Furness Championship of Ping Pong (Annual Hard Bat Competition)
The Hard Bat Tournament was played at Glaxo Sports Club on Friday 27th December. Players started in 4 round robin groups. Last year's champion James Schofield showed his result in 2023 was no fluke when he showed one of the top players in South Cumbria how to use the famous blue bats defeating Ben O'Flynn in straight sets. Meanwhile, another Division Two Ulverston player, Harry Millican gained a very good three set win against Division One player, Matt O'Flynn to progress to the main Quarter Final round. Harry also took a set against group winner Paul Ackred. Keith Dymond won his group with Ray Schwer finishing as runner up. Lert Wimon gained a surprise win over Andy Murphy with these two players finishing first and second in the group. Special mention to the only two ladies who played this season - Pam Dymond and Julie Dorrian.
In the Quarter Finals of the Plate Competition Duncan Stamp beat his son Ewan, although the younger player was hampered by a foot injury. John Taylor beat promising junior Charlie Staunton. Peter Staunton, who is yet to play in the League gained a good win against Chris Hamer. The best performance of this round came from Dan Hopkins who came from 2-1 down in sets and 2 match points down to earn a 3-2 victory against club mate Matt O'Flynn.
Dan was again involved in a 5 set match in his semi final against Duncan Stamp. This time Dan held a 2-0 lead before Duncan gradually worked his way back into the match and took the win 3-2. Peter Staunton continued his good run with victory against John Taylor. The Final was very close with Peter just gaining the upper hand against Duncan.
In the main draw Quarter Finals James Schofield beat Ulverston club mate Ray Schwer. Keith Dymond defeated Ben O'Flynn. Andy Murphy beat Paul Ackred and Lert Wimon won against Harry Millican.
James gained another win against a top Division One player when he beat Andy Murphy in four very close sets in the first Semi Final. Keith Dymond was more comfortable in his win against Lert Wimon. In the third place play off Andy gained revenge against Lert.
The Final was a great battle with both players showing that skilful table tennis could be played with the hard bats. James relied on athletic defence whilst Keith stayed up to the table looking for opportunities to attack. Keith went 2-1 up but James built a big lead in the fourth set. Keith fought back and looked as though he would take victory but having come from 4-9 to level he then missed two relatively easy shots and conceded the set. Keith, though, soon held a lead in the decider, which he did relinquish and took the title.
A great Christmas competition - many thanks to the players from Ulverston who organised and set up this event and to Glaxo Sports Club for providing a first class venue. Special thanks to Ewan Stamp for making the Presentations.
