Tackleway TTC held their first annual closed tournament since the pandemic earlier this month.  Hosted over two successive Friday nights by Westfield Community Hall, the competition reached an exciting climax on the evening of 16th June when members of the club gathered to watch no less than three closely contested final matches.

The 2023 Tackleway Closed began with four groups of five players and was cleverly designed to give all twenty entrants the opportunity to feature on both nights.  Depending on their final position in each group after the first session, competitors qualified for either the Championship, Consolation or Wooden Spoon event the following week.

While ability levels varied between and within each part of the tournament, the commitment and tenacity on view was of the highest level and every one of the knockout stages were keenly contested with numerous superb rallies played amid the highest level of sportsmanship.

Once the semi-finals were complete and the competition drew to a close, all but one table was cleared away and club members sat together to enjoy the three finals, which unfolded as follows.

Tackleway Closed Championship Final
?? Winner: John Boreham
?? Runner-Up: James Gorridge
12-10, 7-11, 9-11, 11-6 & 11-9
A close match with John coming from behind to win the first set to deuce then going behind only to grab the win in a tight final set.  John justified his position as top seed, after joining the club this season, while James’s contribution to a magnificent contest should not be underestimated.

Tackleway Closed Consolation Final
?? Winner: Sachin Davis
?? Runner-Up: Danny Rickaby
10-12, 11-7, 8-11, 14-12 & 11-8
As one of the most improved players in our club, practising up to three times a week, Sachin delivered a complete performance to beat veteran Danny in another closely contested five-set match.

Tackleway Closed Wooden Spoon Final
?? Winner: Phil Talbot
?? Runner-Up: Nigel Hobbs
11-8, 12-14, 11-1 & 11-4
Congratulations to Phil who, after winning the Hastings and District Woodward Cup handicap tournament, picked up another trophy here in four sets against another player progressing very quickly.  Nigel is a regular at practice twice a week at both Westfield and Hollington venues and is one to watch next season.

At the close of the tournament, club Chair and H&DTTA President Mike Funnell paid tribute to the organiser, James Gorridge, before presenting trophies to all six finalists.

The event served to prove that Tackleway continues to be a very significant presence in the Hastings and District Table Tennis Association and looks well set to grow still further as it prepares for the 2023-24 season.