Match Report
Another enjoyable encounter last night against Brixham Pirates at the Village Hall. There is always a very good atmosphere between our two teams with bits of banter and sportsmanship and yesterday evening was no exception.
Before I write my report, can I once again, on behalf of the Taverners, express our best wishes to Allen Pack for a speedy recovery from his recent medical issue. I understand everything is going well so we will all look forward to seeing him again on the table tennis table before too long. We miss you Allen!
Allen would have played last night but instead Ian drafted in Charles Lamden and the very promising Issy Brown from the Gulls.
Looking at the "head to head" between the teams before the start, I suppose Taverners were slight favourites to gain our first win of the season. Things did not turn out that way though and Taverners lost by 6 sets to 4 for Pirates to gain their second win of this fledgling season and deservedly so.
So what was the difference to the "pre match" opinion? Well Issy Brown played brilliantly and secured a maximum and that was in essence the difference! Issy has got better and better due not only to increased skill levels but through repeated practice and commitment. It is refreshing to see anyone, in particular a young woman, improving all the time, working hard at her game and enjoying the sport.
Issy has an impressive attack and good tactical awareness. I thought I played quite well to go to 5 games but I was blown away in the final leg. Her notable achievement yesterday was to beat Martin in 4 games defying his impressive game and combination bat. Lets hope Issy can go from strength to strength!
As to the rest of the match, Ian played in his usual consistent way and also won his all his three sets. However, the set of the evening saw Ian win in 5 against Martin. It was an excellent set with Martin 2 games up (very tight legs though!) only for Ian to come back and win a tight fourth game and then to go on impressively to win the last with his best table tennis of the set.
I was also good to see and play against Charles. I thought he played well and with a more attacking approach this time. Charles caused myself and Colin a few problems and will win on another night.
Taverners did narrow the final result to 6-4 with Colin and Martin winning their second doubles set in a row in good style.
Finally, despite some lengthy games, we finished at 9.30. The Pirates team arrived early and there was minimal delay between each game and set and this really helps to accelerate the evening along!
The teams will meet again in January 2025 and look forward to that and another enjoyable evening.
Geoff
Written by: Geoff Read
