VOLUME IV. No.6 MARCH, 1939 THREE PENCE THE BIG MATCHES By The Hon. Ivor eJ«ontagu.

8,000 or more fans saw the Wembley it was not possible to see where, with him attack of his opponent, with an unanswer­ Finals. With the world championships in this mood, any human being could able combination of drives as climax. so far away they were the event of our take a contested point away from him, Point n10unted after point. And in each season this year. And they proved an flashing inspired half-volley to every case first lead then game was gone from unusually good show. his opponent. MEN'S SINGLEs.-One of the most The New Champion But in the third game against Bergmann spectacular matches of modern times. as against Barna, Vana relaxed. Leading A n1atch to remember and hark back to. in the third-and in the first two, what The players are both brilliant, and of an had even a lead profited his opponent? age to be near the top of their form. A He threw it, carelessly and disdainfully, contrast. Vana-the natural genius. and Bergmann did what Barna, without Bergmann-the intelligent strategist who his youth, could not attempt. Clearly, improves and makes the most of his games from the start, Bergmann profited by his by hard work. Vana-born attacker who last year's lesson that defence was futile has developed an extraordinarily agile against Vana. In 12 months he had defence. Bergmann-the pure defensive developed attack and like hardly any player who has taught himself the attack developed player who learns new tricks, he needs. had the courage to employ them. Having In a way the pairing reminded one of rightly determined attack his only policy, Bellak (also an unconscious and unp~e­ come what may, he did not falter. Feeling dictable genius, who threw away many his chance he doubled pressure in the titles from two games up) and the fourth game like a whirlwind. strategists like Mechlovitz, Barna and Everything came right. Vana strove Szabados, who were greater though less to stand before the storm. He could not gifted players. pull himself together. Nothing he could Last year's meeting was spoiled because try availed the least. I have seen better Bergmann, then world-holder, was so fought matches, from first point to last, scared he did not even put up a fight. but what fireworks! This year he had won so many exhibitions WOMEN'S SINGLES.-A newcomer. A against his rival that confidence returned rare record. Not since Dr. Pecsi, in 1908, and ensured a better show, while on the has a junior won both junior and senior other hand Vana was over-confident. titles in a single tournament. Victory in Despite his exhibition losses he believed such a fight, before so great a crowd, and in his star. Somehow, in the match that against an opponent playing throughout mattered, things would come right, as Table Tennis of the highest international they had before. And they nearly did. order, could have been won only by a Few who saw that evening's Table youngster so naturally gifted in ball­ Tennis will forget the Vana who won game match-play, as to deserve un­ seven or eight of the last ten points in the stinted praise as genius. first, second and fourth games against But there was another side to the Barna in his semi-final, and in the first match. Dora Emdin has had quite a long and second against Bergmann. In every international career of many feats. She case, his opponent had played so con­ has defeated a reigning world champion. sistently brilliantly as to earn a lead. And Photo by J. L. Adams, A.R.P.S. But never has she played so well as in in each case, as Vana put the screw on, l Richard Bergmann (Continued on page 2) TABLE TENNIS THE BIG MATCHES-Continued from page 1. these championships, nor better than in (...------. this match. To make the pace for five ENGLISH CHAMPIONSHIPS THE ENGLISH long games, to open up a closed vise, with accurate swift attack from no particular Thank You, Every One TABLE TENNIS opportunities, provided a frightful ordeal Bill Pope. \vhich she sustained so creditably indeed, ASSOCIATIOJN as to recall the piay that earned Kettinova so much sympathy in this hall Patron: His Majesty the King against Aarons, two years back. It is a chastening thought that, had OFFICERS, 1938-1939 Jean Nicoll not been an English girl, known to be young, and liked as well as President: H. Oldroyd, Esq., she was known; had she been a stranger Brow Cottage, High Lane,. Stockport~ as World Champion Pritzi was a stranger, Cheshire. it would have been Dora who would have Chairman: Hon. Ivor Montagu, gained, as she earned the applause, and 29, Ranelagh Gardens, London, W.6. the youngster might well have been Hon. Treasurer: Mr. A. K. Vint, booed as loud as Pritzi was. Sa, Cornwallis Gardens, Hastings, Sussex.. In such a reaction the crowd would have been wrong, It is always wrong, to decry Hon. General Secretary: W. J. Pope~ a player playing his or her best and Featherstone House, 64, High Holborn, London, W.C.I. hardest. How wrong of course is ap­ ('Phone: Holborn 9544) parent in such a case as Jean's, where no one blames and everyone admires, Executive Committee, 1938-1939 Miss P. Anderton, 125. Manchester Road, Chorlton-cum­ because it is plain that a youngster Hardy, Manchester 21. holding her own in such an ordeal is Mr. J•.Batty, I I. St. Leonard's Drive, Woodlands Park~ Tlmperley, Cheshire. doing her best. Mr. L~~co~~s"h;:~~' 31, Cumberland Avenue, Grimsby, Jean Nicoll is young, it will be a pity if she is content to win, when she has it in Mrs. Ma~~he;;er.Bunbury, Dudley Lodge, Prestwich, her to win wonderfully well. Her mark in Mr. ~~r~":din. Northaw. Kingsbury Avenue, St. Albans,.

Table Tennis, as one of three great defen­ Mr. M. Goldstei~, 222, Alcester Road, Birmingham 13. sive players in a day lacking in strong all­ Mr. F. J. P. HIlls, 87, North Side, London, S.W.4. rounders, or as something more, has yet Mr. ~~o;~hi~~ng. Teofani, Lower Avenue, Exeter, to be determined. Mr. K. A. Nicholson, 24, Nuns Moor Crescent Newcastle-on-Tyne 4. ,. Mr. M. W. Robinson, I I, Elm Avenue, Garden Village World Championships, Cairo Hull, Yorkshire. ' Mr. J. M. Rose, 39, London Road, London, S.E.I. The following will represent England in Miss R. Smits, 32, Brook House, Gunnersbury Lane, W.3. the Sway'thling Cup : E. Bubley (London). II TABLE TENNIS II K. Hyde (Liverpool). H. Lurie (Manchester). The Official Magazine K. Stanley (Manchester). Published by the E.T.T.A. The Championships will take place from March 6 to 11. Photo by J. L. Adams, A.B.P.S. Monthly, October to May. No English women's team is being sent. Jean Nicoll, Double Champion MAGAZINE COMMITTEE: The Misses B. Capper and R. Smits, Mrs. G. Tower, and Messrs. R. Brewer, E. A. W. Cast, Viktor Barna picks an Eng/ish team W. C. Charlton, W. J. Pope, E. G. White) and F. H. Wilson. . AST season I had the privilege of English" Open," but in all the tournament The Magazine is obtainable from the E.T.T.A., Lcoaching the English team taking part results, so we need waste no more time about 64, High Holborn, London, W.C.I, price 3d. for in the World Championships. This season them. individual copies. For the other two places I have three Su bscri ption rates: 2/- for eight issues, post free.. I have been playing in New Zealand, names-Bergl, Seaman, and Stanley. I per­ Australia and India and therefore could U.S.A. and Canada: $0.50. sonally would prefer Seaman, because of his The Magazine can also be obtained from League not be busy ,vith the English boys. But fighting spirit. He has a good forehand Secretaries and all newsagents. this does not mean that I am not inter­ ?-nd a good defence. He never knows when ested. On the contrary I am very he is beaten, and you can be sure he will not MSS. for publication must be received by interested and no one would be happier let you down. the 14th of the month. than I to see them win in Cairo. This leaves us with (( good ole warhorse" I am reminded of an article I wrote for the Maurice Bergl, and "three times junior champion" Ken.Stanley for the fifth place. HE English team selected to play against Magazine last year-against unnecessary Wales on Tuesday, February 21, was as trials. Trials, in my opinion, make discon­ The Selectors wIll have to make a choice T between " experience" and " youth," but I follows: Singles: Stanley, Rosen, Seaman, tent between players who have earned their Hardn1an, Litten, Bergl (captain). Doubles: places already and who must be selected, do not think the settlement of this question needs a nation-wide trial. Rosen and Hardman, Moreton and Carrington, and those who have good trial results, and Bergl and Seaman. in spite of this will not be selected. About the ladies! I was glad to see them play so. well in the English (( Open," and This year we have one more reason against Answers to Problem Corner, and Bellak's depending solely upon trial results. That would lIke to see Jean Nicoll in Cairo, not only because with her the English team could "Playing the Game" are unavoidably held is that never before was a team so obvious. over until next month. Let's have a look! Filby, being abroad, the win the Corbillon Cup, but I think she is first three must be selected without question. the only player who can beat" public enemy Hyde, Bubley, Lurie! These three players No. I," world champion Pritzi. WANTED. have earned their places over and over again, (N.B. This was written before the final Good second-hand table tennis table-l{enn not only by their recent performances in the trials.-Ed.) 10, Gore Road, E.g. ' 2 TABLE TENNIS National Championship Results MEN'S SINGLES MIXED DOUBLES SEMI-FINAL ROUND QUARTER FINAL ROUND Vana and Votrubyova beat Liebster and Bergmann beat Benak 21-12, 21-17, 21-9. Dace 21-13, 19-21, 22-20, 13-20, 22-20. Lurie beat Liebster 13-21, 16-2], 21-14, Barna and Osborne beat Tereba and 21-11, 22-20. Depetrisova 21-10 21-14, 21-14. Barna beat Bubley 17-21, 18-21, 21-6, FINAL ROUND 21-12, 21-15. Vana and Votrubyova beat Barna and Vana beat Hyde 22-20,21-18,17-21,21-12. Osborne 21-17, 14-21, 21-18, 21-11. MEN'S DOUBLES SEMI-FINAL ROUND Barna and Benak beat Bergmann and Liebster 21-18, 15-21, 21-14, 21-16. Vana and Tereba beat Lurie and Cohen 21-8, 21-17, 21-19. FINAL ROUND Barna and Benak beat Vana and Tereba 19-21, 9-21, 21-12, 21-19, 21-1fi. WOMEN'S DOUBLES SEMI-FINAL ROUND Depetrisova and Votrubyova beat Black­ bourn and Steventon 21-17, 21-18, 21-17. Osborne and Woodhead beat Stead and [Sunday Express photo~ Beregi 21-18, 21-5, 14-:21, 21-6. H ymie Lurie, last Englishma n in the Singles. FINAL ROUND Depetrisova and Votrub<;ova beat Osborne and \Voodhead 21-18, 1E-21, 21-18,21-16. CORRESPONDENCE The Edl:tor, TABLE TE:\'~IS JUNIOR SINGLES SIR, YOUTHS' FINAL ROUND A Disgrace to 'the Galne.' Stanley beat Merritt 21-7, 21-18. At vVallington, Surrey nlet vVenlbley in GIRLS' F1NAL ROUND the 1110st disgraceful 111 a tch of organised Nicoll beat Blackbourn 21-14,19-21,21-16. tactics 1 have e\~er seen. Werr!blev are at the head of the ~Ietropolitan VETERAN'S SINGLES Table Tennis Association, and Surrey are second, and the Inatch was obviously impor­ 'Tpchlovitz beat \Vilmott 21-8, 17-21, tant to both teanJs; but if table tennis is to 22-20. su ffer for the sake of self-aggrandisement it is a sorry story for the progress so many of ALFRED LIEBSTER us are striving for. Play at the A tbert H all. Note the Indicator If there ",Tas a board of control I should Alfred Liebster, the famous ex-Austrian Swayth­ Board--an innovation this year. ling Cup Star, is still in this country and available send them nly report in no uncertain words for coaching and exhibitions. to suspend the players concerned in this shameful display, together with those instruct­ SEMI-FINAL ROUND Will secretaries of any Leagues or clubs in­ terested please write to .Afr. ]. ]{urzmann, 35, ing them to adopt such tactics, for such a Bergmann beat Lurie 21-14, 21-15,21-16. Suffolk Road, Barnes, London, S. W.13. period as would teach them to l11end their Vana beat Barna 25-23, 21-19, 18-21, 21-14. ways. ECENTLY, Liebster has been playing with I could say Dl0re, but to do so would be FINAL ROUND R Tereba at J\1essrs. Bentalls' store at invidious, and I feel certain my criticism will Bergmann beat Vana 18-21, 19-21, 21-17, Kingston-on-Thalnes. There was a grand strike home to the culprits. 21-8, 21-14. show, with a large playing area and sparkling I aln disgusted and ashanled that such gan1es to attract huge crowds to the sports " stuff" should be "served up" to the section, where a special display of table tennis public in the name of table tennis. WOMEN'S SINGLES equipment occupied the whole of one side of Yours faithfully , QUARTER FINAL ROUND the departlnent. C. G. lVIILTON. Nicoll beat Depetrisova 22-20, 21-16,21-15. Chainnan, Surrey T.T. League. Osborne beat Roy Evans 21-9, 21-12, [We are sorry that this letter was olnitted from 21-13. the Febntary issue. ~Ve understand that the match Steventon beat Whelan 21-17, 15-21, to which .Ai r. M·ilton refers c01nmenced at 8.15 p.m. 18-21, 21-17, 22-20. and was not (in1:shed until 12.25 a..m. There was eight best-of-three-f!,amc ;natches, ({nd 7]/) interval. D. M. Emdin beat Votrub<;ova 10-21, -En.] 21-18, 21-15, 22-20. SEMI-FINAL ROUND THE HAIGH CUP. Nicoll beat Osborne 17-21, 21-12, 21-16, (LINCOLNSHIRE) . 22-20. P. "V. L. F. A. Pts. Emdin beat Steventon 21-18,21-]8,15-21, Grimsby 7 0 56 7 ]4: 21-13. Lincoln .,. 7 2 3(3 :27 10 FINAL ROUND Spalding (j 3 29 25 6 Scunthorpe 6 3 3 21 33 Nicoll beat Emdin 19-21, 21-15, 20-22, 6 Skegness 1 4: 18 27 2 21-16, 21-17. Liebster and Tereba at Bentalls. Boston '" o 7 11 52 0 3 TABLE TENNIS

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But sounds very similar to English." * * * The cork pieces it used to have on there are memories, not alone of the either side "\vere ripped off years ago by winners, which wiJ be recalled when This 'modern' Charleston! some ill-disposed personage. But so far many m~re champiJnships have gone. More details have now come to light from Bernstein's game being affected, he Who, for example, will forget Miss about Bellak's visit to an American missed the cork so much that he has Dora Beregi, defeated champion, who prison, mentioned here last month. After never bothered to replace it! cheerfully gives up her job several times an exhibition table tennis match had * * * a year for the sake of table tennis? been played, the players and a few of Table tennis players "\vho are thinking Dora, in her home in Budapest, is a shop the prisoners sat together for refreshment. of holidaying abroad can be sure of a assistant. Each time she wishes to enter The conversation turned to modern warm welcome in Norway, vvhere the a tournament abroad she has to get dancing, and one long-term prisoner was population are rapidly becon1ing table leave. Often it is refused. hotly in favour. "This new Charleston tennis conscious. Dora is philosophical. "I ask for a gets me," he explained. An open welcome is extended by holiday," she says. "If I can't have a Bellak mistakenly asked one of the Mr. T. Noer, of Oslo, who writes that holiday-I go just the same." convicts how he came to be there. if any English players are ever visiting Usually she can't have a holiday, which "Well," the man explained, "I had a Norway, the local players would be very means a search for a new job on her drink or two, and-you know how it is­ glad of a game against them, "although," return. But cheerful, lively l)ora Beregi I shot a guy! " he adds "we will most certainly get a should never have to search long. And * * * thorough beating." she thinks table tennis is worth it. * * * STILL, on the champion­ * * * Dora is unassuming, the perfect sports­ ships-the crowd at Wembleywho laughed THE problem of affiliation woman. She never makes excuses. Beaten when Bergn1ann borrowed a comb from fees continues to exercise a great deal in the Midland Open by Miss Bettie the umpire during the men's singles of controversy. It would seem that those Steventon she said: " I played as well final, and laughed again when he pocketed organisations who pay only one fee for as I have ever played. She is very good, it after use, would have laughed a third a whole club, instead of one for each team, Miss Steventon." time if they had seen the coITtb at the end of the match-warped by Bergmann's are losing out in the argument. * * * body movements. A typical commentary is that of the LASZLO BELLAK, genial They would probably have laughed Northampton Table Tennis League, who clown of table tennis and another of still more if they had known that have passed the following resolution:­ the game's outstanding personalities, looks Bergmann had a comb in his pocket all ,, That this League deplore the atti­ far older than his years. His father, the time! tude of large organisations in paying who was over here for the English, looks * * * an organisational fee to the E.T.T.A., the younger of the two. Characteristi­ This combing business is not, as some and that this Committee are very cally Laszlo introduced him-" My father, people think, a ruse to obtain a short strongly in favour of a team fee. Mr. Bellak junior ! " rest, or to put an opponent off. "Further, that this meeting has Bellak speaks good English without With Bergmann it is sheer necessity. decided not to accept any rebate of being able to throw off his foreign accent. Close observers will have noticed how, the fees which it has 'overpaid' by This he explains readily. To Londoners just before combing his hair each time, charging itself on the team, and not -he says: "You can't understand. me ? Bergmann had to push it out of his eyes on the club, basis this season." Ah, I learned my English in Yorkshire." with his hand during a rally. Thanks, Northampton. In the provinces he tells them he learned in London. * * * * * * Bellak gets away with it rather better Morris and Bill-Ballet Dancers! THREE times this season than Vana and Bergmann, who were And as we say good-bye to the 1939 L. Baron and M. B. W. Bergl have entered practising their English in a certain " English," an epilogue from the Albert the same tournaments. Three times they Hall. have met in finals-each time Bergl has Summer is Coming! Bill Pope, E.T.T.A. secretary, and Morris won. Baron didn't enter for the South of Why not make it your opportunity to improve your Rose, championships referee, are leaving game by practising on the at midnight, Friday, 27th January. England. Bergl did-and was beaten by BARON PRACTICE WALL Taxi-driver: "Been rehearsing for the Ron Moreton. Poor Baron! WiJI Help You to Perfect Your Weak Shots-Practise Your Strong ballet next week ? " * * * * * * THE news that world cham­ ONE more Bellak story pion Vana still uses the same bat with It was Laszlo's birthday on the twelfth, which he began to play some six years and he decided to give himself a birthday ago, has set the historians busy. Now treat. Mr. H. Rose, honorary secretary of the So: instead of going with the touring Bradix Club, writes to say that party direct to Wolverhampton after Instruction leaflet from B. Bernstein, Swaythling Cup player of their exhibition at Nottingham 011 the d. ROSE" SON, 39, London Road j Londoq. S.E.1 1926/7, is still using the bat he had then, eleventh, he came to London-to watch WAT.5432-3 and has played with it for 14 years. the final trials.. 5 TABLE TENNIS Some Suggestions on Administration VERYONE n1ust at last agree that are too small (numerically) to warrant county sible to the E.T.T.A. for payment of all club Eour Hon. Secretary has much too much bodies. I therefore suggest that England be fees under its jurisdiction. Each area associa­ to accomplish, and I put the following divided into 10 Area Associations as follows: tion should on top of the E.T.T.A. fee charge suggestions forward solely with the Northern, N orth Western, North Eastern, an extra amount for its own local administra­ thought that in order for table tennis North Midlands, South Midlands, Eastern, tion. This means that no two area associa­ South Eastern, Southern, South Western, and tions might charge alike. The London area to be thoroughly sound and go ahead we Metropolitan. might decide that an extra 6d. per club must not only develop our players but would be enough; they would therefore administrators as well. Each area should function as an Area Body responsible to the English Association, in the charge each club under its control 4s., remit Son1e form of local administration must to the E.T.T.A. 3s. 6d., and keep the rest. be formed to overcome the delay in dealing On the other hand, another area much more vvith domestic matters, which we all widely spread might find it required an extra experience from London, giving the Is. per club. Right, their fees would be We have all been tempted, from 4s. 6d. Executive more tin1e and scope for time to time, to tackle the Area Ad.. dealing with matters of a national ministration problem. Here Mr. J. Now comes perhaps the most revolutionary character. Why is it that other bodies C. Eyles, Secretary of the Western idea. I am convinced that the method of such as soccer, rugby, and lawn tennis Counties Interleague and the Bristol nominating Executive Committee does not have to rely on county bodies to carry Association, gives his views, linking represent the views of the country as a whole, out'the rulings and laws of the national the subject up with Finance and and I would suggest that if my views above National League. became law that each area association should body, and yet table tennis is quite content Other bodies, less familiar per.. have at least one seat on the executive com­ to muddle on its old-fashioned course? haps than Mr. Eyles, with the mittee of the E.T.T.A. It is, I think, because people are quite difficulties and expenses of National This brings me now to my own very pet willing to form county bodies, but have Administration, would do well to scheme, the National League. a mistaken opinion that such should be consider his remarks about the im.. subsidised from E.T.T.A. funds. possibility of making any rebate to With each of the ten Area Associations in local bodies out of the present a flourishing state, and with everyone pulling How stupid! A sport which we con­ E.T.T.A. affiliation fee. their weight, I think that the finances of each sider "first class," run by finance of a Area Association would warrant them running " kindergarten" nature, each club paying a team in such a League. only 3s. 6d. After deducting the cost of North National League, 5 teams. South the official handbook, actually 2s. 6d. same manner as county bodies are responsible National League, 5 teams. Champions meet, goes towards the national organisation in the sports mentioned above. No league in Trophy presented. My Utopia. with all its obligations. How could county any area should be affiliated direct to the I bring these points forward not that I am bodies expect something back P E.T.T.A., but must become a member of its a rebel but that I believe they would be for y idea and theory to overcome this is local area association. the good of the game. I shall be glad to M that in quite a number of counties leagues Each area association should be respon­ hear from anyone with any comments. SUPER ,.~ SUPPLENESS of Hands and Limbs with ~ Rapidity of Action Massage of Hands are the greatest essentials (or ~ SUPER PLAY TH E OFFICIAL For these great essentials there is nothing to equal Massa.ge with E.T.T.A. SHIRTS Elliman Athletic Rub-the World's (UTANGERU" QUALITY, FAST DYES) Wonder l\Iuscle Tonic. But the Massage must be correctly done-­ rubbing oftentimes does more harm THE VERY BEST than good when done wrong'ly. Ladies' from 5/- each Gents' from 5/7 each FREE OFFER of CORRECT MASSAGE INSTRUCTION You can have free and entirely See the " UMBRO" Illustrated without obligation, a copy of a Price List wonderful" Handbook of Physical Fitness" which includes Self-Mas­ SUPPLIED BY ALL GOOD SPORTS OUTFITTERS sageInstructionsby EdwardStorrie. All you have to do to get your copy ;s to send a post card for it addressed to- ELLIMAN'S, Dept. T.T.. SLOUGH Forearm Massage "UMBRO - E.T.T.A." JUNIOR QUALITY SHIRTS (B.I.C. DYES) Ladies' from 3/3 each Gents' from 3/8 each 1/. and 2/6 (Clwb size) of all Hilh Class Chemists 6 TABLE TENNIS YOUNGSTERS DO WELL IN FINAL TRIALS

IFTY or more players of promise and Iwherein every team n1en1ber plays through­ WOMEN. FFerformance appeared at the trials. out a tournament of many matches, Nicoll, hardest to beat, was not here. Together they are already lifting our I would prefer him to Stanley and Nor D. M. Emdin, who at her best is equally table tennis level. As for the men-there count on him for outstanding, though she is not always at that best. TI1ay be ten players in the rest of the some results of No. 1 at the trials, young Vera Dace. world who can beat every English player. the highest class. Her game has obvious limitations (on one (It is not certain, but likely.) But there For Cairo, where side) . She lacks experience (and sometimes are not t\venty in anyone country who No.4 may play loses therefrom). So much the better. There can begin to come near giving a match rarely, if at all, is the more room for improvement. Sufficient to the t\venty excellent players at the and is mainly that she has already done enough in tourna­ trials. .A.s for the women-the E.T.T.A. needed as standby ments to show the new generation is at is indeed lucky. Faced with a drop in in case of sick­ least level with the old. ProTI1ise. Next, younger won1en's play so serious as to threaten ness, young Stan- still, Betty Black­ the game, faced with retirement of its B. Casofsky ley's consistency bourn. How re­ past years' best, it sent out S.O.S. Who must earn him freshing-trials at could expect, within a season, the bon :preferenc~. I have rarely seen a player which the two trova"io of a girl of Jean Nicoll's stature- Improve In twelve months as much as youngest show always a matter of chance not deserts- Rosen, however, and if he doesn't fall themselves the two and the extraordinary high level shown away his future is most rosy. Hardman, outstanding! Young by the many newcomers to the trials, a coming late, started the afternoon weakly Blackbourn's game is still formless. You real response of loyalty and keenness and finished like a storm. This player has cannot tell when from the women's side the E.T.T.A. yet to find consistency, but may still she starts whether must value. fulfil his great early promise. she is going to win Individually, space dictates that short­ Of the old 'uns: Bergl still nearly as good, or lose. (Just as hand must suffice. but without the keen spring of youth. Miss E. Blackbourn you cannot yet tell Seaman sick, we know he's near the top. _ whether she is going MEN. Litten turned up trumps. We thought you to be one of the most remarkable players The best three on the year's form so were going off nowadays, but you certainly ever, or a fadeaway in-and-outer. Which far: Bubley, sick, alas. Lurie, stronger did show us an all-round liveliness and results. do you think, Betty? Eh? You're going than last year. If a slow, a steady better­ On the fringe: Casofsky, always consistent, to show us? Well, we'll watch, and cheer ment. Hyde, better than ever, the only just not top but not far away. Rosenberg, occasionally.) What does matter is that older ranking player to retain full form. studious game of high level, lacking severity. sometimes when she wins she wins by a Next t\vo. Stanley, exceeding consistency Rumjahn, same remarkable easy strokes, street, and punishes everything loose the needs a touch of second she catches sight of it. and a headpiece. Reliable and com­ devil. Baron, steady petent, still lacking a trifle in severity of Next a bunch: Steventon, lion-hearted, competent, but not playing up to form, but that form not quite finish, but this may come with growth. the range to rove top. Bence, range limited, but tough to Rosen, splendid form. Gives promise of if the opponent is beat. Hodgkinson, the best match player, an ability-like formerly Millar's-to rise on form. but still a bit lacking in severity, of chop to an occasion and lift his game at least The rest have or hit. Mace, some elegant hits and will as often as it sinks. In a combination further to go, but improve. Collier, good fighter, defence as a lot of them look unsevere as Hodgkinson, not yet as deter­ determined to cover mined a match winner. Bracewell, some nice the ground. First backhands here, may improve with experience. READERS! PLEASE NOTE. row: Shipton (be Curiously, none of these, all of account The following sports shops stock all more severe), in singles, much cop in doubles. Not so official Table Tennis equipment, and Simons (guts here­ good as doubles any of the requirements for the game A. Shepherd experience needed), specialists, say M:r;s. can be obtained from these Firms. We Alderton (hard to Carrington, or Hard­ hope players will patronise them. They beat, a deceptive custOITler). ing. Don't neglect also stock the official magazine "Table And second row: Mitchell, Hall, Shepherd, study of this side, Tennis." Davies, Moreton, Watson, Carrington, Phillips, young women. Straker, Merritt and Brumwell. We will not ABERDEEN.-McMillans, Union Bridge. Remember it comes Rubber Shops, Ltd., 16-18, St. Nicholas St. forget to watch any of you. in the Marcel Cor­ AarON.-Bradix Games, Sports Ground, Kingsdown Ave. BLACKPOOL.-J. A. Steer, Waterloo Rd., S.S. billon Cup and must BRADFORD.-Sports and Pastimes, 37, Westgate. therefore affect your BURNLEY.-R. Halstead, 289, Padiham Rd., Ightenhill choice. Park Lane. CAMBERLEY.-Whites, 36, High St. Next row: Stead, DEWSBURY.-W. Wood, 10, Kingsway. I Fildes,Ward, Brock, EALING.-Shellshears, 122, Broadway, W.13. EXETER.-John Webber & Sons, 51, High St. Specialists in Mrs. M. A. Carrington Endicott, Frost and FAVERSHAM.-T. E. Taylor, 1, Market PI. Fay. LEEDS, I.-S. M. Wainwright, Leeds Bridge. TABLE TENNIS Experience is the most lacking thing in LEWES.-Lloyd & Son, 2, Station St. any of these. In general, what must ,vomen LIVERPOOL, I.-A. Smart & Sons, 9, Canning Place. J. Sharp, Ltd., 36 and 38, Whitechapel. TROPHIES AND still go out for? Variety and range, on the LONDON.-Gamages, Holborn, E.C.I. whole this is all now encouraging. Hardly J. W. Hearne, 137, Uxbridge Rd., W.13. MEDALS anyone sticks to foiling. But what is I. Pradal & Co., 26, Goodge St., W.l. J. Rose & Son, 39, London Rd., S.E.I. Suppliers to the E.T.T.A. The needed, to'lift everyone up a class, is practice Spalding Bros. (All retail shops.) London TableTennisLeague,etc.,etc. at really punishing swift finishing hits. Sports House, Ltd., 170, Finchley Rd., N.W.3. Scarcely more than three yet attempt these. Wakelings, 7/9, Clapham Park Rd., S.W.4. MANCHESTER, I.-Watson & Mitchells, 1, Newton St. John Taylor & Co. With this common as well as present enter­ NEWBURY.-Turner & Sons, 86, Northbrook St. prise, English women's table tennis would NOTTINGHAM.-Gunn & Moore, 49, Carrington St. 29, ELY PLACE, LONDON, E.C.l be right out of the doldrums and in the TODMORDEN.-T. W. Greenlees, Church St. WOKING.-Sports House, Commercial Rd. Phone: HOLbom 3169 lead. WOLVERHAMPTON.-James Beattie, Ltd. LM. 7 TABLE TENNIS MAGIC CARPET

" FLIT," said the Editor. "I beg your N EXETER I found them by no means Off on the Carpet again. I don't say pardon," said I. "Flit!" he re­ I downhearted. For the fourth time they that I wanted to go to Birmingham, but peated. Just like that. "We haven't have won the "Sir Edgar Plummer" I got carried on to CREWE. They are got any," I replied, "but there's that tin Cup for West Country teams, whilst all looking ahead here. Having joined the of Keatings which we use after the the Dorset Open events were won by North Staffordshire Association, they are Executive meetings." Exeter players. Ron Litten and Betty fielding all youngsters in their Inter­ At this the Editor can1e over all Blackbourn have been picked for League matches. Average age of their haughty. Curling up his lip, like Eric England against Wales. As for the Rose­ tean1 is 18, and the best one is R. Filby about to do a drop-shot, he an­ Bowl, with those two busy little B's, Charlesworth, aged 16. They have to nounced: "The only insect I am referring Blackbourn and Brock, buzzing after it, take him away from school "\vhen he's to is you. And I want you to flit. Get it's as good as on the shelf, I understand. wanted for a match. Didn't hear any­ the Magic Carpet out and hop around, thing about the ladies in Crewe-maybe you're late already." on my next visit they will have some­ Well I thought I wouldn't have to go thing to say for themselves. trucking down all the avenues this OUR L YING dangerously near to Clitheroe month, seeing that everybody was coming F again, we went on to NORTH-EAST up to' town for the Trials, but once the LANCS. The standard of play is still Carpet is on the air, it takes a deal of EXTRA SPECIAL advancing here. ACCRINGTON WORKS stopping. Talking of trials reminds me lead RIBBLESDALE and BURNLEY in the that Richard Bergmann has a lot to CORRESPONDENT League, but NELSON have the N.E. answer for. Every fan who went to Lanes. champion, in A. Matson. This Weinbley was struck by the change in player made a fine show in the all-Lanes. this young man's game, from all defence MAKES HIS Championships at Preston, losing in the to all-round attack. Apparently this has final to Alan Shepherd, of BOLTON. inspired others to do likewise, because at the London Area trials next day a well­ THIRD JOURNEY Another useful league in N.E. Lanes. is ROSSENDALE. Miss L. Yarrow was known Woolwich defender was observed to be flicking and driving with tremendous selected for their team against Blackburn, zeal. Finally he became so enthusiastic and won both her matches. ASSING through BOURNEMOUTH there Rossendale won 11-1, and Black­ about it that he couldn't wait for the Pwas some excitement. They pipped ball-he sloshed the umpire on the head! burn's solitary point was won, aptly Southampton in the Wilmott Cup, 5-4. enough, by Mr. Pickup! Yes, Ridout a word of warning, too! Muller, Soton's fierce penholder hitter, got The Leagues up here have ideas on the When he came too, the umpire looked that Munday feeling and lost at deuce in question of affiliation fees, and they want up Rule 8, of the Appendix to the Laws, the third to Bournemouth's No.3. us in London to know about it. As one and ruled that whilst the player was a Bournemouth air is not so relaxing after local put it, "there's a storm brewing constant hazard, he, the umpire, was not all; they have beaten Portsmouth and here, and we're no teacup!" However, going to be a motionless one. In fact, he Salisbury as well as Southampton in the like all T.T. storms, I suppose it is had a knotty point on his head. Southern Counties League. The ladies a are not far behind, either. The" Ace of matter of hearing the other side of thE ETURNING to the Magic Carpet, our Clubs" team has not been trumped yet. case. From one Nelson to another. Not a Rfirst flight was to SALISBURY, for the And so to BATH (Good idea.-Ed.). Ladies' Southern Trials. The locals think town this time, but a young lad, Jimmy highly of Miss Fay, and I think their faith N the big-time stuff the Bath buns­ Nelson, of Nottingham. Congrats., will be justified later. She went through I I mean boys-are not doing quite so well Jimmy, on winning the Midlands Junior to the Final Trials, with Miss Enticott, as they hoped. 2-11 to Bristol was a bit at the age of 14. Also on playing for the of Southampton. The latter has a bat of a blow, and 1-12 to Cardiff was Nottingham representative team. With covered with sponge with which she another. But Peter Kingston is running such sound men as Wass and Warrington wipes out many good opponents. Salis­ into form, and so is C. Bristowe. The to help him along, young Nelson should bury also have hopes for their youngster, latter they told me, was unlucky against soon step-up to the Senior championship Shephard, who qualified for the Final Cardiff. Winning 19-18, he lost the stage. Trials. match by three successive net-balls. I Oh! I was nearly missing LINCS. . Next to B~ISTOL, where they are begin­ thought that only happened to me ! Always something going on there. nIng to be Just a little proud of them­ The game as a whole is in a very Grimsby are still the strongest centre, but selves this year. Two of their boys, healthy state in Bath. League, County, Lincoln and Spalding are coming along Douglas (and what a topspin 1) Shipton, and newspaper competitions are flourish­ fine. Miss Frost, from Spalding, is going and the studious-looking Aubrey Simons ing. They had 300 at their January dance, to be a hot player-she won the closed are forging to the front. They beat and they are holding another on April County Championship at Scunthorpe. Exeter in the Wilmott Cup. Admittedly 1st-no foolin' . The men's event was won by Grimsby's star, Albert Hall. He came up to the the Exe-men were without Litten but BUTCHER CUP COMPETITION. ~he re~ult girl~ Final Trials, and showed that he is was 7-2. Bristol are (LINCOLNSHIRE) . ImprovIng, too, 6-7 to Cardiff, in their P. W. L. F. A. Pts. already a fine player, but with a name Western Counties contest is good going. Sleaford 7 6 1 43 20 12 like that surely he must be destined for Woodhall Spa 10 6 4 58 32 12 Mark my words, 16-year-old Barbara Louth ... 6 5 1 45 10 10 high honours in table tennis? And is it Watts will come into the limelight next Horncastle 4 1 3 10 26 2 only a rumour that his Mixed Doubles Alford ... 5 1 4 9 36 2 year. Mablethorpe 6 0 6 8 46 o partner is named Alexandra Palace ? 8 TABLE TENNIS TOM WEMBLEY [\~~Jf! fK ~~~

Reproduced by permission of THE DAILY MAIL and TOM WEBSTER~

9 TABLE TENNIS GILBERT MARSHALL wins at CROYDON JEAN NICOLL TAKES TWO OUT OF THREE

Alas, she was beaten to a large extent by her by]. W. A. Connolly own nerves. Jean, the score does her little I justice, 'was in such a hurry to finish it off that she had a crack at pretty near!y every EAN NICOLL, young English champion, E. Miller, \vho went through to the men's ball. But though she made mistakes, there Jfinished all square in the South of doubles finals and disposed of Reeve and never looked prospect of her being beaten. England championships, at Croydon. She Bergl in the semi-final. That they went out The t01~rnament was played this year at lost the \Von1en's doubles title (held with to Jack Rogers and Ron Hook in the final the Drill Hall in Mitcham Road. Conditions is only incidental after their splendid per­ Mrs. Carrington), won the singles, and were excellent, and hard-working organiser formance in getting through. Hook and Mr. Milton's pride at the success of the event, retained the mixed doubles. She went Rogers are a new teaming this season, and and his gratitude to the authorities who down in the "Vvomen's to a new combination look good. Jack Rogers held the doubles loaned the hall, can be well understood. in international Doris Emdin and Eileen with Filby, but defended this time with RESULTS Baker. Doris hit beautifully while Eileen a new partner, and, like Miss Nicoll, was Women's Doubles.-Semi-Finals: D. L. Emdin and E. made sure that her returns to Mrs. successful again. Baker beat P. Barnes and J. Roberts 21-20, 21-12. M. Cheery, red-haired Anglo-American Gilbert Carrington and J. Nicoll (holders) beat G. Mace and E. Carrington never allowed her to hit back. Finch 21-18, 21-17. Miss Nicoll held the mixed with Eric Marshall really deserved his success in the Final: Emdin and Baker beat Carrington and Nicoll men's singles. It is a long tin'le since I Filby (now in South Africa with the 21-9, 21-13. saw him play so well. Men's Doubles.-Semi-Finals: E. Miller and J. Badham L.T.A. team) but won it this time with beat M. Bergl and G. Reeve 10-21, 21-18, 21-16. J. Moreton, well though he defended, could Rogers and R. Hook beat J. H. Carrington and R. Moreton Maurice Bergl. Bergl was the steadying hope to achieve little against this new 20-21, 21-18, 21-16. influence \vho carried them through a Marshall, whose quick hit down the lines Final: Rogers and Hook beat Miller and Badham 21-14, hectic semi-final against Harry Rosen was always a winner, and who repeatedly 21-16, 22-20. Mixed Doubles.-Semi-Finals: C. E. Merrett and Miss .and Eileen Baker, and helped save five aced straight from the service. The refreshing D. L. Emdin beat A. D. Brook and Miss Roberts 21-20, ll1atch points to win. In the final they part of the final was to see them trading hit 21-17. M. Bergl and Miss J. Nicoll beat H. Rosen and both hit too confidently for Doris Emdin for hit and getting shots back that you Miss E. Finch 21-12, 10-21, 22-20. Final: Bergl and Miss Nicoll beat Merrett and Miss .and the young Surrey pIayer, Cyril wouldn't believe possible. Moreton was beaten in straight sets, but few of our present­ Emdin 10-21, 21-7, 21-8. Merrett. Merrett, incidentally had a day Men's Singles.-Semi-Finals: R. Moreton beat D. J. day players could have done much against Cairns 21-13,18-21,21-7. G. W. Marshall beat J. Rogers out in this tournament, for he did Gilbert on this form. 21-19, 21-13. extremely well to beat Harry Rosen in Jean Nicoll was the reverse of her Wembley Final: Marshall beat Moreton 21-8, 21-14, 21-10. the singles. personality in a very convincing win over Women's Singles.-Semi-Finals: J. Nicoll beat E. Baker 21-16, 21-10. H. Burton (holder) beat G. Mace Biggest surprise was the form of two new­ Hilda Burton, the \vomen's singles holder. 21-12, 21-18. comers, unknown to me, in J. Badham and Miss Burton fought well, but briefly. Final: Kicoll beat Burton 21-16, 21-13. TO STARDOM SHOOT WITH METE THREE· PIECE TABLE TENNIS BALLS

For the finest players, the finest balls-METEOR! Their flight is always accurate, because their weight is evenly distributed. Their sturdy con­ struction gives them long life. And they always bounce true, because their patent three-piece design makes it impossible to hit a seam at right angles. METEOR balls cost only 2/6 a dozen. Use them always for club and practice play. HALEX An excellent club ball, with a strong, smooth seam. All Halex No. I balls are true in shape. In standard weight with a matt No.1 ivory white finish they cost only 1/6 a dozen.

GET THEM FROM YOUR USUAL SPORTS SHOP HADE IY THE BRITISH XYLONITE COMPANl LIMITED· HALE END, E·4 10 TABLE TENNIS Aronnd- County Championships by M. W. Robinson HE County Championships in its second Tseason has proceeded smoothly on its \vay, without any of those snags arising which one might expect from a venture in its early stages. The greatest difficulty has been the fac t ECOLLECTIONS of the English cham-/ J W A ~ONNOLLy Rpionships last month are mainly happy, • • • that with only a small number of entries but there were one or two not so happy (" SWlday Express" sports specialist) traveIling expenses have been very high. .aspects about the affair also. It is a pleasing II If other counties would, during the close thought to look back on the way in which season, consider entering for these champion­ ,our girls beat the foreign challenge. Honours !.:.;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;~ ships, thereby making the area Leagues in this respect to Dora Emdin, Jean Nicoll, as her endless attack was countered by a smaller, travelling expenses would be con­ and Bettie Steventon. Their victims ·were seemingly invincible defence. siderably reduced. Votrubc;ova, Depetrisova, and Dora Beregi. * * * The details of the rnatches played are as -Good scalps, indeed. pERHAPS the one surprise that stands follows :­ I must, however, deprecate Jean Nicoll's out is the form of Miss Steventon. The Yorkshire versus Durham, at Harrogate. manner of winning the English title. Not Birmingham girl beat Dora Beregi in the Yorkshire 5, Durham 4. Hill beat Reay, leal and Hunnam. Mitton beat ]eal that I have any inclination to belittle this National, and, just by way of proving it no and Hunnam, lost to Reay. Queskey lost to Hunnam, amazing 1ittle sixteen-year-old Herga Club fluke, beat her again in the Midland cham­ Reay and leal. star-I have rooted for her time and time pionships. Miss Steventon, with her stoic Lincolnshire beat Derbyshire at Sleaford, again, for she's a great player-but it was a defence, most unorthodox attack, and her 6-3. matter of the deepest regret that she chose fierce .flat hit, beat a Corbillon Cup inter­ Hall beat Orme, Swale and Hindle. Skinns beat Hindle and lost to Orme and Swale. B. Bennett beat Swale and to " chisel" a\vay against Dora Emdin. Her national in every round until she went out Hindle and lost to Orme. performance is more than remarkable. It is in the semi-final to Dora Emdin. Warwickshire beat Cambridgeshire at Bir­ magnificent. But much of the glory has gone * * * * mingham, 6-3. from it already. ERHAPS the bitterest pill of all, as far Banner beat Edwards, lost to Barrer and Humphries. I know full well that the first incentive of Pas the women players are concerned, came Walton beat Barrer and Humphries and lost to Edwards. any player in a tournament is to win t1.t.at with the E.T.T.A. decision not to send a Alderton beat Edwards, Barrer and Humphries. tournament. Quite right. I know full well women's team to compete for the Corbillon Cambridgeshire lost to Lincolnshire at Cambridge, 3-6. that Jean Nicoll in the last set pulled the Cup, in the world's championships in Cairo Edwards beat Dean and Hall, lost to Skinns. Hum­ luatch out of the fire from an eight love this month. phries beat Skinns, lost to Dean and Hall. Barrer lost to deficit. But none of those things explain There is a deal of wisdom in the official Dean, Hall and Skinns. why she chose to " chisel." decision. The expense in the first place is Warwickshire beat N ottinghamshire at She appealed to me in the first place tremendous, and a factor that one cannot Birmingham~ 9-0. Teams.-Warwickshire: Sadler, Lisle and Whitehouse. because of her many unorthodox strokes pretend to ignore. As it is, the expenses on Nottinghamshire: Wigginton, Wass and Willgoose. carried out with the technique of the tennis the tour at present will bite a big hole in the Derbvshire lost to Warwickshire at Matlock, player, because of her refreshing open attack, profits of the Wembley house. Add to that 2-7. ., and mostly because of her courage to carry the fact that the majority of the old heads Orme lost to Alderton, beat Poole and Whitehouse. the attack throughout and to put the winners are more or less in semi-retirement or have Hindle lost to Whitehouse, Alderton and Poole. Holmes away with her terrific forehand. Yet none of already retired. It would have meant sending lost to Alderton, Whitehouse and Poole. these things did she do. I was just dis­ a raw and inexperienced team of three to Durham beat Northumberland at West appointed, that's all. compete under conditions strange and un­ Stanley, 9-0. Teams.-Durham: Reay, leal, and Hunnam. North­ * * * favourable to them. umberland: Simpson, Bulmer and Shaw. AD~IIRE Dora Emdin for the way she Then there was the other obvious matter Lincolnshire lost to Warwickshire at I stuck at it. I noticed from high up in the of a chaperone. Oh, yes! I sympathise with Grimsby, 4-5. Wembley press box how beautifully she the trialists who played with all their heart Miss Scott beat Miss Steventon and Mrs. Church, lost positions for every stroke, how near to perfect and soul throughout that Sunday of the to Mrs. Bence. Miss Isaac lost to Mrs. Bence, Miss Steventon and Mrs. Church. Miss Ward lost to Mrs. is her footwork, and the ease with which every final trials, but I can appreciate the wisdom Bence, beat Miss Steventon and Mrs. Church. stroke is carried out. I sympathised with her of Bill Pope and the others. It wouldn't Northumberland lost to Lincolnshire, 0-9. for the heartbreaks she must have endured have been worth it. Teams.-Northumberland: Miss Kay, Miss Marshall, and Miss Sharp. Lincolnshire: Miss Ward, Miss Scott, and Miss Piercey. Warwickshire beat Yorkshire at BirIlIing­ 'without question one ofthe best books on the game' ham, 7-2. Miss Osborne beat Miss Stott, Mrs. Stead and Miss Chard. Miss Steventon beat Miss Stott, Mrs. Stead and Miss Chard. A first-rate up-to-date introduction to the Miss Egerton lost to Miss Stott and Mrs. Stead, beat Miss Chard. game by a very clever championship player, Northumberland lost to Warwickshire at MODERN Newcastle, 2-7. who has a gift for putting his knowledge Miss Kay lost to Miss Egerton, beat Miss Strongitharm into words. The beginner is guided in the and Miss Plumpton. Miss Sharp lost to Miss Egerton, Miss Strongitharm and Miss Plumpton. Miss Marshall lost to choice of equipment and is shown how to Miss Egerton, Miss Strongitharm and Miss Plumpton . TABLE In the men's championship Warwickshire build up his game on sound lines. There beat Lincolnshire, at Grimsby, but no details are a vailable on going to press. is also much good advice on theory and tactics for ambitious club players. Table Tennis on Holiday TENNIS ERY often it's" only ping-pong," isn't Vit? No room and only a poor table. But by one of our cleverest championship players there are a number of places nowadays that do really cater for the Table Tennis enthusiast. Tournament tables and a good run back are Jack Carrington becoming less rare, and well-known players are beginning to pick out the best places to illustrated with photos and dias.,rams 25 6d net stay. Bergmann, Vana, Brook and Seaman, for instance, when in Bournemouth have all * From all booksellers# stationers, newsagents who, if out of stock, will get it quickly for you, or chosen the same place-the Westbrook Hotel. direct from the f.T.T.A. (by post 3d extra) Try it yourself !

II TABLE TENNIS

OVERSEAS FRIENDS WRITE BACK. •• • Some Impressions of the English Championships

FroID France ••• be impossible to better. My opinion was, sure will make a good show in any inter­ that without doubt, the two best in the national event. R. POPE, your distinguished secre­ world were taking part. * * * Mtary, has asked me to give my N ow Miss Jean Nicoll is a very great T was very interesting that the only holder in1pressions of the English championships. player and won the title by sheer grit. She Ito retain his title was the junior holder, is a very sympathetic and pleasant player. Ken Stanley-and the Men's Doubles, Barna­ But don't think that what I write is Bellak. In all the other six games new dictated by the wish to please him and She has a fine defence, but she must practice. If she does, I think she may easily be the champions \vere found. you. The truth doesn't· need to be first British woman to hold the world's title. A most interesting feature at Wembley was in1proved upon. Miss Nicoll emulated a feat of a Hungarian that all the matches found the ultitnate I don't want to say much about the friend of mine, Dr. Pecsi, by winning the winner two matches down before finally matches themselves, for it is not junior and senior title at the same meeting. winning, and that the clock timing did not 'have to be called in. necessary to come from any particular Barna played well excepting in his match Taking everything into consideration this country to be thrilled by Vana playing \vith Bubley. In his match with Haguenauer was a wonderful meeting-I advise the Bergmann. But I do want to speak of he was splendid. I noticed that on these International Association to allow the British what struck me most-the perfect occasions his fore­ Championships to rank as world's Champion­ organisation. hand was better ships-as in Lawn Tennis. than hit backhand. ~o For the preliminaries at the Albert Hall In conclusion my thanks the E.T.T.A. just as for the finals at Wembley, nothing for providing me with the opportunity to ELLAI{ did witness such a marvellous meeting and the was forgotten that helped to make the event not do so well­ a complete success. The spectacular side­ B players for putting up such a good sho\;v. maybe he \vasn't ZOLTAN MECHLOVITZ. the presentations to the players, and the in the best of con- playing of their National Anthems-was dition-but it was F S d specially looked after, but not allowed to obvious how the rolU DYe en... interfere with the swift sequence of the English public takes matches, which Mr. Rose adjusts so well. to a sportsman. His HE S\vedish I don't like to end without saying a few popularity with the TTable Tennis words about some of your players I have crowd at Wembley Association has seen in action and who have surprised me. L. Bellak was particularly for many years It is clear that players like Hyde, Lurie, noticeable. been unable to Bubley and others have really attained the I liked very much the Belgian Evalanko. send representa­ International first-class stage; but-much I also admired and thought a lot of the more important-you have so many young tives to the inter­ Swedish team, especially Flisberg. He lost national tourna­ players who are only waiting their chance, to Vana in the ready to take the place of the present team. 4th round, one game ments, and it was So I predict a happy future for English going against him therefore with the Table Tennis, for it is in your country a at 25-27. A great greatest expecta­ young game, yet it has a wonderful popularity sportsman, this tions that four \vith the crowd-a popularity of which I player. G.Ollen S\vedish players ~hould like to borrow a little- for the game The tVlO English entered for the In my country. girls Emdin and national championship in England in JACQUES BEMBASSET. Nicoll, on the day 1939. \vere too strong for Depetrisova and Let me say at once that these expecta­ Votrub~ova, but in tions have been more than fulfilled­ FroDl Hungary ••• the women's Doub­ above all in the v;ay the championship bles the Czechs was organised. \Ve had never imagined ow, in Buda S. Flisberg together were easily anything so overwhelming as the use of NPest, two the best. weeks after the the Albert Hall and the \VerrLbley Stadium Now what of the Englishmen? I must for a table tennis tournament. English champion­ say the standard has very much improved. ships, I reflect on Lurie succeeded in reaching the semi-final One thing struck me from the very first ; the results. It and against Bergmann, lost owing mainly Table Tennis in England is recognised as was the best and to extreme nervousness. Bubley against a sport in a different way from in Sweden. Barna in the first two games was good. If It is true that in the course of the last year finest champion­ he had continued to play his game instead the clubs affiliated to the Swedish Table ships I have ever of considering the consequences he would Tennis Association have increased in number seen in my life; have won. If I could have spoken to him from 89 to 210, but there is still a great not only the I should have said, "take off your glove deal to be done to give table tennis a rea] Z. M echlovitz gan1es but the and you will win." fillip for the public at large. sporting spirit We also got to know something a bout that was everywhere in evidence. y opinion of the English team is that English sportsmanship and we found that My heartiest congratulation to the officials MKen Hyde is the best. Against Boros it went much better with our own national of the E.T.T.A. on this year's splendid he won easily, 3-0. He lost in the fifth character and temperament to lose with a achievement. round to Vana, 3-1. smile than with agitated gestures like the Now for the English girls. England can people of the South. Now when we go home * * * be satisfied that they have a splendid' team again, we shall stress this more than before, ~~VE yet to recall a more marvellous exhi­ and they have a good chance in the Corbillon and go in for English manners in sports. I bItIon of the game than the final provided Cup matches at Cairo-Nicoll, Emdin, Best of all was the friendliness with which by Bergn1ann and Vana. These two players Osborne, Steventon, Woodhead, Dace and we were received by all the organisations. played a game that in my opinion it would the young Miss Blackbourn. The girls I am None of us had been to London before, 12 TABLE TENNIS and our knowledge of the language was far from perfect. In the face of the kindness M. A. Symons talks to the BEGINNER and good humour and the real desire to help shown to us by Mr. Pope and Mr. Rose No.6-Backhand Play racket arm ready, meet the ball on the rise and many others, we felt that we were among or at the top of its bounce and let your arm friends. o most beginners backhand play is a go through with the stroke. For low-bouncing GUNNAR OLLEN. T bogey. They very idea of " playing on balls (generally cut) you will need top-spin the backhand" strikes terror into them­ for your shot. This is made by hitting the it seems an unnatural and difficult way of ball with a forward and upward movement playing after using the forehand side of as for forehand top-spin, but the swing back Front Jersey ••• the racket. is much shorter. To attack a ball conling wide to your left or right, the foot movements The main reason for this is that be­ are the reverse of the forehand drive move­ OR many ginners (and plenty of fairly experienced months we ments, i.e., for a ball wide on the left hand F players) do not stand properly for their side move your left foot over and vice versa. boys in Jersey stroke. They have played the half­ You will find with this stance it is easiest to had been looking volley-the short push stroke using the hit the ball diagonally across the table. forward to playing backhand side of their racket and If you wish to hit the ball straight down the in the English standing almost square with the table, table, swing your body a little more to the championships, they learn the forehand drive for attack, left as you make your shot. but after an early The advantage of backhand attack over and leave the backhand hit until last forehand is that a backhand hit is a quicker start we encoun­ because it always seems difficult. tered rough shot than forehand. The ball is generally I strongly advise beginners to start early taken earlier and very often the hit is made weather on the learning some kind of a backhand hit, even over the table, from closer in than the fore­ A. ]. Le Sueur. way over, and if an inaccurate one, and to pay special hand. You must be ready to step in close young Hansford attention to stance for this stroke which is up to the table, otherwise you will miss a gave his all for his island. even 'more important than for the forehand chance of making a good hit and will be drive. reduced to poking back the ball into play. We took part in the tournan:ents at the Stance Another advantage of backhand over fore­ Albert Hall, and although suffering from TAND in the usual position for receiving hand is that the backhand stroke can be made in front of the body whereas on the forehand '" wind-up" certainly enjoyed playing and Sservice or serving: one pace behind the centre of the end line of the table. Now make this is very difficult and often leads to watching every game we played, and later a quarter left turn (assuming that you are a disaster. This is because the backhand stroke those ,ve watched. The matches that I right-handed player). This will have the is actually played by stretching the arm shall always remember are those of Bergmann effect of freeing your arm movement for your across the body (which is whenever p03sible v. Vana and Jean Nicoll v. D. Emdin. I backhand stroke. Your quarter-turn to the turned towards the left side to give arm all but rolled off my seat with laughter at left will get your body out of the way of your freedom) whereas the forehand stroke is played with the arm away from the body. the clo,vning of Bellak and Barna, and that arm and prevent that constricted, shoulder­ locked feeling which is so disastrous to the If the ball comes straight to your body back­ alone ,vas worth my crossing to the tourna­ development of backhand attack. If the hand is the best shot to try-either a half­ n1ents. ball comes to hand you will now be in position volley or a backhand flick. A. J. LE SUEUR. to make a backhand hit. Swing back your NEXT MONTH: Match-play for the beginner.

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HE second Altrincham closed champion­ holder, A. L. Rogers in the quarter-finals, matches, which were played at the Slough T ships attracted considerable local interest, and had had a hard fight to overcome L. E. Social Centre. Slough proved a little too­ and a large number of spectators visited the Symons in the semi-finals, winning the final strong for them, winning the men's match. Y.M.C.A. on finals night. game to deuce. Mitchell beat A. E. Butler 8-3 (19 games to 12) and the women's match ALTRINCHAM Again, a high standard (Guild of St. George) by the odd game in the 9-2 (18 games to 5). In the men's match of play was set through­ other semi-final. 9 of the 11 events going to three games. J. out the tournament and many of last seasons Ragan claimed another title, when with Pearce (Junior Imps) and R. Price (Halton leading lights fell in the earlier rounds. The E. C. Bartlett, he won the Men's Doubles Command) were Aylesbury's Il10st successful Singles title was taken by R. Beddows, Final from E. H. Fenton and W. Norri3. players. who went through the toughest section Some of the best play of the evening was * * of the draw with flying colours. Beddows seen in the Ladies' Singles Final, when Miss ITH less than a month of the season to, is undefeated in the league programnle Gwen Scorah (Cricklewood) defeated Miss Wgo, Western Y.M.C.A. seem assured of and is the first Altrincham player to reach Dorothy Green (Hendon Municipal Officers') the West of Scotland Championship for the the last sixteen of the popular" Evening by two games to one. Miss Green also second year in succession. Chronicle" Tournament. qualified for the Mixed Doubles Final, but W. SCOTLAND They are \vorthy cham­ In gaining the Singles Trophy he lost only with D. G. Rutherford as her partner, she pions- not only have one game, when he defeated the holder, D. J. was again on the losing side. J. Owen and they proved the most consistent team, but Hullah in a brilliant second round fight. In Mrs. C. Love (Dollis Hill) proving victors in Jack Hillan, their No. 1 man won the Open>-­ the Final he had no difficulty in disposing of the third game. Mrs. Wright assisted Mrs. Singles Championship, beating his team mate A. F. Parker (Ross.) 21-15, 21-18. Love to win her second title when they beat Alex. Barclay (a former holder) by three sets The Doubles title also changed hands, J. E. the Almora pair Miss W. Newman and Miss to one. Abel and J. C. Byrne (Atlantic) created a I . Starkey by two games to one. J. Dunnigan (Western Y.NI.C.A.) beat I.

We have just learned of an -error in the January issue. We printed the above picture of the Swindon representative team­ unbeaten in the Western Counties League last season-and described it as (( The Central Mission Team, Swindon League Champions." To clear the matter surprise when hey won through to the final up, here is the against some strong opposition only to be Central Mission def~ated by A. F. Parker and F. Robinson, team, on the right. 21-14, 21-15. An excellent entry of 62 Singles and 35 Doubles was ably disposed of by league Chairman Jack Batty, the tournament referee. In it's second season the Altrincham League VER 400 seats 'Yere sold immediately Arthur (Southern Y".:vr.C.A.) in the Confined increased in membership from 8 to 20 teams on issue for the finals of the Barrow and a gratifying feature of the present season O Singles by two sets to one. An amusing Table Tennis League tournament, held on interlude occurred mid,Yay through the is the increasing public support of it's February 4. Barna, Bellak, activities. Arrangements are now in hand final set. Both players became over cautious BARROW Vana, and Bergmann gave an and started to "Chisel." Immediately the for the Mid-Cheshire Open Championships exhibition during the evening. which were unavoidably postponed from spectators voiced their displeasure in no Tournament results were : uncertain manner and the brief interlude of October, and a bumper entry is assured. Men's Handicap Singles: F. Wood. Women's Doubles: Miss Todd and Miss Butterworth. Mixed Doubles: Miss " ping-pong" ceased as quickly as it started. * * E. Keith and E. Rooney. Women's Singles: Miss D. In the final of the Women's Singles, Miss * Townson. Men's Doubles: R. Thomason and ]. H. K. Betty Simons (Jewish Institute) was so RECORD entry of 190 was received for Park. Men's Singles: T. Craig. palpably nervous that she fell easy prey to the A the Willesuen League's Closed Champion­ On February 11 Barrow played their first more experienced Mrs. J. Sinclair (Radnor). ships, which proved a great success. Un­ home inter-League match against the Carlisle League, losing heavily 9-1. Two competitions introduced for the first fortunately the venue for time, the Junior Singles, won by C. Savage WILLESDEN the Finals had to be * * * (Lewis's), and the Men's Doubles, proved very changed at the last moment. HE First Division championship is still successful. The final of the latter between However a big crowd was entertained at the Tan open issue as, at the moment of writing, Amsterdam and Brodie (Jewish Institute) Headquarters of the Almora Club. there is a possibility of a triple tie. and White and Adam (Paisley Y.M.C.A.) The Men's Singles once again was full of Hazell's boys seem well proving one of the highlights of the evening. surprises, the holder and several of the AYLESBURY set for the championship West of Scotland Table Tennis "fans'" favourites being eliminated in the (( play­ of Division 11., having now can look forward to seeing a team of English offs." The title was won by the Cricklewood completed the double over Y.M.C.A. "A," " Cracks" shortly. The probable date for Captain, Jack Ragan, who beat a club-mate their nearest rivals. Glasgow is March 27th, and the team may in the Final, C. S. Mitchell, in three straight On Saturday, February 11, Aylesbury be H. Lurie, K. Hyde, A. A. Haydon and A. games. Ragan had previously defeated the visited Slough for their return inter-League Liebster or K. Stanley. TABLE TENNIS

T the time of going to press, Wembley Ahas an excellent record in the Major Inter-League competitions. The men have Betty Blackbourn takes three P9rset titles reached the last 16 of the XETER players swept the board at the Litten (Exeter County) beat W. R'. ::'1>A.~'~:~ter Emanuel) WEMBLEY Wilmott Cup, and have EFourth Annual Dorset Open Table Tennis 21-19, 21-9. "\,,,. high hopes of a win against Championships at Dorchester on February 11. Final: Litten beat Suter 21-16, 21-14, 19-21, 21~15. Oxford to reach the last 8. That position has R. F. Litten, of Exeter, retained the men's Men's Daubles.-Semi-Finals: F. G. Grigg and L. R. already been achieved in the Rose Bowl, and singles title, beating L. R. Suter, also of Suter (Exeter) beat E. Gilbert and F. Mundy (North the draw for the quarter-finals is being Bournemouth) 21-18, 21-18. G. Platt (North Bourne­ Exeter, in the best final staged at Dorchester mouth) and F. Ridout (Exeter Y.M.) beat C. B. Cashell eagerly awaited. since the inception of the tournament, by (North Bournemouth) and R. Illingworth (Parkstone) In the Metropolitan Association all now 21-16, 21-14, 19-21, 21-15. 21-17, 21-9. depends on the match between North Middle­ Final: Grigg and Suter beat Platt and Ridout 13-21, Litten showed excellent form throughout 21-13, 21-14. sex and Surrey. I f Surrey lose, W embley the tournament, and his attack was much too t~is Women's Single3.-Semi-Finals: Miss B. Macdonald emerge as winners in the first year of forceful for Suter, though the latter's retriev­ (Exeter St. Stephens) beat Mrs. Perrett (Parkstone) 21-11, competition. If Surrey win, a play-off \VIll ing amazed the large crowd that witnessed 21-15. Miss E. Blackbourn (Exeter County) beat Miss ]. be necessary. Brock (Exeter St. Stephens) 21-15, 21-19. the finals. Final: Miss Blackbourn beat Miss Macdonald 21-12, The Wembley Championship entry is The women's singles title went to Elizabeth 21-11. bigger than ever, and there promises to be a Blackbourn, who in partnership with Joan Women's Doubles.-Semi-Finals: Mrs. Perrett and Mrs. full house at Lancelot Hall on finals night­ Brock won the women's doubles, and took Barnett (Parkstone) beat Miss B. Macdonald and Mrs. I. March 4th. Hunter (Exeter St. Stephens) 21-15, 17-21, 21-15. Miss the mixed doubles in partnership with Litten. ]. Brock and Miss E. Blackbourn beat Miss D. Pitman * * * Kerslake and Tucker (Exeter), who were (Christchurch) and Miss F. Westmoreland (North Bourne­ E have now said goodbye to the Wilmott defending their men's doubles title, were mouth) 21-7, 21-18. Cup, losing 8-1 at Liverpool. Our set Final: Misses Brock and Blackbourn beat Mrs. Perrett W beaten in the second round by Amery and and Mrs. Barnett 21-8, 21-13. was won by W. T. Moore who beat Peter Litten. The latter were beaten in the Rumjahn in straight games. Mixed Doubles.-Semi-Finals: Miss E. Blackbourn and quarter finals by Grigg and Suter (Exeter), R. F. Litten beat Mrs. Perrett (Parkstone) and T. H. CHESTER In the League, Moore lost who eventually won the event. Leeson (Weymouth) 21-14, 21-15. Miss]. Osborne and both his sets against St. E. Bilbert (North Bournemouth) beat Mrs. 1. Hunter and Pauls, and W. Neild was beaten by E. RESULTS R. Hollett (Exeter) 21-13, 21-11. Patterson, a very improving Y.M.C.A. player. Men's Singles.-Semi-Finals: L. R. Suter (Exeter) beat Final: Miss Blackbourn and Litten beat Miss Osborne In the Ladies section Miss M. Stead again G. Platt (North Bournemouth) 21-23, 21-6, 21-13. R. F. and Gilbert 21-11, 21-9. beat Miss E. Guest and this seems to make the Ladies' Singles Championship more open. Our Championships are to be held again at the Broadway Palace, on Friday, March 24th and Monday, March 27th. The date of the Manchester match is not yet fixed, but it is almost certain Lurie will not be available. However, Cohen and Casofsky will probably be present. Club's please note and do their best to sell tickets for this attractive match. * * * OUTH London have proceeded into the Squarter-finals of both the Wilmott Cup and Rose Bowl tournaments. In the Fourth Round of S. LONDON the Wilmott Cup against Dartford, South London introduced F. G. Harrower (Gardens) who acquitted himself very well, winning his three matches. South London were successful by nine games to nil. Wilmott Cup, 3rd Round. S. London v. Bristol. Vera Dace was South London's star in the English Championship reaching the semi­ finals of the Mixed Doubles with A. Liebster, and were only defeated after a very close struggle against the eventual winners Vana and Vorrub90va. They were actually leading SWINDON PROGRESS 20-15 in the final game. Better luck next o Magic Carpet has drifted our way, no have reached the semi-final stage. In the time, Vera! NConnolly pen has been steeped in Swindon n~en's singles' quarter finals Ron Webb * * * ink, but quietly and steadily we forge ahead, (holder) is still playing strongly, with E. NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE ASSOCIATION. defeating our illustrious rivals. Still we are Snook (former champion), A. Richens, and TABLE. unbeaten at the head of the Western Counties C. Workman offering a serious challenge. Games League-a proud record we held last season. F. Vizor and S. Millard, both of Central Hall, P. W. L. D. F. A. Pts. Leek 6 6 0 0 79 17 12 Bristol beaten 8-5 and 10-3; Cardiff 7-6; are capable of upsetting calculations. Mrs. Stoke-on-Trent 6 5 1 0 68 28 10 Bath 13-0. Ladies: Bristol 9-4 and 10-3; N. Ridge, Miss G. Beazley, and Miss C. Jones Hanley ... 6 2 3 1 43 53 5 Cardiff 2-11. Friendly matches have resulted are all running well for the women's trophy, Crewe .,. 5 1 3 1 32 58 3 Uttoxeter 5 1 4 0 26 54 2 as follows: Oxford beaten 21-4 ; West Wilts held for the past two years by the first-named. Stafford... 6 1 5 0 24 72 2 10-3; Bristol Juniors 5-7 and 10-3. Ladies: An innovation this season is the formation Results.-Uttoxeter 7 t Hanley 9; Leek 9, Stoke­ Oxford 12-13. of consolation singles for those defeated in on-Trent 7; Crewe 11, Stafford 5; Crewe 2, Leek 14 ; Stoke-on-Trent 14, Uttoxeter 2; Stafford 3, Hanley In the First Division of the Swindon and the first round. 13; Stoke-on-Trent 9, Hanley 7; Leek 16, Stafford O. District League, Central Hall " A" (cham­ The following ¥:ere successful in negotiating pions) are racing neck and neck with Lucania the preliminary rounds of the Western "A," each having lost one match. Their Counties League Championships and took G. W. DECKER & SONS, clash at the end of the season will decide the part in the finals at Bath on February 25 : 9, BALDWIN CRESCENT, S.E.S issue. Okus Sports Club are likely winners Men's Singles: J. Silto and F. Vizor. ( Phone: BRIXTON II SO) of Division 11., while G.W.R. Athletic" B " Women's Singles: Mrs. N. Ridge and Miss G. Specialists in and Lucania " B " are fighting out the Third Beazley. Men's Doubles: J. Silto and C. TABLE TENNIS LIGHTING Division championship. In the Ladies' Workman; R. W. May and L. Joy. l\1ixed Division Okus Sports Club appear to be Doubles: J. Silto and Miss C. Jones; E. for E.T.T.A. events during the last impregnable. Rushen and Miss G. Beazley. ten years. The majority of the local championships D. A. KETHERO. IS TABLE TENNIS

LURIE DEFEATS HYDE IN CHESHIRE 'OPEN' In the Near Future • • • HE entries LQ.I_,the Open Cheshire Cham­ Championship materialise it will be interesting Tournament Dates T piQn~-·_:_./ :reached the limit of 220 entries, to see who can beat them. MARCH _~n&-,the list was then closed. The tournament RESULTS 5-Canterbury Invitation. committee decided to restrict the entry 6-l8-Surrey (Croydon). -owing to the limited amount of playing Men's Singles.-Semi-Final: Hyde beat Cohen 21-17' 21-13. Lurie beat Casofsky 21-17, 21-14. 11-Yorkshire (Barnsley). accomn10dation, as they did not wish to Final: Lurie beat Hyde 21-15, 21-18, 15-21, 21-15. l3-l6-Gloucestershire. spoil \vhat has become the most sociable Women's Singles: Miss Newey beat Miss Norrish 13-21, 18-Bradford. tournament in the North, and was again 21-19, 21-13. Men's Doubles: Hyde and Lurie beat Cohen and l8-Skegness (Lines. players only). held at the Y.M.C.A., Manor Road, Wallasey. Casofsky 21-14, 21-13. 20-April l-W. Middlesex (W. Ealing). Women's Doubles: Misses Norrish and Malley beat Miss 24-25-Grimsby. H. Lurie at last turned the tables on !(en Robinson and Mrs. Lloyd 21-12,21-12. Hyde \vhen he won the n1en's singles, after a Mixed Doutles: P. U. Rumjahn and Miss Malley beat 25-Doncaster. hard and very close four-game match. For Hyde and Miss Newey 21-14, 12-21, 21-17. APRIL the third year in succession Miss Diana Newey, Men's Consolation: F. B. Knott beat C. Evans 21-16, 21-19. 8-Scarborough. of Birmingham, won the women's singles, Women's Consolation: Miss E. Campbell beat Miss N. 10-Whitby. beating Nliss Nora Norrish, of Liverpool. Foulis 21-13, 21-10. W. STAMP. l7-29-Middlesex (Harrow). The mixed title changed hands when the holders, J. K. Hyde and Miss D. Newey, were The Scarborough Open Table Tennis Tournament beaten by Peter Rumjahn and Miss Edie ROSE BOWL in the Malley. Hyde and Lurie resumed the partner­ Grand Skating Rink, Scarborough ship that won then1 the Welsh Open, and Draw for the Fourth Round were much too strong for Cohen and Casofsky. Liverpool or Birmingham v. London. on EASTER SATURDAY, 8th APRIL, 1939 They must surely be considered as the St. Albans v. Wembley. Entry forms from- strongest combination in the country at the Grimsby v. Spalding. W. SMITH, Hili House, Wakefield Road, Dewsbury present time, and should an English" Closed" Exeter v. South London. Closing 3rd April CROSSWORD PUZZLE SET BY W. HUMPHREYS, (Chairman, Wigan League) Again \ve offer a prize of a half·guinea "Swan" fountain pen to the sender of the first all-correct solution opened. Address entries to

It Crosswords," 1 ABLE TENNIS, 64 High Holborn, London, W.C. I. In the event of any dispute, the Editor's decision will be final. Last month's prize goes to Mr. 1. Browne of Grimsby. CLUES ACROSS 4. Again. ~. A bewitching exponent. 5. With competitions. 6. South Africa (abbrev.). 6. Learned in clan genealogy. 8. Motoring organisation. 7. Flower. 10. -- the stars. 8. Poor sportsman's comments. 11. The good captain does with young 9. Solvent of alchemists. player. 12. Internationals may be callE'd. 15. Accept from coach. 13. Stop your opponent. 18. Worn by judges. 14. Christian name (slang). 19. Not before. 16. Shades of Kipling. 20. Winglike. 17. T.T. is this (abbrev.) 21. Female. 24. You and me. 22. Championship venue. 25. l\Ieasures of perspiration. 23. Kingly. 26. Accomplished. 33. Defence and attack. 27. Loves the gamE'. 34. Disappointed loser registers. 28. Changes direction. 35. Deer! Deer! 29. A stvlist. 36. Barna to his fans. 30. Too 'unhealthY for T.T. players. 37. He collects trophies on merit. 31. The peak. . 38. Antic. 32. Veil. 39. Lady M.P. . 34. You and me. 41. Member of the ExecutIve. 40. A grand game. DOWN 1. Yorkshire player. Not soft. 2. Fie. 3. Usually 21.

Solution to last month's puzzle.

LANCS. MINOR LEAGUES THE METROPOLITAN ASSOCIATION

League Table LEAGUE TABLE TO FEBRUARY 2ND P. w. L. F. A. % P. w. D. L. F. A. Pts. Bolton-and District.. 7 6. 1 42 21 85.7 Wembley 7 4 2 1 32 24 10 Stockport 6 5 1 40 14 83.3 Surrey 6 3 2 1 30 18 8 Bolton S.S• .. 6 5 1 35 19 83.3 North Middlesex. . 7 4 0 3 29 27 8 5 4 1 32 13. Preston 80 Woolwich 7 3 1 3 30 26 7 Ashton 6 3 3 27 27 50 Southport 4 2 2 18 18 50 Bromley .. 7 0 1 6 15 41 1 BIMkpool 6 3 3 25 29 50 REsuLTs.-Woolwich beat Bromley 7 games Nelson 6 2 4 23 31 33.3 to 1; North Middlesex beat Wembley 5 games Wigan 4 1 3 8 28 25 Reddish 5 1 4 14 31 20 to 3. The outstanding matches to complete Urmston 7 1 6 21 42 14.2 fixture list are Surrey v. Bromley, North Middlesex Bury .. 4 0 4 12 24 v. Surrey, and Wembley v. Woolwich. 16