Results

Following the completion of the qualifying round, the West Somerset Table Tennis League got underway this week. There are two divisions, each containing 6 teams, that will play one round to decide the division champions for this season.

1^st Division

It was a flying start for Gnomads as they continued their run of top form against challengers, White Horse. Martin Rant continued his unbeaten run of games to earn the player of the match award for his maximum. Nigel Foster also completed an excellent maximum, with Dave O’Connell adding a further 7 sets. With a maximum in the doubles, Gnomads sealed an emphatic victory with 34 points to take the early lead in the division 1 table.

From the off, White Horse never got into their stride and stumbled at the first hurdle. It took a while before David Bryant got the bit between his teeth and delivered the first set for the team. Despite some close-fought sets, David could only add one more for his total. Ian Rew was able to make a little more headway with a total of 4 sets. The remainder of the match was completed without any change to the scorecard for White Horse as they passed the post with 6 points.

Injury hit Allsorts put on a brave show as they entertained Wiveliscombe. Scott Milton returned from injury after not playing a match since the New Year. After a tense first set Scott found his old form and went on to score the only maximum of the evening, and receive the player of the match award. Andy Berry put up a spirited fight in the singles to secure the final two sets. Matt Lawrence was in severe pain from a recurring back injury but made an invaluable contribution in the doubles where he helped secure 7 sets. Allsorts ended the evening with 18 points.

Wiveliscombe played steadily all evening and were certainly consistent as all three players – Paul Nutkins, David Woodland and Ben Cooper – won 6 sets apiece. The 3 sets won in the doubles proved to be the difference between the teams with Wiveliscombe ending the victors with 21 points.

2^nd Division

Roy’s Boys started off their division 2 campaign against newly formed Waterrow. It took until the half way mark before the first set was won by the home team. Barry Hooper broke the deadlock and went on to win 5 sets. The final 3 singles sets were added by Roy Hooper. Peggy Hooper helped the team to secure 3 sets in the doubles to give Roy’s Boys a final tally of 11.

Waterrow started their season strongly led by Dennis Buckingham. Dennis used his years of experience to win the award for player of the match by scoring the only maximum of the evening. Mike Cooper added 7 sets and Harry Woodland completed the singles with a further 6. All three players then combined in the doubles to gain maximum points giving Waterrow a final score of 31 and top-of-the-table position.

It was an all Minehead affair when junior side Hawks challenged Drifters at the Lawns. For the home team, Mark Scyner led the way with a maximum to win the player of the match award. Alfie and Nathaniel Southam were restricted by their opponents in the singles to 3 and 2 sets respectively. With success in only 3 doubles sets Hawks ended the match with 17 points.

Drifters played in a very determined fashion and had a revival of form. Star of the evening for the visitors was Andrew Miles who used his pimpled bat to good effect by winning 7 singles sets. Dave Smith and Liz Fletcher added a solid 6 sets apiece. A combined effort in the doubles resulted in a maximum, giving a comfortable victory to Drifters with 28 points.

League Tables

Division 1