As this is my last report of the year, I will give you a short little-known history of table tennis. It was alleged that when they opened the tomb of Tutankhamun the hieroglyphics on the wall seemed to suggest that the Egyptians played a form of table tennis and that is why I have an infinity to the game because one of my parents was a Mummy.

Meanwhile in the present time West CAC travelled in the Arctic weather to take on East Boldon B hoping to revenge the 8-2 defeat at home.  It started well when Declan “ Chainsaw” Kelly overcame Mick Lindsay over 5 ends in a hard-hitting game. Jeff Hope did well to beat Magic Mick Redfearn who put up a good fight, and then Alan Whitwham beat the ever-youthful William Walton. Jeff won his remaining two games and the doubles with Mick, easily beating Alan and Magic Mick. After 8 sets West were 5-3 down, but Declan and Magic Mick won the last two sets to earn a deserved draw.

Please note that Alan played with 3 different bats, after one was disintegrating and the second was not suitable, but the third one was just right.

Big appreciation to William Walton who stepped in at the last minute and as always was a pleasure to play against. Player of the Match was Jeff Hope, so well played Jeff with a good all-round display.

Merry Christmas to all my avid readers

Gan canny

Alan “three bats” Whitwham