High standard of table tennis on display in night of finals

There was a high standard of play on show, when the Gainsborough and District Table Tennis League held its championship finals last week.
Gainsborough Table Tennis league, pictured is Clive Mitchell (G130212-6c)Gainsborough Table Tennis league, pictured is Clive Mitchell (G130212-6c)
Gainsborough Table Tennis league, pictured is Clive Mitchell (G130212-6c)

The first final was the Consolation Singles, involving two second division players, and it was a tense five-end affair.

Tom Lovely of Methodist Batmen and Steve Mason of Blues Club Kestrels did battle, Lovely the eventual winner.

He played an intelligent game, preventing Steve from using his smashes.

Gainsborough Table Tennis league, pictured is Mark Ayris (G130212-6v)Gainsborough Table Tennis league, pictured is Mark Ayris (G130212-6v)
Gainsborough Table Tennis league, pictured is Mark Ayris (G130212-6v)

The Junior final saw Steve Johnson of Blitz Chunky Monkeys retain the title he won last year, beating clubmate Ryan Mitchell over four ends.

The Veterans Singles final involved Gary Adlington of Blues Club Aces and Nigel Keal of Blitz Bunnies, with the former overcoming the experience of Adlington and claim victory over three ends.

There was a very competitive Handicap Singles final between Chris Gamble of Blitz Dynamos and Lovely.

Gamble received a two point handicap in the night’s only competition up to 21 points, best of three ends, and Lovely ran out the winner 21-20, 21-19.

The Division Two Singles final proved another close affair between Mitchell and Mark Ayris of Blues Dynamics.

Ayris proved the better but had to fight hard over four ends.

One of the night’s longest games was the Draw Doubles final which was played over five ends and needed some brilliant play from Johnson and Adlington to overcome Mitchell and Keal.

The climax of the championships, the Individual Singles final, certainly proved worth waiting for and pitted Clive Mitchell of Blitz Aardvarks against Keal.

After four ends of well-balanced skills and abilities it was Mitchell was claimed the title after having to settle for the runner-up place last year.

The league’s Steve Mason said: “Thank you to allwho took part and attended, all who did their bit to help put on a good competition, and the Blues Club for their help and support throughout the night and the season.”

The league’s presentation evening takes place at the United Services Club on 26th April and anyone wishing to attend must inform the league secretary.

Last year’s winners must return trophies to the league secretary, and anyone interested in playing in the summer league which starts on 9th May must contact the league secretary.

The next league committee meeting is at the USC on Thursday 4th April.

The only league match scorecard received this week showed Blitz Aardvarks overcame Blues Beacons 8-2 to help them claim the Horsley Shield as league champions. Result: Division One - Beacons 2 (P. Dixon 1, R. Garner 1), Aardvarks 8 (P. Rodgers 3, J. Mackey 1, C. Mitchell 3, plus doubles).

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