With a substantial increase in the number of players and teams for the forthcoming season the South Devon & Torbay League committee have introduced a fourth division for the first time in many years. This made the composition of the divisions extremely difficult. 

Last year's first division champions Brixham Sharks will look to retain their title, and runners-up last time out, Torbay Table Tennis Academy 1, are likely to push them all the way again. Other contenders will be the Newton Abbot sides: N A  Batmen, who have Nick Halse returning to the side, and N A Buzzards a new team featuring exciting Stover School junior, Kelvin Cheung, recent winner of the Plymouth Junior one star tournament. Dawlish Aces also look strong, recruiting Rory Harries and Christopher Short to strengthen their challenge.

The 2nd Division will be keenly fought with top side Taverners facing stiff competition from relegated Battlers, along with several fast-improving youngsters from Brixham & Torbay Table Tennis Academy pushing for honours.  Marldon, who have added Helen Glover to their ranks and N A Eagles will also be looking to challenge the favourites.

The difference in ability of some players pitched together in the same team means the 3rd division has a spattering of very good players who will want to show that they should be playing at a higher level.  Denbury Tykes, on paper, look to be very strong, particularly with the return of Martin Dilkes, and Dawlish Diamonds are joined by David Davies, who should not lose many games at this level.

The 4th Division consists of mainly new-to-the-league players and juniors. The Newton Abbot Club has 4 teams in this Division; their strongest side, N A Falcons, will be looking to challenge at the top, but they will face strong competition particularly from the Torbay Table Tennis Academy teams.

Anyone wishing to have a go, no matter what standard, will be welcome at any of the clubs in the area at Torquay, Brixham, Dawlish and Newton Abbot.  Check out the League’s Website for more details.   www.tabletennis365.com/southdevonandtorbay

N A Kestrels;  Kevin Bastow, Lewis Short, Andrei Constantin & Luke Robins

All new to league table tennis and hoping to make an impact in 4th Division