The Watts Cup, the knock-out competition of the Hastings & District Table Tennis League, got under way with few surprises, the draw for Round 1 having kept the main contenders apart. Holders Saints A are looking for a hat-trick of wins and they came through 5-1 against First Division rivals Hollington B. League champions Bexhill A came through by the same scoreline against Bexhill B, while Hollington A comfortably overcame 3rd Division Tigers C 5-0.
There were some competitive ties, with the match of the round probably going to Tackleway B (10th in Div 1) versus Bexhill D (2nd in Div 2) with Tackleway edging it 5-4. Hollington C were surprisingly taken to the same scoreline by Monarchs, while in a Tigers derby, the experience of Tigers D got the better of the Tigers E youngsters, also by 5-4.
In an all- 2nd Division tie NALGO A accounted for Tigers B 6-3.
The draw for Rd 2 (last 16) has again been kind to the big three, of whom Saints A are the only ones to face Division 1 opposition in their visit to Tackleway B.
Hollington A visit 3rd Division Hollington E while Bexhill A visit 2nd Division NALGO A.
The Minor Trophy, for teams from Division 2 & 3 who are eliminated in Rd 1 of the Watts Cup, has a First Round of 5 matches with 3 teams receiving byes. One of these is Tackleway C who will be one of the favourites to win the competition, along with Bexhill D who entertain NALGO B.
Unusually, Saints, perennial winner/finalists, have no representation in the Minor Trophy this year.
