday, February 26th 1994. Let's hope that this new venue can stimulate an increased entry.

PAGE 33

On the playing front, Phoenix must start as favourites to take Division One again, With their formidable duo of Adrian Pilgrim and Mark Randle at the helm. Phoenix Druido have started well in Division Two, as has the stronger of the two sides representing Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council in this division. In Division Three, JDC Rebels are already looking good, and With an experienced line-up, must rank as one of the favourites for honours in this section.

WILTSHIRE Laurie Selby

FOUR SWindon juniors have jumped the first hurdle in their bid to win places in the All-England trials being staged in the new year.

They all won through the South West regional trials held at Wellington.

Tim O'Mahoney, Tracy Youldon and Debbie King all won through their groups without losing a match. Tracy Youldon and Debbie King also won through their groups Without losing a match. Tracy went through Without dropping a set.

Kelly Sampson found the going a little tougher but still qualified by being third in her group.

Stephen Penfold and Luke Leach both played in the Cadet (under 14s) event and Stephen was unlucky not to progress to the Plymouth trials after Winning two matches in his group. But he was placed fifth on games countback - had he won two more points he would have gone through.

Luke played well in his first attempt in competition at such high level but failed to pick up a win in a strong group.

Tracy's fine form has put her at number 33 in the national under 17 rankings - the highest of any SWindon player.

Brenda Lee (Ferndale) is at 52 in the seniors and SWindon champion Eddie Roofe (Ferndale) is at 167.

Alan Duke (Northside) at 153, Mike Oxley (St. Saviours) at 167 and SylVia Morse (Gaslink Sanford) are all in the veterans' rankings.

Tim O'Mahoney (Ferndale) is placed at 59 in the under 17 boys and Debbie King (Ferndale) at 70 and Kelly Sampson (Ferndale) at 125 in the under 17 girls.

The Swindon and District League are giving table tennis a big push this season to coincide With the European Championships which are being held in Birmingham.

Some of the league's experienced players and coaches have offered to give exhibitions and coaching sessions to schools during the day or to youth groups in the evenings. Tables are also available.

Teachers or youth group leaders interested should contact val Clack on Swindon 537464 or Stuart Morse on 0249815736.

Wiltshire veterans faced a gruelling test to sort out the pecking order in the county when their ranking tournament was staged in Swindon.

Thirty four over 40s took part in the

PAGE 34

tournament at Churchfields School and spectators were treated to quality play in a friendly atmosphere.

Brian Powell was the eventual Winner but he didn't have things all his own way.

Powell scraped victory against Alan Duke 24-22 in the deciding game and then went down to Basil Thompson in his next match.

But the defeat spurred Powell on and he never lost another game. He faced Tony Mileham (West Wilts) in the final which he won comfortably.

Mileham's fine performance in his first ranking tournament improved his ranking from 17th to 8th. Other notable performances came from Terry Parkins (West Wilts) who moved from 15th to 10th; Malcolm Philips (Trowbridge) from 20th to 14th; Colin Sheppard (Salisbury) 23rd to 13th and Malcolm Gayfer (Thamesdown) from 41st to 31st. Sylvia Morse dominated the women's tournament, Winning all her games in straight sets to keep her number one ranking.

The next veterans' ranking tournament will be held on Sunday April 17th at Churchfields. If anybody would like to enter they should contact Mike Oxley on 0249 816227.

The new Wiltshire rankings list are: MEN: 1 Terry Bruce (Salisbury), 2 Brian Powell (Swindon). 3 Ooint) Bill Moulding (Salisbury), Basil Thompson (Swindon) and Tony Brown (Salisbury), 6 Mike Oxley (Caine), 7 Alan Duke (Swindon). WOMEN: 1 S. Morse (Swindon), 2. L. Whittaker (Swindon), 3 G. Hazell (Thamesdown), 4 Margaret Willson (Swindon), 5 G. Sherman (Trowbridge), 6 R. Deacon (Thamesdown), 7 A. Jeary (Calne).

Wiltshire's five county teams met With mixed fortunes in their latest round of matches in the county champion­ships.

The senior side travelled to play Avon Seconds and started badly. Both Eddie Roofe (Swindon) and Dave Richards (Devizes) failed to win a game.

But Trevor LJoyd (West Wilts) played a skipper's role by picking up both his singles and Swindon's Brenda Lee did the same bringing her county to tally this season to four out of four.

Helen Frost (Salisbury) chipped in With one victory to give Wiltshire a hard-earned draw.

Only one of the county's three veterans' team came away With victory. It came from Wiltshire Seconds who travelled to St. Neots where they beat Huntingdonshire 5-4.

Swindon's Alan Duke laid the foundations of the win With two singles successes. John Nash (Swindon) and Alan Cooke (Salisbury) contributed a Win each and it was left to Duke and Cooke to win the doubles and sew up both points.

The Wiltshire Firsts faced a strong Hampshire Second team and went down 6-3. But on the bright side, Tony Brown (Salisbury) showed fine form With two singles victories, including one against Keith Childs who is nationally ranked at 55.

Tony joined forces With Sylvia Morse (Swindon) to take a closed mixed doubles match to record Wiltshire's only

other success. Basil Thompson (Swindon) and Mike Oxley (Caine) battled hard but Without a win to show for it.

All four players in the Wiltshire Third team got on the scorecard - but the team still went down 5-4. Tony Mileham (Trowbridge) had a day to remember by winning both his singles and then teaming With Ray Cordery (Malmesbury) to win the men's doubles. Terry Parkins (Melksham) and Liz Whittaker (Swindon) won the mixed doubles.

The Wiltshire junior team met Gloucestershire at Gorse Hill Infants' School, Swindon.

They came away With a draw thanks to the play of the more experienced members of the team.

Tracy Youldon and Tim O'Mahoney were both unbeaten. Debbie King scored the other win to eam Wiltshire a 5-5 draw.

Luke Leach, who was playing in his first county game, and Stephen Penfold both benefitted from the experience but both found the opposition just too good.

WORCESTERSHIRE Steve Horton

THE Senior Ranking Lists for this season:­

MEN 1. M. Green 2. T. Washington 3. E. Hardman 4. K. Walton 5. J. Duffield 6. S. Horton 7. M. Brookes 8. 1. Siket 9. A. Tottey 10. J. Thompson 11. K. Chan 12. N. Mytton 13. D. Rogers 14. M. Fiddian 15. C. Ward 16. W. Ahern

WOMEN 1. S. Roden 2. M. Mytton 3. A. Westwood 4. C. Hunt 5. S. Horton 6. J. Hunt 7. M.Dignum 8. H. pogmore 9. L. Reid 10. J. Hill 11. S. Stone 12. J. Burbeck-Fun 13. N. Jones 14. B. Jukes 15. W.Baggott

VET MEN 1. T. Washington 2. R. Dixon 3. R. Norton 4. M. Wood 5. J. Stafford 6. K. Chan 7. S. Rochelle

VETMENC'td 8. W. Ahern 9. R. Butterton 10. B. Thompson 11. M. Dicks 12. E. Calver 13. D. Payne 14. B. Tottey

VET WOMEN 1. J. Hunt 2. M.Dignum 3. 1. Reid 4. H. Pogmore 5. B. Jukes 6. B. Shammon 7. S. Hembury

The senior first team continued their good form With Wins against Cornwall I (8-2) and Cornwall II (10-0). In the match against Cornwall I, Trevor Washington and Malcolm Green both beat Jeremy Williams to gain revenge for their defeats against him last season.

Carrie Hunt and Sarah Stone produced two Wins each to enable the second team to gain a good away draw at Gloucester. AdrianTottey beat Sylvester Callum for the only win for the men. However, With the match score at 5-4 in favour of Worcestershire, Lewis Siket was involved in a tremendous battle with Sylvester which resulted in a win for Gloucestershire 25-23 in the third.

With one player short for the journey to Dorset, the Juniors rallied from 2-4 down to force a draw on the last singles. In their home fixture against Glamorgan II Stephanie Price, Mark Norwood and David Stephens won one each but were beaten 7-3. Zoe Evans was unavailable for this fixture, but her replacement, Jennie Ponsford, put in a good performance.

Again the veterans were slow off the mark and were unable to recover from a 4-0 deficit at home to Lincoln­shire. Our Wins came from Mervyn Wood, Janet Hunt and a mens doubles (Mervyn and Roy Norton) for a final match score 3-6.

Our two British League representa­tives, Hawbush and Brornsgrove, met for the very first time with a close match anticipated. Bromsgrove led 2-1 and 3-2 before Hawbush won three in a row and the match 5-3. Jason Thompson won two for Brornsgrove and Dave Rogers one. Hawbush Wins come from Julian Wooton (two), Ken Walton (one), Sandra Roden (one) and Eric Hardman (one).

~~~FORTHCOMING EVENTS~~~

ENGLISH JUNIOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS Saturday/Sunday 4/5 December 1993

PARKLANDS LEISURE CENTRE, Wigston Road, Oadby, Leicester Tel: 0533 720789 Saturday: Junior events start gam Finals 6.30pm Sunday: Cadet events start gam Finals 5pm

ENTRY FORMS ETTA OFFICE - SPECTATORS WELCOME

NATIONAL JUNIOR TRIALS ENGLISH JUNIOR MASTERS

18/19 DECEMBER 1993 29/30 December 1993 Whitchurch Sports Centre, Milton Keynes TTC, Kingston

Bamford, Whitchurch, Bristol Centre, Milton Keynes Tel: 0275 838505 Tel: Bill Clarke 0908 282156

COTSWOLD JUNIOR 2 STAR SELECT TOURNAMENT-Saturday/Sunday 29/3Oth January 1994

CHELTENHAM RECREATION CENTRE Girls and Boys Junior, Cadet and Under 12- Girls and Boys Class 2 Junior and Cadet

All events will have groups of four for initial rounds ORGANISER: MR. J. REEVES, 21 MARTINDALE ROAD, GLOUCESTER, GL3 2DN

Tel: 0452 713840. Closing date for entries 23/12193

INTERNATIONAL TABLE TENNIS ENGLAND V JAPAN

29 December 1993 - Andover Leisure Centre 30 December 1993 - Polkyth Leisure Centre, Carlyon Road, St. Austell, Cornwall Tel: 0726 61585

4 January 1994 - South Kesteven Table Tennis Centre, Trent Rd, Grantham Tel: Ian McDonald 0476 592553

5 January 1994 - Bletchley Leisure Centre, Princes Way, Milton Keynes 0908 377251

CLEVELAND 5 STAR

2/3 January 1994 THORNABY LEISURE

CENTRE Organiser:

D. Hutchinson, 7 Skripka Drive, Birmingham, Cleveland. Tel: 0642 534738

ENGLISH QUALIFYING COMPETITION FOR EURO 94 Saturday 12 February 1994

Brentwood International Centre, Doddinghurst Road, Brentwood, Essex Tel: 0277 215151

Groups start gam • Knockout stages 2pm • Finals 7. 15pm Entries to: Peter Roden, Flat 6, Glendale House, Glendale Close, Shenfield, Essex CM15 8DB

No later than 15 January 1994