IEditorial I That WAS a crisis season! I AM not a follower of the theory that because there is a considerable amount of controversy in table tennis at this time, sponsors will not look at us. One of the more pleasant aspects of journalism is that in general reporting, one is continually pitchforked into the inside of all sorts of organisations, inside and outside sport. In very many instances in my experience there is a "war" going out, so my view is that it could indicate a more healthy state with more people coming forward with differing viewpoints.

It, WAS, a crisis season in which as I see it, table tennis people have divided into three camps, just like politicians in Parliament. In camp 'A' we have the ardent followers of the chairman John Prean, who believe that a change was necessary or even essential and that they will continue to follow him, come what may. In camp 'B' we have those who have revolted or resigned from high posts and those who are adamantly voting against him especially at National Council. In camp 'C' there are those who for a variety of reasons will not commit themselves in either direction. I will admit to being in Camp 'C' because as a journalist I am committed to writing and publicising many points of view. I have written and will continue to report situations that look anti-Prean and others that will be pro-Prean.

We have voted in a controversial chairm~n, twice. At least to the end of next season he is in a seat that I believe is hotter than he imagined when he was sharpshooting from the rear trenches. Now he is leading the troops over the top himself and no-one envies him the task. Also leading the troops fighting for the ETTA will be the new Chief Executive Ted Wallbutton whose presence on board and on the bridge is more than welcome.

The chairman has succeeded in appointing four vice-chairmen. The contest for deputy chairman has brought forth a powerful candidate to fight Alan Ransome· Tony Chatwin from Derbyshire whose claim to fame is that he supports no person, just the ETTA, and another worker for table tennis is Brian Spicer. Ransome and Spicer both with marketing backgrounds, circulated election manifestos, the Ransome offering running to four pages, but Chatwin was left at the start believing he was only allowed 40 words.

I disagree with John Prean when he says that table tennis can become a front-rank major sport, but I do say that as in other coun­ tries (West Germany and France are two examples I have seen personally) it can be in the front-rank of the other sports - 3,000 fans at Wurzburg and all shouting and stamping for the home side proved that. So whilst Messrs Yates, Drapkin, Charters are on the sidelines - and they may return -let those of us who are left, work to produce a climax to next season - a promotion-clinching match at home to Holland with a 2,000 crowd.

OCTOBER 12 is the next publication date for this magazine. The editor will be unchanged, the aim is for another extra four pages, so order your subscription now! JOHN WOODFORD

FRONT COVER ... DUNDEE photographer Brian Webster took the photograph of the England girls junior squad. Left Contents Page to right, Andrea Holt, Debbie Toole, captain Jackie Bellinger, Courtside - some but not all of the latest gossip 2 Claire Potts and Kerry Hall. European League - John Woodford in Wurzburg with a distressing tale 3 The official magazine of the The late, late story from Newcastle, the English Junior Open 5 English Table Tennis Association. More European League by George Yates 6 Fleet Street journalist Richard Eaton's last thoughts on the season 7 The Sports Council - Grant Aid Explained by Albert Shipley 8 The Chairman meets the Minister of Sport and Politics 9 Schildkrot British League, a three-page season round-up by Mike Loveder 10,11,13 IJ Stiga Grand Prix Finals at Milton Keynes 14 Editor: JOHN WOODFORD Carl Prean wins at Luton 14 Advertisements: The Chinese Tour of England by John Woodford 16 Chris Wilkes The Chairman sums up the season 17 Subscriptions and distribution: Beth Davies County Championships,' comments by Doug Moss and final tables 18, 19 ETTA, 21 Claremont, County Notes in six pages 20-25 Hastings TN34 1HF. Tel: 0424433121 The Sports Foundation - by Roy Moor, former staff reporter Daily Mail 27 COPY DATE President Joe Veselsky retires by Ron Crayden 28 September 12 1987 Delhi's only British umpire by Geoff Taylor 32 Issue 168, October 1987 Mailbox 34, 35 Printed by: Thomas Hill Print (1985) Ltd. Crossword by Eric Hall 36 Bishop Auckland Top Rankings, men and women Tel. (0388) 607511 37 WRONG ROOM? Hotel near Leeds. We saw the mark chester family associated with Chen ON TOUR Don was given the key to room 2. again the next morning when we Xinhua. The girl he is hoping to checked out, quite sober the leave China for and then to marry BEING courtside for eight days and As my room was No. I we walked nights in a row is an unusual ex­ upstairs together. Don rapidly previous night and the next was on the tour accompanied by her perience, certainly in England. Be­ returned to reception reporting that morning. mother, possibly as a chaperone to ing at different venues daily is in­ there was a young lady in bed in the Chen's lady love Sally, a very attrac­ teresting and allows· for many room! You may well ask what in PREAN SPEECHES tive young lady from Manchester. comparisons. heavens name was the key to Room Giving eight, or even seven thank­ Also in tow was her 12-year-old The Chinese tour, was a 2 doing down in its box in reception you speeches night after night is no brother Adam, whose knowledge of punishing and arduous affair devis­ when the lady was in bed! joke so chairman John Prean had football was extensive, especially on ed that way to save money. The answer was that her husband a few headaches during the tour, Manchester United. However, there were a number of was out late so she left the key in which incidentally totalled 2,000 amusing incidents, the best of which reception when she retired! But the miles according to mini-bus driver SNIFFING happened at Castle Combe, a story does not end at that point, Mike Watts. Also sniffing around on the tour delightful 12th century village not there is more .... But the chairman made the peo­ was a party of West Germans who far from Bath where Panoramic Parker must be one of the most ple laugh. On one occasion in his were seeking liaison with Chen (Bath) had made arrangements for common names after Smith, Brown dry humour, he told of his days Xinhua, no doubt interested in his accommodation for the teams, of­ and Jones. Incredibly, room 2 was when he was a footballer, a plans to earn money, should his pro­ ficials and others. booked by a Mr. and Mrs. Parker goalkeeper. "A number of my posed exit visa from China to At the Castle Combe Manor (no connection with Don and Jill), defenders resigned" he quipped, England be granted. House Hotel, one of the most at­ so the night porter in all innocence, tractive ancient hotels I have ever "like some of my officers and vice­ They d.ined and wined the Chinese looked up the names on the book­ chairman more recently!" star and there were a number of seen, started off by offering me a ing list, saw Parker and gave the room at £82 a night! That was The second big laugh was at Bath subsequent telephone calls from England supremo the key. Don of subsequently reduced after some Leisure Centre. The chairman said, Germany, so the rich Germans are .negotiations but it shows that the course, ended up yet again sharing "At one time we had ideas about already preparing to outbid for place was superb enough for people a room with another member of the coming to live in Bath, but now I Chen when the time comes. The to pay that sort of money out in the England team. expect many people are glad I stayed couple, we were told are not plann­ wilds of Wiltshire or was it Avon? on the Isle of Wight!" Huge ap­ ing to marry until next year. And That was not THE amusing inci­ WRONG DOOR plause at that one; not sure whether that is all your journalists were able dent, that came at 12.30 a.m. when Plain glass doors can be a menace. they agreed with him or just thought to find out, because, it is not that Donald Parker and myself arrived Who has not tried to walk through it was an excuse for a laugh. easy to get an exit permit from the back in reception at the Manor one at some time? Richard Eaton Accompanying the Chinese team People's Republic, especially if you House to pick up our room keys. had a go at the plush Ladbrokes were ieveral members of the Man- are a table tennis hero.

ENTER THE English Table Tennis ~@\ID~fu ~~ ~~&illi\Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, TED WALLBUTION joined the Wiltshire and Gloucestershire TOURNAMENT ETIA as their new Chief Executive ORGANISERS on June 1st. For the past five years Come and join he has been marketing manager for us at The following equipment is available for the Squash Rackets Association and your Tournameflt he has contributed significantly to From The Butterfly Range the fine image that the sport has TABLE achieved through its tournament INTERNATIONAL EUROPA and sponsorship activity. His previous experience was with TENNIS TABLES Harvey's of Bristol, the well-known WORLDS NET AND POST SETS wine merchants and also as FOR ALL SURROUNDS - SCORING MACHINES Marketing Controller of LRC Pro­ in addition ducts, a major company in the Lon­ don International Group. Saturday 27 June LIGHTING SETS - PLAYERS NUMBERS 11.00 a.m. UMPIRES TABLES - P.A. SYSTEM At a starting salary of around ARENA DISPLAY FLOWERS £21,000, has moved from a sport Brunei Centre Trust TWO·WAY RADIOS ETC. that has made it, to one that is still Bristol Temple Meads making it and to say that he could FREE 3 Star Balls with each Booking be facing the biggest challenge of his Station Ex-Tournament Europa Tables for sale professional career is no Sunday, 28 June FROM £200.00 overstatement. 10.30 a.m. His comment is: "This new posi­ (Other used equipment available at very competitive prices) Grove Sports and Write or Phone t.ion is a real challenge and one which I accept with enthusiasm. I Social Club FOR BROCHURE OR QUOTATION feel that table tennis has a great Nailsea, Bristol CLIVE OAKMAN: Unit 2A. Bentalls Complex. future and have been greatly en­ Heybridge. Maldon. Essex CM9 7NW couraged by recent steps taken by Admission Free 0621-50550 or 0621·869761 (evenings) the manageme,nt to progress the Sponsored by NALGO, the National and sport." Local Government Officers Union

2 IEuropean League A TALE OF WOE FROM WURZBURG

England crash to 3,000 crowd blitzkreig! by John Woodford

IN FRONT of a partisan crowd of 3,000 shouting, chanting, stamping, patriotic West Germans, England had very little chance of winning this match from the word go. The 6-1 triumph to West Germany was well-deserved but had the match taken place in England, I believe, so does Donald Parker and the team, that England would now be in the Super Division instead of the Germans.

In thirty years courtside I know Frankly, I was not confident that the crowd were too hoarse to make of two other experiences in similar Lisa Bellinger could stop the much noise. Douglas just managed vein. One was in Munich at the 17-year-old Katja Nolten who land­ to squeeze home 21, 23 against World Championships some 20 ed her women's singles win 17, Rosskopf and then Bohm gave fur­ years ago when thousands of Ger­ -19, 10. The question has to be ther proof of his strength to stop mans shouted Eberhard Scholer asked again, "Are defensive players Alan Cooke 16, 18. through to the men's singles final, becoming obsolete?" I feel that So, in two years England have and when I was not present, at the players, male or female, with quality been on the receiving end of a raw Desmond Douglas, the European more recent events in Seoul where defences must now develop their at­ Top 12 champion. deal from an away crowd - in crowd participation got out of hand. tacking armoury - otherwise they Make no mistake, for the first stand a good chance of being heavily Holland in 1985 when they were RESULTS demoted and again in Germany time in over a decade the Germans defeated if their stream of attack­ West German 6, England 1: J when they should have got back. are in the process of building ing opponents develop confidence. Rosskopf b A Cooke -20, 19, 19; themselves a strong team that could That win by Nolten had the Ger­ Our outspoken chairman John G. Bohm b D Douglas -15, 14,25; stay in the Super Division and give man "storm-troopers" in the crowd Prean has already said that in his K Nolten b L Bellinger 17, -19, 10; Sweden a run for their money in putting their champagne in the ice­ view the Wurzburg result is the last RosskopfiS Fetzner b Douglas/C Paris next March. box, not the freezer. At 3-0 ahead product of the old coaching and Prean 15, 19; Fetzner/Nolten" b Georg Bohm took three in Delhi how could they lose? With three selection set-up now disbanded. Douglas/F Elliot 17, -17, 10; against Sweden. This was a result more appearances by Douglas, they Replies to that statement could fill Rosskopf It Douglas - 21 , - 23; that puzzled many people who were knew they could lose 4-3, but the up the fust Mailbox for next season! Bohm b Cooke 16, 18. suspicious that the Swedes were not odds were swinging dramatically fit at the time. However, having against England as the two doubles watched the former Rumanian matches loomed. again, he has clearly moved ahead to· a point where he could easily Right decision? ANGLO-CHINESE LATE create shocks in a European Top-12 Did Don Parker make the right deci­ NIGHT SNOOKER ... event, possibly as soon as sion in choosing "Cookey" instead Yugoslavia next February. of "Preano" for the second singles spot? We shall never know the Glory path answer. My colleague in Wurzburg Jorg Rosskopf is clearly a young Richard Eaton and I took opposite man with a future. He just manag­ sides on that difficult and thorny ed, and only just, to put the home issue but we both agreed that Don side on the glory path stopping Alan was fortunate to have to choose bet­ Cooke -20, 19, 19 in three pulse­ ween such fine players whilst the quickening games that started the Germans debated whether or not to supporters towards their eruption of play Ralph Wozik, especially noise that at times continued even because he seems to be Prean's during rallies. bogey player. The worst effect was the well­ known unison clapping that starts Youth wins slowly and builds up speed into The Germans have several smart general applause just before a player players to bring forward in 1987. is about to serve! One is Stefan Fetzner from "I tried serving before the din Dusseldorf. He partners Rosskopf subsided," said Alan Cooke later, extremely well in men's doubles and "but the umpire stopped me." it proved surprisingly, that on the Worse was to follow. Des night, they were too good for Prean Douglas was regarded as a banker and Douglas. by England and a banker for Again, in the mixed, it was a case England by the Germans. They fully of youth winning over experience as expected Des to land two or three Fetzner and Nolten beat Douglas wins during the evening. But like and Fiona Elliot to clinch promo­ Cooke, he played as well as could tion for West Germany to a division be expected in the cauldron of noise where they belong - so do England and lost around five match points but it seems they have to wait until before Bohm got home 27-25 in the they have a final round home match third game. when promotion is the reward. That of course set the match The uproar that followed as Ger­ alight. The crowd moved into top many took a winning lead was in­ gear as they sensed that England credible. The only relief was for the were rattled, although the visiting journalists who retired to the com­ team did not show it and they con­ parative peace of the press room to David Warren, managing director 0/Panoramic, Bath, photographed with tinued to fight gamely right to the file their winning lead stores. World No.4 Chen Xinhua at Castle Combe, near Bath. These two played end. For the last two games of course, snooker until the small hours after the table tennis match. 3 ISTOP PRESS: English Junior International Championshi~

Bravery In response to countless appeals from BILLINGTON SHOWS THE WAY the media to advance the singles mat­ ches towards the front or middle of the BRADLEY BILLINGTON, 17 in August, from Chesterfield, Derbyshire, ed on his battle plan - continuing a finals session this was done and one the same town as Alan Cooke, has in my view every chance of joining Cooke policy of accurate hitting - and slowly result was that for the first time ever in the senior England squad sooner rather than later. the mistakes were squeezed out of Bill­ this tournament was reported in the ington who was finally beaten 17, 19, following day's Daily Telegraph. As Billington took England boys to the be a great climax to the tournament, a truly brave effort that was the high­ it happened, the finals were all-Korean final of the team event and came near was in reality an anti-climax and of point and most memorable happening so the order became not quite so im­ to reaching the semi-finals of the boys course embarrassing for the VIPs who during the two days play. portant and the main story was singles at the Korean-dominated turn up expecting huge crowds and lots England had two other bright spots Bradley Billington's bravery and skill English Junior International Cham­ of excitement. - two quarter-finalists in the girls in the quarter-finals. pionships at Eldon Square Recreation Even table tennis fanatics who singles, Andrea Holt and Kerry Hall. The only puzzling thought I had at Centre, Newcastle on May 30 and 3I. usually help to make up the crowds at Andrea, from Lancashire, reached the Newcastle was how the general public With China backing out, it was tournaments silently slid away into the were expected to find the hall on the perhaps over-optimistic to include Northumberland evening sunlight quarters with a scorching 7, 8 crushing of Marie-France Thill (France) and Sunday. Knowing the hall from the them in the draw, the annual event was when they saw that there was nothing previous day, it took me 25 minutes Kerry Hall scalped her round 3 oppo­ down to ten nations, but the condi­ to cheer about at a finals session that and questions to four passers-by to nent Agnes Lelannic (France) 10, 2. tions for the players were excellent, the did not include a single name other find the way into the recreation cen­ After that Holt went under 19, 12 to Newcastle Moat House provided ex­ than from Korea. tre that was hidden inside a huge shop­ Yoo Hye Jung and Hall lost 19, -19, cellent hospitality and the local of­ Despite the fact that powerful table ping complex. A man in the ficials and helpers and those officials tennis nations like Sweden, France and 10 to Lee Jung 1m, but at least underground car park told me that and umpires who travelled from afar West Germany were present, none of England had three quarter-finalists. several people had given up trying to worked hard and efficiently to make the Europeans were able to make Other European quarter-finalists get in! the tournament a success. much of an impression on the were Emily Noor (Holland), Patricia BS - Quarter-finals: T Kim (Korea) b B Koreans. De Groot (Holland) who was the holder, and in the boys singles Cyrille Billington (England) - 19, 17, 19; C Lee A triple (Korea) b C Laurant (France) 10, 12; S There was a triple sponsorship - the All eyes Laurent (France) and Bart Van Haren Kim (Korea) b Y Jung (Korea) 13,7; H City of Newcastle, the Northern The climax came in mid-afternoon in from Holland. That means there were Kang (Korea) b VHaren (Holland - 15, Region Sports Council and the the boys singles quarter-finals, when nine Koreans of a total of 16 quarter­ 19, 12. Semi-finals: T Kim b Lee 16, finalists, that was the measure of the - 10, 8; Kang b S Kim 14, 15. Final: Kim Newcastle Evening Chronicle. The in an almost tournament-stopping b Kang - 15, 16, 16. GS - Quarter-finals: Lord Mayor of Newcastle deserved a cliff-hanger, all eyes were on Bradley Asian power game at Newcastle! England's solitary set of medals C Hong (Korea) b E Noor (Holland) 16, special medal - he gallantly sat right Billington as he took the first game 12; H Yoo (Korea) b A Holt (England) through the most boring finals session 21 -I9 against the Korean top seed and (silver) came when the boys team of 19, 12; J Lee (Korea) b K Hall (England) I have witnessed (occasionally from eventual winner Taek Soo Kim. Matthew Syed, Bradley Billington and 19, -19, 10; M Kwon (Korea) b P De behind the stands out of sight of the The Derbyshire teenager continued Sean Gibson finished as losing finalists Groot (Holland) 20, 16. Semi-finals: table!), only because all the players to take the initiative with some brilliant to Korea, following wins over Isreal Hong b Koo 13, 14; Lee b Kwon 17, 13. were from South Korea. But, having counter-hitting in the second game. As and Korea. Some consolation came Final: Hong b Lee -11, 12, 16. GD ­ Hong/Kwon b Yook/Lee 12, 14. BD ­ said that, the Asians played some spec­ the score moved to 15-10 in favour of when in the boys' plate (consolation) SKim/Lee b T Kim/Kang - 16, 19,20. tacular, aggressive table tennis, but at the young Englishman, the tension final England II (Michael O'Driscoll XD - H Kang/J Lee b T Kim/C Hong the end of two days play, watching rose dramatically. and Chris Oldfield) beat Israel and - 17, 12, 12. Team - Boys: Korea I b Eng Asians play each other in what should But slowly, the Korean boy work­ England II girls beat France 3-0. 3-0. Girls: Korea I b Korea II 3-1. Dunlop English Schools Individual Championships by DA VID LOMAS THE MAIN RESULTS .... THERE were quite a few surprises when the 14th Dunlop English Schools VB semi-final. Mileham went on to Boys U19 - Semi-finals: John Bult Individual Championships took place at Mansfield Leisure Centre on Satur­ win the event. (Humberside) b Veerendra Chauhan (W day May 2. None of the eight titles were successfully defended, only three But the most entertaining final of Midlands) 14,9; Neil Bevan (Cornwall) of the No. I seeds emerged as winners, and seven new names were amongst the day came in the girls' VII event b Andrew Ball (W Yorkshire) 14, -13, the winners. where Sally Marling (Humberside) 14. Final: Bevan b Bult 15, - 12, 17. But readers should not jump to girls' VI6 event whilst another and Nicola Deaton (Derbyshire) Girls U19 - Semi-finals: Helen Lower (W the conclusion that organiser Paul Lancs player, Andrew Eden, was se­ battled away in a titanic struggle. Midlands) b Helen Perrott (Avon) 12, 14; Birch had got his seedings all wrong. cond in the boys' VI6 where South Sally edged home but Nicola must Melonie Carey (Somerset) b Alison Most of the seeded players won Yorkshire's Mark Ward gained his surely have booked a No. I seeding Evans (Humberside) 12, 9. Final: Lower through to the semi-finals. Matthew first English Schools title. in the same event for next year. b Carey -17, 16, 16. Boys U16 - Semi­ final: Andrew Eden (Lanes) b Andrew Pernet (Surrey County) however Croydon's Blake brothers, Jason Players involved at Mansfield Houghton (Kent Co) 17, II; Mark Ward went out in the second round of the and Darren, were thwarted in their were playing not only for the (S Yorkshire) b Adrian Thorp (W boys' VI6 event to Dale Saunders efforts to add to their two titles. prestige of winning a national Midlands) 14, -17, 8. Final: Ward b (Gloucestershire) who then lost to Darren lost to North Yorkshire's schools' title but also a possible Eden 19, - 9, 16. Girls U16 - Semi-finals: Andrew Houghton (Kent County) in first-ever winner, Andrew Nicholls, place in the 3D-strong English Andrea Holt (Gt Manchester) b Alison his next match. and so surrendered his boys' V 11 Schools squad to take part in the an­ Ledwitch (W Midlands) 10, 8; Nicola It was a particularly good day for nual schools international cham­ title, whilst brother Jason was McGrath (Lancs) b Jane Wright (Devon) players from the West Country and pionships, due to take place at beaten comfortably by Brian 14, 9. Final: McGrath b Holt 19, 19. from Lancashire. Thirteen-year-old Mileham (Kent County) in the boys Largs, Scotland on June 19-21. Boys U13 - Semi-finals: Brian Mileham Neil Bevan - competing in the (Kent Co) b Jason Blake (Surrey Met) 16, boys' VI9 event - ousted holder 8; Gavin Yates (Oxfordshire) b Paul and No. I seed John Bult (Humber­ Davison (NOllS) -19, 17, 20. Final: side) in the final to become the Mileham b Yates' 15, 14. Girls U13 ­ youngest winner of the senior event Semi-finals: Maria Thornley (Lanes) b and four players from Devon made Helen Wright (Devon) 16, II; Nicola it to the semi-finals. They were the Meddings (W Midlands) b Tracy Cole Wright sisters, Helen (girls VB) and (W Sussex) 18, 18. Final: Thornley b Jane (girls V 16), Clare Pengelly Meddings 15, 19. Boys UU- Semi-final: (girls VII) and David Heath (boys Darren Blake (Surrey Met) b David VII). Heath (Devon) 16,17; Andrew Nicholls Maria Thornley from Chorley, (N Yorkshire) b Steven Meddings (W Lancs, was a surprise winner in the Midlands) 7,9. Final: Nicholls b Blake girls' VB event, beating No.2 seed 21, 9. Girls Ull - Semi-finals: Sally Marl­ Nicola Meddings (West Midlands) ing (Humberside) b Shelley Ruocco in the final. Nicola McGrath from (Essex Met) 7, 4; Nicola Deaton (Der­ Preston,caused an upset by beating Referee Tony Chat win congratulates Nicola McGrath on her girls under-16 byshire) b Clare Pengelly (Devon) 14, 15. the favourite, Andrea Holt, in the success at Mansfield. Final: Marling b Deaton - 18, 12, 14. 5 IEuropean League, Tournaments, WI event DUTCH ARE THE Stokes stops Moore by George Yates NEW TARGET IT was disappointing that three Satchell (Wi) b A Dennison (Ire) 16, 14; seeds, John Souter, Nigel Tyler and J Stokes (Bk) b S Gibson (La) 17, 18. by George Yates Semi-finals: Moore b Eckersley -17, 19, Steve Dorking, failed to honour 16; Stokes b Satchell 17, 18. Final: FRANCE, who throughout the season appeared firm favourites to be their entries in the Dunlop Lan­ Stokes b Moore 19, 19. demoted from the Super Division of the European League, must have been cashire 2-Star Open in whose Women's Singles: Quarter-finals: J as surprised as anyone when, firstly, they overcame a 3-0 deficit to beat absence Adrian Moore and Nigel Grundy (La) b P French (La) 6, 8; J Eckersley were the chief Parker (La) b N McEvoy (Ire) 13, 15; A the Netherlands 4-3 in Dordrecht on April IS and then received the news Holt (La) b J Shaw (Y) 14, 15; J Harris that, on the same night in Sofia, Bulgaria had beaten Sweden 7-0! beneficiaries at Lostock, Bolton on (SI) b S Roden (Sy) 17, -18,4. Semi­ April 25. finals: Grundy b Parker 13, 17; Holt b This latter result consigned the Division 1 P W L F A Pts So too was Jimmy Stokes, the Harris 7, 14. Final: Grundy b Holt 19, Netherlands to Division 1, for had F.R. GERMANY 7 7 0 42 7 7 No. 2 seed, who avenged his last 13. Sweden won in Sofia, it would have England 7 6 1 36 13 6 season's final loss to Alan Cooke by Men's Doubles: Semi-finals: Gibson/T winning the men's singles event and Taylor (Ch) b G Rushton (La)/Stokes 14, been France facing up to the Finland 7 4 3 21 28 4 15; Moore/Satchell b guillotine for the results between the Austria 7 3 4 19 30 3 the £150 that went with it but only Eckersley/Scowcroft 11, -19,9. Final: three countries with one point each Turkey 7 3 4 21 28 3 after Moore had fought every inch Moore/Satchell b Gibson/Taylor 15, 14. would have read:­ Italy 7 3 4 22 27 3 of the way in a gripping final Women's Doubles: Semi-finals: Grundy/ Denmark 7 I 6 17 32 I encounter. Parker b Harris/Roden 16, 15; Hoi Bul Fra W L Sets Norway 7 I 6 18 31 I Joy Grundy retained her women's HoltiShaw b McEvoy/M McMullen (Ire) 12, 14. Final: Holt/Shaw bGrundy/ Netherlands 6-1 3-4 I I 9-5 singles title with a final win over the Parker 14, 14. Bulgaria 1-6 6-1 I I 7-7 local heroine Andrea Holt, the Class 2 Mixed Singles: Quarter-finals: France 4-3 1-6 I I 5-9 Bolton League girl having, in part­ Oldfield b G Deakin (La) 10, 10; M A table tennis nership with Joanne Shaw, beaten Browne (Wa) b G Clarke (La) 12, - 19, So, how come Sweden to be Miss Grundy and Jean Parker in the 13; A Hare (Wa) b A Frain (Wa) 16, 17; beaten? Well it was far from a top first - top chop M Ireland (La) b R Dixon (St) 19, -14, final of the women's doubles, and 14. Semi-finals: Browne b Oldfield - 15, Swedish team that undertook the at the WI seen off Jill Harris in the singles. 18, 10; Ireland b Hare 12, 21. Final: journey comprising as it did Johan Browne b Ireland -18, 8, 17. Results: Fallby, Thomas Von Scheele and by STEPHANIE ROSS Veteran Singles: Semi-finals: R Brown Barbro Wiktorsson scores. Men's Singles: Quarter-finals: A Moore (Wa) b R Frankland (La) 17,13; R Nor­ OVER 500 WI members were bat­ (Sx) b S Scowcroft (La) 15, 19; N ton (St) b Dixon 15, 19. Final: Norton tling it out at table tennis tables Eckersley (La) b C Oldfield (Y) 4, 17; K b Brown - 8, 10, 20. Editor's note: It has been said around the country through the that Sweden are totally disen­ autumn and winter months. They chanted with the European were eagerly competing in the LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE LEAGUE League, hence the nose­ regional heats for the very first Na­ thumbing gesture of sending a tional Federation of Women's In­ weak team to Bulgaria. The ef­ stitutes/Milk Marketing Board Table Tennis Championships. fect is that England should play By the spring, eight couples had BOLTON HOLD ON Holland next March in England fought their way through to the by George Yates in another crucial "summit" en­ grand final, which took place at the counter to regain their place in Queen Mother Sports Centre in DESPITE being beaten 7-3 by Stockport in their final match, Bolton retained the Super Division. London on May 6. their first division championship titie of the Lancashire and Cheshire League The action started in the morning, finishing just one point ahead of their Cheshire rivals. with two groups of four players slic­ Stockport's celebrated veteran, Derek Schofield, announced his retirement Scores: ing and chopping through their from inter-league play after this match and after he had beaten David Carse, Nigel Hallows and Clive Heap, only young Carse taking the master to a third S Stefanov b T von Scheele -19, three matches, until four winners 20, 17; M Lukov b Fallby 13, -19, game decider. emerged. Tragedy for Manchester who finished bottom and relegation - a sad state 18; D Guergueltcheva b B The Dyfed-Ceredigion, Not­ Wiktorsson -18, 17, 18; of affairs for a league whose past deeds read like battie honours of some famous tinghamshire, Tyneside and regiment. Liverpool too just did marginally better b.ut a stay of execution may Stefanov/Lukov b Fallby/von Wiltshire Federation teams were the prevail following the mid-season withdrawal of Fleetwood. Scheele 18, 13; Stefanov/ casualties of the morning, leaving Blackburn and Macclesfield occupy the promotion places in the two second Guergueltcheva b von Scheele/ Gwynedd-Meirionydd, Kent-West divisions whilst Liverpool, unlike their men, have championed the women's Wiktorsson 13, - 9,18; Stefanov b Kent, Northamptonshire and Suf­ first division in succession to Warrington. Well done Paula French, Barbara Fallby - 10, 14, 12; Lukov b von Kirkman and Brenda Buoey (nee Williams). Preston were the winners of the Scheele 18, -27,18. folk East to carry through to the semi-finals. women's second division. Top of the shop in Junior Division 1are Oldham who finished level on points And the scores in Dordrecht were: The afternoon session began with with Stockport but with a superior sets record 46-14 to 43-17. Divisional win­ a dazzling display of expert table ners and runners-up were:­ P Haldan b J-P Gatien -14, 16, 19; tennis given by the top ranking pro­ H van Spanje b P Birocheau -15, fessionals, Lisa and Jackie Bell­ Men Winners Runners-up 22, 14; B Vriesekoop b Wang Xiao Div. I Bolton Stockport Ming 12, -09, 13; Haldan/van inger. These two outstanding sport­ swomen made every swift move Div. 2 (North) Blackburn Wirral Spenje It Birocheau/Gatien - 19, Div. 2 (South) Macclesfield Bury - 9; Haldan/Vriesekoop It Ga­ seem simple; a feat which inspired Div. 3 (North) Liverpool Bus. Houses Trafford 'A' tien/Wang -12, IS, -16; Haldan the remaining semi-finalists and en­ Div. 3 (South) Burnley 'A' Ellesmere Port 'A' It Birocheau -16, -19; van Span­ couraged Kent-West Kent and Nor­ Div. 4 (North) Barrow Lytham je It Gatien - 14, - 8. thamptonshire to slam their op­ Div. 4 (South) Glossop Liverpool Bus. Houses 'A' ponents and emerge as clear finalists Women Final placings:­ - each beating the opposition 3-0. Div. I Liverpool Oldham Div.2 Preston Wirral Super Division PWL F APts Up to this point, neither team had lost a set, and the final looked as if Juniors POLAND 7 6 I 32 17 6 it might be close, but Northampton­ Div. I Oldham Stockport Czechoslovakia 7 5 2 30 19 5 shire never really got into their stride Div. 2A Barrow Preston 'A' Sweden 7 4 3 27 22 4 Div. 2B Macclesfield Blackpool and Kent-West Kent beat their op­ Div. 3 Burnley Hyde Hungary 73423263 ponents by three clear games. Bulgaria 72523262 Winners, Brenda Aherne and Bolton, who last won the Norman Cook Memorial Trophy back in season France 7 I 6 16 33 I Pam Butcher of Meopham, were 1967/68, got themselves back in the records by defeating Trafford (formerly Netherlands 7 I 6 15 34 I presented with the trophy, and were Sale) 5-1 in this year's final played at Openshaw Lads' Club, Manchester on April 22. Singles successes by Stephen Scowcroft, Nigel Hallows and Andrea Belgium, the outright winners of then each given a beautiful porcelain Holt, together with two doubles wins for ScowcroftiHallows and Clive Division 2 will take the place of Nor­ strawberry basket by Nigel White, Heap/Miss Holt did the trick after Ron Vose had won the opening set for Traf­ way in Division I next season with the Divisional Director of Develop­ ford against Heap. The League's sympathies go to Mrs. Casofsky on the loss Portugal, the Division 3 winners, ment and Planning of the Milk of her husband, Benny, who died on April 15 aged 67. Benny, who was the replacing Guernsey in Division 2. Marketing Board. President of the Manchester and District League, also left two sons. 6 IFrom' Fleet Street - Richa'rd Eaton LAST LOOK AT THE INDIAN TAKE-AWAY by Richard Eaton of The Sunday Times

I ENJOYED my visit to that marvel in marble, the Taj Mahal, pelgren, Sweden's former European even though it required nine hours of travelling on roads choked champion was so ill that he could with bikes, buses, bodies, animals and motorised rickshaws. not walk and had to be flown home early. Amongst the other victims I enjoyed too seeing signs of world title from the Chinese, spent were, reportedly, cases of dysentery, economic progress in New Delhi, a small fortune in bringing their own malaria and polio. Sadly - because not the least of which were the many food, enough water for all of them any reasonable person wants to see magnificent hotels available to for a fortnight, and their own doc­ progress in developing countries ­ visitors to the world championships. tor and physio. They were all sick, one has to question whether the And I very much enjoyed meeting every single one of them. They never world championships were worth Indian people, even though much of got near a world title. the effort for many front rank com­ the time I could only croak com­ petitors. That means there must be munications through muscous-filled Gallant Des a far more critical look in future at vocal chords and had to hope that Every member of the English squad the criteria for giving events to Third World countries. the incipient rebellion in the bottom was sick too. Despite a gallant set Richard Eaton of my stomach did not choose a of performances from Desmond public moment to declare war. Douglas, who won ten out of twelve Two bids more table tennis should go to the I was one of the lucky ones. in the team event and played Upon what was the decision to give same place. The Koreans eventual­ Despite the worst organised press brilliantly whilst unfit against Jan­ India the World Championships ly withdrew their bid. room I have ever seen at a major Ove Waldner in the last 16 of the based this time? Apparently two So it seems there was little choice. event I was able to do my job, come men's singles, I suspect only Alan countries bid, South Korea and In­ I doubt that the cause of table ten­ home reasonably well, and to pro­ Cooke emerged with a sense of gain. dia. South Korea was the venue for nis was much furthered by is fit from it all. Of how many players And it took him nearly a month to the Asian Games just a few months premier event this time and we must could that be said? get fully fit again after he had got before, and Seoul is the venue for hope for better things in Dortmund The Swedes, for instance, in a home. the Olympics next year. It hardly in 1989. We need them to be. It's great effort to try to wrest away the Others suffered more. Mikael Ap­ seems appropriate therefore that time the game turned a corner. CREST HOTELS Exiles champions! IN London the Thames Insurance Central League has now been com­ SUPPORT GIRLS pleted. The Exiles first team of Richard Beckham, Peter Norcott, Jackie is manager and coach Dave Solman and Gordon Holmes have won the top division some five This newspaper, circulat ion near points clear of Club 25 Larkhall. CREST Hotels have agreed a superb deal to support junior girls 1.5 million daily has continued to Department of the Environment table tennis, at national squad level. The support was negotiated (DOE) 'A' were a further point give outstanding support to table by English junior girls' manager and coach, Jackie Bellinger. The behind in third place. tennis. Even at the end of the deal is estimated to be worth in excess of £2,000 and will run for Larkhall's progress was severely season table tennis gained space on a year. dented when Mike Hammond, Per­ six consecutive days· May7, 8, 9, The two present squads (under 14 facilities, and the use of six tables cy Collino and Dave Harding were 10, II, 12. and under 17) will benefit, along for the exclusive use of the squads. beaten 6-3 by the DOE A team com­ with a new squad, the under l2s. This was also organised by Jackie, prising Mike O'Leary, Peter Harry The under twelves will be selected who is just getting the programme and Gary Spencer. However the after a national competition to be she has devised under way. Beside Exiles team managed to beat both these sides 5-4 to put themselves well played in July, at Bletchley Sports extending the number of age groups, on course for the League Cham­ South-East Centre, Milton Keynes. Crest Hotels Jackie wants to catch them earlier, pionship. During the second half of will supply bed and breakfast for a the season Exiles again recorded vic­ Regional News total of 22 weekends at their Luton tory over DOE A and their 3-6 loss LONDON and South East England Hotel. This lays beside the Ml to Club 25 Larkhall came too late motorway, junction II. Parents and to have a significant impact on Ex­ Regional Co-ordinating Committee coaches are to be encouraged to iles' title hopes. Gainsford's Joey is one of the most active of the nine. travel witha the players, and here Kennedy and Richard Jermyn could This was their programme of events Crest Hotels are being helpful as have had quite an influence on the for the closing weeks of the season: well. They will make special dis­ outcome, but they finished in 4th 17th May: Umpires Seminar at the counts available to those who travel place as they could not find the form with the youngsters. required to beat the top sides and Edison Centre, Edison Road, Lon­ Jackie Bellinger said: "I feel the they somehow lost twice to Mike don N8. young players will be helped so Loveder's DOE B team. 19th May: Committee meeting at much by their parents and coaches The final positions and averages Crystal Palace, National Sports knowing what we are setting out to were: get the players to achieve. In bet­ Centre. ween the squad get togethers they Thames Insurance Central League 23rd and 24th May: London Clos­ can all work to perfect the training Jackie Bellinger Division 1 P W 4-5 L Pts ed Championships at Picketts Lock on power and techniques that I will Exiles A 18 17 0 I 51 Centre, N9. teach them." she has other plans up her sleeve. Club 25 Larkhall 18 15 I 2 46 Each player will have 90 hours a These include the top players out­ DOE A 18 14 3 I 45 7th June: Participation in the year at Luton, with further in­ side her national squad meeting the Oainsford A 18 9 5 4 32 Capital Venture Day, Battersea dividual sessions at smaller invita­ best in the country on a regular basis Exiles B 18 8 I 9 25 Park, SW8/11. tion only get togethers at Jackies' in a further bid to bring them into St Brides A 18 6 5 7 23 7th June: Finals of the London home. The purpose then will be to the reckoning for honours. To reach Beth Om Inst. A 18 7 2 9 23 Youth Scheme Tournament. iron out any stubborn inbred faults. her goal of the girls winning junior DOE B 18 7 2 9 23 The Luton Regional Sports Cen­ and senior European champion­ Exiles C 18 5 0 13 15 Chairman of the region is Michael tre has a canteen, and full changing ships. Met Police A 18 2 3 13 9 Close. 7 IThe Sports Council Grants COUNCIL GRANT AID EXPLAINED Mason, Andrew win the by Albert Shipley and John Prean ... and from John Wilmott Cup at Prean FOR many years the Sports Council provided financial grant Mansfield I too, am immensely grateful to aid to the ETTA under four main headings: Administration, NICKY Mason and Skylet Andrew, the Sports Council for their sup­ Coaching, International and Training, with each section receiv­ a duo far too strong for all con­ ing a percentage of the total costs claimed. port of our sport. It is a record tenders were unbeaten as Willesden sum, but it is given on condition triumphed 5-1 in the final of the Now there is a new approach to that progress is made towards Wilmott Cup at Mansfield. Gary such funding in that governing meeting agreed objectives. To do Spencer lost to Chris Rogers as bodies had to produce a costed this the sport has to become more Leicester were beaten 5-1. three to five year plan showing the Fiona Elliot took her expected efficient, more business-like. maximum and Jill Harris won her objectives and how they were to Sports Council grants are not free be achieved. Most of the plans two as Wolverhampton snatched the gifts. We, too, have to find large could only be partially funded J.M. Rose Bowl final round 5-2 sums, more than in the past. I against Plymouth. from our own resources and it is Chris Oldfield won his three for the deficits that Sports Council costs are no longer funded directly cannot stress too much our own - we have to apportion these responsibilities in these matters. It Sheffield as The Blades won the are now funding but only in cer­ Carter Cup, 5-2 against Launceston, tain specified areas. 1987/88 will costs over all the various is a tremendous act of faith by the whilst in the Bromfield trophy, be the first year of this new activities. Sports Council, who see a great Plymouth came through 5-4 in a Increased participation in sport approach. future for table tennis in the superb battle against Preston. At and the pursuit of excellence are 1990s. We must not let them 4-4, Sarah Pengelly won a great duel the two main themes of the Sports Development down. We must not let ourselves to beat Marie Thornley to give the Council's new approach to grant down. West Country team a well-deserved The majority of the grant of aid and their input makes them victory. £182,500 is allocated to coaching So once again our warmest the largest single supporter of Finals: Wilmott Cup: Willesden 5, of coaches and players with train­ table tennis. We are most grateful thanks to the Sports Council and their liaison officer David Leicester 1; J.M. Rose Bowl: ing and international participa­ for this support and every oppor­ Wolverhampton 5, Plymouth 2; tion receiving similar amounts to tunity must be taken to indicate Carpenter for his guidance and Carter Cup: Sheffield 5, Launceston previous years. Development is this by use of the logoa with this help for seeing at times our pro­ 2; Bromfield Trophy: Plymouth 5, also funded but administration article. blems even earlier than we did. Preston 4.

8 IThe Minister and the Chairman GOVERNMENT SPORTS MINISTER POLITICS meets table tennis representatives John Prean and Bernard Rowley THE less said about the historic meeting of the National Council Meeting in London on April 11 the better for the sport. The Chairman maintains that time spent on the appointments of vice-chairmen severely cut into discussions on the serious financial situation. However, four new vice-chairman were elected - Alan Ransome (marketing), Jim Beckley (public relations), Chris Wright (competi­ tions) and Stuart Sneyd (coaching). Father Bernard Rowley was not ap­ proved for development. As most people know by now, deputy chairman George Yates and treasurer Aubrey Drapkin walked out of the meeting at lunch-time in protest at the results of the voting and new elections were set in motion for their replacement.

YATES TO PREAN

GEORGE YATES wrote to John Prean following the National Coun­ Table Tennis meets the Minister of Sport. From left to right: Father Bernard Rowley, the Minister of Sport cil meeting on April 11 : "In confor­ Richard Tracey, chairman of the ETTA John Prean and Michael Grylls, MP. mity with my announcement at Saturday's meeting of the National Council, 1 herewith, formally and in writing tender my resignation as DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT Deputy Chairman of the ETTA. 2 MARSHAM STREET LONDON SWIP 3EB It is with the utmost regret that 01-212 3434 1 do so for 1 feel it is an extremely sad way in which to sever my long standing connections with the na­ tional association after serving as John Frean Esq Chairman Deputy Chairman for the past 17 English Table Tennis Associat~on years and prior to that as national 21 Claremont councillor for Cumbria and a period Hastings also involving 19 years as editor of East Sussex the national magazine. Your lack of consultation with me following your appointment as chairman would indicate an I was pleased to have had the opportunity recently to meet the underlying motive to see me gone ETTA's new Chairman John Prean and its Regional Coaching Chairman and this together with your changes in vice-chairmen has so unmotivated Father Bernard Rowley, to hear about the important changes taking me that with the best will in the place in the table tennis world. It was encouraging to learn of world 1 can no longer give my time their plans to increase the number of coaches, to involve them in and energies to the furtherance of the ETTA. 1 reiterate it is a sad day schools and, generally, to improve the quality of coaching. for me. 'I trust however that under your The provision of much needed facilities is vitally important for chairmanship and with your new­ found colleagues in management the the future of the game. I am especially keen, therefore, to see sport will achieve the recognition it sports centres being fully used and school facilities being made deserves in this country and despite widely available for community use outside of school hours. If my own sadness, 1 wish you success in we can make real progress in this area, it can only be good news the future, albeit without me." for table tennis.

I wish the ETTA every success for the future and, on the PACKED OUT ... international scene, am looking forward to a victory in the THIS fmal issue of the magazine European division one promotion decider against West Germany at needed another six pages to print all the material that has been Wurzberg on April 19. sent in. In order to maximise the content, a dozen pictures have been left out, also several readers letters and a number of stories. RICHARD TRACEY I hope that not too many readers MINISTER FOR SPORT will be disappointed. J.W.

9 IIJsch iIdkrot British Table Tennis League

Promoted by the English Table Tennis Association

Results: 14 March - 20 April 1987 Division 1 Express Sports Torbay 14 12 2 o 80 32 26 Premier: Ormesby 6 Omega Reading 2, Rotherham 2 GKNSW 6, MBS Chan Construction 14 9 2 3 76 36 20 St Neots 1 Butterfly Cardiff 7, Panoramic Bath 1 Grove 7, Panoramic Bath Trebor Dagenham 14 8 2 4 68 44 18 8 MBS St Neots 0, Butterfly Cardiff 6 Rotherham 2, GKNSW 7 Ormesby TCB Dolphins 14 7 2 5 62 50 16 1, Omega Reading 5 MBS St Neots 3, Butterfly Cardiff 2 Grove 6, TSP Larkhall 14 7 o 7 58 54 14 Panoramic Bath 5 Rotherham 3, Grove 6 Rotherham 2, Omega Reading Byker Newcastle 14 5 3 6 56 56 13 3 Ormesby 5, Butterfly Cardiff 7 Ormesby 1, Ormesby 6 Panoramic Bath 2. West WIBirmingham 14 2 1 II 37 75 5 Omega Claw 14 o o 14 11 101 o Division 1: Dagenham 2 TCB Dolphins 6, Express Torbay 5, TSP Larkhall 3, Omega Claw I Byker Newcastle 7, Chan Construction 7 Division 2 North WWIBirmingham I, Byker Newcastle 3 Express Torbay 5, TSP Larkhall Bradford Investments 14 II I 2 74 38 23 2 Dagenham 6, TCB Dolphins 8 Omega Claw 0, Byker Newcastle 4 Chan Ormesby 14 10 2 2 74 38 22 Construction 4, WWIBirmingham 0 Express Torbay 8, TCB Dolphins 6 EAE Waveney 14 8 2 4 66 46 18 WWIBirmingham 2. GKN Steelstock Wolv 14 5 4 5 60 52 14 Sindl Lincoln 14 6 2 6 55 57 14 Division 2 Nortb: Ormesby 4 Bradford Investments 4, Lincoln 5 GKNSW March 14 5 1 8 49 63 11 3, Oldham 2 March 6, EAE Waveney 5 Kingsborough Ins 3, Orme.sby 8 Kingsborough Insurance 14 1 4 9 40 72 6 Oldham 0, GKNSW 4 Ormesby 4, Bradford Investments 6 Oldham 2, March Oldham 14 I 2 II 30 82 4 7 EAE Waveney 1, Kingsborough Insurance 3 Lincoln 5, GKNSW 7 EAE Waveney 1. Division 2 South Division 2 Soutb: Medway I C&L Nittaku 7, Ashford 8 Triangle 0, Jaques Ashford 14 14 o o 103 9 28 C&L Nittaku 14 8 3 3 67 45 19 Fareham 4 TSP La~khall 4, Global Plymouth 5 Fellows Cranleigh 3, Global Sports Plymouth 14 9 I 4 62 50 19 Triangle 5 Medway 3, C&L Nittaku 6 Jaques Fareham 2, TSP Larkhall Fellows Cranleigh 14 6 I 7 53 59 13 3 Global Plymouth 5. Medway 14 4 2 8 48 54 10 Division 3 North: Ormesby I Leicester 7, Byker Newcastle 4 Chan Gunnersbury Triangle 14 3 2 9 39 73 8 Construction 4, Leeds 7 Lincoln I, Grove 8 Vickers Barrow 0, Chan TSP Larkhall 14 3 2 9 37 75 8 Construction 7 Ormesby I, Leicester 2 Leeds 6, Lincoln I Grove 7, Vickers Jaques Fareham 14 3 I 10 39 73 7 Barrow 4 Byker Newcastle 4, Ormesby I Leeds 7. Division 3 North Division 3 South: Ellenborough 1 Ashford 7, Countryman Tun' Wells 6 Grove Market Drayton 14 12 o 2 84 28 24 Abeng Warriors 2, Ashford 4 Rejects 4, Errey's Print 4 Deptford Rams City of Leeds (Univ) 14 II I 2 83 29 23 4, Ellenborough 5 Team Ramlosa Essex 3, Errey's Print 5 Ellenborough Leicester 14 9 o 5 71 41 18 5, Rejects 6 Countryman T Wells 2, Abeng Warriors 3 Errey's Print 5, Chan Construction 14 8 2 4 67 45 18 Deptford Rams 2 Ellenborough 6, Team Ramlosa Essex 6 Ashford 2. Ormesby 14 7 I 6 62 50 15 Byker Newcastle 14 1 3 10 34 78 5 Division 3 East: WC Wellingborough 8 SM Peterborough 0, MBS St Neots Vickers Sports Barrow 14 f I II 21 91 5 I Norwich Foxwood 7, Witham Town 3 Dagenham 5, Norwich Foxwood Crusaders Lincoln 14 2 o 12 26 86 4 3 WC Wellingborough 5, SM Peterborough 0 Britannia Ipswich 8, AHW Pioneers 2 MBS St Neots 6, Norwich Foxwood 7 Witham Town 1, Division 3 South Dagenham 4 WC Wellingborough 4, Britannia Ipswich 5 MBS St Neots 3. Rejects 14 10 4 o 78 34 24 Team Ramlosa Essex Division 3 West: Opella Leominster 6, Duchy Launceston 2, Doleq Carpets 14 II I 2 76 36 23 Countryman Tun' Wells 14 7 1 6 57 55 15 5 Jolliffe Poole 3, Omega Reading 2 Express Torbay 6, Panoramic Bath Ashford 14 5 I 8 54 58 11 6 Omega Reading 2, Jolliffe Pook 6, Opella Leominster 2, Duchy Abeng Warriors 14 4 3 7 50 62 II Launceston 3 Omega Reading 5, Panoramic Bath I Doleq Carpets 7. Thorn EMI Ellenborough 14 5 1 8 49 63 II Errey's Print '84 14 4 I 9 42 70 9 Final League Tables (21.4.87) Deptford TIC Rams 14 3 2 9 42 70 8 Premier Division P W D L F A P Division 3 East GKN Steelstock Wolv 14 12 2 0 100 12 26 Well C. Wellingborough 14 10 4 o 78 34 24 Grove Market Drayton 14 II 3 0 87 25 25 Norwich Foxwood 14 10 2 2 76 36 22 Panoramic Bath 14 7 1 6 61 51 15 Britannia Ipswich 14 9 2 3 71 41 20 Butterfly Cardiff 14 7 1 6 54 58 15 AHW Pioneers 14 5 4 5 60 52 14 Ormesby 14 7 1 6 50 62 15 Trebor Dagenham 14 6 2 6 58 54 14 Rotherham 14 4 2 8 49 63 10 MBS St Neots 14 4 3 7 53 59 II Omega Reading 14 2 1 II 33 79 5 Witham Town 14 2 3 9 45 67 7 MBS St Neots 14 0 I 13 14 98 1 Smiths Motors Peterborough 14 o o 14 7 105 o

Schildkrot distributed by Butterfly

10 • ISchildkrot British League i

Division 3 West Out Gunned? Doleq Carpets 14 13 I 0 91 21 27 West Warwicks/Birmingham lost 1-7 to Chan Construction in a match Opella Leominster 14 10 I 3 71 41 21 containing some tense moments. Phil Gunn recorded two comfortable Jolliffe Poole 13 9 2 2 72 32 20 victories contesting 128 points. Brian Johnson beat his opponents, but took Express Sports Torbay 13 5 0 8 40 64 10 his time about it, contesting 244 points in his two sets! His 25-23 in the KCD Stiga 11 3 3 5 40 48 9 third game win over Andy Rich gave his team the start they wanted ­ Panoramic Bath 13 2 3 8 37 67 7 eventually! - as did his 21-19 in the third game win over Barry Johnson. Duchy Windows Laun'n 14 2 2 10 38 74 6 Chan travelled to Newcastle to record their second draw of the season. Omega Reading II 14 2 2 10 35 77 6 In this match the home side lost the first and the last set 17-21 in the third, all other sets being two-straight. Omega Claw were whitewashed twice but DD works wonders the result between Paul Elphick and Keith Hodder stands out a little, - 20, The August/September issue of TT News reported that the theme behind 20,20. this league is very much the 'Best of British'. Desmond Douglas has thus far proved that he is indeed still the best. Steelstock's last two fixutres have Denis the Menace appeared to be almost embarassing for Des who has conceded an average In Division 2 North the Ormesby veteran Denis Neale has looked menacing. of only 9 points per game. What about Messrs Cooke and Prean playing He has won 6 of his games under 10 this period including a 21-9 in the in Sweden and Germany respectively - will they become the best of British third victory over Steve Turner. Ormesby drew with Bradford Investments in the league? Last season Nicky Mason returned from Holland, so let's in their penultimate match thus making for a particularly close finish. Had hope that these two may return too. Despite the absence of these two fine Ormesby gained just one more set they could have won the title. EAE players, Steelstock's success has been very much a team effort. Obviously Waveney were not far behind but they crashed 1-7 to March, the one set you cannot win league points with two sets alone. This period Des has been being a 21-15 in the third game win for Neil Pickard over Gary Jordan. ably supported by Nicky Mason, Phil Bradbury and Carl Morgan who have A 3-man EAE Waveney team crashed 1-7 playing away to Steelstock on only lost one set each. 19 April. Neil Pickard picked up the one set here with his win over Trevor Washington. Sincil Lincoln chalked up two wins to maintain a respectable Alan Cooke's departure from Ormesby seems to have caused the position. Steelstock registered s surprise draw with Ormesby with Tony Middlesbrough team some difficulty, but they survived the season with 13 Isaacs performing well though he must have been a little disappointed when points to their credit from 13 matches. Nigel Eckersley has chalked up some he played against Sincil Lincoln and lost his two sets there. good wins for Ormesby including a 21-17 in the third game victory over Nicky Mason this period. Grove's strength in depth could not quite topple KIS of death the leaders but they were the only undefeated runners-up in the league. Grove recorded convincing wins this period beating Panoramic Bath 7-1 Kingsborough Insurance Services lost their last two matches 3-5. Against when Colin Wilson beat Graham Sandley to prevent a whitewash. Bradley EAE Waveney five deuce games were contested. It was Lincoln's Derek Billington looked good for Grove in this match. When Grove met Butterfly Munt who inflicted most of the damage in winning his two, including a Cardiff the Welshmen suffered a 2-6 defeat although the match was closer win over Kingsborough's Steve Brunskill 21-7 in the third game. Oldham than the score suggests. Nigel Tyler had an excellent win over John Souter could only gain two sets from Mike Owen when they met March which, but he was beaten 21-18 in the third game by young Jimmy Stokes. John when coupled with their whitewash by Ormesby, saw Oldham anchored Souter's deuce in the third struggle over Alan Griffiths helped to keep his to the table bottom. team on course. Butterfly subsequently regained lost ground by beating Ormesby 7-1. Booking the Cookes? Ashford have been breaking records in Division 2 South having only Avon calling conceded nine sets all season. They are the only team to have won every Panoramic Bath did well to finish in third place and this was helped this match this season and they have beaten ALL of their opponents by the period by their whitewash of MBS St Neots. Seven sets were won two­ score of 8-0 at least once. This period there. were only two fairly close sets straight as only Stuart Palmer could pinch an end from Kevin Satchell. - Kenny Jackson's 21-18 in the third game victory over Gunnersbury However Ormesby beat Bath 6-2 on April 20 with Denis Neale showing Triangle's Jonathan Proffitt; and Glen Baker's 21-19,21-18 win over the he should not be playing in Division 2 North by beating Steve Dorking Fellows Cranleigh No.2 Peter Norcott. Last season Ashford recruited both and Adrian Moore. Bath really had nothing much to get steamed up about Kenny Jackson and Glen Baker to help win Division 3 South. This season being 10 points behind Grove. St Neots other match was played at home they have added the talents of Max Crimmins. Next season? - Rumour to Butterfly Cardiff in which Keith Richardson only conceded 22 points has it they're recruiting Scotland's Dave Hannah. Maybe 1988/89 will see to Mark Thomas. Three other sets went to a deciding end but, as is the them bring back Alan Cooke to the British League. trend when you're propping up a division, they were lost by the home side. The most startling of these three sets was perhaps Keith Richardson's loss Gordon's tonic to Nigel Thomas 6-21 in the third game having won the first game 21-12. For this season the title race was over long ago. However the battle for Rotherham's Chris Oldfield seems to be benefitting from Premier experience runners-up was close with Global Sports Plymouth being beaten on sets having taken a game from both of his Steelstcok opponents this period. difference by C&L Nittaku who also came up from Division 3 South this Rotherham have a respectable team but it appears they need to strengthen season. TSP Larkhall gave Plymouth a scare with Gordon Chapman their side to make a significant impact on this division. Rotherham lost winning his two and his fellow veteran Connie Warren losing his two very 2-6 to Grove, the two being a surprising duck bagged by Steve Mills. narrowly. Tony Sweet won his sets, one of which was a 21-19, 21-19 win over Connie Warren. TSP Larkhall also recorded a draw with Jaques Captain Barr's Eye Fareham. Larkhall's result had the effect of firmly placing Jaques Fareham Omega Reading recorded their first win of the season playing their final at the foot of the division. More impressive was Gunnersbury Triangle's fixture against MBS St Neots. Team captain Dave Barr hacked his way escape from relegation. Their win over Medway saw them safe and it was to two useful victories and AdFiiln Dixon demonstrated why he is still the perhaps surprising to see Tony Spain bag a duck in Acton! No. I of the team with his two fine wins. A further win from Andy Wellman made the score 5 for Reading for the first time this year. Lisa Bellinger Doleq 'Flying' Carpets appeared to be perhaps a little unlucky as she lost 18 and 17 in the third Division 3 West was won very comfortably by the Welsh team Doleq Carpets to Mick Harper and Keith Richardson respectively. who flew through the Division collecting 27 poits with their last two victims being Panoramic Bath 7-1 and Jolliffe Poole 5-3. For the Poole side Tony Torbay or not Torbay ••• Clayton scored two good wins against Doleq including the scalp of Brian There was little question Division I was won comfortably by Express Sports Jeanes. For Bath Lee Neil's first set win over Doleq's Nick Williams was Torbay who finished 6 points clear of their closest rivals Chan Construction. their last. Jolliffe Poole managed a brilliant 6-2 win over Opella Leominster Though undefeated Torbay had their frights during their two 5-3 wins and in fact led 6-0 at one stage, but they still finished a point behind Opella recently. Torbay were just leading 3-2 against Byker Newcastle and won in third place. Following this two-horse race for the runners-up spot the both of their next two sets with deuce games. TSP Larkhall stored into next five places seemed to be somewhat closely contested.' In their final a 3-0 lead before seeing the points drift away. Following Torbay's recovery match Omega Reading chalked up their second win of the season beating to 4-3 it was Gary Lambert who recorded an astonishing demolition of Duchy Windows Launceston 5-3 with Wally Allanson looking effective with Percy Collino who had earlier beaten Paul Giles in straight games. his two wins. Sadly for Duchy Windows Jeremy Williams' two sets were Dagenham's recent mixed fortunes saw them into third place while TCB not enough but they did clear the bottom of the division by three sets. Dolphins collected 20124 sets to finish 4th, winning all their last three Express Torbay beat Omega Reading 6-2 to finish mid-table with a notable matches. Dolphins beat WW/Birmingham 6-2 on 19 April with Ritchie performance by Steve Black. KCD Stiga seemed to grind to a halt after Venner getting the better of Barry Johnson in three games. only II matches but they finished mid-table too. KCD's Micki Sinanan 11 IBritish League 3 and North Wales

must have been disappointed as he had been driving from Portsmouth to Jerome Jonah's 21-19, 22-20 win over Paul Rowden. Things looked London to compete in the Thames Insurance Central League for some decidedly gloomy for Errey's Print until they somehow won their last two tougher match practice this season. matches 5-3. Firstly they beat a Starkless Elleborough side followed by a win over Abeng Warriors where veteran Roger Chandler beat the Lost Crusade increasingly formidable Joseph Quansah. Abeng Warriors seemed to lose Two 7-1 defeats left Crusaders Lincoln in 8th place in Division 3 North. their fighting spirit as the end of the season approached as they also went Mike Thornley prevented the whitewash in both matches while contesting under 6-2 to Countryman Tunbridge Wells who they had beaten earlier the final set against City of Leeds and Grove Market Drayton. The winners, in the season. Countryman could be expected to do well next season but Grove MD, had to play the bottom two teams to complete the season and rumour has it that Juliet Houghton could be moving to join the girls in collected 15/16 sets with particularly inspired performances from Malcolm the Ashford side. Deptford TIC Rams were the only team in the league Green and David Morris. Vickers Sports Barrow received the whitewash to gain eight league points and yet finish bottom of the table. treatment but stayed one point from the bottom despite having won only 21 sets all season. In contrast the team actually on the bottom of Division Following the recent resignation of the league administrator Keith Ponting, 3 South has 42 sets. Byker Newcastle drew both of their last two matches I wonder if due consideration has been given to the idea of clubs contributing to steer clear of the bottom. Byker's Mike Thomas held off Chan to some form of recognition of Keith's hard slog over the years. Surely Construction's challengers. A weaker Byker team played against Vickers his effort should somehow be rewarded - such hard-working people should Sports Barrow. Barrow's Alan Fay won all of his sets with three games not be ignored even if resigning. won at the score of 23-21. MIKE LOVEDER Chan Construction's other match this period was against Ormesby who they beat 7-1 to finish fourth, just three sets behind Leicester. Steve Bertie was reported to be in fine fettle for Chan while it was John Healey who North Wales Counties Table prevented the whitewash for Ormesby when playing against Pete Machin. He also managed to beat Martin Pickles when Ormesby were beaten by Tennis Association the same score playing at home to Leicester. But Leicester crashed 2-6 to by C. T. BA YLIS the City of Leeds team which thoroughly erased their chances of finishing the season in second place. Richard Whitley fought gallantly for Leeds in ENGLISH Table Tennis Association Division 3 Knock-out - Semi-finals: this match. Leeds beat Ormesby 7-1 on 20 April to finish just behind the County Championships. Senior Div. 3A, Llangollen Youth Club (15) versus leaders. played at Castell Alun Sports Centre, Wrexham Social Club for the Disabled Hope, near Wrexham on Saturday 14th (scr); Caergwrle BB B (scr) versus April 1987 - Clwyd 4, Lincolnshire 6: Engine trouble? Wrexham Lager Social Club (10). Trevor Manning b David Skerratt 14, Wrexham local player Peter Gabriel Wellingborough were indeed Well Connected to win Division 3 East when -12, 15; Paul Griffiths It Jim Brewster has won the British Les Autres table winning their last two matches. They beat the runners-up Norwich Foxwood - 19, 18, - 12; John Ellis It Paul Moore tennis championships for the second -18, - 20; Evelyn Wright/Justine 5-3 with Keith Fellowes winning in straight games. An efficient looking successive year. Peter, the undefeated Thomas b Linda Thompson/Sue Radley Disabled Welsh Champion for the past 8-0 blow was dealth by Wellingborough to Smiths Motors Peterborough 21, 16; Ellis/Manning It Skerratt/ 13 years continued his winning form to who never seem to have got their wheels in motion. 'SMP' maths will reveal Brewster 10, - 14, - 18; Manning b Brewster 18, 15; Thomas b Thomas 18, maintain his impressive ranking. The a 'pointless' season for the Peterborough side who were rather out of their 38-year-old supervisor from the depth. Britannia Ipswich beat SMP 8-0 too but Julian Wheel came rather 15; Ellis It Skerratt - 14, 22, - 21; Wright It Radley -18, II, -20; Queensway Sports Complex in Wrexham close to losing his two. Norwich Foxwood's Richard Stevenson helped his Griffiths It Moore - 19, II, - 18. plays for the local disabled tennis team side to a 7-1 win over MBS St Neots. AHW Pioneers suffered a surprising With two singles wins from Trevor who compete in the 'Wrexham League 2-6 defeat to MBS St Neots. Pioneers' Colin Luscombe played well in Manning and one singles from Justine and is ranked number eight in the world. winning his two. Witham Town, in 7th place, were soundly beaten by Thomas and the Clwyd ladies pair Evelyn Norwich Foxwood but lost only 3-5 to Trebor Dagenham. For Dagenham Wright and Justine Thomas also taking East Flintshire Table Tennis League Kent veteran Henry Buist won his two including a 21-19 in the third game the ladies doubles the Clwyd team could BSC Shotton are on course to pick up not overcome their visitors with win over David Cole. For Witham Townf Don McGilvray beat Phil Cox four trophies with their senior side Lincolnshire taking the six other games. already having won the Division I title in straight games but this was not enough to share the points. Trebor Paul Moore with two singles and Dave and are still in the Ray Baker Memorial Dagenham did share the points with the Divisional winners. Phil Cox won Skerratt and Jim Brewster one each and Trophy. Meanwhile the A team has won his two two-straight with three deuce games. Young Richard Jones snatched Sue Radley won their other singles. the DR Ledgard Challenge Cup and the a league point in the final set by beating Alan Hawes. Witham Town won B team are through to the semi-finals of County Championships, Junior Div 3A. the DR Ledgard Handicap Cup. The only two matches all season, both of these being against Smith Motors Played at Kendal, Saturday 14th April, Peterborough who averaged only half a set per match. Witham Town's seconds currently lying fourth in Division 1987 - Cumbria 6, Clwyd 4: Stephen I proved far too strong for their B squad Temble b Kristian Moulsdale II, 7; Richard Jones was nominated as the 'Player of the Match' after their 8-0 in the final of the DR Ledgard Challenge Nicholas Thompson b Nigel Roberts 18, victory. Cup losing only one of the ten matches. 15; Gordon Dwane It Spencer Harris - 14, - 19; Margo Lewis/Paula Eddy It Alan Jones, Martin White and Lou Star(k) struck Tracy Sambrook/Natasha Williams 17, Lockett won all their singles but Jones Arguably the strongest of the four third divisions is Division 3 South which - 22, - 16; Temple/Dwane b and Lockett went down to Jeff Jones and Lee Thacker in the doubles. contains 18 men from the England rankings between February's Nos. 33 Moulsdale/Harris 5, 12; Temple b Roberts 3, 8; Eddy It Williams -13, and 200, as well as three women from the top ten in the country. -17; Dwane b Moulsdale IS, 18; Lewis Oswestry League Tournament b Sambrook 8, 20; Thompson It Harris Wrexham based players did well to reach Over 100 spectators helped to carry the Rejects team to a 6-2 home win - 19, 19, - 14. the finals. Anne Walker lost against over Countryman Tunbridge Wells who finished a highly creditable third Two singles wins for Welsh cadet title Cheryl Jones in the final of the ladies in this their first season. In this, Rejects second season, Mike O'Leary, holder Spencer Harris and also a singles singles -19, II, -13. Anne however did win for Natasha Williams, cadet girls win the handicap singles beating DIL their No.1, excelled after a lean period. For Countryman it was Juliet Welsh holder. Natasha also won the Houghton who put up the most resistance in beating Peter Harry and taking Jones 42-30 in the final. Malcolm Buckle doubles partnered with Tracy Sambrook. reached the final of the veteran singles the veteran Trevor Campbell pretty close. Any win for Rejects in this their For Cumbria Stephen Temple with two losing against Jim Bishton 42-34. Other final fixture was enough to secure the much sought after league title which wins and Gordon Dwane and also local players to reach a final were Ken Nicholas Thompson one each and Margo could so easily have been won by the divisional favourites Team Ramlosa Thompson and Malcolm Owens who lost Lewis one singles were just too good for Essex had they not crashed 3-5 to Thorn EMI Ellenborough during March. in the doubles final to Jim Bishton and the Welsh side. Thorn led 5-1 at one stage with Tony Stark leading the side and he achieved Alan Roberts -12, -15. The final of an excellent win over the very experienced Des Charlery. Ramlosa finished Wrexham & District TT League the mens singles saw Alan Roberts win the season with a 6-2 win over Ashford when Alison Gordon beat Stuart With the league season now coming to against Jim Bishton after he had lost the first game - 10, however he came back Gibbs 26-24 in the thaird game and Mandy Sainsbury beat Richard Darnell. its close we are now reaching the finals of the various team knock-out to win the second by 4 and third 17. The Ramlosa never quite recovered from their 1-7 loss to Rejects when Gary competitions which will be played during JC Roberts team event winners were J Spencer took Peter Harry's place when he had pneumonia. Ashford beat April and May. Wrexham Old Members Bishton and C Jones who beat Brian Thorn EMI Ellenborough 7-1 this period, but to steer away from the bottom & Friends Consolation Shield - Final: Bevanf and David Powell in the final by of the table Ellenborough beat Deptford TTC Rams 6-2 with Tony Start Wrexham Old Boys A versus Telecom D. two games to nil. Junior events: Under again starring to beat Junior Facey and the unpredictable Chris Beckley. PW Hale Handicap Shield· Semi-finals: 16 singles: Jason Hughes beat R Edwards Errey's Print could only salvage a draw against the Rams with Nicky Caergwrle BB B (scr) versus Wrexham and in the under 18 section David Powell Social Club for the Disabled (20); beat Jason Hughes 18 and 15. Junior Standen taking his two. Paul Barry just lost the final set deuce in the third Telecom A (scr) versus Wrexham Old handicap singles: Cheryl Jones beat against Clive Carthy for the points to be shared. Quite impressive was Boys C (290). Played over two legs. David Powell 42-38. 13 IShocks at Stantonbury

STIGA GRAND PRIX FINALS, STANTONBURY, MILTON KEYNES Hannah and Joy Grundy strike it rich by John Woodford England captain and supremo Don 16; Gordon b Harris 14, 16; Collier It Parker has always thought that Joy Gordon - 10, - 9; Harris It Grundy -15, -14; Collier It Harris -17, 13, FEW expected the pride of Scotland David Hannah to win the Stiga at the end of this long campaign is -12; Grundy b Gordon -19, 14, 15. Grand Finals and take £500 of the £2, 100 priz~ money. Quite a few the best girl of the bunch on the Men (group 2): Mason b Eckersley 12, expected Joy Grundy to take her rivals apart and try to establish herself table. 21; Hannah b Stokes 13, 19; Eckersley It Hannah 14, - 13, - 12; Stokes It once again, certainly on current form, as the true England No. 1. Women (group 1): Bellinger b Holt 13, Mason - 15, - 5; Eckersley It Stokes Not many who know Desmond Also totally predictable was the 13; Sainsbury b Shaw 8, 20; Holt It -19, -17; Mason It Hannah 14, -19, Douglas thought he would appear small crowd. A glorious summer's Sainsbury -19, -13; Shaw It Bellinger -23. -16, -II; Holt It Shaw -15, 12, -22; Semi-finals - Women: Grundy b in the event just after earning a lot day in May, even the locals were Bell b Sainsbury 14, 20. Sainsbury 15, 14; Bellinger It Gordon of money playing eight days in suc­ hardly likely to turn up in force even Men (group 1): Cooke b Rogers 5, 13; -18, -16. cession on the Chinese tour of if the top men had been there. Souter b Mills 16, 17; Rogers b Souter Final: Grundy b Gordon 14, 15. England. The loss of Skylet Andrew - 20, 12; Mills It Cooke - 10, - 9; Semi-finals - Men: Hannah b Souter Lucky survival Rogers b Mills 19, 19; Cooker b Souter -14,17,10; Cooke b Mason 18, -14, to his Dutch contract was always on 17, II. 10. the cards and it was predictable that Hannah was lucky to survive several Women (group 2): Grundy b Collier 18, Final: Hannah b Cooke 19, 14. Carl Prean would not let the dust of match points against Nicky Mason the Chinese tour settle before high­ in the groups. That had the Surrey tailing back to Germany from where and Scotland man smashing the ball he obtains most of his annual in­ back to his opponent in between come in the same way as Des points, but later in the final he calm­ Douglas some years back. ly and methodically drove Cooke This left Alan Cooke as the hot back to the boards and the Der­ favourite. Those of us who have byshire man was without adequate seen him produce magic around the reply. world this season knew he could do Fiona Elliot strangely, did not it, but even popular "Cookey" is qualify for the event, so that human. After his defeat in the final brought Mandy Sainsbury in as a he told me "Hannah played well semi-finalist. The final rounds of the and deserved to win. I was in two women's event went as expected minds whether to play in this event, with Lisa Bellinger losing once again but with the others backing out, I to Alison Gordon and Alison losing felt I had to. I feel sure I can beat once more in the final to Joy Grun­ him when I can raise my game to dy, who really won the tournament Left to right: Johan Laring, export sales manage Stiga AB, winner David world championships play, this was without being extended or really Hannah (Scotland), winner Joy Grundy (England), ETTA chairman John not that sort of occasion." raising a sweat, confirming what Prean and financial director Mark Roberts.

PREAN WINS ESSEX OPEN AT LUTON!

by LAURIE DARNELL at 10-5 down he served himself on­ from either wing against the consis­ THE STIGA/Essex Open was held 5 David Hannah (Scot) beat No. 16 to level terms. tent placements interspersed with in Luton, Bedfordshire! Behind that Nigel Eckersley (La) 4, 16. Mason retaliated in an inspired the all-out attack shown by Gordon. bald statement lies a test of organis­ The semi-finals of the men's fashion. Counter hitting Grundy spent the majority of the ing ability, the cooperation and singles were exciting. Prean unbelievable winners off shots that match trying to recapture the form goodwill of many people plus a lot outplayed Stokes in the first game. the 1984 champion thought were she showed in the first game. At the of hard work to recover from a ma­ Prean's power play was punctuated his. Five consecutive points gave change-over Grundy stood 9-11 jor set-back. Carl Prean and Joy by clever use of the chopped block Mason another testing lead. Hannah down. With a shake of the head she responded by winning three points Grundy proved some points by win­ which forced Stokes to make ignored Gordon's return of service whilst serving. With the scoreline at ning the singles events. punishable returns. Not more than ability and recovered her touch. The 15-13 Mason accelerated with yet Six weeks earlier the tournament two points separated them score moved from 13-12 to 16-14 committee were stunned to hear that throughout the second game which another five point burst. He could now afford to cede two match and it was the BlackpooI22-year-old the Havering Borough Council had Stokes won after allowing Prean to to serve again. Confidence showed banned the public from using its save a game point and force duece. points before winning a place in the in her demeanour as Grundy siezed partially completed sports complex In the last game Stokes strived to final. the initiative to win her first Essex at Harrow Lodge, Hornchurch. recover after losing six of the first The final was disappointing. After many delays, the building con­ eight points. He chipped away at the Prean outclassed a subdued Mason Open championship. tractor had decided to go into li­ lead built up by Prean and gradually in the first game. Halfway through quidation. The sports hall had been reduced the deficit to one point. At the second game Mason staged Results due to open last September, now the 19-18 down and serving he found another string of successive points Class II mixed singles: Michael Harper completion date was announced as Prean still mentally strong enough to become just one point behind at (Ca) b Martin Kensella (Dy) 14, 17. June 1987. to make imaginative returns and 11-10. It was a valiant effort which Veteran singles: Ralph Gunnion (Wa) b Clive Oakman, tournament gain the two points he needed for Prean swept aside. David Seaholme (He) 12, - 21, 9. organiser, approached over 30 the set. In the semi-finals Gordon faced Womens doubles: Lisa Bellinger/Joy venues before Bob Whan of the The third game of the Mason v Bellinger, the defending champion, Grundy (Bd/La) b Jill Harris/Fiona Luton Regional Sports Centre of­ Hannah encounter was dramatic! In and eventually won comfortably Elliot (St) 17, 21. Mens doubles: Joe fered to make some adjustments to winning the fifth point to lead 4-1 - 13, 8,9. Grundy survived losing Kennedy/Nicky Mason (K/Sy) b Alan his existing bookings for IIthl12th Mason wrong-footed Hannah who the first game against Elliot. She Cooke/Steve Dorking (Dy/E) 21, 15. Womens singles - Semi-finals: Grundy b It came back strongly to avenge her April. cried out in pain and fell. was Elliot -II, 14, 15; Gordon b Bellinger To reach the semi-finals: No. 1 thought that the Scot had pulled a defeat in the Cleveland Open by - 13, 8, 9. Final: Grundy b Gordon 12, Carl Prean (IofW) beat Mills 18, 11; muscle but it must have been a cry -11, 14, 15. - 18, 16. Mens singles - Semi-finals: Stokes defeated Broe 18, 15; NO.7 of desperation or frustration. He The final was tactically absorb­ Prean b Stokes 9, - 20, 18; Mason b Nicky Mason (Sy) denied the No.4 recovered his composure and fought ing. The lightning quick strokes of Hannah - 15, 16, 15. Final: Prean b John Souter (Mi) by 14, 15 and No. back gamely. After changing ends the left-handed Grundy exploding Mason 5, 12. 14 Coaching The youth squad training centre for Milton

ON May 17th, 1986, the first session took place of a new Bucks youth squad advanced training centre. Every Saturday afternoon from 2-5 pm some 14 to 20 of the most promising young players from Milton Keynes and all over Bucks now meet at the Gym, Woughton Campus Leisure Centre, Milton Keynes, for training under the guidance of coaches Ken Muhr and Steve Bigrave. The long term aim of instigator generous contributions' came Ken Muhr is to see Buckingham­ from the Milton Keynes Sports shire as one of the strongest coun­ Council, Milton Keynes Develop­ ties regionally and nationally, ment Corporation, Milton Keynes though he recognises that this will Borough, Bucks County TT take several years. Already, Association and the Milton however, the standards, commit­ Keynes TT League. ment and attitude of those atten­ ding has improved greatly. Donic tables Jarvis Sports supplied three top Guest stars quality Donic tables and nets at This progress has been assisted by trade price, Simon Hobson of John Souter the England No. 6 from Neasden demonstrates a several visits by guest 'stars'. Na­ Rodan Sports supplied an ex­ high-toss serve. tional coaches Dave Fairholm and cellent Stiga Expert table and net Nicky Jarvis, top players John on the same terms, and a similar MARATHON MAN deal was made with Dunlops for FIRST UNDER-11 Souter, Colin Wilson and Neil BRIAN Spicer, candidate for the Taylor, and county coaching of­ the top Championship table and net. TOURNAMENT ... Deputy Chairmanship of the ETTA ficers Mike Prior (Bucks) and completed his 20th full marathon ­ Dave Marsh (Northants) have all THE fITst ever Under-II tourna­ the London - on May 10th in a per­ come to run successful sessions, No cost ment will be held on Saturday sonal best time of 2hrs. 53 minutes. bringing new ideas and ap­ Woughton Centre have let us have and Sunday July 4th and 5th at proaches with them. the use of the gym and two Jaques the Bletchley Leisure Centre. The centre could not have been Autofold tables for no cost. WANTED The'latest date for entries was set up without a great deal of sup­ Finally the service of local coaches ROBOT AND TOP QUALITY port. Chief benefactor was the and helpers has been freely given. June 8th. The organiser for the TABLE Southern Region Sports Council ETTA is Mike Watts and the The writer's sincere thanks are J. Parker, 3 Ferry Green, Hall Lane, referee will be John Jermyn. who contributed towards the pur­ gratefully extended to all these Willington, Derbyshire chase of new tables. Other people.

Heavy Spin, Speed Rubber, , with Good Control. IThe Chinese Tour of England 1,000 FANS CHEERED NIGHTLY A successful marathon with JOHN WOODFORD on the China tour of England

AFTER seeing over 7,000 fans of the sport at eight venues in eight days there is no doubt whatever that the tour was a success. The spectators really enjoyed what they saw - a talented England team ON TOUR trying to get to grips with a Chinese national team containing the World No.4 Chen Xinhua, the PICTURES BY World No. 16 Fan Changmao and the 1985 US Open Champion Chen Yinghua. NEIL HOUGHTON

For the record books China terms of crowd response Bath and scored four wins, England one and Gillingham came out tops, but in three matches were drawn. There Kent we had the luxury of an was not a lot to choose between the England victory and that brought players, especially when England back memories of how the Germans were fielding Desmond Douglas, won the match in Wurzburg for Carl Prean and Alan Cooke who Germany in April. was the England star of the tour If those at Gillingham, 1,000 with seven victories. strong could imagine three times the amount of cheering from the 3,000 Large crowds Germans in Wurzburg, that was What I enjoyed most was the warm how it was! applause and cheering from the Alan Cooke will of course, never large crowds - except Sunderland forget his match at Gillingham. As where the mid-day time of the England looked to be heading match dictated by television halved towards another draw, the man the crowd - especially of course, from Chesterfield clawed his way when England were winning and back from 4-14 and 12-18 in the especially when Alan Cooke show­ third to win 22-20 against Chen Alan Cooke of Chesterfield, Derbyshire was the star of the Chinese tour ed us what a star he is going to be. Yinghua to give England victory and with seven wins and the sensational fight back at Gillingham that gave Carl Prean strengthened the the biggest reception of noise I have England victory. England team when he played at ever heard anywhere in Britain at a Bath, Bletchley, Norwich and Gill­ table tennis match. ingham. His astonishing 11, 12 win over world No.4 Chen Xinhua was on paper the best of his career, Fireworks although Xinhua had to be coaxed Desmond Douglas was of course the to play at all. He played one game star to whom people were looking in Sunderland for the sake of televi­ for fireworks. During the eight long, sion and played himself only once long days Des played some tremen­ again at Bletchley, the night before dous games but playing in every England lost the series at Norwich match was a lot to ask even at the when China scorched home 5-1, the contract price. Skylet Andrew, only match on the tour when the Nicky Mason and John Souter all result was not in doubt up to the last played supporting roles with profes­ point of the night. sional aplomb and not many wins, but the entertainment value was Merciful there. Most of the matches took three Talking of entertainment, the hours for the six singles. Merciful­ nightly exhibitions after the match ly, the idea of having a deciding enthralled the crowds and earned After each match Chen Xinhua and Yang Guangdi gave exhibition matches doubles was dropped. Bouquets to standing ovations. They were given that included sitting on the table. That proved to be sparkling entertain­ ment that brought standing ovations. the cities and towns who arranged by Chen Xinhua and Yang Guangdi early starts, brickbats to others. The who we are told, is China's top ex­ Guardian cancelled an order for a hibition player. RESULTS FROM THE EIGHT MATCHES story on one occasion when told of The tour was arranged on eight a 7.30 pm start, a number of other Sunderland· England 2, China 4: S An­ Bletchley· England 3, China 3: Douglas consecutive days to save money on drew It Fan Changmao -20, 18, -11; It Changmao - 19, 12, - 19; Prean It papers ignored the results when they the deal arranged with the Lensun­ D Douglas It Chen Xinhua -II, -14; Yinghua 22, -15, -11; Andrew b came late. Patsun organisation and the ETTA. A Cooke b Yong Guangdi 21, -19,11; Guangdi 19, 18; Prean b Chen Xinhua There is no problem when a Having done it, if the tour is Andrew It Chen Yinghua - 19, 19, -16; II, 12; Andrew It Changmao 16, -10, match is under way at 7 pm or even Douglas b Changmao -16, 19, 11; repeated, there should always be a - 18; Douglas b Yinghua - 16, 12, 15. 7.15 pm if some of the matches are Cooke It Yinghua -17, 17, -22. rest day or two. Several local spon­ Norwich - England 1, China 5: Douglas finished two-straight. So, some Oldham - England 2, China 4: N Mason sors hoping to take the players to It Changmao -21, -11; Prean It towns have commuters getting in It Yinghua - 13, - 6; Cooke It Guangdi - 15, - 15; Cooke b Yinghua various places found them resting in late - we have to balance that Changmao -17, - 12; Douglas b 18, 19; Douglas It Guangdi 16, - 18, Guangdi 9, 16; Cooke b Yinghua 18, 15; the afternoons after the four-hour - 20; Prean It Yinghua - 18, 13, - 13; against millions of newspaper Mason It Guangdi 19, - 15, 15; Douglas morning drives. The distance driven Cooke It Changmao -29, 19, -18. readers not getting any results in It Changmao 12, -10, -19. their morning papers. was 2,000 miles and the man who Gillingham - England 4, China 2: deserves a medal is Mike Watts who Halifax - England 3, China 3: Cooke b Back to the arenas. All the local Changmao II, 17; Andrew It Guangdi Douglas b Yinghua 13, - 18, 8; Prean b organisers did great jobs. There drove the Chinese team all the way, 19, -21, -17; Douglas b Yinghua 20, Guangdi 16, 18; Cooke It Changmao were one or two slight problems was MC at seven matches and 18; Cooke b Guangdi 16, 19; Andrew It -10, -19; Douglas b Guangdi 22, 11; generally sorted out the problems. Yinghua - II, - 6; Douglas It Prean It Changmao -15, -21; Cooke mainly when it was not understood b Yinghua - II, II, 20. that hospitality for the teams was Chairman John Prean was at all Changmao 16, - 14, -17. the matches except Plymouth and Bath - England 2, China 4: Douglas b Plymouth· England 3, China 3: Cooke for 24 hours at each place, that in­ b Guangdi 15, 17; J Souter It Yinghua cluded two main meals and a made more friends on the long Yinghua -20, 18, 12; C Prean b Guangdi 16, 14; Andrew It Changmao - 13, - 15; Douglas It Changmao - 19, breakfast. journey. In seven after-match -20, 17, -18; Douglas It Changmao - 14; Souter b Guangdi 12, 13; Cooke Only those on the whole tour were speeches his dry sense of humour - 19, 14, - 15; Andrew It Guangdi 19, It Changmao -16, -15; Douglas b able to evaluate each v.enue. In blossomed. -16, -19. Yinghua 9, 9. 16 IThe Chairman sums up the season •••

Money and ideas The sport remains chronically short A PERIOD OF ACHIEVEMENT of money. We have made some headway, but not enough. The but not without hassle situation I found was far worse than I thought. I outlined the financial IT has been, to put it mildly, an problems more fully in the ETTA's eventful month. I hope for a own News Letter. If you are in­ terested, write to the office for a quieter period between now and copy. There is no shortage of good when these notes reach your ideas. Most cost money. It is home. depressing to turn them down on those grounds, but you cannot Painful defeat spend what is not there. Few have Our team departed for Germany yet taken this on board. with high hopes of promotion to the European Super League after six Chief Executive successive wins in the lower division Our new chief executive, Ted only to return thoroughly beaten by Wallbutton, starts on June 1 after no less than 6-1. I was not there, but a distinguished spell as marketing the message was painful enough. It executive with the Squash Racquets followed disappointments in the Association. He is almost entirely World Championships. The lesson funded by the Sports Council to is clear enough. What was done in whom we are extremely grateful. the past has not worked. Let that be Ted has our confidence and we wish the epitaph on this unhappy period. him well. Yet another sign that the Next season will begin with Donald sport is changing as, of course, it Parker in full charge. I wish we had must to survive and compete with done it sooner. What made us think so many others in the market place. that we could compete in the 20th century with Victorian 'methods? Coming attractions More glamorous events are in the Resignations pipeline: "Master of Europe" You will have read about the (Wembley Conference Centre, resignations of George Yates and September) and the "Open" Aubrey Drapkin. You probably (Brighton Conference Centre, know that each year the chairman January) both to be televised, the nominates the various departmental "Match Play Championship" heads (vice-chairmen) which then (Lakeside Country Club, June 7) have to be approved by the National John Prean, ETTA Chairman ends the season with a summary ofevents and a smile. with Douglas versus Cooke for the Council. On the eve of the meeting title and much besides in a very up­ George and Aubrey told me that market setting (tickets selling well). certain nominations were not accep­ Jill Hammersley-Parker. Don fills league will be sent one and we hope the role Bobby Robson fills in all clubs will place these not only in table to them. No reasons were Minister of Sport given. IfCouncil approved of these, football. their club rooms, but in schools, they would resign. Not a shred of I received a far bigger mailbag clubs and other places where they I had two good meetings, one with evidence was offered why these men FOR the re-reorganisation THAN hope to find new members. More of the Minister of Sport, Mr Richard were unsuitable, none had done AGAINST it. We had achieved a far this later. In the meantime early and Tracey, arranged by Bernard anything wrong, all had excellent better scheme at lower cost and that sincere thanks to Dunlop, who had Rowley. I found the Minister records in table tennis or real life. is good management. I was disap­ the vision to join us in this remarkably well informed and very pointed that some should jump to enterprise. much aware of the premises pro­ Pointless wrong conclusions without talking blems, which, like us, he hoped to England • China I was certainly not prepared to ditch to me first. The same people accus­ see resolved or at least helped by them and, after Council had ap­ ed me of lack of consultation. In I write these notes before the dual use of available facilities. A proved four of my five nominations, fact, the same procedures were England-China Tests which we hope new Act of Parliament will help George and Aubrey resigned. I ac­ followed as in the past. It was a will be a great success and increase greatly, but clubs who need premises cepted their resignations with regret. management committee decision public awareness of the sport. We still have to do their part in locating I regarded this as a pointless gesture, which was explained to the National managed to get TV (BBC Grands­ and negotiating, for instance with particularly so soon after they had Coaching Committee and National tand) for the first match in the series headmasters. It can be done and it been re-elected unopposed and after Council at the first opportunity. I in addition to much local TV and is being done all over the country. all my hard work to maintain unity want to express very warm thanks Cable TV for three of the matches. between the new and the old. Some to Alan Ransome and Don Parker I hope you saw some of it and en­ President Ogimura sections of the press reported the who did enormous and effective joyed it. Tickets were selling well. I met recently elected President resignations. As usual, the hundreds work in the early stages of the re­ There IS interest for table tennis and Ogimura of the ITTF during a visit of workers all over the country, organisation. Despite diversions it millions will have heard about the to London. I was impressed with his both national and local, were was a period of great achievement. sport. many imaginative plans for the forgotten. They were carrying on in future of world-wide table tennis. the service of the sport, but that was Membership drive Press coverage As a player and world champion he not newsworthy enough. I shall place the names of my new We have done well in terms of press was a legend. I have a feeling that membership committee before the coverage, certainly compared with he embarks on a period of even Coaching management committee in early the more recent past and our sport greater importance and service to The long overdue re-organisation of May. We shall then begin to try to is clearly regarded as more worth the sport. I wish him well and I the coaching scheme also brought arrest the membership losses of the writing about. This is a great assured him of our support. me much personal abuse, mainly last few years (one third since 1980, achievement. It also imposes Despite our problems, which at because the new duties allocated to which underlines the enormity of the responsibilities. I fail to see the point times seem so great, my confidence Dave Fairholm were interpreted as task). in bellyaching in the press and in in the sport remains. Have a good a "dismissal", whilst in reality he Our first effort will be a poster making the sport look second rate. summer and keep working and plan­ remained on our staff at the same sponsored and prepared by When a player does so, all he ning to make next season our best salary. We put Don Parker in DUNLOP designed to aid both achieves is to undermine HIS future ever. overall charge, assisted by his wife coaching and recruitment. Each earning capacity. JOHN 17 ICounty Championships; Hard bats

COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS ROUND-UP by Doug Moss A RECORD BREAKING SEASON THIS has been the busiest season' of the championships. A record number of 167 teams with 1,100 players involved in over 500 matches! SENIOR PREMIER DIVISION SENR. 3C - Suffolk take the title Pride of place this time goes to this winning all five matches and drop­ division. Congratulations to Mid­ ping only 12 events. Despite a 6-4 dlesex on winning the championship win over Norfolk, when Julie Dim­ for the 6th consecutive season. mock and Dawn Campbell won Lancs were again runners-up leading three events. Beds are due for Derbyshire on games average. Staffs relegation. and Sussex (after one season) are the SENR. 3D - With two 8-2 wins, teams for demotion. Derby did very over Bucks and Hants, Sussex win well to gain third place in their first this section but, with their first team season. There were many hard demoted, Hants seem to be likely fought matches with 11 of the 28 promotion candidates. Berks II with over the series ending 5-4.. Derby only one win are at the bottom end. were involved in four of these and SENR. 4A - A very successful won each time! At this second season for Leics with their second weekend Sussex lost two matches team winning this section. In their 4-5, one of these against Lancs, and last match they beat Hunts 6-4. Staffs lost to Derby 4-5. Martin Pickles (Le) lost his 100% Doug Moss, press officerfor the Ha/ex county championships next season The best individual performance record when beaten by Keith and the writer of all the county championships this season and before. of the series came from Mandy Willett. For Hunts Helen Bardwell Sainsbury (Bk) who had 100010 suc­ achieved a 100% record. cess in singles, including the defeat VETS PREMIER - Cheshire are just one win are at the bottom of the of Fiona Elliott (St), the England SENR. 4D - Glamorgan are win­ undisputed champions this season. table. champions. Middlesex men led the ners of this section and set for pro­ With Essex beating Worcs 5-4 it left VETS 3D - Warwicks are cham­ field with Nigel Tyler winning 9 of motion. Cornwall II in their last the Kent versus Worcs match to pions, gaining promotion in their match lost 2-8 to Glamorgan and decide demotion with Hants. Kent 10 singles, Graham Sandley 7 of 8 first year. In Herts III last match and John Souter 10 of 12. Mid­ are at the bottom of the table. won 7-2 so both promotees are on versus Warwicks, Gill White and dlesex pairings of John Souter/Col­ JUNR. 2A - Warwicks won the their way down. in Wilson and Nigel and Lesley Ann Lloyd met, both having been championship. They had five 6-4 VETS 2A - Cheshire II take the ti­ unbeaten. Gill won - 17, 16, 16. Tyler got 100% wins in their doubles wins and Leigh Jeffries won 13 of tle on sets average but Herts are the Herefords are bbttom on sets events. Mark and Angela Mitchell 14 singles events. Derby II and promotees. Northants and Nor­ were part of the champion team and average. Staffs II seem to be demotion thumberland have to make an ear­ I am told that this season they each candidates. ly return to division three. VETS 3C - Sussex II are the achieved 100 appearances for leaders and gain promotion. Wilts JUNR. 2D - Devon are clear win­ VETS 2D - Bucks are champions Middlesex. II, at the bottom, lost to Sussex II Top junior Bradley Billington ners of this division. A good all­ - 7 wins, losing only 15 events. in the last match when Alan Duke (Dy) played extremely well to win 7 round team effort with Helen and Alec Watson remained unbeaten in of 8 singles in the second weekend Jane Wright outstanding. Devon singles and doubles. Dorset beat (Wi) inflicted the only defeat of the beat Essex II 9-1 with Grant Solder (11 of 14 overall). This included a Kent II when Trevor Smith/Joyce season on Gerry Batt-Rawden. (E) beating Sean Gaylard 23 in the win over Graham Sandley ­ Coop won the mixed at 25 in the VETS 3D - Sussex III also third - and Grant lost to Richard Bradley's only loss was to John third game. This leaves Wilts and unbeaten champions. Mike Watts Souter. Aitkin at 24 in the third! Herts and Berks (despite 100% singles record Hants for demotion. got 100% in singles and doubles (with John Millward). Val Jackson I comment on other divisions and for Mary Allan) are for demotion. VETS 3A - Yorks II are clear win­ also with 100% singles. Mike had a conclusions on promotion/relega­ JUNR. 3A - Lancs II gain promo­ ners of this section but Norfolk tion: tion in their first season. A very seem to be the promotees. Mick close one with R. Emerson (He) good all-round team effort from Broughton and Tony Hipperson winning - 21,20, 16. Herts IV un­ SENR. 2A - Leics now confirmed Robert Lowe, Darryl Sneyd, Micky (Nk) unbeaten in singles and fortunately had a second season at as champions finishing with a 9-1 Malcolm, Karen Richardson and together in doubles! Lincs II with the bottom end of the table. win over Northumberland. Interest Debbie Fletcher. Clwyd are at the was high in relegation stakes. War­ foot of the table despite Natasha wicks saved their bacon with a 9-1 Williams maintaining a clean sheet The 16th International Club Hard win at Cambridge! Wores drew with at singles. Glos leaving their match at Cam­ JUNR. 3D - Hunts clear winners Rubber Bat Tournament bridge to decide relegation. Worcs and due for promotion. A consis­ won 7-3 and Cambs join Glos for tent team effort - Julie Haslop be­ HELD at Barnet on 29th March, the doubles with Sally against Lesley relegation. ing unbeaten. The Cambs I team event was once again a pleasure to and Mary Fagan. SENR. 2D - Essex finished the performed well but Cambs II fail­ compete and officiate in. A splen­ Fred Lockwood and Stuart Gibbs season with 5 wins and 2 draws. ed to get a point. did feat of good table tennis with surprisingly lost the men's doubles many young players proving that event in a superb set against David They take the title and go back to JUNR. 3C - Somerset dropped on­ Tan and Costas Papantoniou. the Premier Division. Surrey II seem ly one point to take the title. Their they can play their shots when likely demotees. girls were supreme - Tina Sadler denied the aid of "magic" sponge. SENR. 3A - Lancs II dropped only unbeaten and Joanne Webber lost Mary Symes took the women's A real thriller one point and are champions of this only once. singles for the third time beating Landry and Gibbs both had comfor­ Kath Fisher 18 and 19 in the final, section. The Cheshire II team is due JUNR. 3D - The Kent II versus table semi-final wins over David for relegation. Berks II result is not available at the the women's consolation being won Tan and Ram Bhalla to set up the SENR. 3D - Somerset undefeated time of writing. A draw would give by Lesley Popkiewicz in a good set final which was a real thriller with and top of the table. They had two Kent the title. Leading counties hav­ with Gill Squier. Gibbs trailing 15-20 in the third he players with 100% singles records ­ ing second teams in the top three Laurie Landry and Mrs. Symes served well and drew back to 20 all Rebecca Russe and R. Wetherby. places makes promotion from this took the mixed for the fourth time before winning 23-21. The men's Dorset II had a 7-3 win over Worcs section a non-starter. Herts, with beating first timer Gary Spencer and consolation was won by John Payne II to leave Worcs as relegation just one point, are left at the bot­ Sally Raymond. Mary made it a hat­ who defeated last minute local en­ candidates. tom end. trick in winning the women's try Tim Boucher. 18 ICounty Table Tennis Championships FINAL TABLES

SENIORS SENIORS VETERANS Premier Division P WL FAP Division 48 P WD L F A P Premier Division P W L F A P Middlesex 7 7 o 53 10 14 Glamorgan 5 5 0 o 41 910 Cheshire 7 6 1 44 19 12 Hampshire 11 5 3 1 1 30 20 7 Lancashire 7 5 2 39 24 10 Sussex 7 5 2 41 22 10 ~liyshire Somerset 11 ,5 2 2 1 32 18 6 7 5 2 32 31 10"" Herefordshire 5 1 2 2 22 28 4 Lincolnshire 7 4 3 34 29 8 Surrey 7 4 3 31 32 8 Isle of Wight 5 0 2 3 13 37 2 Middlesex 7 4 3 30 33 8 Yorkshire 7 3 4 32 31 6 Cornwall 11 5 0 1 4 12 38 1 Kent 7 3 4 32 31 6 Berkshire 7 3 4 29 34 6 Essex 7 3 4 27 36 6 Staffordshire 7 1 6 19 44 2 JUNIORS Worcestershire 7 2 5 21 42 4 Premier Division Hampshire 7 0 7 14 49 0 Division 2A PWD L F A P Yorkshire 7 7 0 o 65 5 14 Leicestershire 7 7 0 o 54 16 14 Lancashire 7 6 0 1 46 24 12 "Derbyshire 7 0 2 44 26 10 Yorkshire 7 1 41 29 5 3 3 9 Staffordshire 7 3 1 3 33 37 7 Division 2A Northumberland 7 4 1 2 37 33 9 Essex 7 3 0 4 32 38 6 Cheshire 11 7 6 143 20 12 Cheshire 7 3 2 2 35 35 8 Nottinghamshire 7 1 2 4 28 42 4 Hertfordshire 7 6 1 40 23 12 Worcestershire 7 2 2 3 31 39 6 Kent 7 1 1 5 24 46 3 Nottinghamshire 7 5 2 32 31 10 Glamorgan 7 0 0 7 8 62 0 Warwickshire 7 2 0 5 33 37 4 Yorkshire 7 4 3 44 19 8 Cambridgeshire 7 1 1 5 26 44 3 Essex 11 7 4 3 35 28 8 Gloucestershire 7 0 1 6 13 57 1 Division 2A Warwickshire 7 6 1 o 42 28 13 Leicestershire 7 2 5 26 37 4 Northumberland 7 1 6 16 47 2 Division 2A Yorkshire 11 7 5 1 I 54 16 11' Suffolk 7 3 2 2 37 33 8 Northamptonshire 7 0 7 16 47 0 Essex 7 5 2 o 46 24 12 Bedfordshire 7 3 2 2 35 35 8 Middlesex 11 7 5 1 1 45 25 11 Gwent 7 3 1 3 33 37 7 Devonshire 7 4 1 2 48 22 9 Cheshire 7 3 0 4 32 38 6 Division 28 Kent 7 4 1 2 41 29 9 cDerbyshire 11 7 1 1 5 24 46 3 Buckinghamshire 7 7 48 15 14 Avon 7 2 1 4 25 45 5 Staffordshire 11 7 0 0 7 23 47 0 o Surrey 7 4 3 38 25 , 8 Wiltshire 7 2 0 5 31 39 4 ,Division 28 7 4 Dorset 7 2 0 5 24 46 4 Kent 11 3 38 25 8 Devonshire 7 6 1 o 54 16 13 Surrey 11 7 1 0 620 50 2 Berkshire 7 4 3 36 27 8 Essex 11 7 5 0 2 37 33 10 Middlesex 11 7 4 3 30 33 8 Middlesex 7 3 3 1 39 31 9 Division 3A Sussex 7 3 1 3 34 36 7 Dorset 7 3 4 29 34 6 Wiltshire 7 2 5 27 36 4 Lancashire 11 5 4 1 o 30 20 9 Surrey 7 3 0 4 36 34 6 Hampshire 11 7 0 7 6 57 0 Nottinghamshire 5 3 1 1 28 22 7 Hertfordshire 7 2 1 428 42 5 Cornwall 7 1 2 4 28 42 4 Warwickshire 11 5 3 0 2 29 21 6 Berkshire 7 0 2 5 24 46 2 Clwyd 5 2 0 3 26 24 4 Division 3A Lincolnshire 5 2 0 3 24 26 4 Division 3A Yorkshire 11 5 5 37 8 10 Cheshire 11 5 0 0 5 13 37 0 Lancashire 11 7 6 1 o 53 17 13 o Lincolnshire 7 5 0 2 43 27 10 Norfolk 5 3 2 27 18 6 Division 38 Cumbria 7 4 1 2 40 30 9 Cheshire III 5 3 2 19 26 6 Somerset 5 5 0 o 42 8 10 Leicestershire 7 3 1 3 33 37 7 Huntingdonshire 5 2 3 20 25 4 Durham 7 3 1 3 29 41 7 Devonshire 11 5 4 0 1 32 18 8 Lancashire 5 1 4 18 27 2 Northumberland 7 3 0 4 30 40 6 Lincolnshire 11 5 1 4 14 31 2 Avon 11 5 2 1 2 26 24 5 Cheshire 11 7 2 0 5 31 39 4 Cornwall 5 1 1 3 17 33 3 Clwyd 7 0 0 7 21 49 0 Dorset 5 1 0 4 13 37 2 Worcestershire 11 5 0 0 5 10 40 0 Division 38 Division 38 Huntindonshire 7 7 0 o 58 12 14 Warwickshire 6 6 o 45 9 12 Division 3C Cambridgeshire 7 5 1 1 45 25 11 Huntingdonshire 11 6 5 1 33 2110 Northamptonshire 7 4 2 1 45 25 10 Buckinghamshire 11 6 3 3 25 29 6 Suffolk 5 5 0 o 38 12 10 Norfolk 7 3 2 2 40 30 8 Berkshire IV 3 23 31 Northamptonshire 5 4 0 1 30 20 8 Oxfordshire 7 3 1 3 36 34 7 6 3 6 Essex 11 5 2 0 3 23 27 4 Huntingdonshire 11 7 2 0 5 22 48 4 Hertfordshire III 6 2 4 28 26 4 Norfolk 5 1 1 3 22 28 3 Norfolk 11 7 1 0 6 21 49 2 Bedfordshire 6 I 5 21 33 2 Cambridgeshire 11 5 1 1 3 21 29 3 Cambridgeshire 11 7 0 0 7 13 57 0 Herefordshire 6 1 5 1440 2 Bedfordshire 5 1 0 4 16 34 2 Division 3C Division 3D Somerset 8 7 1 o 5426 15 Division 3C Gloucestershire 8 6 2 o 50 30 14 Sussex 11 5 4 1 o 39 11 9 Wiltshire 8 5 1 2 50 30 11 Sussex 11 5 4 1 31 14 8 Hampshire 5 3 0 2 28 22 6 Avon 8 4 2 2463410 Hertfordshire 11 5 3 2 25 20 6 Buckinghamshire 5 2 1 2 27 23 5 Worcestershire 8 3 2 3 40 40 8 Essex III 5 3 2 23 22 6 Hertfordshire 5 2 1 2 24 26 5 Hampshire 8 2 2 434466 Oxfordshire 5 2 3 23 22 4 Oxfordshire 5 1 1 3 18 32 3 Dorset 8 1 1 6 32 48 3 Berkshire III 5 2 3 19 26 4 Berkshire 11 5 1 0 4 14 36 2 Warwickshire 11 8 I 1 6 31 49 3 Cornwall 11 8 0 2 6 2357 2 Wiltshire 11 5 I 4 14 31 2 Division 4A Division 3D Leicestershire 11 6 6 0 o 47 13 12 Kent 11 7 6 b 1 49 2112 Division 3D Essex III 6 3 0 3 32 2~ 6 Surrey 11 7 5 1 1 442611 Sussex III 5 5 o 37 8 10 Huntingdonshire 6 3 0 3 28 32 6 Middlesex 11 7 5 0 249 21 10 Surrey 11 5 3 2 27 18 6 Kent 11 6 3 0 3 27 33 6 Essex III 7 3 2 2 36 34 8 Sussex 11 7 2' 2 3 29 41 Berkshire 11 5 3 2 25 20 6 Northamptonshire 11 6 2 0 4 20 40 4 6 Berkshire 11 7 1 2 4 29 41 4 Dorset 11 5 2 3 18 27 4 Suffolk 11 6 1 1 4 19 41 3 Buckinghamshire 7 I 2 4 25 45 4 Avon 5 I 4 18 27 2 Bedfordshire 11 6 0 1 5 17 43 1 Hertfordshire 11 7 0 1 619 51 1 Hertfordshire IV 5 1 4 10 35 2 19 ICounties 1

CORNWALL BERKSHIRE CUMBRIA Jeremy Williams Bob Adams Colin Taylor

ENTRIES were slightly down on - 13, 7. Mens doubles: J WITH the league season all but IN the Cumbria closed tournament last season when the 1986/87 Cor­ WilliamslJ Bassett b G ReedlM over, results still to come in for the John Backhouse (Barrow) gave a nish Closed was held at Penzance James -16,17,16. Ladies doubles: remaining week look like having lit­ flawless performance and deservedly over the weekend March 21st and C Rowe/E Stevenson b B RapseylG tle effect on the final placings in the remained unbeaten throughout the 22nd. The Cornish Closed, normally Davey 16, 20. Mixed doubles: C Bracknell League. In the premier day to take home four titles. A close dominated by players from West RowelM Rowe b I James/E Steven­ division it was almost a "no con­ second however was the showing of test" right from the start, with title Cornwall took a sharp turn around son 11, -18,13. Veteran singles: J a potential superstar in the shape of holders Woodley A opening the this season. Launceston and District Bassett b M White (Truro) 9, 14. Jonathan Lowes (Barrow) who was season with a 10-0 win over newly League players clinched ten of the Boys singles: N Bevan b A Bevan victorious in three finals and runner­ promoted Met Office A, a pattern fourteen titles in what must go down 18, 26. Girls singles: T Logg up to John Backhouse in another. which was to continue throughout as the most remarkable tournament (Launceston) b R Plummer (St Ives) the season as the young Woodley Inevitable in its 35 year history. Most of the 17, - 11, 19. Cadet boys singles: N stars Keith Hodder, Graham Kemp credit however must go to Bude's Bevan b N Martin (St Austell). The Backhouse haul of trophies and Paul Savins went on to amass Cadet girls singles: R Plummer b R were men's singles, at the expense Neil Bevan who won five of the ten over 200 points from their 22 mat­ Boon (Camborne) 11, 14. V12 boys of Andrew Pachul (Barrow), junior titles and at 13 years old became ches, believed to be the first time the singles: S Barrett (Bude) b S boys' singles, men's doubles and the easily. the youngest men's singles "200 barrier" has been surpassed in winner Cornwall has ever had. To Baverstock (Launceston) 8,17. V12 junior doubles. Both doubles were girls singles: R Boon b A Cahill the 30-year history of the league. round off the weekend Bevan also partnered with Jonathan Lowes. (Camborne) 6, 9. Junior doubles: N A further measure of their creamed off the intermediate (under Jonathan's other title was an in­ BevanlA Bevan b N MartiniJ supremacy over all comers is the 21) singles, the junior boys' singles, evitable under 14 singles victory over Menzel (Camborne) 14, 14. astonishing result that Woodley the junior boys' doubles and the M. Harkness (Carlisle). Following the County Closed have, in their clashes with two time cadet boys' singles. But it was the runners-up ICL A, been 1<>-0 victors championships, the latest Lentec Three in a row men's singles that aroused the in­ county computer print-out has been on all four occasions. Fortunately, terest of the many present which released with bonus points galore in the interests of competition, the Julie McLean (Carlisle) was promi­ Neil Bevan won without the loss of for those that did well at the Clos­ scene at the bottom of the premier nent in the ladies events with two an end. In fact, only Keith James ed. Latest leading positions: was a much more closely contested wins out of three final appearances. (Falmouth) put up any real affair. With only one week to go, A very good win over Karenf 1. N Bevan (Bude) 471 resistance but even his game broke Racal A looked sure of occupying Backhouse (Barrow) in the ladies 2. J. Bassett (St Ives) 400 up badly in the second end, as did one relegation spot, with Met Office singles was added to with the mix­ 3. G. Reed (Falmouth) 370 the wooden screens that he took an A and SSV A on equal points ed doubles title partnered with 4. J. Williams (Falmouth) 363 instant dislike to. Meanwhile, in the fighting to avoid the other. Here Roger Stewart (C). 5. K. James (Falmouth) 339 other half of the draw, the perfor­ Met Office took a gamble by bring­ Karen Backhouse and Karen 6. M. Peters (Falmouth) 332 mances turned out from Ian James ing in their on form B team player Griffiths (Barrow) seem to think the 7. K. Stevenson (Bude) 318 (Met Police) were largely over­ Chris Kilsby to replace the establish­ ladies doubles trophy is theirs to 8. R. Jacobs (Truro) 314 shadowed by the achievements of ed Peter Read, who had gone down keep after three wins in a row. 9. A. Hunt (Launceston) 313 Neil Bevan. But James, an ex­ with mumps. The result? Chris, Sarah Langstaff (Westmorland) 10. A. Bevan (Bude) 298 playing for the first time ever in the beat her league colleague Jeanette Penzance player was having his best 11. M. James (Camborne) 290 premier, took the necessary two Bannister in the junior singles final. tournament for ten years eliminating 12. M. Bawden (Launceston) 274 both Graham Reed (Falmouth) and points from a strong Camberley side Alan Fay (Barrow) gained his first 13. M. White (Truro) 257 county veteran's title at the cost of John Bassett (St Ives) for the first 14. M. Rowe (Holsworthy) 255 to keep the weathermen up in the stratospheric heights of the premier Eddie O'Hara (Barrow). time to reach his first final for six 15. B. Cornelius (St. Austell) 246 years. However, despite all this, he division. In division 1 KWC B finished well Close finishes couldn't prevent number 8 seed Cornish Senior Knock-out - Semi­ clear of second placed Wokingham Bevan promptly winning a two finals: Camborne A 5, St Anstell­ The Carlisle League looks set for E (yes E!) with Ron Ellison having straight final in blistering fashion. Slades AI; Bude Central wlo ver­ some very close finishes at the end a great year before departing for the sus Falmouth Docks A and St Ives of the season. In division one leaders Midlands for the 1987/88 season. Struggled (both disqualified). News experienced defeat for the first Royal Ascot A and B as predicted Few titles were retained and the time against a Royal Oak team who in the January County Notes women's singles was no exception. Cornish Inter-Town League are now back in the hunt. Reigning qualified for their knighthoods by champions SC Spartans currently lie Esme Stevenson (Bude) was ex­ The final playoff in this season's taking the division 2 and 3 titles. The in second place. Their only defeat pected to retain her title with ease Cornish Inter-Town League looks runners-up deserve special mention so far has been at the hands of News but struggled all day and was just certain to be contested 'between here, Priestwood for achieving this with a 4-6 scoreline. The average pipped in the final by a Devonian. Bude and Falmouth. The two towns position despite a chaotic period ear­ Cara Rowe (Holsworthy) who plays met recently when the home team, table is also very close with Julie ly in the season where through no McLean leading Roger Stewart by in the Launceston League was the Bude, roared on by a large crowd fault of their own, they went four a one percent margin. delighted victor after a gritty could have taken advantage of a weeks without a match, and P. In division two, SC Straits and In­ performance. weakened Falmouth team. They Clegg in contributing mightily to the failed, however, and Falmouth firmary A are having a great tussle second place of Broadmoor B, by for supremacy. Straits currently lead Results emerged 6-2 winners with notable only losing one match in the entire wins for Graham Reed and Malcolm on sets average, their only defeat so Mens singles - Quarter-finals: N season. far was a 3-7 loss against Infirmary Bevan (Bude) b J Williams Peters both over Neil Bevan, and Neville Reed over Andrew Bevan. A. (Falmouth) 16, 13; K James Voted Third placed SS Stars cannot be (Falmouth) b A Bevan (Bude) - 16, The remaining six teams lie a long way adrift. The Bracknell Committee have also discounted from the race having on­ 19, 20; I James (Met Police) b G voted on their individual trophies. ly lost one match so far. Stephen Reed (Falmouth) 19, 22; J Bassett PWDLFAP Congratulations are due to Keith Temple is favourite for the averages (St Ives) b A Hunt (Launceston) Falmouth I 6 6 0 0 41 7 12 Hodder for the William Hill Sport­ title with only two losses out of 30 - 20, 7, 17. Semi-finals: Bevan b K Bude 5 4 0 1 26 14 8 smanship trophy, to Jim Hodder sets. Infirmary A colleagues P. James 18, 13; I James b J Bassett Camborne 640224248 (John Stickland Shield for services Devlin and Doug Baty lie in second 19, - 16, 16. Final: Bevan b I James Launceston 5 3 1 1 28 12 7 to league and club), and to Stuart and third place respectively. 8, 18. Ladies singles: CRowe Truro 620424244 Cockerill (Youth Cup) for persever­ Divison three favourites are (Holsworthy) b E Stevenson (Bude) Falmouth II 6 2 0 4 19 29 4 ing against seemingly superior Salvation Army ably led by Ray­ 14, 20. Intermediate singles: N St Ives 5 1 1 3 18 22 3 players in inter-town matches finally mond Steel who has lost only once Bevan b M James (Camborne) 19, Helston 7 0 0 7 4 52 0 to triumph in his last match. in 30 sets. 20 ICounties 2 DORSET DERBYSHIRE GLOUCESTERSHIRE ISLE OF WIGHT Martin Hughes Malcolm Allsop AIj Pepperd Brian Lamerton

County Championships AN excellent team performance at THIS being the final report of the COUNTY Championship-wise our The senior second team have been the senior premier weekend saw season it is seemingly only apparent last two matches are best glossed unable to field a regular team this Derbyshire gain three victories for that finals nights and such like has over. A 10 sets to love defeat was season, using ten players in the four a final position of third, despite the to be the order of the day. our reward for travelling to matches played, and this has been absence of Alan Cooke and Kerry As expected the strong Rudford Somerset and only Ralph Duke was a contributory factor in their poor Hall. team of Darren Griffin, Steve able to win a set in the final match results so far; but they achieved their A mature performance by Moreman, Martyn Lane and when we entertained Glamorgan, at first victory recently when two Bradley Billington, a rejuvenated Richard Pepperd clinched "The the conclusion of which the visitors players made their senior county Jackie Billington, and vital victories Providence Capital County Premier debuts. Dave Sharples and Debbie broke open the champagne - so at from Martin Kinsella and Philip League Championship," by a clear Applin came into the team for the least we made somebody happy! Vickers swung three 5-4 results out margin of some 20 points, match against Worcestershire way - thank you Berkshire! The Island championships were a seconds and both of them con­ Cheltenham came second and the triumph for the seeding committee Matlock I clinched division one of CEGB third, many thanks to John tributed to an excellent 7-3 victory. and for past winners. Seeds 1-4 all the County Inter-Town League with Smith of Cheltenham for his work Dave Sharples won one of his singles reached their rightful semi-final and Debbie Applin, who is still a a 9-1 victory over Burton I, with this season as chairman of this positions in the men's and ladies' junior, won her singles and combin­ Eastwood and Derby fighting out a league. singles events before Roger Hookey ed with Jean Smith to win the ladies 5-5 draw. Table tennis in Gloucester City is doubles - 22, 17, 21. In division two Burton II retain indeed not lacking for spectator en­ (Sandown) and Sharon Urry The two regulars in the team, top position with a 7-3 win over thusiasm at the cities finals night (Rookley) emerged to retain their Martin Hughes and Terry Glennon, Buxton, with Chesterfield and there was at least 170 people present, titles. Hookey with a 16, 18 final both won their two singles but lost Matlock II fighting out a 5-5 draw. far more indeed than I have seen for win over Chris Angus and Miss Mick Thorley led Matlock their 1000/0 record in the men's several years, the County Nol Dar­ Urry, who completed a junior/ doubles this season, going down veterans to a 7-3 win over Burton ren Griffin won the open singles by senior double defeating Joy Batten - 12, - 17 to Lewis Siket and Paul which included the first veteran beating Steve Moreman 14,6, 19 in 19, 12. Garner. defeat for Mick Fisher. the final. Griffin has now won this Roger Hookey combined with Mike Turner to win the men's Schildkrot British League title a total of five times. Convincing doubles. The unseeded Pauline Jolliffe Poole played their final fix­ The junior singles U17 went to In the junior division, Andrew Peach and Joy Batten are the ladies ture of the season on 5 April when Dale Saunders the County Nol Grimmet, ,Penny Codren and junior who had very little trouble in doubles champions and Miss Batten their opponents were Opella Amanda Dawkins representing Der­ Leominster. The two teams went in­ beating Andrew Harris 9, 6. added to her trophies when in her by were too strong for Chesterfield to the match in second and third The veterans singles was retained third final of the day she won the place in the third division west, with and gained a convincing 10-0 by Peter Wood of the CEGB who mixed doubles in partnership with the same number of league points, victory. beat John Fannin (Rudford) 15, 18. league secretary Keith Taylor. and both teams were looking for The Eastwood League champion­ This particular championship con­ Winner of the consolation event ships were held at the Greasley victory to secure the runners-up sisted of several long rallies and was ex-Portsmouth administrator Sports Centre. The tables were ex­ place and the £250 prize money. much considerable thought by both Ian Wright (who wants consolation cellent and the playing standard Jolliffe Poole won the day with a 'players a joy to watch in this day when living in the Isle of Wight!). memorable 6-2 victory which was a shone brightly under the yellow and age of short rallies and bicycle Sandown A have retained the reverse of the first half result. lights. glue. Island first division championship The first two games were the most The senior events were dominated The open doubles event held us significant of the match, and both by the Rolls Royce Raiders with Tim with a 100% return from 20 mat­ all spellbound, indeed it was a of them went to Jolliffe Poole by Sheppard in brilliant form to defeat ches. Leading first division player triumph for age and experience ver­ narrow margins. Barry Taylor in the senior singles, was Sandown Bs Steve Harris who sus youth. Old timers Bryan Mer­ Tony Clayton was first to the but Barry gained revenge in the twice fell to Keith Taylor but rett and Roy Morley beat William table, and was up against Darren doubles when combining with Clive defeated everybody else. Dawe and Sylvester Callum -16, Griffin who has rocketed up the Spate to defeat Adrian Weightman 21, 16, all hail from the Gordon England rankings. Griffin was the and Tim in the best set of the League club. victor in the first half fixture but on tournament. Trophy shared this occasion Clayton had his After being the RU for so many The B sides of Wroxall and Newport revenge as he won a nailbiting match years, Heather Colwill, the counties Results Vics finished their second division - 21, 17, 15 to set Jolliffe Poole on No.2, eventually won the ladies campaign with identical records and their way. Senior singles - Semi-finals: Tim singles with a stirling 16, 11, two Hakan Sigrell then faced Mark Sheppard (RR Raiders) b Clive straight victory against Judy with both teams promoted they have Owen and won -22, 18, 11 after Spate (RR Raiders) 10, 14; Barry Morley, this is the very first time decided to share the trophy. surviving two match points. From Taylor (RR Raiders) b Adrian that Miss Colwill has won the City Traditionally the end of the winer this point on Opella Leominster ap­ Weightman (Micro) 6, 18. Final: ladies singles. season is taken over by the various peared to lose their way and were Sheppard b Taylor 15, -18, 8. cup competitions all of which are 6-0 down before pulling back the Senior doubles: C Spate/B Taylor always very well supported. final two games to regain some Curriculum b T Sheppard/A Weightman -18, The Knowles handicap com­ respectibility. However one very worthy aspect of 13, 19. Veteran singles: Malcolm petiton was won by Wroxall whose news has just come my way, the Allsop b Barrie Woodcock 13, 14. hero was Alan Hulbert with a hat Poole Closed Gloucestershire County Council in I hear that Gary Knights retain­ trick in the five sets to three defeat The Poole Closed was sponsored ed his men's singles title in the Bur­ direct conjunction with the govern­ of Cowes High School. Dave this year for the first time, the ton Championships }Vith victory in ing aspects of several sporting and Hilliam, ably supported by Joe Daly Bournemouth and Poole Express the final over Nigel Adams - but governing bodies are organising newspaper being the sponsor, have received no report upon the what is termed "The first Glo'shire and Sandy Stritton, was unbeaten negotiated by Dorset TTA chairman rest of the tournament. School of Sport," and among the when Shanklin defeated Plessey in Don Robinson. In the Derby League, St Andrews many sports that are listed table ten­ the final of the Peach Cup (a levels The men's singles saw the top have retained the premier division nis is on the curriculum. competition in which each team's four seeds reach their allotted places composition is restricted to a max­ in the semi-finals where Tony title, ahead of YMCA II, Castle I am further informed that bet­ imum combined average from the Clayton (1) defeated Terry Glennon Donington I and Lancaster II. ween the 13th and 16th of April six (4) and John Robinson (2) defeated Belper Sports Centre I return to girls and ten boys have been selected previous season). Mark Stevens and Martin Hughes (3). In a final full of the premier after convincingly win­ for a series of coaching sessions with Richard Skinner, disappointed good rallies, Tony Clayton triumph­ ning division one; and YMCA III Nicky Jarvis and Kevin Satchell in runners-up in the Knowles Cup car­ ed to confirm his number one rank­ continue their climb up the divisions charge at Chosen Hill School at ried Cowes High School to success ing status in two straight games, 12, after winning the division two Churchdown, near Gloucester. This in the 2 player a side county press 14. championship. cannot be bad can it? tournament. 21 ICounties 3

The Byker Newcastle second Junior boys singles: Tom Cutler In the Inter-Town competitions NORTHUMBERLAND team, after struggling for most of beat Phillip Szekeres - 14, 12, 8. Grimsby's ladies have already won the season, picked up with an ex­ Junior girls singles: (Final group) the Butlin Cup, dropping only one Pauline Long cellent 7-1 win away to Sincil Lin­ Rebecca Fisher was the winner, with point to Grantham II. For Grimsby coln. Fred Short dropping the only Sara Williams as runner-up. Junior Connie Moran won all her singles THE lowest-ever total of 39 players set. This was followed by a boys doubles: Tom Cutler and and doubles, supported by Elaine contested the county senior closed creditable 4-4 draw at home to Chan Phillip Szekeres b Matthew Boon Blastland, Pauline Jacklin, Sharon tournament on April 4 at Scotswood Construction II, the sets being won and Sean Homer - 19, 16,6. Junior Harvey and M Lilley. Runners-up Sports Centre. by Michael Thomas (2) and Short girls doubles: Sandy Lynes and were Louth (Kath Fisher, Sue Newly-ranked No.1 Eddie Smith, and Peter Whiteman (I each). These Rebecca Fisher b Sara Williams and Allison, Kerry Allison) who pipped who had earlier struggled against results show a great improvement in Georgina Matthews 18, 18. Mixed Grantham I (Joanne Craik, Joanne Neil McMaster in his semi-final, the team performances during the doubles: Phillip Szekeres and Sara Mole, Cathy Bryan, Ginny Dixon). won the men's singles title for the second half of the season. Williams b Tom Cutler and Lynne For Mablethorpe, county ladies first time. He defeated fellow left­ Moore 7, -13, 13. champion Beryl Voss had the hander Ian Robertson in an ex­ Our thanks go to the London distinction of winning all her 15 tremely absorbing final, the latter Borough of Brent and Brent Table singles, two straight. having already made his mark in the MIDDLESEX Tennis Club for allowing us to use other semi-final by putting out their 'accommodation and equip­ defending champion Peter Iris Moss ment, to the "mums and dads" who McQueen. provided the refreshments and to LEICESTERSHIRE Clare Mouzon once again ONCE again we have pleasure in of­ the umpires for keeping the ball demonstrated how far she is ahead fering our congratulations and rolling. Terry Bown of the rest of her field when she re­ thanks to our first team for winn­ tained her women's singles title ing the County Championships for THE Byron Roofing and Cladding the 6th year in succession. Len without a great deal of trouble. Ltd. Senior Leicestershire Closed Pilditch had some worries over the LINCOLNSHIRE Championships took place at the second weekend as Nigel and Lesley Hinckley Leisure Centre on March Results Tyler had to play in the Gwent Open Chris Bryan 22nd with a much reduced entry. Mens singles - Semi-finals: Smith b. on the Saturday and Angela Mit­ The low entry, probably was mainly McMaster - 14, IS, 18; Robertson chell had an engagement on the Sun­ THE County Junior Champion­ due to the Leicester League's own b McQueen 17, 14. Final: Smith b day, but with the co-operation and ships were played at Grantham on Closed Championships being stag­ Robertson 12, -14, 19. Womens good play of our team we managed January IIth, with 65 players turn­ ed the week previous, caused serious singles: Clare Mouzon b Caron to pull it off without losing a match. ing out on the day despite the grim concern to the organisers but Guthrie 15, II. Veterans singles: The loyalty of our players is much weather conditions and some hopefully this will be remedied next Fred Short b Gordon Bissett -19, appreciated by us all. absences because of impending season. Nevertheless, we must thank 14, 13. Mens doubles: Our special roll of honour of school exams. Although most of the Mike Holt for organising the event McQueen/Robertson b Smith/Peter players who have represented the top seeds rcached the semi-final - which incidently ran in tandem Whiteman 14, 15. Womens doubles: county on 100 occasions or more stages, many of the No. I seeds with the Hinckley League's own Mouzon/Pauline Long b has now been increased to five, with finished as runners-up. Lee Robin­ Closed Championships - at all. Guthrie/Christine Burke -17, 18, Angela Mitchell and Alan Lindsay son beat the top two seeds on his Thanks also go to our National 15. Mixed doubles: Robert­ joining the three already there, way to victory in the Boys VIS referee, Mr Geoff Taylor who ex­ Diane Scholer (Rowe), Laurie Lan­ son/Guthrie b McQueen/Mouzon event, overtaking Neil Smith (who pertly took charge of both events. dry and Mitchell. And to think that -15, 17, 12. Individual handicap had his revenge in the mixed class The event itself produced many fine I remember them all as juniors! (premier Div. 1): Keith Bibby (+ 14) event) and then Matthew Warren in matches, in fact too many to men­ the final. In the corresponding girls tion them all in this column but, the b Bob Dodds (+ 12) 20, 15. In­ (Sufficient dividual handicap (Div. 2-4): Phil event Sally Johnson, the No. I seed, Mens Singles clash between Keith Robson ( + 8) b Barry ·Forster (scr) Although the entry for the Mid­ lost out in three close games to Jean­ Fellows and Martin Pickles was par­ 17, 14. dlesex Junior Closed Champion­ nette Baxter. The Girls VI7 final ticularly exciting as was the Simon ships was not as good as it has been The veterans' representative side brought together old adversaries Griew v Graham Hughes match. At in previous years, it was sufficient went out of their team competition Helen Stephens and Joanne Mole, the end of the day, Chris Rogers to make it worth while holding the with Helen scoring her first victory when they lost 1-5 at home to won the Men's Singles. Sister Karen event at Aylestone School over the over Joanne at this level. Jason Wakefield, Fred Short winning the won the Women's, David Grundy weekend of 21st and 22nd March. Williams, another top seed, had to only set. The remaining county mat­ won the Intermediate's. Simon The total entry amounted to 73, a fight all the way against Jonathan ches involving the seniors v Griew and Keith Fellows took the drop of almost exactly the number Rowson in the closest final of the Leicestershire (1-9), the juniors v Men's Doubles Crciwn whilst Chris entered last year by one of our most day, the Boys V 17, scraping home teamed up with Karen to win the Lincolnshire (3-7) and Cumbria dedicated coaches, who this year at deuce in the third. (4-6), and the veterans v Yorkshire Mixed Doubles. Results: MS: Chris decided he would only enter those Rogers b Dave Gannon 6, II. WS: (1-8) were all lost. The outstanding who paid their fees to him before tQe Results Karen Smith b Julie Revill 16, 12; senior match v Cheshire, originally event, and in consequence entered IS: David Grundy b Ian Brown 16, postponed because of weather con­ only three, instead of his usual Boys U17: J Williams (Lincoln) b J 21; MD: Simon Griew/Keith ditions, had not been played at the 35-40. One wonders how much he Rowson (Scunthorpe) -17,12,20. Girls U17: H Stephens (Grantham) Fellows b Chris Rogers/Martin time of writing and is currently has been out of pocket in past years! b J Mole (Grantham) 13, - 12, 12. Pickles 17, 19; XD:. Chris awaiting the administrators' In order to give groups of four Boys U15: L Robinson b M Warren Rogers/Karen Smith bSimon decision. where' possible, with the cadets (Grantham) -16, 19, II. Girls U15: Griew/Julie Revill 8, II. It has certainly been an eventful events on the Saturday and the J Baxter (Grantham) b S Johnson Harold Clark has successfully time for 12-year-old Barry Forster junior events on the Sunday. (Lincoln) 16, - 22, 18. Boys U13: restored respectability to the Rose (Blaydon YC). He made his county Thanks to Doris Moors, the referee, and her assistant, Alan Harwood, M King (Grantham) b T Pexton Johnson Bowl handicap competi­ junio debut away to Lincolnshire (Grantham) 16, 13. Girls U13: C tion. The semi-finals saw Knighton and won both his singles as well as everything ran very smoothly with early finishing on both days. Challis (Grantham) b A Durrands Park, with a +92 pt advantage, the doubles with Stephen Coverdale. The winners and runners-up for (Grantham) - 22, 11,4. Boys U11: prove too strong for Hogg Robin­ Not content with that, he took the each event were: Cadet boys singles: D Stokes (Grantham) b M Wallhead son despite Bob Norman's effort. VI2 singles title in both the North David Baker b Damien Abrahams (Boston) 5, 14. Girls U11: N Mass­ The other semi-final was between Yorkshire and Derbyshire open 12, 12. Cadet girls singles: (Group ingham (Grantham) b L Stokes Byron Roofing and Electricity. tournaments, and has now gained of 4) Sara Williams won with Lisa (Grantham) 13, 19. Boys doubles: Byron, with a 76 pt start added to international recognition by being Jackson as runner-up. Cadet boys Warren/N Smith (Lincoln) b the maximum 84 pts won by selected for an VI2 Jill Hammersley doubles: David Baker and Bradley Williams/Rowson 18, 19. Girls Graham Taylor, were too strong for Foundation representative match in Matthews beat Mark Williams and doubles: Mole/Stephens b Baxter/C Electricity although Derek Bunting Luxembourg. Congratulations are Sam Henley 13, 19. Cadet girls May (Grantham) 19, 16. Mixed and Keith Toynton performed ad­ due to Barry on these remarkable doubles: (Only 2 pairs) won by Sara class: Smith b Robinson 17, - 18, mirably. Final: Byron Roofing achievements so early in his career. Williams and Georgina Matthews. 14. ( + 76) 339 b Knighton Park 275. 22 ICounties 4

Results her three year lay-off to claim the OXFORDSHIRE Mens singles - Semi-finals: P Jones honours. STAFFORDSHIRE b N Swift 17, 16; S Joyner b A Kimbell gained revenge in the Matthew O'Flynn Chilvers 15, 11. Final: P Jones b S doubles, teaming up with Anne Jack Chalkley Joyner 15, 18. Ladies singles: B Lee Nicoll to make it four titles in a row, THE Oxfordshire Closed County b E Harrison 18, 12. Intermediate this time at the expense of Johnston IT is with sadness that I report the Championships took place at the singles: S Joyner b D O'Flynn 11, and Cox, while Cox suffered further premature death of John Carter. Redefield Sports Centre in 18. Veterans singles: D Harse b A disappointment in the mixed, when John was the president of the West February. Despite several ex­ Davies 17, -19, 18. Mens doubles: with Steve Brown she went down in Bromwich League but he will be periments and changes to the format C Morris/P Jones b K Bushell/N the final to brother and sister com­ known to a much wider table ten­ the event still failed to achieve the Swift 12, 17. Ladies doubles: C bination Keith Nicoll and Johnston, nis circle as the donor of the Carter support that such a tournament Singleton/M Thompson b P Nicoll's powerful hitting finally pro­ Cup, the junior boys inter-league should receive. However, the tour­ Allan/M Abbot 5, 9. Mixed ving too much for Brown's superb competition. John was only 48 when doubles: N Abbott/C Singleton b C nament did not lack excitement or defence. he died. He was married with two Morris/E Harrison 18, 16. Junior quality table tennis. McKim and Andy Trott took the children and recently became a boys: G Yates b R Giblin 21, 14. In the men's singles the perfor­ mens doubles, although they were grandfather. He was, in his day, a Junior girls: S Hughes b D Barnett fortunate to negotiate a pulsating mance of note came from the top very good player, gaining county se­ 18, - 19, 15. Cadet boys: G Yates semi-final against Mark Nannery Banbury League player, Steve cond team honours on several oc­ Joyner. Not only was this a personal b M Rose 15, 12. Cadet girls: D and Brown, before finding their best Barnett b S Hughes -18, 17, 16. form to overcome Chris Handshaw casions. Perhaps the best epitaph triumph but marked the effort made that I can report is what was said in recent years by the Banbury Under 12: M Sims b S Groves 9, 4. and Keith Nicoll, their combined Boys doubles: N Yates/G Yates b about him by one of his playing col­ Association to become more involv­ flair outweighing the losers' more R Giblin/D Rose 15, 13. Girls leagues "a most likeable fellow!"­ ed in table tennis beyond the con­ workmanlike qualities. doubles: S Hughes/D Barnett b M and obviously one who will be great­ fines of their own league. Joyner Shaw/L Shaw 9,15. Mixed doubles: ly missed. Our deepest sympathy reached the final with an honest at­ D Rose/D Barnett b S Hughes/M goes to his wife and family. tacking display against the county Rose 20, 19. HAMPSHIRE This season sees the end of our number two Arthur Chilvers which spell in the premier division of the was won in two straight sets. David Cosway county championship. We have had Similarly impressive was the a good run, and relegation was in display given by Kidlington player NORTH ANTS no way due to any lack of effort and Peter Jones. The talented natural MY last report of the season and the Dennis Millman first teams hopes of an early return enthusiasm from our current team. topspin player defeated Norman We obviously missed the contribu­ Swift in straight sets having to the second division evaporating GRAEME McKIM clinched his with the prima dona attitude of tion which Andy Bellingham gave in previously ended the hopes of top previous seasons, but now we must seed Karl Bushell. In the final the fifth successive Kettering League some of the players. I know Chris singles crown, but not until the 15 Shetler, the most dedicated of cap­ look forward to the challenge of the flair of Jones overcame the second division and the chase for workmanlike approach of Joyner. hour programme had stretched tains, was disolusioned and I hope promotion which could bring out The final was staged in the early beyond midnight, and this despite his threats of giving up the job do the best in us. The juniors easily re­ afternoon thus enabling a good the superb organisation of Phil not materialise. The veterans A tained their place in the top division, number of spectators to enjoy the Slade who was completing the se­ team were outclassed in the premier but with the inevitable cycle of worthy displays. cond leg of three successive weekend division and I hope that despite their things, we could find it hard going Neither player finished with the tournaments. veteran status they are not too old The majority of the spectators men's event. Peter Jones and his to learn from the experience! The B next year. had gone home when McKim and partner Clive Morris took the men's team make way for them by 'gain­ Tbe juniors who performed so Keith Nicoll met to do battle, but ing' relegation from the second well as a team also excelled doubles title defeating Bushell and what the final lacked in atmosphere, Swift. Steve Joyner collected the division. themselves in the county closed. The it certainly gained in sportsmanship, In the Hampshire Schools in­ tournament went outside the coun­ under 21 title beating fellow Ban­ with both players shrugging aside bury League player Dominic dividual championships a good en­ ty to the nearby Lilleshall National the tensions of an arduous day. try and Harold Albury reports that Sports Centre where excellent O'Flynn in the final. Neither McKim nor Nicoll had The closest and longest final was future prospects look good. Phillip facilities were provided without the been at their best in their semi­ Watson beat County champion fussy restraints of our previous that of the veteran singles event. It finals, but well though their respec­ was the only senior final to go to Martin Johnstone -18, 13, 17 to venue, and with willing help from tive opponents Andy Trott and win the under 19 boys singles, while three sets. David Harse was the win­ all the staff there (for which many Steve West played, the penultimate Mark Thorne beat Southampton ner 17, -19,18. The ladies singles thanks!). Craig Bakewell (pott) re­ accolade eluded them and the top Champion Jeff Giles 14 and 10 in title went to Brenda Lee from Swin­ tained his men's singles title convin­ seeds duly took their allotted places the under 16 event. Mark Shutler don who defeated Eleanor Harrison in the final. McKim took the cingly, preventing Andy Rich won the under 13 and Charles Fell (Wolv) in a three set final, from tak­ in the final. Cathy Singleton enjoyed opener, saw Nicoll level, and then the under 11. In the girls events Lisa a successful day when she equalled pulled away in the decider. ing his first title after five ap­ Rice won the under 16 and Clare the feat of Jones in taking two titles. However at the halfway stage he pearances in the final. Greg Hallam faltered and Nicoll seeing an unex­ Woodham the under 13. (pott) and Tony Isaac (Wolv) - still With partner Mary Thompson she In the inter town leagues Alder­ gained a comprehensive victory over pected opportunity clawed his way going strong - were the losing back into contention - but was too shot retained their mixed title, Port­ semi-finalists. Paddy Allan and Margaret Abbott smouth won their first title for some drained at the end of a long day to Helen Lower (Wolv) had her best in the ladies doubles. She partnered time with the mens division and take full advantage as the super-fit championship, gaining the max­ Neil Abbott to victory in the mixed Bournemouth won the veterans first doubles against Clive Morris and McKim went on to take the title yet imum of four titles - women's and again. division, Southampton B the Eleanor Harrison. second. junior girls' singles, women's and The star of the junior tournament The big disappointment of a day mixed doubles - a splendid perfor­ which saw over 370 matches played, Very little response from most was nationally ranked cadet Gavin leagues to my request for reports but mance, capped by a repeat of last Yates from Thame who collected was the non-appearance of former year's victory over Janet Dunning ladies champion Ann Lenton who apologies to Portsmouth's Owen three titles. Yates won the junior (Wolv) in the senior singles. had succumbed to flu the previous Plunkett for if I published his report boys title against Richard Giblin of Her opposite number in the evening. That should have left the in full it would take my seasons Banbury where a deuce first set pro­ way clear for the highly ranked space! Briefly therefore, Generation junior rankings, Adrian Thorp ved decisive. Unfortunately, coun­ England junior Kristina Cox, but Aces beat Cowplain Blue and Gold (Wolv), duly won the junior boys' ty number one Paul Poulter was Debbie Kimbell had other ideas, teams to the division 1 title with title but at intermediate level, forced to withdraw due to severe il­ outplaying the Rushden girl in the Graham Toole topping the averages. Stephen Slater (pott) reversed last lness during his semi-final clash with semi-final with her own brand of ac­ Colt Hurricanes won division 2, year's final result with a mature per­ Yates when the score stood at one curate play. Community Yellow division 3 and formance. Both Slater (pott) revers­ set each. Yates won the cadet boys She almost repeated that perfor­ Portsea Policethe Fourth division. ed last year's final result with a title when he beat Michael Rose. mace in the final against Jane In the Aldershot Closed, Sean mature performance. Both Slater The third of his titles was won in the Johnston, who as Jane Nicoll had Gibson beat Neil Taylor 12 and 7 in and Thorp were losing quarter­ boys doubles when he was joined by won in 1983, but after taking the the mens while Andrea Seagar beat finalists in the men's, along with his elder brother Neil. They defeated first comfortably, she fell away as Gail MacCullock - 16, 12, 10 in the Mark Evans and Stan Deakin (both David Rose and Richard Giblin. Johnston came fighting back after womens. Pott). 23 ICounties 5

veterans first team lost to Kent II His son Ray took home his se­ Final table PWDLFAP WARWICKSHIRE but the second team beat Berks. cond title when he and Jenny Neale Swindon A 550026410 In the 1st round of the veterans' Salisbury A 54012558 Jenny Heaton held on to the mixed doubles cham­ event at the Cleveland International pionship by beating Davies and Miss Swindon B 530224106 Swindon Cad 520310204 WITH one match remaining the tournament Gordon Chapman was Lee in the final .. playing Denis Neale. Having lost the Salisbury B 50053270 veterans team look pretty certain of Both Singh and Lorraine Cox promotion. Terry Bache and Ann first he was 16-17 down in the se­ picked up a hat-trick of Swindon Three Swindon players finished level cond when a ball from an adjoin­ Lloyd both have 100070 records to junior titles in their final season as on wins in the Wiltshire cadet assess­ ing table entered the court behind date. The junior A team continue on juniors. ment tournament. Alexander Col­ his opponent. With a rally in pro­ their winning ways and are still in Singh, runner-up last season, was lar, Simon White and Peter Fry all gress Gordon lobbed the ball back, line for promotion to the junior in a class of his own as he clinched recorded nine wins in the tourna­ and putting an arm up in the usual premier. the boys' under 17 singles title with ment used for ranking purposes. manner called for a let. Denis On a countback of games for and a straight games victory in the final Coventry Closed smashed the 'loose' return. The um­ against, Collar (currently ranked 3), pire, perhaps thinking that the over number two seed Martin was first, White (ranked 7) was se­ Mark Randle became men's singles 'loose' ball was in response to Edwards. cond and Fry (ranked 2) was third. champion for the first time when he Denis's shot, and not seeing the Singh teamed up with Neil defeated former champion Adrian other ball, did not call a let. To the Everden to take the boys' doubles Pilgrim in the final. The Pilgrim watching veterans, however, who and title number three came when family got their revenge in the men's SUSSEX had the best view of the incident it Singh and Lorraine eased their way doubles when Kevin and Adrian seemed clear that a let should have to victory in the mixed doubles final. defeated Mark and Ian Randle in John Woodford been called. Denis didn't respond to Lorraine brushed aside the the final. his opponent's request nor to the challenge of Melissa Potter in the Lynn Sibley retained her women's NEW Sussex champion Ritchie Ven­ spectators' response to "play the final of the girls' singles. ner of Crawley rounded off the title comfortably against junior game". He argued petulantly imply­ Claire Woodward in the final and season's activities in West Sussex by ing he agreed with the umpire. In Senior results winning the Seaman cup, the invita­ then went on to win the ladies and my opinion, however, he wasn't Men's singles - Final: Singh b tion event for the top Sussex players mixed doubles. playing in the spirit of usual Hughes 15, 9. Women's singles ­ at Burgess Hill. Warwickshire cadet champion veterans' games and any sympathy Dave Clarke won the VI5 title while Final: Miss B Lee b Miss J Neale 14, The Crawley and Horsham one might have had with his views League made it a double for D. Thomas won the V17s. 13. Veterans' singles - Final: Powell was lost by his hostile attitude to Crawley - who are now the top town b Howell 16, II. Division 2-4 singles Top 12 some of the watching veterans. Not in Sussex table tennis once again ­ a nice one - Denis! - Final: M Dams be L Godbold 19, when Sally Weston, also the reign­ Leigh Jeffries and Nicola Meddings - 8, 23. Men's doubles - Final: R ing Sussex champion won the have both qualified to take part in Powell/Singh b MOxley/Davies 18, Nicholls Cup. the gruelling cadet Top 12 competi­ -16, 18. Mixed doubles - Final: R Organiser of both events Mrs Pat tion to be held at Lilleshall in April. WILTSHIRE Powell/Miss J Neale b Davies/Miss Wales took a lot of trouble to get Good luck to them both. Lee 18, - 18, 13. a full complement of women players At the Derby Junior Select, Laurie Selby to compete in the Nicholls Cup, but Nicola won her second VI2 singles Junior results she will be disappointed that only six title defeating Kate Goodhall THE greatest show for ten years was men turned up on a glorious sum­ (Yorks) in the final and Sally Marl­ Boys' singles· Final: Singh b Ed­ staged at the Swindon table tennis wards 14, 10. Girls' singles - Final: mer's day to compete for the ing in the semi's. This was only the Seaman Cup. championships by Jasvinder Singh. Miss L Cox b Miss M Potter 7,9. second time Nicola had beaten Kate His outstanding performance in Phil Smith, Keith Horton and and the first time she had defeated Under 15 boys' singles - Final: A Robin Stace were all absentees. The the junior events earned him three Collar b P Fry 20, 18. Under 15 Sally. titles. But he saved his most men were divided into two groups. girls' singles - Final: Miss Potter b (Continued on page 25) dramatic act for the senior tourna­ The rising Horsham star Tony Mur­ Miss T Flippance II, 12. Under 13 ment when he stole the show by win­ rell made his mark again by stopp­ boys' singles - Final: A Collar b S ning another two championships. ing Elphick and ijartram. In the He put out number two seed Ray­ Fry 18, 14. Under 13 girls' singles other group Venner beat John SURREY mond Powell in a thrilling three - Final: Miss Youldon b Miss Young Thorpe and Andy Walker. game quarter-final and won for a -21, 20, 18. Junior divisional ­ In the final round Venner trium­ phed 20, 17, 12 over Murrell whilst Frank Hams semi-final clash with veteran Basil Final: P Fry b S White 17, 12. Boys' Miss Weston toppled Sheila King Thompson. doubles - Final: Everden and Singh 14, 20. MIKE KERCHER, who has been in Top seed Steve McBean was b P Fry and A Collar 19, 13. Mixed poor health recently (he looked doubles - Final: Singh and Miss Cox beaten by Ray Hughes who saved a Snookered much better at the Essex 3 star) has match point before clinching b Edwards and Miss Potter 10, 15. handed over the responsibility of victory. Sussex resident and England No.6 captaincy of the senior 1st and 2nd Hughes then defeated number Wiltshire Inter-Town League Nicky Mason was watching snooker on TV at midnight on the night of teams to Brian Garroway and David three seed Brian Powell for a place The Swindon A team of Jasvinder April 25. Hours earlier, Skylet An­ Harding respectively. So long the in the final. Singh opened up a good Singh, Martin Edwards and Mark driving force behind Surrey table lead but Hughes caught him at drew crashed into the umpire's table Powell swept aside all opposition to at Sunderland's Crowtree Leisure tennis Mike has coached many 13-13. Singh responded to the finish top of the Wiltshire inter­ players at all levels. He will continue danger signals allowing Hughes only Centre where England were losing town table tennis league. They 4-2 to China in the first match of the to be responsible for the junior two more points in that game and finished unbeaten in the competi­ tour. teams but I understand he is also then cruised the second. tion, fought out between six teams. The midnight telephone call came looking for new blood here. For any Singh picked up another title in Results: Salisbury B 2, Swindon from Don Parker the England cap­ players who need advice or coaching the men's doubles when he and Ray Cadets 4; Salisbury B 4, West Wilts tain who invited the Bexhill man to I'm sure Mike will still be around Powell beat Steve Davies and Mike 2; Salisbury A I, Swindon A 5; join the England team to replace for years to come. Oxley (junior) in a three game final. Andrew at Oldham. Mason is said At: the second Premier weekend It was the first time a Swindon Swindon B 6, Swindon Cadets 0; Swindon A 4, Swindon B 2; Swin­ to have taken 4Yz hours from Bex­ the 1st team won two and lost two. player had won five titles in the hill to Oldham, so it was fast lane This means they finished fourth Swindon championships since 1977 don B 6, West Wilts 0; Salisbury A 6, Swindon B 0; Salisbury A 6; all the way before the radar guns overall. However, there were one or when Wendy Parker served up a nap could be pointed his way. Salisbury B 0; Salisbury A 6, West two great wins, notably Max Cum­ hand. Paul Elphick (Haywards Heath) mins over 1. Souter and Glen Brenda Lee took two titles in the Wilts 0; Salisbury A 6, Swindon was the winner of the last tourna­ Baker's victory over C. Wilson. women's events which produced a Cadets 0; Swindon A 5, Swindon ment of the season in county the Mike Hammond also beat A. Dix­ small entry. Cadets 1; Salisbury B 0, Swindon A Hollington I-star. His crop of vic­ on. No luck for the 2nd team. They There were no surprises in the 6; Salisbury A 6, Swindon B 0; tims included Nicky Standen, John travelled to Avon and lost. This pro­ veterans' singles as top seed Powell Swindon Cadets 5, West Wilts 1; Thorpe, Andy Cunningham and in bably means they are relegated. The retained his title. Swindon A6, West Wilts O. the final Philip Cox of Kent. 24 ICounties 6

Division I PW D L F A Pts STAFFORDSHIRE West Brom 4 3 1 0 29 11 7 YORKSHIRE PLAYERS Walsall A 4 2 2 0 29 11 6 Jack Chalkley Potteries A 421 I 26 14 5 Rea Balmjord NEAR BOMB Stafford A 4 I 0 2 12 28 2 OUR third annual Hard Bat Tour­ Potteries B 4 0 0 4 3 36 0 THIS end of season issue seems the HORROR nament again proved popular and Division 2 appropriate place to summarize the by Francis Kennedy results of Closed Championships quite a number of players in the Wolv'pton A 4 3 32 8 7 o which have been held in the County. county are beginning to show pro­ Tamworth A 4 3 o 26 14 7 BOTH the Connacht and Leinster minence in this style of table tennis. Walsall B 4 I I 2 20 20 3 Bradford: MS Mick Stead; MD teams travelling to Newtonabbey for Particularly noticeable is the effort Stone 4 0 2 2 14 26 2 Stead - Steve Kosmowsky; LS Helen the 1987 Junior Inter-Provincial that has to be put into the game, Stafford B 4 0 1 3 8 32 1 Shields; LD Shields - Sylvia Broad­ Championships on Saturday May 2 especially when an attacking player missed the bomb blast which killed Division 3 bent; XD Richard Priestley ­ is opposed to a defender. It seems Shields; VS Arthur Lupton; 18S Lord Justice Gibson and his wife by that the attacker more often wins Tamworth B 4 3 I 0 28 12 7 less than five minutes. The Con­ Kevin Pickles; JGS Joanne nacht team arrived on the scene just but he has to have consistency (ob­ Potteries C 4 3 o I 29 11 6 Keighley. 2 I 22 18 4 after the bomb had exploded and viously) and be able to build up to Staff. Vets. 4 I Bridlington: MS Dave Cammish; LS Wolv'pton B 4 I 1 2 13 27 3 the Leinster bus, which had stopped a hitting speed to penetrate his op­ Amanda Steeley. Stafford C 4 0 4 8 32 0 at the border customs post, arrived ponent. There were some very tired o Doncaster: MS Glenn Roberts; MD just minutes later. Irish international players at the end of eight hours of Roberts - Mick Scott; LS Melanie rugby player Nigel Carr was being play in the team (James Beattie Bramhald (nee Seaton); 18S Neil tended to at the roadside as the Trophy) and individual events Simms. judges car was engulfed in flames. WARWICKSHIRE Halifax: MS Kevin Beadsley; MD Police, ambulances or fire-engines (Turner Trophy). Mark Evans (pot­ had not arrived at the horrific scene. teries) again proved his mastery of Jenny Heaton Mark Stephenson - Simon Pugh; LS Tracey Robertshaw; VS Stuart the hard bat by retaining the in­ NARROW ESCAPE Milnes; JBS Mark Whiteley. dividual title, beating a weary Steve CONGRATULATIONS to our Hull: MS John Bult; MD: Bult ­ Though their narrow escape was Dunning (Wolverhampton) in a Vets team who have won their divi­ Nicky Newton; LS Hazel Kavanagh; foremost in their minds, Connacht's good final, despite the one-sided sion and to our County 'A' team LD Ruth and Kathryn Bray; XD team of Sean Spelman, Martin O'Flaherty, Michael Kelly and Pat result. Steve had earlier figured in who have earned promotion to the Lee Hewitt - Kavanagh; VS Mick Curran went on to record their pro­ the best contest of the day when he Junior Premier Division next Farnill; JBS Ian Parker: JGS beat Craig Bakewell (potteries) 4-3 season. vinces first ever inter-provincial ti­ Kavanagh. tle in any grade since the series in a see-saw quarter final of tremen­ Further congratulations to Leigh Leeds: MS Mick Emmerson; MD Jeffries, selected to play for England begain over thirty years ago. The dous skill and quality. Detailed Emmerson - Richard Whiteley; LS western province defeated Ulster scores were 11-5, 11-9,8-11,9-11, in the Cadet Six Nations competi­ Cathy Johnson; VS Geoff Brook. 9-0, Munster 5-2 and Leinster 5-4 to 6-11, 11-4, 11-3. (We again played tion for the second year. Last year Northallerton: MS Ian Plummer; take the Junior Boys team title. best of seven sets, up to 11 points it was held in Germany but this year MD Steven Cooper - Richard Limerick's Sexton Street squad with normal deuce at 10 all). In a has switched to Holland. Scruton; VS Richard Daniel. coached by brothers Con Higgins fairly straightforward ride to the I was proud to go to the same North Yorkshire: MS Emmerson; and Gary Creevy have been making competition as one of the England MD Emmerson - Whiteley; LS Ellen a huge impact on Ireland's Under-12 final, only Dennis Davies (Stafford) scene throughout this season. Ab­ caused any trouble to Mark Evans, captains, the other being Dave Meddings; XD Emmerson - Med­ Fairholm. This added to the solute beginners last season, the lads taking 2 sets off him. dings; VS Barry Pearson; JBS Craig pleasure I already felt by captaining have been reaching the final stages Smith. of all this season's open tour­ Results: Semi-finals: M Evans b A the Jill Hammersley-Parker Foun­ Selby: MS Mick Wilcockson; MD naments, and had a very deserved Rich (Wolv) 16-14, 11-8, 11-6, 11-7; dation girls team at the English Craig Smith - Chris Nicholls; VS and satisfying win representing S Dunning b J Hancock (pott) 11-6, Junior Open in Newcastle. They Nigel Thorn; JBS Smith. Munster in the Under 12 inter­ 11-4, 11-4, 11-6. Final: Evans b provided two great opportunities to Sheffield: MS Chris Oldfield; MD provincial championships. Dunning 11-9, 11-9, 11-4, 11-4. study foreign opposition. Clive Guest - Kevin Thompson; LS All but one place on the Irish The final of the Warwickshire Lesley Longstone; LD Janet Deakin team for the European Youth In the team event, Wolverhamp­ Club Competition was fought out - Josette Ryalls; XD Guest - Ryalls; Championships in Greece were filled ton retained the James Beattie Cup between two Birmingham teams, VS Tony Hunt; JBS Oldfield. by the selectors, but finding it im­ by a very narrow margin over Pot­ Redhill and Birmingham Housing. possible to decide between Billy teries. Both teams collected 14 wins The winners were Redhill. Harrogate based Mick Emmerson Marshall (Munster), Martin took his first Leeds title beating O'Flaherty (Connacht) and Owen (out of 18) in the groups but The Warwickshire League was Molloy (Leinster) for the third spot Wolverhampton had the superior finally reduced to only three teams, defending champion Mick Stead in the final. Shortly before, Mick had on the Junior Boys team, a three sets average - 56-23 (70.9010) to 50-24 Leamington, Coventry and South way play-off was arranged to be included the North Yorkshire MS ti­ (67.6%). Walsall (12 wins, sets Birmingham. The matches were played during the Irish Junior Open tle in a triple success, and to com­ 51-34) pipped Stafford (12 wins, set played on three Sundays in April in Dublin. Marshall, almost com­ plete a fine season, he led his club 45-38) for third place, followed by and the eventual winners were South pletely recovered from a broken leg, St Georges to the Harrogate Divi­ Tamworth (7 wins), West Bromwich Birmingham. lost 19, 19 to the on-form O'Flaher­ sion 1 title. ty who was unbeaten at the previous (6), Lichfield (4) and Stone (3). Extensions to the Coventry Cen­ tre for the Disabled will be officially With everything depending on the week's inter-provincials, but beat Generally, a very good day with final match with current champions Molloy to take the reserve spot. opened on 13th June. It will have a plenty of keen, energetic Wanderers Mick came back from a O'F1aherty beat Molloy very convin­ capacity for twelve tables. competition! first game defeat and second game cingly and joins his club-mate Sean deficit against former International Spelman and Leinster's Gary COVENTRY CLOSED Confounded star Denis Neale to take the game Neilson on the team. Galway's St. Dominic's club, West Bromwich, surprise winners Mark Randle became men's singles and that all-important point. champion for the first time when he celebrating the seventh anniversary last year of the County League, Feature of the Doncaster cham­ of their founding made it a very defeated former champion Adrian again confounded the critics by re­ pionships was the tussle for the Bert lucky seventh birthday indeed when Pilgrim in the final. The Pilgrim taining the title, despite dropping a Dainty Memorial Trophy, donated their players took all seven titles at family got their revenge in the mens point to runners-up WalsalI. by his family in memory of the late the Clarenbridge Crystal Connacht doubles when Kevin and Adrian Doncaster and Yorkshire enthusiast. Championships. Sean Spelman Wolverhampton A (in the 2nd divi­ defeated Mark and Ian Randle in A point was won for each victory defeated Terry Donlan to take his sion of all places!) had a superior the final. in a maximum of four events, and first Mens Singles title and added to sets average over Tamworth A to Lynn Sibley retained her womens Glenn Roberts was soon in conten­ that the Mens Doubles (with Mar­ take the division title, but Tamworth title comfortably against junior tion with a win in the League Singles tin O'Flaherty), Mixed Doubles B re-emphasised the growing Claire Woodward in the final and over none other than Mick Dainty, (with Caroline Anderson) and the Under-21 Mens Singles. Caroline strength in their league by winning then went on to win the ladies and and further successes in the League division 3 in style. Walsall C take Anderson won her fifth Ladies mixed doubles. Doubles (with Mick Scott) and Han­ Singles title in a row, Mixed credit for having the only 100% Warwickshire cadet champion dicap Doubles (with sister Jane) Doubles, Ladies Doubles (with record in the league in topping divi­ Dave Clarke won the U15 title while took him to a 17 point tally at the Denise Spelman) and Under-21 sion 4. D. Thomas won the UI7's. end of day 1. Ladies Singles. 25 IVetts and Cleveland International VETERANS ENGLISH TABLE CLEVELAND INTERNATIONAL TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS TENNIS SOCIETY by Mike Watts DOMINANT DESMOND ENGLISH Champion Desmond Douglas dominated the Cleveland Open THE National Team Champion­ unbeaten. John Holland was also International Table Tennis Championships at Thornaby Pavilion on 28th ships has reached the Quarter Final unbeaten winning Dagenham's two & 29th March by retaining both the Mens Singles and combining with stage and the draw is as follows: sets whilst in another Southern en­ Veteran Champion Denis Neale to win the Mens Doubles. counter Henry Buist's three wins for Douglas did not have things all his own way in the Mens Singles. In the Reading v Wakefield; Hunts v North West Kent were not enough Bournemouth; North Middlesex v final, England No.6, Nicky Mason from Surrey snatched the first game to stop Crawley progressing 5-3. and led by 13-12 in the second before Douglas recovered his rhythm and Stockport; Louth v Crawley. went on to win 21-15. The decider was also close for the first 13 points as Mason led 7-6 but again Douglas's extra class showed through and the Interesting champion went on to win 21-12. In the zone finals there were a Mason did well to reach the final by beating Norwegian No. I Tommy number of interesting matches. ~ Johannssen in a close semi-final and the England NO.2 Junior Bradley Easiest winners were Wakefield who Billington of Derbyshire in the quarters. Billington provided the biggest VETEII.ANS ENGLISH shock of the tournament by defeating England NO.3 Skylet Andrew of polished off Harrogate 5-2 with TABLE TENNIS SOCIETY Cleve Judson and Les D' Arcy Essex. In the Mens Doubles, Desmond Douglas and Denis Neale quickly re­ unbeaten. Reading won at Croydon PRESIDENT 5-3 despite a Connie Warren hat­ !lAURIeE GOlDSTEIN c.lE built the understanding they enjoyed 10 years ago when they were one of trick for the losers. Nottingham Europe's top doubles pairs. They won the Mens Doubles title with a vic­ were another team to lose at home tory over the current English Champions Mason and Andrew in the final. 5-3 to Louth although again the Another close encounter saw Although the final needed the deciding game, Mason and Andrew looked losers provided the only unbeaten Hunts Central scrape home 5-4 over out classed by the greater skill of the winners. player in Alf Saunders who had Lowestoft the final game being won Neale had more trouble in retaining his Veterans Singles title. The earlier good wins 24-22 in the third over by Jim Sizer 22-20,20-22,21-17, doubles matches had taken a toll on Neale's stamina to such an extent that Brian Allison and 21-15 in the third Meanwhile tournament favourites he considered withdrawing from the Veterans after a couple of hard mat­ ches in the early stages. Persuaded to carryon, he saved two match points over Matt Sheader. Stockport won 6-0 against Bury and their team of Roger Hampson, in the deciding game of his semi-final with Ralph Gunnion and then went on to win the final against Maurice Billington of Derby in straight games. Smith unbeaten Derek Schofield and Brian Kean will take some stopping. The Womens Singles Championship was won by the English Champion, Another home loser was Swindon The National Veterans Masters Fiona Elliott who saved 4 match points in the second game of the final beaten 5-3 by Bournemouth. Trevor due to take place over the weekend against Lancashire's Joy Grundy. Smith was unbeaten in a match 23rd124th May at Bracknell has at­ Miss Grundy had hoped to take this opportunity, the first since the where five games went to three and tracted a record entry of 166 players. England Team she had been left out of had returned from the World Cham­ 'at 3 all Bournemouth clinched the Sixteen tables will be used to ensure pionships in New Delhi, to prove her point. She made a good start in this final two matches at 21-19 in the that the tournament can be com­ direction by defeating the England No. I Lisa Bellinger in the semi final third and 21-18.in the third. pleted in the two days. The Annual and looked set to complete the task by beating a second England team player North Middlesex won 5-2 against General Meeting of the Society has Fiona Elliott before the Staffordshire girls amazing second game recovery. Dagenham with Jack Bender been arranged for Sunday 21st June. Mens Singles: Final: D Douglas b N Mason -19, 15, 12. Womens Singles: Final: F Elliott (Staffordshire) b J Grundy (Lancashire) - 13, 20, 17. Mens Doubles: Final: D Douglas (England)/D Neale (Cleveland) b S Andrew (Essex)/N Mason (Surrey) 14, - 16, 15. Womens Doubles: Final: A Gordon/M Sainsbury b F Elliott/J Harris 13, 10. Veterans Singles: Final: D Neale (Cleveland) boM.Bill.itl&ton (Derbyshire) 15, n... Class Two Singles: Final: C Oldfield (Yorkshire) b M Brown (Warwickshire) 18, 12. Bannerettes Badges of all types A DATE FOR THE NEW SEASON ... Trophies Under-21 Open on September 12 IT gives me considerable pleasure once again to be sponsoring the Allied T.shirts & sweatshirts /~-:",,,''',YP' Dunbar Milton Keynes Under 21 Open Championships with increased prize money at Bletchley Leisure Centre on Saturday September 12. As a table tennis fanatic myself, I have been extremely involved and in All Club Insignia love with the sport, certainly from the time that I picked up my bat and --==:-----~.- ~( played my first competitive league match in division seven of the North ~~Jr.z;;,~, Action League - at the fairly ripe old age of sixteen! I "ce''' ' I subsequently achieved reasonable success, representing my county Mid­ dlesex around three years later, gaining my E.T.T.A. coaching certificate ~~~~~~ and in more recent years and many tournaments on, playing in and manag­ ing in the National League competition. t~~]_~"·" Sixteen years of age in today's terms, however, could be seen as a late time to start in the sport for a player who wanted to achieve greater heights, 4 and although my keeness and overwhelming enthusiasm to play and com­ rrlr'lfTt ,," /n tl / " / pete twenty-four hours a day, if possible, pushed me along, I was extremely '~lrvmll~flll v aware that there was not much around for me to gleam in the form of guidance and encouragement. Certainly, the ages from seventeen to twenty­ " Special commemarative medal struck for the one were, and probably still are extremely neglected - something I can relate !b' World championships in Birmingham, In to myself, having been caught up in the need for competition and coaching presentation box. Ideal for a trophy, £12.00 reduced to in what were very importantand formative years in my own development as a player. £2.50 each. T\l'elve only Ie/I. These days my business and family commitments have meant that I no Telephone or write for your edition of the Alec Brook longer can find the time to devote to the game. It does however give me catalogue illustrated in full colour. great pleasure to maintain my involvement in a sport that I have loved, by sponsoring this under 21 event and giving some encouragement to young ADS (LONDON) LTD (DEPT TT ) adults to maintain their interest and enthusiasm in table tennis. 49-57 HARROW ROAD WALLY MASCARENHAS LONDONW21JHi.4 ~ Financial Management Consultant Tel 01-4025671 ~I Wally Mascarenhas Telex 24652 Tieman G Representing Allied Dunbar, Parliament House, North Row, London WIR 1OL. Tel. 01-734-7244. 26 IThe Sports Aid Foundation ELEVEN YEARS £3m TRAINING GRANTS by ROY MOOR former Daily Mail staff Table Tennis reporter

SPORTS AID FOUNDAnON has been paid countless com­ of England, Northern Ireland, Trust are Adrian Metcalfe, chair­ pliments since being launched in 1976 but none greater than was Scotland and Wales having to hold man; Colin Moynihan, MP, vice given by the Prime Minister, Mrs Margaret Thatcher, during a a preliminary tournament to decide chairman; Sebastian Coe and Miss private fund-raising occasion in London. Speaking to a distinguish­ three men and two women to repre­ Anita Lonsbrough. All are public­ sent Great Britain in a European ed gathering of company executives and media Sports Editors, the ly well-known for their deep interest qualifying competition in in sport. Prime Minister said of SAF: November. From this 12 men and Seb Coe, the double Olympic gold "I think you are doing a fantastic money has been the growing six women can go forward to the medallist, frequently expresses his job .,. I'm hoping you will go from number of Olympic, World, Euro­ Games where only 54 men and 32 appreciation for the financial strength to strength. Yours is very pean and Commonwealth titles won women from the world are permit­ assistance given him by SAF in his important work and it too is part of by Britons. No fewer than 59 of Bri­ ted to play in the singles. early days and other Olympic cham­ the essential spirit of Britain." And tain's medal winners at the last pions who state publicly that they Applications the Prime Minister went on to say: Olympics in Los Angeles three years would not have achieved their "I think it very remarkable that ago had received grant aid from Competitors in non-Olympic sports Olympic triumphs without the since the Foundation began we have SAF at some time, Sebastian Coe also qualify for SAF grants but in financial back-up given them for won more and more gold medals and Daley Thompson among them. all instances applications must be their specialised training, include and we do congratulate you." For next year's Olympic Games made through the governing body swimmers David Wilkie and Dun­ in Calgary and Seoul, £1.5 million of the sport concerned. When grants can Goodhew and shooter Malcolm Talent has been put at SAP's disposal by have been allocated the money is Cooper. Sports Aid Foundation came into Minet, the international insurance sent to the governing body for being for the very purpose of help­ brokers, specifically to help likely distribution to avoid risk to the reci­ Instant lottery ing Britain's talented amateur sport­ members of Britain's teams who are pient's amateur status. Readers may wonder how the Foun­ smen and sportswomen to have a in need, to have the best possible With SAF becoming such a vital better sporting chance when oppos­ preparation between now and the organisation in British amateur dation and Trust raise their money ed to State-aided competitors in the Games. Already £810,000 of that sport, the governors reached agree­ to distribute in grants. Commerce Olympic Games and other world money has been committed because ment with the Charities Commission and industry gives support in many championships. A group of sports­ it is from now on that the hard to launch a SPORTS AID TRUST ways, notably in sponsorships link­ loving businessmen were asked by preparatory work needs to be done as an educational charity. The ed with their products or direct Denis Howell, then the Minister for to build for Olympic success. Trust's funds are used only for donations. The public also rallies Sport, to meet and discuss ways and sports people in education or who well, particularly on occasions like means of helping the best of Bri­ Potential by reason of their youth or social the London Marathon when they tain's amateurs to achieve their full Those with medal potential for and economic circumstances are in sponsor runners. But if SAF potential for these big occasions. It Calgary or Seoul are entitled to an­ need of help. depends on one source of income was agreed that funds were needed nual grants of up to £6,000 if they The executive committee of more than any other, it is the Ins­ to assist talented competitors with are in financial need. Other com­ SAF's board of governors include tant Lottery run at Tesco the cost of specialised training. So petitors likely to compete with Paul Zetter, honorary vice presi­ Superstores throughout Britain. SAF was born. distinction qualify for a four-figure dent; Sir Leslie Porter, chairman; There the chance is offered to win Since that day eleven years ago, grant and the rest of potential can­ Mrs Mary Glen Haig, vice chair­ £1 ,000 on the spot. This lottery was the Foundation has disbursed more didates up to £1,000 between now man; David Coleman; Major­ given a considerable boost recently than £3 million in training grants. and the Games. General Ian Graeme; Eddie when four Ford Fiesta cars were The reward for the Governors (all Where table tennis is concerned Kulukundis; Bill Slater and Denis added to the prize list. Not a bad honorary) responsible for raising the the situation is complicated because Thatcher. Among the trustees of the prize for a 25p outlay!

Connacht, who were in a position to field their strongest team for A MOST UNUSUAL IRISH EVENT years, were aware of an old ITTA A personal view by FRANCIS KENNEDY rule which prohibited any player from playing in the Junior Inter Pro­ THE annual Senior Inter-Provincial Championships is the most Leonard and Siri Akal. Connacht vincials later in the season if they prestigious team event in the Irish domestic calendar. It con­ selected Terry Dolan, Sean Spelman, had already played in the senior sists of a league played between teams of three men and two Alan Roughneed, Caroline Ander­ event. ladies representing the four provinces of Ulster, Leinster, Con­ son and Marion Heery, while Irish No. I junior and No. 10 Munster's team was Alan Marshall, nacht and Munster, but in the long history of the event, it is senior Sean Spelman would be af­ Seamus Flavin, Maurice Cronin, fected by this rule, so Connacht ap­ doubtful if it were ever surrounded by so much controversy and Caroline Leonard and Sandra plied to the ruling body for permis­ intrigue as this year. Hayes. sion to field Spelman in both events. To set the scene, we must go back SeanBpelman and Kevin Keane beat Their request was turned down, so in time to the Munster Open Cham­ Hilton Meneally in the final. Unavailable a very disappointed Spelman reluc­ pionships which took place in Cork Later that night the team for India Within a week, four of the original tantly opted to play with the junior on January 17th. It had been an­ was announced. It was Colum, five selected by Leinster had declared team in April. He was replaced by nounced the previous week that the Slevin (playing professionally in themselves unavailable, only Miss Pat McCloughan. Irish team for the 1987 World Germany, an automatic choice), Akal was left. It would seem that it And so, the depleted ranks con­ Championships in New Delhi would Dennison, Meneally and Dill. To say was in protest at Keane's omission verged on the Edmund Rice Hall in be selected on the night of January eyebrows were raised at the omission from the national team. They were Limerick on Friday 13th to do bat­ 17th, thus leading everybody to tle. No big upsets in the Friday even­ of Keane would be an understate­ replaced by veteran international believe that the .result of the men's Tommy Caffrey, Dave Pemberton, ing matches, Ulster defeated Con­ ment. But back to the Inter­ singles in Cork would have a bear­ Paul Reid and Lorraine Cullen. nacht and Leinster defeated provincial Championships. First, the ing on the composition of the team. Munster had their problems too. Munster, but who was prepared for Irish No.2 Andrew Dennison didn't team selections. Jim Dill was left out There was dissatisfaction among the shocks of the following day? take part; Jim Dill who had won the of the Ulster team which was Den­ some Limerick players about the Okay, Ulster predictably won the Senior Top 10 a couple of weeks nison, Meneally, Mervyn Kelly, Jen­ selection process, and three of the team event, after all, they were the previously, was knocked out in the nifer Reid and Nora McEvoy. provinces top players refused to play only team which hadn't had defec­ quarter-final by Irish No. 15 Terry Leinster's team was Keane, Aidan in a final trial. This allowed Cronin tions, but they probably would have Dolan; Tom Heasley went out to Walshe, Anthony Redmond, Ann to take the third spot. won anyway. 27 IThe Swaythling President retires JOE VESELSKY A MAN OF COMPASSION by Ron Crayden BRATISLAVA, the medieval capital of Slovakia, is a busy river port situated movement, living and operating in turned again to table tennis for on the banks of the Danube. It was there in October, 1981, that the Swaythl­ the Carpathian mountains. He was relaxation and he so impressed the ing Club recently retired President, Joe Veselsky, was born, coincidentally still relatively young when the War Irish Association with his sincerity in the same month that a free Czechoslovak Republic was proclaimed. ended and immediately renewed his that he soon became the non-playing interest in table tennis and indeed captain of the Irish team. At the had the honour of captaining a Owing to its geographical posi­ Hungarian teams the Czechs began World Championships in Sarajevo, Czech team. Life however, was tion, close to where the boundaries producing their own champions. I 1973, his personality and leadership of Czechoslovakia, Hungary and have not spoken with anyone about becoming increasingly grim under the new political regime so a major then impressed others in the sport Austria meet, Bratislava, quite Joe's ability at the sport, but he pro­ and he was elected as the new Presi­ understandably, is an historic town udly informs me that he gained a na­ decision was made, one that even­ dent of the Swaythling Club - for with a mixed population consisting tional ranking of No. 7 at a time tually has had a fairy-tale ending. of a Czechoslovakian majority with when such immortals as Vana and On a carefully chosen date Joe and 14 years he has been the guiding light strong German, Jewish and Tereba were in the Czech team. En­ his family bade farewell to in the club's development. Looking Hungarian minorities. It was in this thusiastic as he was about improv­ Czechoslovakia and escaped by after a national team is a big enough atmosphere that Joe spent his for­ ing his table tennis, Joe had to earn crossing Hungary to eventually task, but welding together represen­ mative years and miraculously the a living and chose to work in a bank, reach Switzerland, where political tatives from the far corners of the best qualities from each of these a decision that was to alter the asylum was sought. It was the fami­ world, with differing politics and ethnic groups seemed to rub off on course of his life. It was while work­ ly's original intention to settle in often volatile temperaments, is a far Australia but difficulty in getting the him. As a Slovak he had an inborn ing in the bank that he met his greater problem, but Joe managed sense of pride with a spirit of enter­ beloved Kathy, who with great affec­ necessary emigration papers brought about a change in plans and in it without there being hostility or prise, and to it he added the outgo­ tion he calls 'Mama', and there rancour. He controlled the Biennial ing charm and suavity of the began a blissful love affair that end­ August 1949 they set off for Ireland. General Meetings of the club with Hungarians, the purposefulness of ed in marriage with two fine the benevolence of an affectionate the Germans and the innate business children. It is said, that behind every Doughnut rings acumen of the Jewish race. successful man lies a woman, and in Why the 'Emerald Isle' was their father rather than that of an Although his young life was not en­ Joe's case this statement could not chosen objective has never been authoritative chairman, and yet the tirely free from hardships he retain­ be more true. Kathy is a charming disclosed, although a wag said that members warmed to him and he ed a sense of infectious humour and person; tolerant, shrewd in her "Joe went there to sell doughnut never lost their respect. in spite of unpleasant wartime ex­ judgement and blessed with a rings to Leprechauns for toilet seats:' periences he bore no malice and wonderful sense of humour. She is What he did achieve however was Shamrock Rovers became a man of great compassion. the one who quietly steers a course quite remarkable, for with a limited Today he has expanded his In hi~ youth, Joe, like many of his for Joe, yet at the same time remain­ knowledge of English and involved contemporaries, had sporting ambi­ ing very much in the background. in a business venture, an agency for horizons and has become a director tions and directed his energies into It was in 1938, when Joe was a Swiss watches, with which he had of the Shamrock Rovers Soccer becoming a table tennis star. It must youth of 20, that Hitler's hordes in­ virtually no experience, he built up Club; we all wish him well for the be remembered that at this time the vaded Czechoslovakia. It was a time a successful jewellery business. future and may his association with sports was on the upsurge in Eastern of great turmoil and upheaval and Once he and the family had settl­ Irish football be as rewarding as has Europe and following the great Joe joined the Czech underground ed into their new pattern of life, Joe been his career in table tennis. VICTORY FOR RICHARD BECKHAM KIRBY Sports Centre, near Liver­ ing 21-17 in the third game. 21-12 in the third game. By trying slot. They easily outplayed Steve pool, was the venue for the 56th Na­ The veteran's singles saw some to attack on both wings with her Bertie and Richard Welsh in their tional finals of the Civil Service problems with the draw as five of combination bat Claire lost the first semi-final conceding only 20 points Sports Council Table Tennis Cham­ the players had scratched from the game of the final - 13. However without too much obvious effort. pionships which were held on Fri­ tournament. Alan Jesson, the greater patience and much more Tony Rigby and Andy Gray of the day 24 April and which were once holder, beat the No.2 seed, Lon­ 'digging around' unsettled her op­ North West Region came through again generously sponsored by don's Dave Moss, in one semi-final ponent sufficiently to enable her to against Dave Wright and Derek Grants of St James. while Welshman Alwyn Morgan pull through. Wortley 13, - 23, 17 in their semi­ beat Kenneth Long of the South final encounter. The combined Doris, again East Region in the other. Not­ Without seeds talent of the London pair looked This year's tournament, refereed by tingham's Alan Jesson dominated The women's doubles final was very convincing as they took the Miss Doris Moors, saw titles and much of the final with some brilliant without its seeds too. The holders, final barely raising a sweat! trophies spread all around the coun­ flat hitting and retained his title in Jane Barella and Heather Payce­ try - there were only two which did two straight games. Drury, lost their semi-final -18, Results not change hands. In the men's - 22 to Ruth Bentley and Joanne Edged out Mens singles • Semi-finals: Richard singles Richard Beckham of the Pickles of the East Midlands Beckham b Dave Wright 12,24; Nicky London Region and Nicky Standen Both seeds were removed from the Region. The No. 2 seeds, Helen Standen b Steve Bertie 16, 20. Final: of the South East Region reached women's singles at the semi-final Shields and Jean Newton, lost their Beckham b Standen - II, 14, 17. the final as seeded witha the former stage. The No. I seed, London's semi-final by similar scores to Womens singles - Semi-finals: Helen emerging victor over three games. In Jane Barella who is still ranked Joanne Pettit and Alison Rowbot­ Shields b Jane Barella 19, 19; Claire the semi-finals Richard Beckham among England's top 25, was edg­ tom of the Eastern Region, who Mouzon b Sally Weston -15, 12, 15. had over-powered Dave Wright of ed out by a former title holder Helen conceded just one more point in Final: Mouzon b Shields - 13, 18, 12. the Eastern Region while Nicky Shields from the Yorkshire & their first game to win 19,20. So the Veterans singles - Semi-finals: Alwyn Standen had out-manouevred Steve Humberside Region by the scores of scene was set for a closely fought Morgan b Kenneth Long 18, 18; Alan Bertie from the West Midlands. The -19, - 19. In the bottom half of final in which the East Midlands' Jesson b Dave Moss 8, -IS, 17. Final: final was somewhat closer than it the draw the battle between the No. pairing just missed out by narrow­ Jesson b Morgan 16, 16. Mens doubles - Final: Joey Kennedy/Ian Kenyon b had been in 1986 with Nicky 2 seed Sally Weston of the South ly losing the set by the scores - 20, Tony Rigby/Andy Gray 16,15. Womens Standen looking a much better East Region and Newcastle's Claire -19. doubles - Final: Joanne Pettit/Alison player, but it was the title holder Mouzon was another close affair. Somewhat more predictable was Rowbottom b Joanne Pickles/Ruth Richard Beckham who pulled Claire got by with a 21-15 third the men's doubles event with the Bentley 20, 19. Mixed doubles - Final: through to take the title for the third game win and later secured victory London pairing of Joey Kennedy Nicky Standen/Sally Weston b Steve consecutive year by this time winn­ in the final by beating Helen Shields and Ian Kenyon in the No. I seeds Worsman/Helen Shields 14, - 13, 13. 28 IJoola trophies •In New Delhi

The Joola presentation photograph taken in New Delhi at the World Championships. From the left Mrs. Nancy Evans, Chen Longean, Mr. Roy Evans, Jiao Zihmin, Mr. Mihaly Kozak, Secretary of the Table Tennis section of the Association International Press Sportique and Mr. Michael Bachtler.

THE JOOLA TROPHY MIDLAND LEAGUE

AT the 39th World Table Tennis Championships in New Delhi, the JOOLA VETERANS SECTION Trophy was presented for the fifth time. The winners of the JOOLA Trophy by John Barber 1987 are - Ladies team competition: Jiao Zihmin (China) 8:0 score, 48 Division 1: Birmingham A 9, Worcester I; Oxford A 2, Birmingham A 8; Oxford Division 2 points. Men's team competition: Chen Longcan (China) 13:0 score, 84 B 9, Leicester I; Nons A 10, Birmingham points. Walsall 6 6 0 o 44 16 12 B 0; Birmingham B 5, Leamington Spa Coventry A The JOOLA Trophy was introduced by JOOLA Tischtennis GmbH and 6 5 0 I 45 15 10 5; Oxford B I, Nons A 9. W Bromwich A 6 4 0 2 36 24 8 Co. KG and International Sports Press Association and is presented to the Nons A 6 6 0 0 57 3 12 Stoud 6 2 I 3 27 33 5 player with the best score in the team competition of the World and Euro­ Birmingham A 6 5 I 0 48 12 11 W Bromwich B 6 2 I 3 27 33 5 pean Championships. We think that the players who are fighting more for Oxford B 5 3 1 I 30 20 7 Notts B 6 1 0 5 17 43 2 their team, for the country which they represent, who consider team events B'ham B 7 3 I 3 32 38 7 Stratford A 6 0 I 5 18 42 1 more important than the individual competition, do not receive sufficient Oxford A 5 2 I 2 23 27 5 Leading scorers: Phil Canning 15, John recognition from the press and from all of us generally, which they deserve. Leamington 6 2 I 3 23 37 5 Beresford 13 (both Walsall - from 6 In recognition of this special human quality, JOOLA Tischtennis GmbH Telford 6 0 I 5 16 34 1 matches), Alan Giles (Stroud) 11 in 4 & Leicester 7 0 1 6 14 56 1 Co. KG and the International Sports Press Association have introduced matches. the JOOLA Trophy. Leading scorers: Alf Saunders 18 wins The JOOLA Trophy was presented for the first time at the 37th World (100"70), Ron Bonon 17, Allan Jesson 17 Division 3: Nuneaton 6, B'ham C 4, Championships in Tokyo in 1983, therefore we would like to remind you (all of Noningham A). Pontesbury 5, B'ham C 5, B'ham C 5, of the previous winners: WTTC 1983, Tokyo: Kim Gyong Sun (PRK) and Birmingham B and Leamington usually Stratford on Avon 5. Birmingham, play­ Kiyoshi Saito (JPN). ETTC 1984, Moscow: M. Lindblad (SWE) and J. have a close match and this was no ex­ ing off arrears, were engaged in three Secretin (FRA). WTTC 1985, Gothenburg: Li Bun Hui (PRK) and An­ ception, the home side winning the last closely contested encounters. drzej Grubba (POL). ETTC 1986, Prague: Csilla Batorfi (HUN) and A. two to clinch a point. The championship Cheltenham 6 5 I 040 20 11 of Division 1 will be decided when Not­ Grubba (POL). Nuneaton 6 3 2 1 33 27 8 tingham play against Birmingham A. JOOLA Tischtennis GmbG & Co. KG and AlPS decided to make the Stratford B 6 2 3 1 33 27 7 Nons must be favourites having dropped prizemoney for the JOOLA Trophy 1987 equal for men and ladies team Pontesbury 6 1 4 I 31 29 6 only three sets all season. competition. Therefore the players with the best score in the team com­ Coventry B 5 1 2 2 25 25 4 petition have been awarded - Men's team competition: JOOLA Trophy B'ham C 5 1 2 2 24 26 4 Division 2: Walsall 8, Stratford 2; W plus DM 5.000,00; Ladies team competition: JOOLA Trophy plus DM Rugby 6 0 0 6 13 47 0 Bromwich A 8, Nons B 2; Coventry A 5.000,00. 9, W Bromwich A I; W Bromwich B 5, Leading scorers: Don Richards The presentation of the JOOLA Trophy '87 was made by Mr Roy Evans, Stroud 5. Wa1sall maintained their 100"70 (Pontesbury) 13, Mike Gray the ITTF Honorary President for life; Mrs Nancy Evans, Mr Michael record to become champions. Stratford, (Cheltenham) 12, Arthur Cross Bachtler, managing director of JOOLA Tischtennis GmbH & Co. KG; and the bottom team, gave them some very (Nuneaton) 12, Graham Hoskin (Strat­ Mr Mihaly Kozak, secretary of AlPS, table tennis section. close games. ford B) 12. 30 ICadets Top 1i, Ireland, Scotland Billington and Bevan h'ela~ SCOTLAND the stars by DENIS GEORGE Eye _ 39th World Championships by Mike Watts by FRANCIS KENNEDY Despite the debilitating effects of 'Delhi Belly', which affected most BRADLEY Billington from Derbyshire and Neil Bevan from Cornwall were of the Scottish party to a greater or the unbeaten stars that emerged from the national junior cadet Top 12 held AT the Irish Junior "Top 10" lesser degree, our teams performed at the National Sports Centre, Lilleshall, over the weekend of 4th/5th April. Round Robin which took place in with credit to raise their world status Edenmore Community Centre, Billington had a tremendous P W L several positions. The men defeated Dublin, Irish No. 1 (U-l7) Sean weekend winning ten of his junior Jonathan Taylor 11 5 6 Switzerland 5-4, Peru 5-0, Wales 5-4 Chris Oldfield 11 5 6 Spelman (St Dominic's, Galway) and Hong Kong 5-2 to finish 28th singles games two straight, dropp­ came out on top and retains the ing the only game to Sean Gibson Tom Cutler 11 4 7 (33 in '85) and the ladies beat Syria Mark Ward 11 3 8 coveted Irish No. I spot (V-l7). in the penultimate round whilst 3-0, Ghana 3-2 and· Greece 3-1 to Matthew Pernet 11 3 8 finish 38th (44 in '85). David Han­ Bevan was made to fight all the way Leigh Jeffries 11 2 9 Player W L nah and Janet Smith were our best in the cadet singles for his eleven I. Sean Spelman (C) 8 1 performers with 15 wins from 21 Junior Girls P W L wins with seven going to three; the 2. Gary Nielson (l) 7 2 and 7 from II respectively. closest being against Michael Andrea Holt 11 10 1 3. James Mullan (l) 7 2 Auchterlonie 26-24 in the third and Kerry Hall 11 10 I 4. Owen Molloy (l) 7 2 European League Division 2 Debbie Toole 11 10 1 Andrew Eden 22-20 in the third. 5. Martin O'Flaherty (C) 6 3 Following our 0-7 defeat by Belgium Claire Potts 11 8 3 At the other end of the scale, two 6. James Langan (l) 4 5 in January, a scoreline incidentally Julie Norman 11 7 4 players who might have expected to Helen Lower 11 6 5 7. Michael Cormican (l) 2 7 which did not truly reflect the finish in medal places had a horren­ Nicola McGrath 11 5 6 8. Darren Perris (l) 2 7 tightness of most of the games, dous time both losing all eleven Melonie Carey 11 3 8 9. Michael Lemass (l) 2 7 Scotland ended the season with a 5-2 games. Damien Holland in the Andrea Ambrose 11 2 9 10. Darren Strong (U) 0 9 win against Luxembourg and a 3-4 defeat by Switzerland, both matches juniors and Brian Mileham in the Jane Wright 11 2 9 C: Connacht, L: Leinster, U: Vlster cadets being the unlucky players. Karen Perkins 11 2 9 were played away over the 20121 Kirsteen Stafford (V) won the girl's In the junior girls there was a final Kate Gower 11 1 10 weekend in March, to finish midway event. in the final table. three way tie between Andrea Holt, Cadet Boys P W L Kerry Hall and Debbie Toole, all Neil Bevan 11 11 0 Connacht Senior League Scotrail Festival Weekend with ten wins each. Going into the Michael Auchterlonie 11 9 2 St Dominic's TTC Galway regain­ All roads led to the Inverclyde Na­ last round Kerry Hall was unbeaten Andrew Eden 11 7 4 ed the Pierce Cup which they last tional Sports Training Centre at and only needed one game to clinch Peter Bowler 11 7 4 held in 1985 when they defeated Largs on 13 March for the Scotrail Grant Solder 11 6 5 the title. Andrea Holt had to beat University College Galway by 7 Festival Weekend which combined Mark Stephenson 11 6 5 her two straight having earlier lost games to I in the final of the Con­ the STTA Inter-League competition in three to Debbie Toole. This she Garry Knights II 6 5 with the Dunlop Scottish Closed. In Ian Black II 5 6 nacht Senior League recently. St did 21-19 to win-on games average. the laller both David Hannah and Alan Cole II 5 6 Dominic's: Sean Spelman, Martin Carole Dalrymple retained their Again in the cadet girls there was Craig Smith 11 3 8 O'Flaherty, Caroline Anderson. singles titles, David for the 7th suc­ a thrilling finish with Caroline James Patterson 11 I 10 UGC: Pat McCloughan, Willie cessiye year and Carole for the 8th, Buckley just getting home in the last Brian Mileham 11 0 II Connelly, Sean Tedders. round after Joanna Roberts lost her Shocks only in some people's but both had hard matches with their finals opponents John Broe chance losing to Helen Potts. Helen Cadet Girls P W L eyes, but the results which captured and Sarah Hurry. Wright, after losing her first two Caroline Buckley 11 9 2 most attention at the Irish Close Helen Wright 11 8 3 matches, then had a good run to win Championships in Limerick were Dunlop Scottish Closed Joanna Roberts II 8 3 Kevin Keane's eclipse of Andrew eight out of nine to just edge out Samantha Marling II 7 4 Championships Joanna for second place. Dennison in the men's singles semi­ Ellen Meddings 11 7 4 final and the defeat of Irish No.2 Mens singles - Semi-finals: J Broe Helen Potts b I Stokes 16, 6; D Hannah b G 11 6 5 Jennifer Reid by Caroline Anderson Junior Boys P W L Sarah Pengelly 11 5 6 Clancey 12, 13. Final: Hannah b J in the ladies singles quarter-final. Bradley Billington 11 11 0 Susanne Lawton 11 4 7 Broe - 16, 14, 13. Michael O'Driscoll 11 9 2 This year's Sligo Open was bad­ Kate Goodall 11 3 8 Womens singles - Semi-finals: C Sean Gibson 11 9 2 ly supported and it seems that this Alison Gower 11 3 8 Dalrymple b E Robb 15,5; S Hurry John Holland 11 8 3 Nicola Meddings 11 3 8 new tournament, efficiently run by b V Thomson 12, 18. Final: Dalrym­ Adrian Thorpe 11 7 4 Elizabeth Bryant II 3 8 an enthusiastic committee, cannot continue unless it is made a ranking ple b Hurry 17,20. tournament next season. Speaking Junior boys singles - Final: E about ranking tournaments, three of Walker b P Clark 13, 13. Junior Irish Championships this season's junior ranking tour­ girls singles - Final: S Hurry b L naments are being held in Dublin, Hood 9, 16. Cadet boys singles ­ by Tony Martin while not one is being held west of Final: A Bruce b K McKellar 13, the Shannon. This makes it very dif­ - 18, 13. Cadet girls singles - Final: COlUM Slevin, the Dubliner who Hilton Meneely and Andrew Den­ ficult for young players from the J Hook b C Hood 17, -10, 11. plays for T.U.S. Germania in Ham­ nison won the mens doubles beating west of the country, while Dublin STTA Inter-League Competition burg, West Germany, paid a flying another Ulster pair, Tom Leasley players can catch a bus or walk to visit home to emphasise his place as and Jimmy Robinson 21-18, 25-23 these important events. The winners were: Men: West of Irish number one. Slevin returned in the final. Scotland (I Stokes and C Gerrard). for the Irish Close Championships Fine entry Women: Stirlingshire (C Dalrymple in Limerick, and had no problems Resulls and E Robb). Junior boys: West of coasting to another Irish title, his Mens Singles Semi-finals: C Slevin b H The Corrib Open attracted a fine en­ Scotland (E Walker and M Shields). sight to date, defeating his long time Meneely 10, II; K Keane b A Dennison try from Galway, Sligo, Limerick Junior girls: Stirlingshire (S Hurry adversary Kevin Keane in the final - 18, 14, 14. final: C Slevin b K Keane and Cork, to Galway on March and L Reid). Cadet boys: West Dun­ 21-9,21-8. 9,8. 28th. Mens singles: Sean Spelman b bartonshire (A Bruce, K McKellar On the way Keane beat Tom Ladies Singles Semi-finals: A Leonard Terry Dolan (McCambridge Cup). and C McDonald). Heasley and Andrew Dennison the b McEvoy 10, 12; C Leonard b C Ladies singles: Caroline Leonard b second seed in the semi-final. Anderson - 18, 15, 14. final: A Leonard Caroline Anderson (Deacy Cup). Scotrail National League Anne Leonard, as expected col­ b C Leonard 10, 9. U-21 mens singles: Alan Marshall b Ladies Doubles final: A Leonard/C Greaves Sport (Central YM, lected a hat-trick of titles. She beat Sean Spelman. -21 ladies singles: Leonard b S Akal/P Monaghan 12, 15. Glasgow) retained the Division I ti­ Caroline Leonard 21-10, 21-9 in the Caroline Anderson b Maria Mur­ Mens Doubles final: H Meneel~/ A Den­ tle for the 5th successive season with singles and then partnered the same nison b T Heasley/J Robinson 18,23. ray. Mens doubles: Spelman/ Carole Dalrymple's Korrugal player to victory in the doubles. She Mixed Doubles final: C Slevin/A O'Flaherty b Dolan/Marshall. (Falkirk) in second place. Anwar teamed up with Slevin for another Leonard b J Robinson/H McEvoy 18, Ladies doubles: Leonard/Anderson Majid (Murrayfield) and John Broe success in the mixed doubles. 16. b Howley/Coffey. (Greaves) had 100010 records. 31 IOn his own in India I Edited extracts from Geoff Taylor's story of New Delhi World Championships BRIAN JEANES GWENT DELHI'S ONLY BRITISH UMPIRE CHAMPION by GEOFF TA YLOR of Coventry by STEPHEN GIBBS

HELD in New Delhi, India, the championships promised to be The highlight of our free time was GWENT'S four top players, all the day trip we had to Agra to visit members of the successful Doleq something different, and different they were. I was selected as the Carpets British League team, reach­ Fort Agra and the Taj Mahal which only umpire to officiate from the British Isles and immediately had ed the semi-finals of the Halex to start a course of injections and tablets for what I may, perhaps, was arranged by our Indian Umpire Gwent Closed Championship held catch out in India. I did not have to have the treatment but, as Liaison Officer. On our free day at Abersychan Leisure Centre on we know, prevention is better than cure. We flew from Heathrow some 24 foreign umpires boarded a Sunday 22 March. Even so, there re­ coach at 7.30 am and arrived in mained little doubt that the hot on Tuesday 17 February. Agra around 12.30 pm after a 120 favourite, Brian Jeanes, would regain the Halex Gwent singles ti­ After stops at Kuwait and Dubai we have attended recent World Cham­ mile journey and a stop for breakfast at a restaurant en route. tle. True to form Jeanes was the arrived in Delhi at 5 am local time, pionships agreed they were the best eventual winner and crowned a a time difference of 5Yz hours. finals seen for many a champion­ First stop was Fort Agra, an im­ pressive sight and a huge place, superb six week period in which time Chaos started almost immediately ship. Although China won 6 out of he has become the local Eastern we cleared customs. They told us all 7 trophies played for including team where we spent about 1Yz hours. We Valley League Champion, the Halex to get on a coach to take us to our matches (they only lost the women's then went to a hotel for our mid-day Gwent Champion, and the Welsh hotels - which hotels we were in doubles to South Korea), the only meal and afterwards the short Champion. they didn't seem to know. By the final in which they had all the journey to the Taj Mahal. In the Halex Gwent Closed, time I had settled into my hotel finalists was the mixed doubles ­ Jeanes fought back to dismiss War­ room, which they finally managed this was the worst final of them all. Breathtaking wick Armstrong at the semi-final to find, I was sharing with an ex­ stage in three games and earn the You cannot see the main building right to play Andrew Evans, the England player Stan Proffitt. It "Farewell party" from the road and you enter the transpired he had been playing for defending champion, in the final. After the finals there was a grounds through a large front England before I was born and he Evans none to pleased at being seed­ "farewell party" held at a polo building, but once inside the sight certainly had some tales to tell of ed below Nick Williams beat the ground owned by one of the top In­ table tennis long ago - he is only that meets you is breathtaking. The number two seed Williams 21-18, a young 76 years old. dian officials. There was food be­ building is about 100 yards in front 26-24 in his semi-final to reach the ing cooked and you just helped final. My first sight of the Indira of you and it stands out against the yourself. The party was different in After a long day the final proved Ghandi Stadium some two hours blue sky, a magnificent almost while as much as you could have an building made of marble and inlaid to be a disappointment. Evans is later, around 9.30 am, was one of probably the only Gwent player to awe. I had heard it seated 25,000 elephant ride or a camel ride but if with coloured semi-precious stones. you preferred to walk you could put have the game to beat Jeanes but and from the outside it looked large There are 4 Minars placed at each Jeanes is now in superb form and but inside it was enormous. There your feet into things the elephants corner pointing skywards. These are and camels did not want anymore he took the title 21-17, 21-10 as he were 24 tables set out in 3 rows of tall but they are dwarfed in com­ beat Evans in every department of 8 and between them was a platform - it was pretty dark! parison to the large dome of the the game. Recent months have for TV cameras and photographers. main building. This was built by shown the new Welsh champion Boneshakers Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial Jeanes to have a new outlook on the Squad of six During our free sessions we manag­ burial place for his wife, who was game. His concentration is now pro­ longed and he has forsaken some I was placed in a squad of six um­ ed to see quite a lot of both Old and interred inside, and when he died he New Delhi. I had met a Canadian was buried alongside her, and apart pace for more severe top spin. He pires for team events and the rest of is enjoying his new found abilities the squad were a Yugoslav (lady), umpire on my first day in Delhi and from the two tombs there is nothing we spent a lot of time together both and he is now a severe test for all a Hungarian (lady), Swiss, German, else inside the main building. The opponents. Having beaten both sightseeing and shopping. We did Indian (fortunately I could converse tombs in the main building are on­ Nigel Tyler and Nigel Thomas in the with them all as they all spoke tours of the two parts of Delhi most­ ly replicas while the actual burial Welsh championship Jeanes is English). The team events were ly travelling by 3-wheeler taxis, these place is in the crypt immediately knocking on the door of a Welsh played from Wednesday 18 to Tues­ were a motor bike engine with a below the replicas. team in the near future. day 24 February and the winning double seat at the back and the The organisation of the cham­ The Halex contribution to Gwent teams were China in both men's and driver sitting on a single seat at the pionships was not 100070 perfect, table tennis has been quite con­ women's events. During our second front. Although they were bone­ words the organisers seemed to use siderab
e over the past five years. day all foreign umpires were shakers they were very cheap, you frequently were 'perhaps', 'maybe' Their representatives at the Halex Gwent closed will have been pleas­ transported into Delhi and we were could travel 7 or 8 miles for 15p (3 and 'later', but as the old saying all measured for a uniform which Rupees) and they would wait as long ed to see that so much of their in­ goes 'it will be all right on the night', put has been channelled towards a we collected about 5 days later. It as you wanted them to. which as usual turned out to be consisted of navy blazer, grey youth policy. Thirty good quality correct. juniors contested the junior title trousers, black shoes and tie and Poverty with Steve Ward (Newport) the from then on we wore our new To see pictures of Delhi it looks The runs favourite. He reached the final at outfits. quite modern (which it is in parts) The one thing I have not mention­ the expense of the diminutive David and the buildings are impressive, but Buck but in the other half there were Spoke English once you leave the centre the whole ed was the food and its effects. Vir­ two upsets as sixth seed Mark tually everything was spicey and too In the individual events the umpir­ scene changes. There is a lot of Alford (Eastern Valley) knocked hot for me and most of the England ing squads were reorganised and I poverty with people begging in the over Steve Buck (Eastern Valley) finished in a squad comprising a streets, people sleeping on party and almost 80070, I would and new county junior Andrew Pen­ Dutchman, Malaysian and a pavements·and in a lot of instances think from the people I spoke to duck (Newport) to earn a final place Chinese man and again it was for­ home is a tent made of old sacks, from other countries, said the same against Ward. tunate for me that they all spoke carpets, tins or anything else they and suffered the same from 'Delhi Results English. Finals day was on Sunday can lay their hands on! The families Belly'. Although it didn't make me 1 March and I was at the stadium live in these - eating, sleeping and sick as it did some people, it was Open singles: Brian Jeanes b An­ all day. I was table manager for the sometimes even working if they are really unpleasant having to stand by drew Evans 17, 10. Open doubles: women's doubles final which means lucky enough to have a job. There ready to run at any moment and any Jeanes/Nick Williams bEvans/ Kevin Boalch 12, 16. Handicap I had the job of making sure the are no. facilities for tourists to be place, but again we all managed to survive. singles: David Buck (+ 10) b presentation of umpires as well as entertained (pubs, clubs, etc.) Williams 17, -17, 15. Junior players was correct, that they knew therefore in the evenings if we were It was an experience I would not singles: Steve Ward b Mark Alford where to stand after marching into not working we watched play at the have missed and I have to thank the 17,16. Veteran singles: Dave Allen the arena and ensuring they all went centre and then went back to the ETTA for the opportunity to have b Les Evans 14, -14, 15. Ladies to their correct stations. I watched hotel for a late meal and just sat attended and also the NURC for my singles: Sian Evans b Janet Helps all the finals and the people who talking till turning in time. selection. 15,9. 32 IMailbox 1

play was suspended for no less than Hard facts Foul serving six minutes whilst one of the par­ Standardise ticipants clashed bitterly with the IN response to your article on the last word umpire over a foul service call and the bats Crawley in Table Tennis News which, for most of that time, involv­ February issue, I write as Chairman I WAS interested in the editorial in ed argument with the tournament STAN PROFFITT, 76, a former of the English Championships Com­ the January 1987 issue of Table referee. England player and a member of mittee. Under your heading of 'one Tennis News on the subject of the Leniency and 'benefit of the the Swaythling Club, gives some of fault' I must protest at your incidence of foul serving now doubt' on the part of the umpire is his impressions ofthe World Cham­ reference to the relatively inex­ prevalent in the game. all very laudible, but blatent evasion pionships in Delhi. These are ex­ perienced referee; we do not use in­ I have regretably not been close­ of the service law by the players is tracts ofhis letter, some ofthe parts experienced referees at national ly connected with table tennis since inexcusable and must be dealt with omitted are a little too sharp even senior events. A system of qualify­ the mid 1970s and the deterioration accordingly at all levels of the game. for this magazine - Editor. ing has been established within our in this aspect of the game is, Although not entirely unknown, In Delhi, where the world table committee, and when a referee is therefore, more acutely noticeable foul serving and incidents of the tennis championships were staged in chosen to referee a senior event it is to someone like myself. above nature are a very rare occur­ a magnificent stadium capable of because we are confident that they I believe that this issue of the rence in the increasingly strong seating 25,000 spectators, 63 coun­ are qualified to do so, and we have doubtful service has been veterans competitions, due, I im­ tries entered and, finals apart, there every faith in their ability. precipitated mainly by the introduc­ agine, to the earlier development was only a small number of paying It is a pity you didn't read your tion during the past decade by the years of those participants not be­ public. programme before writing your ar­ multiplicity of rubbers and ing complicated by rubber Far different indeed from pre-war ticle as you would have found that adhesives now available on the technology and the resultant weird days when if you hadn't obtained a it was Trevor Openshaw and not market, and which has inevitably led contortions in the service actions of ticket for even the English Cham­ John as quoted by you. to players attempting to obtain the the present day seniors and juniors. pionships at Wembley, you would When deciding the order of play maximum advantage over their op­ The argument that overseas be lucky to get a seat in March. for the finals, many factors have to ponents by a multitude of peculiar players and overseas umpires do not Progress in public interest will be taken into consideration, I am contortions in the service action at observe the service law as closely as never progress whilst the fat cats in sure the referee had his reasons for the expense of the legal requirement the English, the latter therefore be­ the business world dream up ever the order chosen, and it must always to propel the ball from the palm of ing at a disadvantage, does not hold fresh ideas to collar the market at be his decision. the hand upwards within the accep­ good. the expense of young players. The English Championships table limits. Very few of the registered The Chinese once again scooped Committee have tried extremely The service law is sufficiently membership of the ETTA ever have the major prizes, but this time not hard to be co-operative with the clear and precise, and does not, the opportunity to participate in without many hiccups. But without press requests, but for all our efforts therefore, need repeating here, and events which come within the taking anything whatsoever of their we only get bricks thrown at us. A the sole adjudicator, as has always legislation of overseas bodies, and skills and athleticism, their close-to­ lot of time and considerable effort been the case of a valid or foul ser­ those who do so must, at that level, the-table push on the backhand and and hard work goes into the vice is the umpire whose decision in be quite capable of adjusting to deal wallop from the forehand (aided organisation of a championship, the matter is final. with any problem of that nature. and abetted by all the rubbish under perhaps, Mr Woodford, you would The umpire must have no reser­ I urge all umpires, at whatever the bat rubber) is not the stuff to fill like to join our committee and learn vation, or place any emphasis on level, and in whatever circumstances the halls. Mr Public will only loosen for yourself the hard facts! either the occasion or circumstances, they may find themselves ad­ his pockets to see an exhibition of and if, in his or her opinion, any ser­ judicating, to simply apply the ser­ attack and defence. I felt sorry for DOREEN STANNARD vice is not valid, it must be called. vice law, to be strong and definite the excellent Swedish players whose Chairman English Championships Reference has been made in the in so doing, and the offending exhilerating endeavours were boxed 19 Paddington Close editorial to the reticence shown by players will soon learn. up by this method. Yeading, Hayes umpires in certain circumstances to The Asians, I am informed, out­ Middlesex UB4 9QH strictly apply the service law for fear P.J. WALES voted the Congress for any change. of adverse criticism, and indeed Merrivale, Station Road, The must-win-at-all-costs satisfies Editor's Note: Doreen Stannard and open abuse, from players, sup­ Angmering, West Sussex the Chinese sponsorships and the myself and many others have been porters, and spectators. players personal ego. Not only is this looking at the hardfacts at big tour­ I am also tempted to ask how a short-sighted policy, but foolhar­ naments for more years than any of many times does one see the players dy and will eventually kill off the us care to remember. Times have calling a let service of their own voli­ Junior Events golden egg. changed. If table tennis is going to tion on a very fine net cord which The ITTF play up to the vested it is very easy for an umpire to miss. I HAVE been very disappointed at interest boys and the previous time compete with its rival sports one of the coverage of junior and cadet the first things a new chiefexecutive Once again the decision as to a let the Congress met they voted dif­ service call is solely within the events during the season and know ferent coloured rubbers (red and will insist on is that the showpiece that this is the view of many parents singles finals are staged not later jurisdiction of the umpire who must black) on each side of the bat. A resist any attempt by the players to with youngsters who travel the pathetic answer to a vast problem than the middle ofthefinals session, country to tournaments. in line with the other racquet sports. stop play of their own accord by a and it screams out to my mind that warning to the above effect and As a large number of teenagers the majority sat down there have subsequently upon repitition by the purchase periodicals then surely they only a vague idea of the world-wide must be a target group for the appropriate award of the point sport. No doubt capable of running magazine. Ashford thanks against the offender. a local village league, but out of Returning more directly to the Grumbles that tournament their depth when dealing in big organisers do not provide the I WOULD like to thank the subject matter of the editorial, it is business. But nevertheless happy necessary information can no longer Ashford Table Tennis Club for giv­ very noticeable that generally the enough to sit on the gravy train. be accepted as an excuse. Before ac­ ing our national team the opportuni­ younger the player the more Not only my solution to the ills, cepting a tournament the association ty to train and prepare for the third prevalent is the foul service. but many others, is that the equip­ division of the European League Although I shall no doubt be must insist on the receipt of ap­ propriate copy and photographs on ment, common to ALL PLAYERS, which we took part in in Jersey on criticised strongly by righteously in­ completion of the competition. must be standardised. This alone the 28th and 29th of March. dignant coaches of junior players, will ensure the game will be a battle The Ashford centre is an ideal I believe that more than a fair pro­ D. HANKS of skills and not one of technology. place to train at and when we in portion of those coaches, rather 390 Burton Rd, Burton-on-Trent No sir, it would not be a future travel via London we hope than detering their charges from retrograde step. Preferably a solid we can revisit our friends at Ashford employing the foul service, actively Editor's Note: When the informa­ rllbber covered bat, with high and and use their excellent facilities. encourage the use of doubtful serv­ tion has been supplied very few bolder pimples to eleviate the hid­ Thank you for your very good ing tactics in order to obtain that lit­ junior events have been omitted, den spins and no stupid glue which magazine. I enjoy it very much, tle extra advantage. despite the pressure on space. The accenuates speed giving the defender specially the international news. It More senior players are by no ETTA has no powers to insist on little chance to excite the spectator; keeps us up to date with what is go­ means exempt from this criticism, organisers sending copy and pic­ for it is he who has the last word. ing on in the world. and its incidence was no more tures and some officials fail to supp­ noticeable than in one of the men's ly the information required. How STANLEY PROFITT GUNNAR JOHANNSSON singles rounds of the recent about persuading more people to 251 Heywood Old Road President Triumph Adler English Closed buy this magazine? That could lead Bowlee Icelandic Table Tennis Assoc. Championships at Crawley when to more pages. Greater Manchester 34 IMailbox 2

ditional pressure on the player. Only asked to reply when questions are European Championships (c) had Yesterday's recently a parent of a junior told me raised? seven man selection committees that if the player did not get an The successes achieved by the choosing two man (playing) teams, Newspaper England badge this year 'everything England team during my term as a true Mickey Mouse situation. would have been wasted'. chairman of selectors are a matter Those were his high spots as a DURING the elections Mr Charters of record for all those interested to alleged that my father would use Presumably the player has also been Selector. fed this assessment. What a pity! discover. They were far from un­ As a member of the ETTA's "influence" to have me selected. It distinguished in terms of medals did not bother him that I was an The players has done extremely well highest committee he shares the automatic choice in all major events with the talent inherited but these won in the major senior and junior responsibility for the sport's general and had been since I was 15. I did days to get an England shirt one international championships. The decline (a third of our members lost not need "influence" and there is needs more than hard work. Hard coaches (particularly Peter Simpson since 1980) and the situation in no straighter or more honest guy work will produce a good player but and Donald Parker) and the players which our premises in Hastings were than my father. The electors show­ it also requires natural ability, a take the credit for those successes allowed to deteriorate to a point ed Mr Charters the door, but we still dominating personality and a desire and if John Prean wishes to per­ where it will cost £25,000 to put sonally blame me for any failures keep hearing from him. to win, rather than a fear of losing, them right - money we do not have. Then he saw me practising in to produce a player of international that occurred then so be it. Years of neglect, leading to dry rot, I have never attacked John Reading with my friend Jimmy calibre. The player also needs a style symbolic of our decline. Mr. Stokes and suddenly sections of the of play that is currently in vogue Prean's family. I have said that the Charters was around whilst all this press and an England colleague were with selection. The player has to roles of chairman of the ETTA and happened. He promises that this will dragged in and it was alleged that stand a good chance of winning at Father/Manager/Coach to one of be his last word - a wise decision my injury during the World Cham­ international level.. Many are called, England's top players are incom­ under the circumstances, a help to patible and I still believe it. Ifthere those who are now trying to clear up pionships was not real. It did not few are chosen. bother Mr Charters that it was the So coaches assess your players was no other reason then say so. I the mess he (and others) left us. The first time I had picked up a bat in fairly. Try to keep an open mind, hope Carl replies to these press sport is on the move and things are statements rather than hurling in­ a month or that the World Cham­ set realistic goals and don't 'pump happening. Press, TV are im­ pionships were nearly over. The up' your players to believe they are sults at me. measurably up. Some leagues are John Prean is right when he says main thing for him was to get at my something that they are not. This actually talking about increased father yet again. can only lead to inevitable disap­ that table tennis should not be sub­ membership. We have made a lot of Like most of us, I thought hard pointment and a feeling of failure, jected to too much of this type of progress in a few short months. We in-fighting. The same was said about going to New Delhi. As things when probably much success has shall make a lot more if we are turned out, 500 were ill (according been attained. about John Prean's persistent at­ allowed to get on with the job to the German Magazine), one Just to bring everyone back to tacks in the years before his election. without having constantly to look player returned with malaria, earth, what about the players who For this reason I make this my last over our shoulder. May I appeal to another with polio, it was not exact­ have achieved the dream and find word on the above subjects and Mr. Charters to make the best con­ leave the matter to the ETTA inter­ ly Butlins. I often talked to friends even then the reality is hard to take? tribution he can? At this time it is about my doubts. In the end it was For instance our players recently nal affairs. silence resulting from humility about the past and his part in it. decided for me. I was not fit when back from the World Champion­ PETER CHARTERS the team left and you do no one ships in New Delhi. I know how 57 Burghfield Road, JOHN PREAN favours if you break down, not the hard these young people work. I see Reading team, not yourself. them at tournaments, at British Berks. Editor's note: The battle between All that is yesterday's newspaper. League matches, at training camp. Mr. Prean and Mr. Charters (on re­ I reply, because Mr Charters is so What was the reality for our ladies? cent history in these columns) is persistent in this pathetic cause. He Stomach upsets that prevented play­ now terminated. does not make the game look good. ing up to form. Poor Fiona Elliot Chairman's He does not make himself look even had to scratch from the in­ good. dividual event because of sickness. last word Imagine how she must have felt. It CARL PREAN RAF and WRAF is not all glamour. Never mind girl, IN reply to Mr Charters' campaign: there will be other times. But a lot (I) When I decided to stand as championships of hard work went before that Chairman of the Association I The RAF and WRAF Championships disappointment. Nor did the men handed Carl's business affairs to a The dream and escape lightly. It may have been a were held at Stanmore Park, Middlesex, German Sports Agency and that re­ on the 3rd and 4th April. Ladies Plate: the reality joke, but there is an element of mains the position. I do not even SACW Ryan b SACW McCarthy 19, II. truth, when one player told me he coach Carl in his English ap­ Mens Plate: Ch Tech Atkinson b Wv Cdr TABLE TENNIS, or indeed any 'was glad to survive'. The reality can pearances. The allegation by Mr. Shorrick -18, 13,8. RAF Veterans: Ch sport, is a mirror of life. If we are often be as hard as the disappoint­ Charters that I would "influence" Tech Bob House b Fit Lt Dick Clode 14, ment of not being chosen. Thus it 10. WRAF Station Pairs: RAF Northold to progress through life we need to is, of course, totally untrue - a b RAF Honington 17, -17, 15. RAF dream of achievements and work to has ever been. slander on Donald Parker and me. Station Pairs: RAF Lyneham b RAF Ab­ bring them to reality. So it is with (2) I am not aware of any remarks ingdon -8, 15, 17. Mixed doubles: Cpl any young players whose imagina­ TONY RUSSE I would consider 'Scathing' in Ian Denton & Sgt Jan Wright b Ch Tech tion gets captured by table tennis, 22 Beaumont Close respect of Des Douglas or any other Ambrose & J/T(W) Bignell 12, 19. he dreams of wearing his England Weston-Super-Mare player. I have checked with Donald WRAF doubles: Sgt Jan Wright & Avon SACW Rose Danby b JIT Sarah Bignell shirt, winning titles, conquering the Parker (to whom these 'scathing' & Cpl Debbie Iddon. Mens doubles: Cpl world. Alas, many are called and remarks are alleged to have been Ian Denton & Sgt Roy Claxton b Sgt few are chosen. made) and he does not see anything Tony Bass & JIT Mick Bannon 15, 13. It is in the area between the dream I have said in this light. Mens singles - semi-finals: Cpl Ian Den­ and the reality that the coach must My last word However, I am concerned about ton b Fit Lt Dick Clode; SAC Mark work. If the coach cannot help his what is said to the Press. We are try­ Donaghue b Sgt Tony Bass. Final: Cpl player to dream he is not creating I DO not intend to pursue the same Ian Denton bt SAC Mark Donaghue 13, ing hard to lift the Image of the 10. Ladies singles - semi-finals: J/T(W) the right environment in which his questions beyond this point for Sport out of the dark ages and Sarah Bignell b Cpl Julie Parrack; Sgt charge can flourish. However, the clearly John Prean does not intend anything that undermines our ef­ Jan Wright b Cpl Debbie Iddon. Final: coach must also be aware of the to answer directly the accusations forts harms the future of the sport. J/T(W) Sarah Bignell b Sgt Jan Wright reality, try not to over assess the made in the National Press, not by However Mr. C interprets my 10, 6. RAF Plate winner: Ch Tech Atkin­ capabilities of the player and base me as stated. remarks, they were private and son (Lyneham). WRAF Plate winner: SACW Ryan (Honington). the player's progress on achievable His use of the word 'public' is not therefore not his business. goals. When those goals are not what the papers said - it was about (3) It is fair to examine the record achieved the coach has to help the the chairman of ETTA making of a man who is so free with his player rebuild on shattered dreams. scathitlg remarks about Des Douglas criticisms of others. In the end we RE-ELECTED It is not easy. It needs character on to the National trainer. shall all be judged by our both the part of the player and the I have no arguments about the achievements. During Mr Charters' AT the annual general meeting of the English Schools Table coach. election - the country voted for era we were (a) relegated from the Tennis Association on May 10 at Often the unfulfilled hopes of change - but does that mean to say European Super-League (b) Mansfield, all the officers were parents get in the way and put ad­ that the new chairman cannot be relegated from Category I in the re-elected. 35 iCrossword

1st Prize - 3 dozen 3-star balls Supplied by DSR Leisure, distributor of the complete Stiga range of table tennis equipment

CLUES ACROSS 7. Bill Green could be one of two sisters (9) 8. Girl who might grow initially and take root in Holland? (5) 10. Small part of house where uncles like to be? (8) II. Not in healthy condition to wear it! (6) 12. See 15 13. Compound of Neon is so quiet in the dead of night (2,6) 15. and 12. Stefan Atega got changed and vocalised at a Garden Party (4,2,1,4) 17. See 4 20. Glue on an altered timepiece with hands (8) 22. Sound made by 20? Mark correct! (4) 25. Old boy is not short, and certainly not square! (6) 26. A riot Tim organised for a copy-cat (8) 27. See 9 28. Famous wearer of EEC trilby? (9)

DOWN I. Blade Jackson used to use? (5) 2. Con the shirt off a sheep's back! (6) 3. Framed, not nice 'n not guilty! (8) 4. and 17. Crazy dogs mauled Don's best player (7,7) 5. In agony, writing about the start of Heartburn (8) 6. PC Ian Mole is such an officer (9) 9. and 27. Could he phone RN? Ja! And all for ride to Pompey, we hear! (4,5) 14. Where Mandy does the weekly shopping? (9) 16. Allow Gay to wander in part of Scotland (8) Name . 18. Got into a bed somehow (8) 19. Defamed Vicar I was in charge of? (7) 21. Musical horse? (4) Address / . 23 and 24. C. Terl is a top Junior girl (6,5)

plus three consolation prizes of professional mini bats supplied by CLIVE OAKMAN Table Tennis Entries should be sent to Mr Eric Hall, 38, Littlemoor Crescent, Newbold, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S41 8QJ. Closing Date: JULY 31st. Answers published: OCTOBER 1987

CLUB TROPHIES

of outstanding value

Medals, Tankards, Plaques, Club Badges etc.

HIGH QUALITY - LOW PRICE

WINNERS OF CROSSWORD No. 5 Write now for coloured catalogue to: March Issue First prize. (2 sheets rubber): Robin Harding, 11 Hordle Gardens, St. Albans, Herts. AL 1 1JW. JACKMATE Runners-up: Clive Oakman mini-bat 1, Lynn Potts, 126 Queens (Dept. TT-871 Road, Vicars Cross, Chester; 2, S. Sherlock, 20 Ullswater, 56 Staunton Road. Kingston upon Thames KT2 5TL Macclesfield, Cheshire; 3, Simon Griew, Sidney Sussex Col­ lege, Cambridge. or Telephone: 01 5465616

36 ILentec computer rankings LENTEC COMPUTER RANKINGS APRIL TOP 30

LEADING MEN - APRIL LEADING WOMEN - APRIL

I. Desmond Douglas (Birmingham) 3476 1. Lisa Bellinger (Dunstable) 1964 (Chesterfield) 228 2. Fiona Elliot (Wolverhampton) 1806 3. Carl Prean (Ryde) 1818 3. Joy Grundy (Preston) 1803 4. Skylet Andrew (London E15) 1725 4. Alison Gordon (Reading) 1729 5. Nicky Mason (Bexhill) 1259 5. Mandy Sainsbury (Newbury) 932 6. John Souter (Neasden) 1172 6. Jill Harris (Walsall) 685 7. Jimmy Stokes (Reading) 1115 7. Jean Parker (Preston) 563 8. Steve Mills (Sheffield) 896 8. Joanne Shaw (Normanton) 554 9. Philip Bradbury (Aylesbury) 825 9. Andrea Holt (Ramsbottom) 552 10. Graham Sandley (Potters Bar) 817 10. Karen Smith (Leicester) 506 II. :Braille)!. BillingLOn (Chesterfield) 81s... II. Juliet Houghton (Tonbridge) 494 12. Kevin Satchell (Frome) 739 12. Carol Butler (Plymouth) 479 13. Steven Scowcroft (Bolton) 731 13. Jackie Bellinger (Dunstable) 469 14. Nigel Eckersley (Warrington) 731 14. Susan Collier (Maidenhead) 390 15. Chris Rogers (Leicester) 728 15. Suzanne Airey (Grantham) 354 16. Max Crimmins (Wimbledon) 701 16. Claire Potts (Chester) 346 17. Matthew Syed (Reading) 692 17. Teresa Moore (Bexhill) 300 18. Colin Wilson (Cuffley) 676 18. Helen Bardwell (Ware) 292 19. Adrian Dixon (Wolverhampton) 661 Ul . iO:etry .Hall. . (Chesterfield) 288 ... 20. John Hilton (Manchester) 653 20. Elaine Short (Plymouth) 271 21. Paul Whiting (Plymouth) 645 21. Jane Barella (Surbiton) 268 22. Glen Baker (Guildford) 636 22. Debbie Toole (Normanton) 263 23. Steven Dorking (Hornchurch) 626 23. Claire Maisey (Swindon) 244 24. Tony Taylor (Manchester) 623 24. Helen Perrott (Bristol) 242 25. Paul Giles (Plymouth) 612 25. Sandra Roden (Dudley) 241 26. Edwin Smith (Gosforth) 611 26. Debbie Soothill (Carnforth) 233 27. Michael Hammond (Surbiton) 592 27. Elaine Sayer (London E12) 232 28. Adrian Moore (Bexhill) 584 28. Kim Mudge (London E13) 224 29. Andy Creed (Bristol) 570 29. Helen Lower (Wolverhampton) 216 30. Barry Johnson (Birmingham) 556 30. Karen Burrows (Castleford) 208

Mandeville Games and travelled the Results world organising or overseeing the ANOTHER OBITUARY Under 12 girls singles: Nicola Meddings organisation of the table tennis (Wa) b Katherine Goodall (Y) 19, 12. STUART DANE event in the paralympic games. O'DRISCOLL Under 12 boys singles: Barry Forster When the British Paraplegic (Nd) b Darren Blake (Sy) - 20, 16, 14. 10 SADLY I have report the death ~heelchair Table Tennis Associa­ VICTORY Cadet girls singles: Ellen Meddings (Y) of yet another stalwart of table ten­ tion was formed, he went onto the b Joanne Roberts (Y) 19, 19. Cadet boys nis. Stuart Dane, who was an committee as the "events THE Nat West Derby Select at­ doubles: Andrew Eden/Brian Mileham honorary life member of the Mid­ organiser". Stuart was an in­ tracted 350 players but the pattern (La/K) b Neil Bevan/Mark Stephenson dlesex TTA, vice-president of defatigable fund-raiser for the Stoke of entry - more in the juniors, and (ColY) 17, - 22, 11. Cadet girls doubles: Thames Insurance Central TTL, Sarah Pengelly/Helen Wright (Dv/Dv) b Paraplegic Athletic Club, of which the snow over the weekend put a lot vice-president of London Business Liz Bryant/Ellen Meddings (Le/Y) 9, 12. he was treasurer, and it is a measure of pressure on the referee Stuart Houses TTL and one of my oldest Sherlock. In the end the finals were Junior boys singles: Michael O'Driscoll of the affection in which he was held (Y) b John Holland (Ng) 9, 15. Junior friends, died on May I after a long completed to time, although as last illness which he resolutely refused to that eight of the wheelchair athletes girls singles: Claire Potts (Ch) b Andrea attended his funeral at very short year, an 0830 start was required. Holt (La) 15, - 18, 16. Junior girls allow to interfere with his normal There were some upsets in the activities. notice. doubles: Melonie Carey/Andrea Holt Wheelchair table tennis players all cadet boys singles in the top half of (Av/La) b Claire Potts/Helen Potts He was working until 2 weeks (Ch/Ch) 16, 19. Junior boys doubles: before his death when he was retired over the world will regret his pass­ the draw - with Leigh Jeffries, the No. I seed, out to Grant Solder, and Sean Gibson/Bradley Billington (LafOy) on his 65th birthday and on the last ing and he will be sadly missed by b Robert Fearn/John Holland (Ng/Ng) weekend of his life was at Stoke his many friends and his family. Gary Knights to Howard Whewell. 17, 19. Mandeville carrying out his duties The lower half went as the form as treasurer of the paraplegic club IRIS MOSS book with Neil Bevan at two beating which met there. Mark Stephenson. After a shaky When I first met Stuart some 40 start by losing game six in the first, FUTURE years ago he was already involved Bevan' beat Brian Mileham in the in both the leagues and also played TABLES FOR SALE final. EVENTS... in the now-defunct Tobacco Trades Brand new, top quality tables The final pair in the cadet girls League. He was amongst the first to delivered free to any address in were the No. I and 2 seeds but the Sept. 5-6 Lambeth 2-star qualify as an umpire when the England at a cash price of £230 (in­ result was a win for Ellen Meddings Sept. 12 Milton Keynes Under-21 scheme was introduced by the ET­ cluding VAn or payment can be over Joanne Roberts. 2-star TA and also in the fore-front when made in four annual instalments of High hopes of a clean sweep for Sept. 13 qualifying as a tournament referee. British League I £69. Derbyshire in the junior singles were Sept. 19 Woodfield I-star He became a national in both dashed. In the top half Matthew Sept. 20 Wiltshire 2-star schemes. Full details and application forms Syed did not show and Sean Gibson from: The ETTA Office, 21 He attended all Middlesex events was beaten by Michael Sept. 26 North of England - he was assistant referee for all the Claremont, Hastings TN34 IHF. Auchterlonie. Auchterlonie had a 2-star Middlesex Open Championships ­ Sept. 27 British League 2 as well as many national and inter­ good tournament - semi-finals in national events. He served on the the cadets and quarters in the Oct. 3-4 Sussex 2-star Middlesex committee from 1962 to FOR SALE juniors. This left the way to the final Oct. 10 County Championships I 1982. clear for the No.2 seed Bradley Bill­ Then 30 years ago he became in­ ALMOST NEW STIGA ington but he was stopped II, 10 by volved in the Stoke Mandeville ROBOT Michael O'Driscoli. O'Driscoll went Games for the Paralysed and Used by one private owner only. on to beat John Holland in the final. THE DELAY in publication of although he still did a lot of work £500 o.n.o. Kerry Hall was also seeded to go this issue is intentional - to ac­ for the able-bodied, this became his Telephone Mr. Roberts: to the final but was stopped by commodate the English Junior greatest interest. He took over the Office hours (091) 2321440 Claire Potts. Claire beat the No. I International Championships at running of the table tennis event in After 7 pm (0388) 317493. seed Andrea Holt in the hard hitting Newcastle on May 30 and 31. the national and international Stoke three set final. 37