Many thanks to stand-in Captain Pete for this excellent match report.

“On paper this was always going to be tough match for Outcasts and a heavy winning score for Castaways was perhaps the predictable outcome from this top(ish) versus bottom(ish) clash.

First up Pete played Alan, fresh back from touring with the MCC in Nepal, and although he came very close in 2 legs, Pete ran out a 3 straight winner over the clearly jet-lagged Alan.

Next up was Andy (bad back) versus a limping Michael (dodgy knees and ankle), but in a pretty one-sided contest Andy's back held up the best.

3rd on and the game of the evening, which produced some high quality ping. In the end, Simon fresh from his exploits earlier in the week in the Civil Service "Dept championships",  ran out the winner  13-11 ITF, leaving Norman to rue missed chances having been up in all 3 sets that he lost (and holding several game points in 2 of them). But Simon was not to be denied and produced a classy display of counter-hitting which always kept Norman on the back foot. 

With Alan and Michael not really match fit, they both lost their remaining games 3 straight and it was therefore left to Simon to challenge for any further points to be had by Outcasts.

And in both his remaining matches, Simon continued to play some excellent ping. But unfortunately the consistency he showed against Norman eluded him and although he took a game in each, both Andy and Pete prevailed.

That left the doubles to play and Castaways wrapped up the match with another win, but only after 4 very closely contested legs.

So yes a match with a predictable 9-1 outcome, but more importantly played in a great spirit between the 2 sides, as was highlighted when both teams retired to the pub to recuperate. And it’s fair to say that both Alan and Mike at this point showed their best form of the evening, outlasting everyone else until closing time.

Another great advert for the LBCSTTL, social table tennis played as it should be.”