In 1779 Captain James Cook was killed by the natives on one of the Hawaiian Islands on Saint Valentine’s Day and 243 years later John Cook, who could be a distant relative, led his crew of the wily old bosun Alan Livingstone and midshipman Terry Kwong to face the natives of West Sunderland.

The match between West CAC and Backspin A started well for the home side when Malcolm Deneven overcame the great Captain Cook in 3 ends but then Alan Whitwham was well beaten by his namesake Alan, the big surprise that Whitwham won an end. Terry Kwong defeated Michael Hepworth in a very close match and then John beat his old rival Alan in 3 ends. Alan teamed up with Malcolm in the doubles against big John and Alan which turned out a to be a good and close game which The John and Alan won 11-9 in the 5^th end. The game of the night was the win Michael had against The Man John in a seesaw match where some great rallies took place a game anybody could have won, Alan rounded off the night by winning against Malcolm and that was the end of a goodnight’s table tennis.

The Player of the Match was Alan Livingstone , so well played Alan and to the rest of the players on the night.

John Cook was grateful that the natives of West Sunderland were more friendly than those from Hawaii.

Gan Canny,

Alan, the players player, Whitwham