Results

2^nd DIVISION

This week’s first match was a real tussle as Shooting Stars and Waterrow battle for the division 2 title. From the commencement of play it was clear how closely matched both teams were and the pressure on play was relentless throughout. The match was so close that only two games were played in the minimum three sets, and fifteen sets were won by the minimum margin of two points.

Shooting Stars were more consistent in their singles play led by Martin Shoots with 8, Geoff Williams 7 and Robin Arkell 6 sets. Consistency was again achieved in the doubles with wins in 7 sets. This gave Shooting Stars the victory with 28 points and elevated their position in the table to an unassailable 2^nd place, with a game in hand. The division 2 title will be decided in their final match of the season against Roy’s Boys.

Waterrow held a narrow lead until the half-way point. Harry Woodland was the star player, winning the player of the match award for his maximum. Eamon Farrelly added a solid 6 singles points. Dennis Buckingham used all his experience, together with his ambidextrous abilities, to explore every inch of the table to win the final 2 singles sets. In the doubles Waterrow never really settled, winning 4 sets to bring their tally up to 21 and retain their tenuous grip on the division 2 lead.

Drifters played their final match of the season when they were entertained by Roy’s Boys. For the host team, Barry Hooper was in splendid form and his maximum earned him the player of the match award. The remaining singles sets were won by Roy Hooper with an excellent 7. There was less success in the doubles with 2 sets added, giving Roy’s Boys a total of 18 points for the evening with just one match to play.

Drifters pressured their opponents from the outset and were consistent throughout the evening. Liz Fletcher led the way in the singles with 7 and Andrew Miles and substitute, Andy Godfrey, added a further 6 sets apiece. With maximum points from the doubles Drifters concluded a comfortable victory with 28 points.

The final match of the season saw Roy’s Boys take on the ascending Shooting Stars. From the commencement of play the home team were under pressure as the visitors pursued the division two crown. For Roy’s Boys, both Roy and Barry Hooper put up a hard fight and their tally of sets doesn’t give a true reflection of how close they were to winning more. Barry top-scored with 4 singles sets. Roy added the final 2 singles sets despite some excellent attacking play and one set going to his opponent with a score of 17 – 19. The pair combined in the doubles to win a further 3 sets to bring the final score for Roy’s Boys to 9.

Shooting Stars stayed focussed on their goal all evening and both Martin Shoots and Geoff Williams each scored a maximum in the singles with Geoff receiving the player of the match award. Robin Arkell added a solid 6 singles sets before the team combined to dominate the doubles with a further 7 sets to win the match with a total of 31 points. Although focussed on their objective, the match was conducted with good spirit throughout the evening.

As a result of the win, Shooting Stars are this year’s division 2 champions and our congratulations go to the team members. With the league now concluded, the Annual General Meeting of the West Somerset Table Tennis Association will take place on the 7^th June at the Lawns Community Hall, commencing at 7.30pm. The meeting will include the presentation of our annual awards.