NEWSLETTER AUTUMN 2024
The new league season is fast approaching, so for those of you who have taken a Summer break dust off that bat and join us back at the table.
ROME 2024 – WORLD TABLE TENNIS MASTERS
I have to start with a bit about our trip to Rome in July. Dennis Gibbs, Kevin Nicholls, Bob Parkins and Sonja Ryland from our Club all took part in the World Masters and put up an excellent show. They were joined by new signing Terry Parkins and occasional club visitors Penny Perry and Nev Cregan. Along with a good contingent of our friends from Joola Plymouth, Devon TT was well represented. Over 6000 competitors from around the world took part in the various age groups. All our players performed well, Dennis, Kevin and Sonja all winning through to the knockout stages in their main events, with Dennis the star. He reached the last sixteen in the over 70 singles, paired with Terry Parkins made it to the last eight in the men’s doubles and, although unluckily not winning through to the main draw with Penny Perry in the mixed doubles, went on to win the consolation event. A brilliant event staged exceptionally well in Rome, with plenty of time also for us to enjoy the sunshine, pizzas, gelato and sights of the Eternal city, might’ve squeezed the odd drink in too!
SOUTH DEVON AND TORBAY TABLE TENNIS LEAGUE
Despite losing several key league players from last season things are looking good with a likely increase in the number of teams going forward to 14. Although we are still awaiting payment and a firm commitment from a good number of you 14 teams looks viable. Several exciting experienced newcomers along with a number of you trying out league table tennis for the first time gives a fresh look to some of our teams as we look forward with anticipation to another successful season in the local league.
Although teams and divisions are not confirmed the likely scenario is:
Division One – The Champions NA Buzzards are unchanged for the coming season, but it’s all change for the runners-up last time out as the Batmen have suffered the loss of Dennis & Shaun. The Eagles are largely unchanged, while our Condors will have a new look. The Parrots from last season “have ceased to be” joining our other first division teams
Division Two – With new & returning players and players wanting to move up a division we should be able to enter four teams in this division although it will be tough. The Owls return, albeit with a completely new line up. A mixture of new and old make up the Ravens. The Raptors and Falcons should be virtually unchanged.
Division Three – Just the two teams this season as we have sadly lost the Hawks. A new look Kestrels should go well and could be joined by our up and coming young Kites.
Division Four – The Harriers drop down but have recruited well, while the Ospreys remain unchanged. There is a new look to the Merlins while the Vultures, with the exception of the captain, are all new to league table tennis.
We welcome all who are representing our club for the first time in the league and hope you have a very enjoyable time with us: Terry Parkins, Paul Davey, Connor Pyke, Steve Hugh, Fred Wakefield, Richard Hathaway, Lee Raymond, Ray Jewell & Rob Joachimiak.
It’s not too late to be added to the above if you fancy joining us, we are a little stretched particularly in the bottom division so if you think you are up to it…….
We expect the season will commence on Week Beginning 30th Sept. All our teams, players and fixtures should appear on this website by the 10th September
ALL HOME LEAGUE MATCHES MUST BE COMPLETED BY 10PM SO PLEASE MONITOR YOUR PROGRESS AND PLAY ON A SECOND TABLE TO ENSURE YOU FINISH ON TIME. ANY GAMES NOT COMPLETED BY 10PM WILL BE AWARDED TO YOUR OPPONENTS.
A punctual start will help with the above and access to our venue is available from 5 o’clock on a Friday and 6 o’clock on a Tuesday which gives you plenty of time to help set up, practise and be ready to start when your opponents arrive. All matches must start by 7pm at the latest.
We ask that you please pack away your playing area (table, chairs, scoring table, scoreboard, net, surrounds etc) when your match has finished unless specifically asked to leave it, due to timing constraints.
SENIOR AND VETERANS BRITISH LEAGUE
Kevin Nicholls has added to his Senior league team as they embark on another season in National C (5) while his veterans team competing in Division 2 (2) remains unchanged. We wish them well as they travel across the country to compete.
NEWTON ABBOT TABLE TENNIS CLUB KIT
Why not check out our club shop on the VX3 website and get kitted up for the new season. I can save the postage cost for you if you add collection at the checkout and you let me know when your items are ready for collection.
https://vx-3.com/collections/newton-abbot-table-tennis
CLUB COMPETITIONS 2024 – Free to enter for all regular attendees of our club sessions – normal session fee applies
ALBANY FLORISTS CUP – Friday 6th Sept
This will be an open handicap event for all regular attendees of our club sessions. A simple handicap similar to that used in the Parkhouse Pairs will be in operation. It will be played off in groups on one night, Friday 6th Sept. we ask you enter in advance (just let Sonja or myself know) spaces will only be available on the night if there are gaps in the schedule.
DON BLATCHFORD CUP – Saturday 7th Sept
Our Junior competition for the Don Blatchford Cup will take place on Saturday 7th Sept commencing at 9:40. Registration on the day at 9:30.
HANDICAP DOUBLES – Friday 13th Sept
Choose your partners for this new competition, again a basic handicap similar to the Parkhouse Pairs will be applied. Again please enter in advance of the competition.
SINGLES SHIELD – Friday 25th October
Apologies but we have felt it necessary to postpone this competition from September, now to be played on Friday 25thOctober (should be the first free week of the new season). Entries in advance to Sonja or myself. A prompt 6.45 start is necessary in an attempt to complete on the night. Depending on numbers this competition may run on to the following weeks.
PARKHOUSE PAIRS CUP 2024
Congratulations to NA Batmen who lifted the cup this year remaining unbeaten throughout the competition. Dan Webster-Hall and Rhys Lush defeating Dawlish Aces’ David Davies and Mitch Bellham 4-1 in the final.
Terrific performances also from Section Boyz and NA Falcons, losing semi-finalists, in another excellent, well supported competition with 18 teams taking part.
Many thanks to Fred Wakefield (Parkhouse furniture restorers) for again sponsoring this event.
SOUTH DEVON & TORBAY TABLE TENNIS LEAGUE - Early season tournament
Sunday 3rd November 2024 at the Torbay Leisure Centre, Clennon Valley, Paignton.
Although taking place in Torbay the tournament is run by Newton Abbot’s Tony & Sonja, who can supply you with further details and entry forms.
Three events take place during the day which commences at 9 o’clock:
Handicap Singles for the Collins Cup
Handicap Doubles (partners assigned based on handicaps)
Excell hard bat challenge (21 up, with hard bats supplied
A fun day with lots of games guaranteed. It would be great to have a good contingent of Newton Abbot TTC players taking part.
NEWTON ABBOT TABLE TENNIS CLUB SESSIONS - FRIDAY SESSIONS EXTENDED
Our curtailed Friday night Summer sessions revert back to a 10pm finish after next weekend when we hit September. Also, as the schools are back, I will be running an after-school table tennis club on a Friday night, which means we can get access to the sports hall at 5 o’clock. Tables will be available to play on from 5.30. Saturday sessions continue as before 9.30 – 11.30.
FREE SATURDAY MORNING SESSIONS
To help out our very keen enthusiastic players, who don’t miss a session, we are now offering the next day’s Saturday session free of charge to anyone who pays for their Friday night match/session.
TUESDAY NIGHTS
Please note that the Match Room (Dance studio) is still being used on Tuesday nights during the league season for matches and there will be several dates where there is space for you to play re-arranged or cup matches. You must book the space with Tony.
COACH
We have been joined recently by Luke St James Boyde who has successfully completed his Level One Table Tennis England coaching course and will hopefully be a regular Saturday morning coach helping anyone who wishes to benefit from his knowledge and support. He is particularly keen to help those who, like himself, are new to the game.
TABLE TENNIS EQUIPMENT
Remember that some savings can be made on purchasing blades, rubbers, bats and any other specialist TT equipment by buying from Bribar through the club. Let me know of anything you want. I can also make up bats and replace worn out rubbers for you, all usually within a week.
NON-LEAGUE PLAYERS
While a great deal of this newsletter is focused on the new season and league players I would like to assure all those not playing in the League this coming season that the club remains just as committed to you. Providing opportunities for anyone to play and improve is just as important to this club and if you have any suggestions on improving club sessions for those not in the league please let us know.
NA BUZZARDS
Following our well documented trip to Rome in July we have visited the Princess Theatre for a performance of Jesus Christ Superstar and watched ABBA by candlelight at Exeter Cathedral. Kev and Sonja had a couple of days in Hereford to take part in a veteran’s tournament, Kev just losing out in the semi-final. Further adventures are in the planning stage as we build up towards the start of the season.
A link to this newsletter is sent to all those players who have attended our practice sessions at Teign School in the last few months. If you do not wish to be included on my circulation list please let me know. tonyhalse@hotmail.com
