Match Report
Another pulsating clash at the Village Hall last night and an important one between the current bottom 2 teams- Taverners and NA Raptors - both trying to avoid last place in Division 2!
After 9 sets with only 2 being completed in 3 and a 10.20 finish, it was the Raptors who prevailed with a deserved win by 6 sets to 3 leaving the Taverners now lagging behind the Raptors by 6 points and likely to finish bottom in 8th spot.
As expected, it was a closely contested and very competitive evening, with the overall team performance from the Raptors coming through strong on the night. Paul won 2 (all over 5 games) only losing to Martin while both Huw and Curtis also scored 2 points each providing strong support. Having registered Curtis, the team's form has certainly picked up!
I was mightily impressed by Curtis after his brief absence from the sport. "Ditching" his pimpled rubber(s) since his return, his tactical awareness was very good and his change of pace throughout I found difficult to play against. It was good to see Curtis back playing again. Long may he continue.
For the Taverners, Martin picked up 2 points including the win against Paul and continues his good form while Colin after a close loss to Paul beat Huw in 4. Huw continues to impress especially against me!
Being my usual "self- deprecating" self, I was however very disappointed to lose to Paul after 2-0 up (the second game 20-18) and winning 9-5 in the fourth game only for Paul (not for the first time) with his grit and determination coming back to win the set. I felt like sitting in a darkened room for a few hours after that defeat. Table Tennis can do that to you sometimes!!
2 matches to go and Taverners will keep battling on and whatever happens continue to enjoy playing and what will be will be!
Geoff
Written by: Geoff Read
