First taste of international competition for young table tennis team

The Isle of Man Primary Schools table tennis squad experienced their first taste of international competition when they took part in the recent Six Nations Tournament in Jersey.

The Island's involvement in the event had been helped by sponsorship from corporate and trust service provider Ocra Worldwide.  Compliance director Nick Sheard attended one of the team's training sessions to officially present the new kit provided by the company.

Participation in the Six Nations gave the young Manx team valuable experience and the opportunity of competing against the best players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales as well as their hosts from the Channel Islands. 

All the local players who made up the Manx squad were introduced to the sport through the Manx Youth Games and are now coached by members of the Isle of Man Table Tennis Association.  Official coaches Ewan Watterson and Jane Kneale accompanied the team to Jersey - as did several parents.

The Manx team consisted of Freya Melvin, Libby Quaggin, Kitty Thomas, Sophie Sheard, Jack Christian, Harry Walters, Billy Cain and Matthew Emison.  Best performances came from Billy and Freya who were defeated, narrowly, in the semi-finals of the singles plate competitions.

COLIN BROWN

Picture caption.  The Manx contingent is pictured with coaches Ewan Watterson and Jane Kneale, together with Nick Sheard (centre) from Ocra.