I was looking forward to our final home league match of the season against our familiar and friendly adversaries Newton Abbot Raptors but the evening disappointed from the outset!
I cannot remember the last time Taverners have played a match when the opponents have fielded only 2 players. No blame can be attached of course to Paul or Huw but we all know how playing against 2 players not 3 disrupts the playing order, the continuity of the match and just spoils the evening!!
Yes, Taverners probably benefitted from playing fewer sets but that is not the point when one goes out for an evening of table tennis. Despite the 3 set "advantage", Taverners could only win one more set to lose to Raptors 6-4. In analysis, the result was not a surprise when playing a dominant Paul Hine and a much improved Huw Darch. Paul has only lost 6 sets this season so maintaining his high average in Division 2 in recent seasons. Paul is playing so well that he perhaps ought to "take the plunge" and play in Div 1 next season!
Huw lost the one "live" set last night but not really a surprise too as Colin has a very successful record against Huw. Conversely, Huw generally beats Martin and in recent encounters myself. It is the beauty and paradox of most sports that there are opponents who you either struggle against or cannot wait to play them!!
Not many memorable sets to recall although the doubles set was well contested with Paul and Huw coming back from 2-1 down to win in 5 and deny Colin and Martin/Taverners a draw. However, Paul and Huw did play well in the final 2 legs with a combination of Paul's defence and Huw's attack to the fore and deserved the match win.
In conclusion, there was a early finish(my wife was pleased!) and it was good to chat and play both Paul and Huw but the night was still tinged with overall disappointment.
As for Taverners, it looks like "relegation" and certainly for Colin and myself a return to Division 3 unless there is a reprieve for Taverners when the teams for season 25/26 are constructed!! Despite the results, I have enjoyed playing in Division 2 and the competitive nature of every match. Hope we can do it again sometime!
Signing off for another season and hope we will all enjoy playing against each other from October 2025.
Finally to Tony - many thanks for all your effort and help over yet another season.
All the best everyone.
Geoff
