Match Report
In recent years Division 2 has proved very competitive and enjoyable with strong teams and hardly any one- sided matches and yesterday evening at the Village Hall proved no exception!
After a Taverners win against Torbay Academy 2 in the first half of the season by 6 sets to 3, the Academy this time reversed the scoreline winning 6-3 demonstrating the vagaries of league table tennis especially in Div 2.
Yes, Torbay Academy 2 last night did put out arguably their strongest side which obviously made a difference but the evening still produced a hard fought contest before the visitors completed their deserved win.
With the match finishing at approx 10.10 pm (the latest finish so far this season), there were inevitably a number of well contested and close sets so what made the difference?
Firstly many congratulations to Martin who achieved a maximum and "Player of the Match" for the third time this season and his second maximum against Torbay Academy. Martin's form has really picked up in recent weeks which is great news for Martin and of course the Taverners!!
Unfortunately Colin and myself were unable to support Martin.
Colin had a rare "off" night and despite a strong performance against Ben Hoare and playing (I feel) at my usual level it has not been good enough to win on a regular basis in recent seasons!! Anyway, best to keep going and continue to enjoy playing in Div 2 for as long as possible?!
The consistency of Stuart, Ben and Neville was the key to the Academy win and were all impressive at times.
I thought Ben produced some great forehand shots and in probably the set of the evening Martin won 14-12 in the final leg against Stuart coming back from 2 legs down. It was an excellent set from both players with Martin's consistent defence and placement just edging out Stuart. I also thought Neville played really well and continues to improve as the season has developed.
All in all an enjoyable evening which once again highlights the strength of the SD&TTTL and ,in particular, the continued competitive nature of our Division!
Geoff
Written by: Geoff Read
