Another interesting and enjoyable evening against one of the top teams and promotion favourites in Division 2.

Although Torbay Academy 2 deserved their 6-4 win, Taverners fought all the way and maybe on another occasion could have snatched a draw?

From my prospective though, it was also good to play against 2 "new" players both at different ends of the "age" scale!

Firstly Warren Ngai who is a young and talented player and who previously played in the higher echelons of the Nottingham TTL secured his expected maximum but not before some close sets no more so than beating Colin 11-8 in the decider. I too had some success but you always felt Warren was able to produce another gear when required!! A pleasant young man and a welcome addition to our League.

Then there is Dave Crowley! People of my generation will remember Dave's name as being a fine player in his youth! He is still pretty good now and very enjoyable company. Surprisingly I have up to last night never played Dave so it was good to do so at last. I may have won this time but I suspect we will have some more close encounters in the coming years! Dave won an important point for Torbay Academy 2 and it is great to have him back playing in South Devon and Torbay after such a long time.

As for some other aspects of the match, Simon played well for his 2 sets until he came up against Martin who disrupted his attack with another fine defensive display. Martin also played well to secure 2 points for Taverners.

Last but not least Taverners won the doubles v Warren and Simon for our second successive doubles point after 3 disappointing results. Colin and Martin were "reunited" to defeat an excellent pairing in 5 games to gain another valuable point.

A very good evening of table tennis at an excellent venue the Village Hall which was suitably decked out with Christmas decorations and looking resplendent!

Geoff

Written by: Geoff Read