THE North Cornwall Table Tennis League gets underway on Wednesday  
night with a record number of teams entered.
Twenty-two teams have been split into three leagues. Division One has  
seen an increase from six teams to eight, which is the same number in  
the second-tier.
The third division, which is for younger or more casual players,  
remains at two-a-side compared to the three-a-side in the higher  
leagues.
In Division One, it looks as if there will be a three-way battle for  
the title.
Reigning champions Helland A, who will now be known as Helland after  
the B team pulled out, remain unchanged after winning the league by  
six points.
Last year’s runners-up North Hill A again look strong and can call on  
the services of the promising Angharad Beman to complement league  
chairman Shirley Luckhurst, captain Martin Hynes and Bob Thompson.
Despite finishing fourth last year, Torridge could mount a serious push.
David Streak, who won all 27 of his singles matches last year remains,  
and he will be joined by the impressive Pete Freeburn, who returns  
after a year off, and captain David Stone.
The remaining five teams are likely to battle it out for the rest of  
the positions.
Budehaven A should finish fourth and have a number of players to  
choose from, although Dave Salisbury’s troublesome shoulder could play  
a factor while Crackington A will again rely on the excellent Frank  
Barnes to pick up the majority of their points.
Three teams have come up to make the league bigger.
Last year’s Division Two champions Budehaven B have lost Owen  
Salisbury to the A team but have replaced him with Brandon Forsyth,  
who has not played for a number of years. A lack of first division  
experience may prove costly but they could surprise. Their talents  
will be put to the test straight away with a visit from Torridge.
Whitstone Wanderers and Crackington B are the other new sides and will  
hope to make an impression in what is a significant jump up in standard.
Whitstone start their season with a home clash against Crackington A  
while Crackington B make the long trip to Helland.
With three teams leaving Division Two, they have been replaced by  
Budehaven D (last year known as Budehaven E), Crackington C and a new  
Budehaven team (E).
After finishing fourth last term, Anthony Ward’s Budehaven C should  
battle for the title with an impressive D team who consist of Tim  
Orchard, Robin Worden and the exciting Sam Jennings.
Altarnun have the league’s best player in Paul Burden and should do  
well while Launceston, who have moved into a new venue at the Gateway  
Centre in the town, will hope that the wily Stephen Parsons and Karen  
Horrell can do the business. Launceston start the season on Wednesday  
night with a home game against Budehaven D with the rest of the  
divisions starting 24 hours later.
Of the rest, Budehaven E are an unknown quantity, North Hill B should  
do better than last year while Bridgerule A, who only picked up points  
last year through Alan Quilter, were given a reprieve and have a  
couple of new players who should make a difference. Last year’s  
Division Three runners-up Crackington C complete the division.
Division Three is incredibly difficult to predict with three new teams  
— Altarnun B and Budehaven G and H — and a constant changeover of  
players.
With just six teams, each team will face one another three times.
To view all the league fixtures, results, tables and more, visit www.tabletennis365.com/NorthCornwall