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ON THE INTERNATIONAL FRONT FOR RUBBERS AND BLADES RING OR WRITE By The Editor

Rose Bank Sports beaten record and top position Caymel. Scores:­ when beaten 4-3 by Sweden. the also for other T.T. equipment! J-M. Pales lost to T. Johansen -18, -19; clothing at Discount Prices new leaders. in Vimmerby, whilst R. Casares lost to E. Rasmussen -18. ·7; Hungary moved into third place M. Weisz lost to T. Folkeson -12. -14: I. CaymellPales bt Johansen/Rasmussen 15, -21. 119 WITTON STREET with a 6-1 win over Federal 19; NORTHWICH, CHESHIRE Germany in Kecskemet. Result Pales/Weisz lost to Johansen/Folkeson -14, -15: Pales lost to Rasmussen ·12. ·19; Telephone: 0606-48989 (day) sheets are still awaited. Casares lost to Johansen ·20, ·11. 0978-760249 (after hours) SUPER DIVISION P W L F A Pts SWEDEN 5 4 1 22 13 4 Czechoslovakia 5 4 1 20 15 4 Hungary 532 21 14 3 Federal Germany 532 19 16 3 FLAG WAVING Yugoslavia 5 2 3 18 17 2 Poland .5 2 3 17 18 2 5 1 4 15 20 1 English successes in foreign Netherlands 5 1 4 8 27 1 fields have been few and far between in recent years, hence Fixtures for Feb. 20 are:­ hats off to Carl Prean who, in Poland v Hungary (Rzeszow) the very first Euro Junior Top Netherlands v Czechoslovakia (Nijkerk) 12, played in the Republic of Sweden v Yugoslavia (Visby) San Marino last month, put his England v Federal Germany (Portsmouth) and England's name in the France. in Division 1, con­ record books for all time. NORWEGIAN TRAGEDY Italy. against Luxembourg in It is good to have a winner, tinued their winning ways with a Rome on Jan. 11, dropped only The table tennis world was the sport thrives on it, as no 6-1 win over Denmark in Dun­ the mixed doubles when Massimo shocked by the news of the doubt Poland would agree kerque on Jan. 12, the one to Costantini and Marina Cergol death of their top woman player. following the impressive perfor­ escape them being the women's lost to Yves Maas and Corinne Tone Folkeson, and severe injur­ mances put up by their ace man, singles with Beatrice Abgralilos­ Risch. Scores:­ ies sustained by their No.1 man. Andrzej Grubba who, in the ing to Susanne. Pedersen. G. Bisi bt A. Hartmann 16, 13; Erik Rasmussen. in a road Scores:­ L Nannoni bt Y. Maas 15, -19, 6; course of eight days in the A. Busnardo bt C. Risch 19, -19,17; accident en route to the airport , clobbered P. ·Birocheau bt J. Harkamp 11. 13; M. Costantini/So Pero bt Hartmann/Maas 17, 12; following their European League P. Renverse bt C. Pedersen 18, -17, 13; Constantini/M. Cergollost to Maas/Risct1·20, 12, everyone out of sight. B. Abgraillost to S. Pedersen -19, ·19; Division 1 match against Spain -15; News of his successes in the Birocheau/B. Parietti bt Harkamp/Pedersen 13, Bisi bt Maas 20, 14; in Huelva on January 12. 14; Nannoni bt Hartmann 13, 8. Charles Church Championship Renverse/Abgrall bt J. Hansen/Pedersen 10. 20; Fortu nately Norway's other at Wembley, the Cleveland Birocheau bt Pedersen 14, 18; player, Tom Johansen. and Renverse bt Harkamp 8,17. County 3·Star at Thornaby and In Huelva, on Jan. 12. it was coach. ChristerJohansson, were the Dong-Ah Welsh Open at Both Italy and Norway. each the. men's doubles set that was in another car and not involved in Cardiff must have reverberated with one defeat. had 6-1 wins lost by Norway when Erik Ras­ the accident. But our heartfelt throughout the length and but what now the chances of the mussen and Tom Johansen lost sympathies go to the Norwegian breadth of his homeland, as latter with their ranks decimated? to Jose-Marie Pales and Ismael Association on their tragic loss we!! it should. and one can only pray for surgical But let it not be overlooked wonders to be performed on the that at Thornaby Pavilion the injured Erik. final of the women's singles Big shock in the Super Division was fought out by two English of the European League was the girls, namely Joy Grundy and 4-3 home reverse suffered by Alison Gordon, despite foreign Poland at the hands of the opposition being in contention. Netherlands in Siedlce on Jan. Oh yes, we do have our 23. Piotr Molenda. playing moments, scant though they singles instead of Leszek may be. But concentration on Kucharsky was beaten both by out top juniors and cadet!" Henk van Spanje and Bob Potton especially the girl cadets, with the former. pairing up with Andrea Holt Claire Potts and winni~g Kerry Hall- all in the top five of his brother Ron. the the girls' (U-17) category ­ men's doubles. Bettine Vriese­ koop, as expected, won her should pay dividends for future singles. flag waving. England. away to Yugoslavia in Borovo. were beaten 4-3 with both Carl Prean and Alan Cooke ENGLISH TABLE TENNIS beating the bespectacled Stefan ASSOCIATION Kovac and Alison Gordon just getting the better of Gordana Patron: Her Majesty The Queen. Perkucin, 22 in the third. Dragutin President: M. Goldstein. O. B. E. Surbek took both his singles Chairman: T. Blunn. and, lIija Lupulescu. with Surbek Deputy Chairman: G. R. Yates. and Perkucin. annexed both Hon. Treasurer: A. Drapkin. doubles. Scores:­ D. $urbek bt A. Cooke 16. 14; General Secretary: A. W. Shipley. S. Kovac lost to "C. Prean -14, -13; G. Perkucin lost to A. Gordon 14, -14, ·22; Management Committee: I. Lupulescu/Surbek bt Cooke/G. Sandley 18. 19; LupulescuJPerkucin bt Sandley/Gordon 18, 19; (Vice Chairmen) $urbek bt Prean 16, 22; P. Charters, C. J. Clemett, Kovac lost to Cooke 19, -21, -13. A. E. Ransome. N. K. Reeve. Czechoslovakia. the defending Norway's Tone Folkeson tragically killed in a road accident in D. I. Whiteside champions. lost both their un- Spain. 'Photo by Graeme Stevenson, Scotland. 3 International News

To complete a series of 6-1 Scores:- DIVISION 2 results in this division, Finland J. Jokinen bt R. de Prophetis 18. 13; P W L F A Pts achieved such a score against· J. tkonen bt J·M. Saive 20. -'7. 17; BULGARIA 2 2 o 11 3 2 S. Grefberg bt K. Bogaerts 18. 15; Belgium in Kerava on Jan. 13 the Ikonen/Jokinen bt de Prophetis/Saive 19. 10; Nales 2 1 1 8 6 1 last set of the match providing a Jokinen/Grefberg bt de Prophetis/Bogaerts 19. Greece 2 1 1 7 7 1 win for Remo de Prophetis 10; Scotland 2 1 1 7 7 1 Jokinen bt Saive 20. 19; Switzerland 4 1 against Jukka Ikonen. Ikanen lost to de Prophetis -14. -16. 3 9 19 1 Fixtures for February 9th Wales v Greece DIVISION 1 24th Bulgaria v Scotland

P W L F A Pts WOMEN'S GRAND PRIX Holland (May 19/85) will com­ FRANCE 5 5 0, 28 7 5 As a result of her success in prise the 8 players heading the Finland 6 4 2 29 13 4 winning the women's singles points list together with 2 'wild Italy 5 4 1 22 13 4 cards' (one heid by the ETTU and Norway 5 4 1 22 13 4 title in the Dong-Ah Welsh Open, the other by the organising Denmark 6 4 2 23 19 4 Federal Germany's Olga Nemes Belgium 6 3 3 19 23 3 not only is due 1,000 OM but association). Minimum prize Austria 5 0 5 10 25 0 moves into second position, money will be No.1 OM 8,000, Luxembourg 5 0 5 8 27 0 behind Bettine Vriesekoop of the No.2 OM 5,000, Nos. 3/4 DM Spain 5 0 5 7 28 0 Netherlands, in the points table. 3,500 and Nos. 5/8 OM 2,000. England's Alison Gordon now totals 30 pts as a result of reach­ EUROPEAN YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS 1985 Fixtures for February: ;ng the last 16 in both the French and Welsh Opens but shares 9th Belgium v Denmark Dates for this season's Euro­ Luxembourg v France 14th place with eight others. The pean Youth Championships are Norway v Italy (Alesund) points table reacs:- July 13/20 in Den Haag, Holland. Spain v Austria 1 Bettin. Vriesekoop (HOLI 175 2 0lg8 Nemes (FRG) 150 INTERNATIONAL 3 Marie Hrachova (TCH) 125 22nd Austria v Luxembourg (Gmllnden) Zsuzsa Dlah (HUN) 125 OPEN DATES 23rd Italy v Spain (Bari) 5 Branka Salinic (YUGI 100 Valentina Papaya (URS) 100 1985 Polish Open Oct. 26/28 Norway v Denmark .. 7 Sonja Grefberg (FIN) 65 1986 English Open (Brighton) 24th Finland v France (Jyvaskyla) 8 Marie Lindblad (SWEI 60 9 Elena Kovtun (URS) 50 Jan. 23/25. 10 Gordana Perkucin (YUG) 45 Gabriella Szabo (HUN) 45 Edit Urn.n (HUN) 45 SCANDINAVIAN JUNIOR Susanne Wenzel (FRG) 45 PriftiS/Zikos bt Busin/Miller 20. 10; Away to Greece in Nafplion on 14 Marie Alboiu (ROM) 30 OPEN (SOJC) Zikos/Louka bt Busio/Hirzel 18. 21; Narine Antonian (URS) 30 Jan. 12, Switzerland completed Priftis lost to Busi" -1 7. ·20; Fliura Bulatova (URS) 30 These championships will take their season's fixtures in the Zikos lost to Miller -18. -18. Nadine Oaviaud (FRA) 30 place in Bergen, on the west denuded Division 2 with a 5-2 Alison Gordon (ENG) 30 coast of Norway over the weekend win in which all five singles went Dana Guergueltcheva (BUL) 30 Wales, at home to Bulgaria, Anka Olschewski (FRG) 30 of May 4/5, 1985. Enquiries to the visitors. Scores:- were beaten 5-2, the Welsh wins Alice Pelikanova ITCH) 30 Anita Zacharian (UASI 30 should be made to Norges Bord­ coming from the two Nigels, tennisforbund, Hauger Skoles K. Priftis 10s1 to T. Miller -12. 16. -14; Tyler and Thomas, against the ~, D. Zikos lost to T. Busin 19. -19. -14; Participants in the final tour­ vei N-1351 Rud, Norway. M. Louka lost to 8. Hirzel-lB. 20. -14; Bulgarian No.2. nament to be played in Breda, (' Phone: 2 134290).

He stoops to conquer - Dragutin Surbek of Yugoslavia. 'Photo by Don Morely, Reigate, Surrey. Alison Gordon, victor over Gordana Perkucin in Borova. 4 International News

ROUND 5 Nagy bt Masarikova -20.13.12; 1st EURO JUNIOR TOP 12 Group A Lindnerova bt Pangert 18.20. Nemes bt Kasalova 13,12; ROUND 10 Oelepine bt Ojstersek 8.13; Nemes bt Badescu 8,11; REPUBLICAN VICTORY FOR CARL Nagy bt Lindnerova 19.8. Maier bt Ojstersek 13.10; Group B Batorfi bt Kasalova 13.9; Batorfi bt Masarikova -11,14.18; Delepi~e bt Pangert 15.8: Maier bt Pangert -20.11.14; Nagy bt lampini 19.6; England's CARL PREAN , un­ ROUND 4 Badescu bt lampini -19.17.16. Lindnerova bt Masarikova 11.18. Group A beaten in eleven sets and with­ ROUND 6 ROUND 11 Prean bt Saive 11.21; Nemes bt lampini 13.7; Toma bt Syed -19,17,17: Nemes bt Batorfi 9, 17; out the loss of a single game, Masarikova bt Ojstersek 13.20: Badescu bt Ojstersek 16. 21; Gatien bt Rossignol 13.19. Kasalova bt Pangert 6,9; stamped his authority on all and Group B Maier bt Kasalova -16.18.17; Badescu bt Delepine -20.17.17; Masarikova bt Delepine 9. 10; sundry in the 1st Euro Junior Florea bt Grman 16.19; Maier bt Nagy 17.-18,16; Mommessin bt Primorac 15,17; Nagy bt Pangert 14, 17; Top 12 played in the Republic of Batorfi bt Lindnerova 11.13. Lindnerova bt lampini 14, 16. Nannoni bt Braun 16.19. ROUND 7 San Marin'o over the weekend ROUND 5 Nemes bt Pangert 11.7; of Jan. 5/6, 1985. Group A Ojstersek bt lampini 11.-18,11; Prean bt Syed 12,10; Kasalova bt Masarikova 15,19; And, for good measure. Toma bt Gatien 17.-14.17; Maier bt Delepine 19.15; FINAL PLACINGS Andrew Syed, a late replace­ Rossignol bt Saive -11.20.18. Batorfi bt Nagy 12.1 7; Sets' Group B Badescu bt Lindnerova 15.18. Won Primorac bt Florea 23.5; ment for Federal Germany's ROUND B 1 Olga Nemes (FAG) 10 Braun bt Mommessin 19,10: Masarikova bt Nemes 23,19; 2 Csilla Batorfi (HUN) 10 injured Steffen Fetzner, finished Grman bt Nannoni 10.15. Ojstersek bt Pangert 11.14; 3 Otilia Badescu (AOM) 9 ROUND 6 in 8th place with victories over Kasalova bt lampini 9.15; 4 Elisabeth Maier (AUT) B Prean bt Grman 13,15; Batorfi bt Delepine 10,9; 5 Renata Kasalova (TCH) 6 Regis Rossignol of France, Nannoni bt Toma 17.10; Badescu bt Nagy 13.18; 6 Ivana Masarikova (TCH) 5 Vasile Florea of Rumania, Josef Saive bt Primorac -19.11.14; Maier bt Lindnerova -13,19.8. 7 Vesna Ojstersek (YUG) 5 Gatien bt Braun -9.15.16; ROUND 9 8 Krisztina Nagy (HUN) 4 Braun of Czechoslovakia and Mommessin bt Rossignol 17.15; Nemes bt Maier 11.13; 9 Aenata Lindnerova (TCH) 4 Syed bt Florea 14.-12.15. Lorenzo Nannoni, preferred to Batorfi bt Ojstersek 15.10; 10 Isabelle DeJepine (FRA) 4 ROUND 7 Badescu bt Kasalova 15.-10.18; 11 Elke Pangert (FAG) 1 Francesco Manneschi of the Prean bt Primorac 8.1 3; Delepine bt lampini 14,-9,7; 12 Giorgia lampini (ITA) o 'wild card' Italian entry. Grman bt Toma 22.11; Saive bt Nannoni -11.14.17; Belgium's Euro cadet cham­ Mommessin bt Gatien -16,1 7.10; pion, Jean-Michel Saive, Florea bt Rossignol 17,14; Syed bt Braun -19.17.17. finished runner-up to Prean ROUND B equating with Florea on seven Preen bt Nannoni 12.13; FORTHCOMING ETTA Toma bt Primorac 21,17; EVENTS wins but beating the Rumanian Grman bt Saive 19,-15,15; boy -12,19 and 22 when they Florea bt Gatien 19.13; Wednesday, 20th February, 1985 Rossignol bt Braun 18.14; met in the penultimate series Mommessin ·bt Syed 12.12. European League, England v Federal of matches, ROUND 9 Germany, Mountbatten Sports Centre, Preen bt Mommessin 13.11; Portsmouth. Federal Germany's OLGA Florea bt Toma 14,16; NEMES, .like Prean the top seed, Saive bt Braun 20.20; Friday/Saturday/Sunday Grman bt Gatien 15.-18.19; 8/9/10th March, 1985 won the counterpart girls' event Rossignol bt Nannoni 17.15; losing just one set, to Ivana Primorac bt Syed 14.1 7. English Closed Championships, Masarikova of Czechoslovakia, ROUND 10 Bletchley leisure Centre, Princes Prean bt Braun 9,12; Way, Bletchley, Milton Keynes. but beating Csilla Batorfi of Toma bt Mommessin 18,18; Saive bt florea -12.19.22; Saturday/Sunday, Hungary when it mattered - the Gatien bt Primorac 16.18; 11th/12th May, 1985 Hungarian girl's only loss, Grman bt Rossignol 15.19; Syed bt Bannoni 13.15. Beneficial Trust English Junior But what a fillip for the four ROUND 11 Open, Mountbatten Sports Centre, cadets taking part v;,1th Saive (2) Preen bt Florea 19,12; Toma bt Braun 18.17; Portsmouth, and Milan Grman of Czecho­ Saive bt Mommessin -16.17.15; slovakia (4) in the boys' event Nannoni bt Gatien 18.17; Rossignol bt Primorac 23,-12.17; and Otilia Badescu of Rumania Grman bt Syed 17,12.

(3) and Krisztina Nagy of FINAL PLACINGS Hungary (8) in the girls', Miss Sets Won Badescu is, of course, the reign­ 1 Carl Prean (ENG) 11 ing Euro cadet champion having 2 Jean-Michel Saive (BEL) 7 3 Vasile Florea (ROM) 7 beaten Katja Nolten of Federal 4 Milan Grman (TCH) 6. Germany in the Linz final. 5 Calin Toma (ROM) 6 Notwithstanding the non­ 6 Didier Mommessin (FRA) 6 7 Aegis Aossignol (FRA) 5 participation of Ilija Lupulescu 61 8 Andrew Syed (E NG) 4 Yugoslavia and Thomas von 9 Lorenzo Nannoni (ITA) 4 10 Jean-Philippe Gatien (FAA) 4 Scheele of Sweden all credit 11 Josef Braun (TCH) 3 must to to Prean on his magnifi­ 12 loran Primorac (YUG) 3 cent return, his hardest encoun­ ter being against young Saive 11 GIRLS ROUND 1 and 21 being the scores. Credit Group A must also be afforded Pau~ Day in Nemes (FAG) bt Delepine (FAA) -22,15.13; Ojstersek (YUG) bt Lindnerova (TCH) 15,16; captaining the two English boys, Kasalova (TCH) bt Nagy 1HUN) 7.-15.18. their successes being also his. Group B Batorfi (HUN) bt Pan'gert (FRG) 15.9; Results:­ Maier (AUT) bt lampini (ITA) 17.13; BOYS Badesu (ROM) bt Masarikova 16..14. ROUNO 1 ROUND 2 Group A Group A Presn (ENG) bt Galien (FAA) 13.18; Nemes bt Lindnerova 12. 16; Rossignol (FRA) bt Toma (ROM) 15,·21.14; Ojstersek bt Nagy 21. -22. 22; Sa;v. (BEL) bt Syed (ENG) -19.B.15. Kasalova bt Delepine 7,22. Group B Group B Florea (ROM) bt Braun (TCH) 16.18; Batorfi bt lampini 11.12; Mommessin (FRA) bt Nannani (ITA) -23.18.15: Badescu bt Maier -12.18.20; Primorac (YUGI bt Grman (TCH) 18.20. Masarikova bt Pangert 8.-17.13. ROUND 2 ROUND 3 Group A Group A Presn bt Rossignol 14.12; Nemes bt Ojstersek 20.11; Toma bt Saive 13.17; Delepine bt Nagy 20.20; Galien bt Syed '12.20,11. Kasalova bt Lindnerova 18,11. KJELL JOHANSSON - Ex-World Doubles Champion with Hans Group B Group B Alser, and Ex-Swedish National Trainer/Coach, congratulates Florea bt Nannani 19.12; Batorfi bt Maier 14.13; Mommessin bt Grman -14.17.14; Badescu bt Pangert 14,20; TONY FITZGERALD (left), of ABENG WARRIORS after a work-out Braun bt Primorae -14.12.12. Masarikova.bt lampini 19,19. when Kjell visited the ABENG STIGA ACADEMY OF TABLE ROUND 3 ROUND 4 Group A Group A TENNIS recently, in Brixton, South , Kjell was promoting Prean bt Toma 5,4; Nemes bt Nagy 10,2; STIGA EQU IPMENT and joined in the training session of M U RRAY Saive bt Galien 17,13; Ojstersek bt Kasalova 15.18; Syed bt Rossignol ·19,15.25. Lindnerova bt Delepine 14.10. CORBIN with some of his pupils including GLEN BAKER, NICKY Group B Group B MASON, NEVILLE MILLER, CHARLES AQUAH, JEROME Florea bt Mommessin 13.18; Batorfi bt Badescu -8.1 5.13; Braun bt Grman 19.-10.9; Maier bt Masarikova 14.14; JONAH, JANET SMITH, MELVILLE TAYLOR, FAR,HAT RASUL, Nannoni bt Primorac -15.14.15. Pangert bt lampini 17,15. ANDREI GARANT and MARTIN PACKHAM. 5 Charles Church Championship Charles Church ,.~~ Championship CHARLES­ WEMBLEY SPECTACULAR ~ By Albert Shipley

Biggest and best would be the both disposed of Kriston Bengtsson v Douglas and The first game of the Grubba v two words most appropriate for (Hungary) fairly comfortably but Grubba v Secretin. The inclusion Secretin semi-final was a classic this season's Charles Church then an out of touch Douglas lost of Secretin drew the appreciat­ with Secretin using many of his Championship, After last season's to' Wei over three games. This ion of the crowd as he had been exhibition techniques and the event, the sponsor increased his created a situation whereby so entertaining in his group surrounds took a battering dur­ cash in put considerably in order unless Kriston beat Wei in two matches. ing some of the retrievals. In to increase the number of straight games, then Douglas First into the arena was Ulf winning the first game 24-22 players from six to eight, to would have to beat Grubba for a Bengtsson against Desmond Secretin seemed to run out of include two top Asian players place in the semi-finals. Kriston Douglas under the full scrutiny of steam and Grubba took the next and to increase the prize money. won the first game and England the television cameras and the two games rather easily, but with All this was achieved but from an hearts fluttered in the second media, all hoping for a contin­ a fair measure of humour thrown organisational point of view it when Wei levelled the score at uation of the Douglas record. in. meant that the two groups of four 20-all after Kriston had led 20­ First game to Bengtsson, with The final was perhaps the would have to be played simul­ 17. Kriston thought he had won Des tending to overhit the top most disappointing aspect of the taneously on two tables in order the game at 18 but a split­ spin but probably some good whole event for Bengtsson v to arrive at an afternoon final for second call of 'let' for a ball advice from Donald Parker en­ Grubba was a repeat of the final the benefit of BBC, who trans­ intruding into the court gave the abled a slight change of tactic in of the 1984 European Cham­ mitted the later stages on Chinese a second chance. How­ the second game in which Des pionships, which was a cliff­ Grandstand that afternoon. ever, all fears were dispelled took an early lead. In the third hanger of five sets. At Wembley, And so, on Saturday, 12th when Kriston took the next two game, Des was always trailing Grubba was so determined to January 1985 at Wembley points for a surprise win. This and struggling to find the touch gain revenge that he did not Conference Centre, before an meant that the Douglas v Grubba upon which he relies so much, allow Bengtsson any time to audience of around 1,600 group match was inconsequen­ but he fought hard and to the settle to a rhythm, and regrett­ spectators, which included in­ tial and gave the players the delight of his supporters drew ably for the television image of vited officials from over 50 opportunity to indulge in some level towards the end of the our sport, two rather scrappy leagues, some excellent table exhibition-type play. game. Alas, the dream ended games saw Grubba lift the trophy tennis was witnessed. The cross" over system of when Bengtsson took advantage and the £3,000 first prize. In Group 1, interest was winners and runners-up in the of the third match point to win There is no doubt that the centred upon the European two grouP.s gave semi-finals of 23-21. Wembley Conference Centre is champion, Ulf Bengtsson, and the entertaining play of Jacques Secretin. By the narrowest of margins these were the two players who triumphed over the young Jindrich Pansky and the Korean Ahn Jae Hyung, a late replacement for the injured Kim Ki Taek. Five out of the six matches in this group needed a third game and despite the slow deliberate play of Ahn, the 30 minute per match schedule was only exceeded by' 7 minutes, Group 2 included Desmond Douglas who came with the remarkable record of having appeared in the final of this event on ,the past nine occasions, winning four of them, His main danger to that record was Andrzej Grubba of Poland, who had shown a remarkable con­ sistency of play all season, and the unknown quantity of Wei Quingguang, the' Chinese national champion. The arrival of Desmond signified a sigh of relief for all concerned as he was only able to fly in from Germany on the morning of the tournament due to a commitment for his German club from which he was unable to be released. The first match in this .group was a fascinating duel between Grubba and Wei and it must have taken some of the heart out of the Chinese player when Grubba edged home 22-20 in both ANDRZEJ GRUBBA of Poland and ULF BENGTSSON of Sweden in action during the finals of THE games, Douglas and Grubba CHARLES CHURCH CHAMPIONSHIPS at Wembley Conference Centre. 6 Charles Church Championship/Cleveland County Open

one of the finest arenas to present our sport (apart from my personal preference ofthe Dome at Brighton) and if we can solve the difficult eqoation of the European calendar, the venue availability and the television slot, we all look forward to next season's event as the showpiece of table tennis.

RESULTS: Group 1 Bengtsson beat Secretin 19, -13. 17 beat Pansky -19. 16. 14 beat Ahn 19, 14 Ahn beat Pansky ·12. 22,18 Secretin beat Ahn ·15, 18, 13 Pansky beat Secretin ·10,14,16

Group·2: Grubba beat Wei 20. 20 beat Kristan 17, 15 beat Douglas 18, ·9. 10 Douglas beat Kristan 13. 18 Wei beat Douglas 10, -'0 13 Kristan beat Wei 15, 20

Semi-finals: Bengtsson beat Douglas 17, ·15. 21 Grubba beat Secretin ·22, 13. 11

FINAL: Grubba beat Bengtsson 9. 10

ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Your turn to call Mr Secretin. Earlier, I caught Kriston with mythreesided coin. I can put on a show too, you know, says International Umpire JACK MELNICK (centre). Charles Church is one of the Photo by Murray Corbin of Wimbledon. largest private housebuilders in the country. It is well known for designing and building to a very announced in October 1984 that Winner Runner-up high standard and is current sights ranging in price from 1974 M. Orlowski IC) C. Pedersen (0) holder of the top prize for the £30,000 to £400,000. It builds it will be giving £1 00,000 to the 1975 D. Surbek IV) D. Douglas (E) sport over the next four years, 1976 S. Bengtsson (5) O. Douglas (E) best building site in the south­ almost exclusively in the Home 1977 M. Orlowski (C) D.Douglas IE) east region from the National Counties. making Charles Church the big­ 1978 D. Surbek IV) D. Douglas (E) gest sponsor of the sport in the 1979 D. Douglas I E) U. Thorsell (5) House Building Council - an The group, which is based in 1980 T. Klampar (H) D. Douj:llas (E) accolade which it has won for Camberley, Surrey, first became country. 1981 D. Douglas lEI (Ch) 1982 D. Douglas IE) J. Secretin (F) the past two years. involved in table tennis by sup­ 1983 D. Douglas I E) U. Carlsson (S) The company was established porting local events in the south­ east of England. It sponsored its FORMER CHAMPIONS by Charles and Susanna Church (C) = Czechoslovakia (Ch) = China in 1966 from the proceeds of first national event in November This annual invitation event has IV) '= Yugoslavia (F) = France 1983 with the first Charles Church been held every year since 1974 (5) ~ Sweden building one house. The group IE) = England now has 700 houses a year in its Championship. Following this, it under various sponsors. (Ol = Denmark

CLEVELAND COUNTY 3-STAR OPEN GRUBBA THE STAR AT THORNABY by Alan Ransome

ANDRZEJ GRUBBA, the Euro­ vide the biggest shock ~f the pean No. 2 from Poland, won tournament. Souter's best win both the men's singles and was in the quarters when he doubles title at the Cleveland overcame Hirohiko Ono of Japan County 3-Star Open at Thornaby to be followed,. in the semis, by Pavilion over the weekend of victory over Skylet Andrew who Jan. 12/13 after most of the came through at the expense of other seeds had been toppled Phil Bradbury and Alan Griffiths like ninepins. of Wales. Grubba won the men's singles Another shock defeat was the championship without the loss elimination of Graham Sandley, of a single game to add to his who was representing England Charles Church title at Wembley in the tournament. He was Conference won aday earlier. He beaten 28-26 in the third by beat Nicky Mason and two former European champion John Japanese players, Yoshikazu Hilton who was nominated as an Murakami and Takehiro Inoue, to England official for the cham­ reach the final in which he pionships. Hilton was subse­ scored a comfortable victory quently beaten by Scotland's over John Souter. John Broe who did well to reach Souter came through to the the quarters. final with a win over Stephen Grubba's second title was in Scowcroft who had earlier the men's doubles when he was defeated the No.2 seed Jindrich partnered by Pansky. They ran Joy Grundy and Andzej Grubba, the singles champions at Thornaby Pansky of Czechoslovakia to pro- out comfortable winners over Pavilion. 7 Cleveland County Open

the Bellinger sisters, Lisa and Women A. Wada lost to J. Bellinger -19,-20; Inoue and Murakami having Round 1 M. Fukutome bt L. Bellinger 15,-18.17: accounted for Souter and Colin Jackie, won a singles each, GK N Wolves 3 Wales 0 FukutomelWada bt Bellinger/Bellinger 19.18; Wilson in the semis, the Results:­ Unity 3 Knighton Park 0 Wada lost to L. Bellinger -19.14.-18; EM I Ellenboro' 3 Omega 1 Fukutome bt J. Bellinger -15.12.19. Men's Singles: Round·4 Quarter-finals: England 3 Canada 0 Japanese pair having initially A. Grubba (POL) bt N. Mason (Sy) 14,15; Japan 3 GKN Wotves 2 Witt bt T. Mach -19,7.20; been at pains to dispose of Y. Murakami (JPN) bt A. Cooke" 18;",1 1~.14; AHW Pioneers 3 Scotland 0 Gordon bt M. Domonkos 13.-10,20; J. Brae (SeQ) bt J. Hilton (La) 17.it;· Canada 3, Unity 0 GordontWitt bt Domonkos/G. Hsu -18.19,19. Andrew Syed and Jimmy Stokes. T. Inoue (JPN bt D. Hannah (SCO) ·18.16.10; England 3 EMI Ellenboro' 0 Final: A. Griffiths (WALl bt H. Pintea (CAN) 15.15; In the women's singles, the ENGLAND 3 Japan 0 S. Andrew (E) bt P. Bradbury (Bu) -16.19.16; K. Witt bt S. Sandley 10.18: Witt bt Fukutome 19.18; Gordon bt Wada English girls excelled in keeping H. Ono (JPN) bt D. Wells (ENG) 15,11; A. Gordon bt H. Williams 15,9; GordontWitt bt Sandley/Williams 11.14. 11.15; the foreign opposition at bay. J. Souter (Mi) bt S. SCQwcroft (La) 11,12. GordontWitt bt FukutometWada 14.17. Quarter-finals: Semi-finals: Joy Grundy won comfortably in Grubba bt Murakami 13.14; Japan 3 AHW Pion••rs 2 the final against the current Inoue bt Broe 14.10; Andrew bt Griffiths 10.22; English champion Alison Souter bt Dna 18,-15.19. Gordon. Joy's hardest set was in Semi-finals: Grubba bt Inoue 18,13; the quarters against Lisa Souter bt Andrew 18.18. Bellinger winning 20 in the Final: GRUBBA bt Souter 18.13. Women's Singles: Round 3 third. A. Gordon (ENG) bt S. Sandley (Mi) 10.·14.9; Like Grubba, Joy also won a M. Domonkos (CAN) bt C. Maisey (Wi) 17.8; second title in the doubles J. Bellinger (Bd) bt M. Sainsbury (Bk) -7.20;20; A. Wada (JPN) bt J. Shaw (Y) 15.11; wherl, partnered by her Preston J. Grundy (La) bt S. Hunt (Li) 10,18; L Bellinger (Bd) bt Thanh Mach (CAN) 11.9; colleague, Jean Parker, they K. Witt (ENG) bt F. Elliot (St) ·22.17.16; beat Fiona Elliot and Jill Harris. M. Fukotome (JPN) bt L. Johnston (SCD) 20.12. Quarter-finals: The prizes were presented by Gordon bt Domonkos 13.-19.10; Cleveland County Councillor, Bill J. Bellinger bt Wada 13,-19,14; Grundy bt L. Bellinger -19.13,20; Emerson, the Chairman of Witt bl Fukotome 15,8. Cleveland County Council Semi-finals: Gordon bt J. Bellinger -19,7.8; Leisure Services Committee who Grundy bt Witt 14,17. sponsored the event. Final: GRUNDY bt Gordon 9.15. Men's Doubles: Quarter-finals: Grubba/J. Pansky (TCH) bt A. Bourbonnais BUTTERFLY INTERNATIONAL (CAN)/Ono 9,14; TEAM EVENT Souter/C. Wilson (Mi) bt G. Sandley (ENG)/ Wells 19.19; England paid the penalty for Inoue/Murakami bt D. Dodd (KI/N. Eckersley fielding a weakened men's side (Ch) 18.18; J. Stokes/A. Syed (Bk) bt Cooke/Bradbury (mainly due to the Charles 19.16. Church clash) in the Butterfly Semi-finals: County Councillor Bill Emerson shakes hands with the men's Grubba/Pansky bt SoutertWilson 14,15; singles finalists Grubba and John Souter, International team event, when Inoue/Murakami bt Stokes/Syed -22,9,13. they were beaten by Scotland at Final: GRUBBA/PANSKY bt Inoue/Murakami 18.15. the semi-final stage. Women's Doubles: Quarter-finals: England, represented by. GordonlWitt bt Domonkos/G. Hsu (CAN) 11.­ 16.19; Sandley and David Wells, looked Elliot/J. Harris (St) bt J. and L. Bellinger decidely shaky from the outset. 10.17; In the second round they came Grundy/J. Parker (La) bt J. Barella (Sy)/K. Ridgard jHa) 16.11; close to crashing out to Jaques FukutometWada bt J. Palmer (Sk)/H. Shields (Y) 15.·16.10. Generation, for whom Nicky Semi-finals: Mason out hit both England Elliot/Harris bt GordontWin 17.18; Grundy/Parker bt Fukutome/Wada 12.16. players. In the end England ran Final: GRUNDY/PARKER bt Elliot/Harris out 3-2 winners but one of the 7.10. victories were "deuce" in the Mixed Class 2 Singles: Quarter-finals: L Wooding (Bd) bt D. Sk~rratt (Li) -12.14.13; third for Sandley against Kevin D.Gannon (Le) bt S. George (Du) 17.6; R. Swift (Ca) bt S. Brunskill (Cv) 17.-11.19: Satchell. After a long second D. Iszatt (E) bt N. Davies (Y) 18,19. round, the England players Semi-finals: Gannon bt Wooding 15.16: Iszan bt Swift 'wasted no time in the quarter­ 19,.12. final, dismissing the Omega Final: GANNON bt Iszatt 20.15. Reading youngsters 3-0. The man responsible for England's defeat in the semi-final was TEAM EVENTS Men David Hannah, In the first set he Round 1 Jaque. Fareham 3 Birmingham Optical 0 took Sandley, then combined Round 2 with David Mcilroy to win the all­ England 3 Jaques Fareham 2 Butterfly men's team event winners, Japan, with Cleveland Leisure important doubles and finally to G. Sandley bt K. Satchell -15.15,20; Services Officer, Alan Alden. D. Wells lost to N. Mason -19,-13; clinch victory, proved he had a Sandley/Wells bt Mason/Satchell 9,11: better nerve than Wells when Sandley lost to Mason 19.-20,-15; Wells bt Satchell 11.11. the chips were down. Omega Reading II 3 Tibhar Larkhall 0 In the bottom half of the draw. Canada 3 Thorn EMI Ellenboro 0 Scotland 3 Orme.by II 0 Japan made their way through to Grove 3 Wales 2 the semi-final with victories over Orme.by I 3 Omega Reading I 1 GKN Wolves 3 MBS 5t Neots 0 South , GKN Steelstock Japan 3 South Yorkshire 0 and Ormesby Quarter-finals: England 3 Omega Reading II 0 without the loss of a single set Sandley bt J. Stokes 16,18: and then in the final proved too Wells bt A. Syed 9.11; SandleytWells bt Stokes/Syed 18.9. strong for Scotland winning 3-1 Scotland 3 Canada 1 with only Hannah able to score a Orme.by I 3 Grove 2 Japan 3 GKN Wotve. 0 victory over Ono. Semi-finals: In the women's event the Scotland 3 England 1 D. Mcilroy lost to Wells -19.-18; English girls, Alison Gordon and D. Hannah bt Sandley 18,16; Karen Witt kept some pride for Hannah/Mcilroy bt Sandley/Wells 18.12; Hannah btWells -18.17.15. the home nation. They won the Japan 3 Ormesby I 0 event without the loss of a single T. Inoue bt A. Cooke -17.15.15; H. Dno bt N. Eckersley ·13.16.14. set, defeating Ellenborough, Inoue/Murakami bt Cooke/Eckersley 12.12. Canada, and in the final Japan. Final: JAPAN 3 Scotland 1 The best match of the event was Inoue bt Mcilroy 9.8: The front bank of tables at Thornaby Pavilion, Japan's 3-2 victory over AWH Ono lost to Hannah -15,-19; Inoue/Murakami bt Hannah/Mcilroy 18.14; Pioneers of Bletchley for whom Inoue bt Hannah 13.11. Photos by courtesy of Alan Ransome, Ormesby, 8 Dong-Ah Welsh Open

DONG-AH WELSH OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS GRUBBA YET AGAIN By George R. Yates

Not content with his wins in the partnering Kucharski to a doubles Charles Church Championship at win after the latter, in the open­ Wembley and in the Cleveland ing set. had lost to Douglas. County 3-Star Open at Thornaby, In the women's team event, Poland's Andrzej Grubba made it after the initial scare of Alison a hat-trick of successes bywinning Gordon losing to Marianne the men's singles titles in the Domonkos, we sailed home3-1 star-studded Dong-Ah Welsh against Canada, but the score- . Open at the· National Sports line was reversed when opposed Centre for Wales, in Cardiff, over by Korea with Joy Grundy taking the period Jan. 17/19, 1985. our only set. Successive wins over David But back to the men's singles Dodd, , Igor in which only three English Solopov, Patrick Birocheau and, players survived the first round in the semis, Desmond Douglas - Douglas, Skylet Andrew and carried th61 Gdansk man to a final John Souter, the latter going confrontation with the French out to Des in the next round. ace, Jacques Secretin, the de­ Skylet,however, after account­ fending title holder. ing for Jan Harkamp of Denmark As elsewhere the crowd re­ in the first round, had his chances sponded to Secretin's high­ of making further progress at the lobbed returns but they were not expense of the European Youth enough to stay the continued champion, Andrei Mazunov of onslaught of the aggressive Pole the Soviet Union. whose slight stature belies the Leads of 18-13 and 19-17 power of his shot. And the crowd, availed the Essex man no reward giving the impression of being in the fifth and deciding game behind the Frenchman, simply with the Russian taking it at 19 had to acknowledge the attributes to subsequently go under to of the winner in the end. Secretin in straight games. Splendid too was the success Douglas, after wins over Didier of Olga Nemes who, on her Mommessin, the French junior, defection from Rumania, carried Souter and Takehiro Inoue of the green colours of the Federal Japan reached the quarters there Republic of Germany onto the to renew acquaintance With a top step of the podium as the fellow Bundesliga player, Georg winner of the women's singles Bohm, a Rumanian by birth like WELSH WIZARDS with a final win over Han Yan of Miss Nemes. Andrzej Grubba the People's Republic of China, SHOCK DEPARTURE no less! Secretin obtained solace for Des was looking to give Georg his title loss in the men's singles a hiding and this he did but by pairing with his compatriot, subsequently took one himself Birocheau, to- vvin the men's when opposed to Grubba in the doubles at the final expense of semis. What then of England's Sweden's Jonny Akesson and other notables? Well, Prean took Jorgen Persson winners of this a shock departure when beaten title in the Italian Open. 3-straight by Josef Bogan of Both the women's and mixed Israel and Alan Cooke fell in 5 doubles titles went East with games to Horatio Pintea of Han Van and Liu Wei of China Canada. taking the former and Park Ji Graham Sandley went down Hun and Hyun Jung Hwa of the fighting against the determined Republic of Korea the latter. All Solopov who also saw off the this after Poland. had won the prospects of Alan Griffiths of men's team event and Korea, the Welsh fame whose colleagues, women's. the two Nigels, Thomas and Tyler, as well as Mark Thomas went BRONZE out, respectively, to Mazunov, In the men's team event Eng­ Souter and Euro cadet champion land qualified for bronze medals Jean-Michel Saive. in reaching the semi-final stage Scotland's David Hannah fell there to lose to Poland after a in the first round to Bengtsson dramatic win over the Soviet and Ireland's Colum Slevin to Union in Rd. 2. With the match Secretin so, Douglas apart, when score equated at 2-2 Carl Prean it came to the last eight, players got the better of the defensive from the U.K. were conspicuous Solopov to win the day, but after by their absence. But Douglas a comfortable second victory over did get a bronze. Denmark, the chop came at the No such medals for the women hands of Poland whose Grubba­ in their singles although four inevitably - had the measure of English girls made it to the second both Douglas and Prean also but no further. Alison Gordon fell 10 Dong-Ah Welsh Open to Elena Kovtun, the Euro Youth Men's Doubles: Querter-finels: M. Lambot bt N. Tyler -12.17.21; Woman Bohm/Kucharski bt Fan Baozhang/Wang Zhenyi Lambot/Saive bt Thomas/Tyler 19. -16. 18. Round 1 champion from Russia, Joy (CHN) 13. -13.17; Canada 3 Isreel 0 1.,_13 Ireland 1 Grundy to the beaten finalist, J. Akesson/J. Persson btAn Jae Hyung/Lee Jung U.S,S.R,3 Irelend 0 I. Carmi lost to A. Leonard -14,15, -16; Hak 13, 7; A Mazunov bt M. Kelly 9, 8; S. Lev bt N. McEvoy 10. 16; Han Yan, Karen Witt to Nadine Birocheau/Secretin bt Mazunov/Rozenberg (URS) I. Solopov bt C. Slevin 15. 12; CarmVLev bt LeonardiMcEvoy 11. 21; Daviaud of France and Fiona 19. -19. 14; Mazonov/Rosenberg bt Kelly/Slevin 13. -1 5. 14. Carmi bt McEvoy 9, 6. Douglas/Grubba bt U. Bengtsson(SWE)/Cartsson Switzerl."d 3 Wale. II 1 luxembourg 3 Wal.s I 1 Elliot to liu Wei of China afterthe 10.12. S. Renold lost to A. Griffiths -6. -16; N. Deltour lost to L Tyler 29. -17, -17; Staffs girl had ousted Camilla Semi-finals: T. Miller bt M. Thomas 12, -17, 9; B. Fisch bt S. Williams -18, 8, '7; Akesson/Persson bt Bohm/Kucharski -14, 18, 12; Miller/Renold bt Griffiths/Thomas 17. 19; Deltour/Fisch bt Tyler/Williams 14, 22; Bjork. of Sweden. Birocheau/Secretin bt Douglas/Grubba 19, 18. Miller bt Griffiths 17. 17. Fisch bt Tyler 12, 19. Final: BIROCHEAU/SECRETIN bt Akesson/ Scotl."d 3 Luxembourg 0 Scotland 3 Wal•• II 1 HALF SHARE Persson 19, -11,10. J. Broe bt Y. Maas 14, 12; L Johnston lost to E. Wright -12, -16; Smith bt H. Cotter 17, 11; Wornen's Doubles: Quart.r-finals: D. Hannah bt G. Stebens 14, 11; J. England's third bronze award Johnston/Smith bt Cotter/Wright -16,16.15; lee Kye Sun (KOR)/Yoon Kyung Mi bt Bogaerts/ Broe/Hannah bt Maas/Stebins 17. 1,. Smith bt Wright 18, 18. came in the mixed doubles in N. Higuet (BEL) 12. 21; Round 2 which Carl and Joy reached the DaviaudiB. Thiriet (FRA) bt R. Diacheno (U RS)/ Chine 3 Guernsey 0 Round 2 Kovtun 16, 11; Fan' Bjlozhang bt I. Gallienne 5. 7; China 3 l.r••10 semis only to lose to Mazunov Hong Cha Ok/Hyun Jung Hwa (KORl bt .Fukutome/ Wang Zhenyi bt S. Torode. 17; Czechoslovakia 3 B.lgium 2 A Wada IJPNj -16. 19. 9; Fan/Wang bt Gallienne/Torode 11, 6. Fed.el Germany 3 Pol.nd 2 and his Czech partner, Alice U.S.S.R. 3 Luxembourg 0 Han/Yan/Liu Wei bt Borgstrom/A. Johansson Belgi~m w.o. U.S.A. (scr) Pelikanova. Th'e fourth bronze (SWE) -19.21.13. Fr....c. 3 F.der.l Germeny 1 R.p. of Korea 3 Scotland 0 was the half share claimed by Semi-finals: Jepan 3 C."adil 0 Yoon Kyung Mi bt Johnston 15. 9; Lee Kye Sun/Yoon Kyung Mi bt Daviaud/Thiriet England 3 U.S.S.R. 2 Lee Kye Sun bt Smith 9. 5; Des, with Grubba, in the men's 18.8; C. Prean lost to Mazunov -19. -13; Lee/Yoon bt Johnston/Smith 6.13. doubles when they lost to Secre­ Han Yan/liu Wei bt Hong Cha Ok/Hyun Jung Hwa D. Douglas bt I. $olopov 11, 12; England 3 Canada 1 -22. 17.26. Douglas/Prean bt Mazunov/Aozenberg 19, 18; A Gordon bt M. Domonkos 17. 18; tin and Birocheau. Douglas lost to Mazunov 15, -18, -19; J. Grundy bt T. Mach 21, 14; Final: HAN YAN/L1U WEI bt lee Ke Sun/Yoon Prean bt Solopov 16, -12. Gordon/Grundy lost to Domonkos/G. Hsu -17.14. Prean and Cooke had an open­ Kyung Mi 12, 13. 16. D.nmark 3 R.p. of Koree 1 -17; ing win against the Danes, Claus Mixed Double.: Querter-final.: Polencf3 Switzerlend 0 Grundy bt Domonkos -17. 21. 14. Pedersen and Harkamp but there­ S. Bengtsson (SWE)/Johansson bt C. Borsos Sw.den 3 Scotland 0 Franc. 3 Sweden 1 (FRGJ/Nemes 17. -16. 28; J. Persson bt Hannah 16. 14; Japan 3 Switzerland 0 ParkJi Hun (KOR)/Hyun Jung Hwa bt J. Rosskopl afterfell to Akesson and Persson, U. Carlsson bt Broe 11, 13; Quarter-fin.ls: IFRGj/Wenzel 15. 10; J. Akesson/Persson bt Broe/Hannah 20, -12, China 3 Czechoslovakia 1 the defeated finalists. Alison and Mazunov/A. Pelikanova (TCH) bt Kucharski/ 6. U,S.S.R.3 F.d..... Germany 2 Brzezinska (POL) -12. 21. 19; Joy went out at the first time of R.p of Kor•• 3 England 1 C. Prean (ENG)/Grundy bt Carlsson/Borgstrom Querter-fin.I.: asking to Russia's Elena Kovtun Yoon bt Gordon 17. 11; 20.14. Chine 3 B.lglum 0 and Raisa Diachenko. Jap.n 3 France 2 lee lost to Grundy -21. 13. -19; Semi·finels: Engl.nd 3 Denmark 0 Lee/Yoon bt Gordon/Grundy 7. -17.14; But spare a thought for Guern­ Park Ji Hun/Hyun Jung Hwa bt Bengtsson/ Douglas bt J. Harkamp 17, -16, 18; Yoon bt Grundy 14. 15. Johansson 18, 10; Prean bt C. Pedersen -1 7, 10, 12; Franc. 3 J.p.... 1 sey's Ian Gallienne and Shaun Mazonov/Pelikanova bt Prean/Grundy 20, 18. Douglas/Prean bt Harkamp/Ped'ersen 15, 15. Semi-fin.ls: Fin.l: PARK JI HUN/HYUN JUNG HWA b. Torade who made the trip from Pol..,d 3 Sw.den 1 Chin. 3 U.S.S.R. 1 Mazunov/Pelikanova 15, -18, 11. the Channel Isles only to meet up Semi·finels: Liu Wei bt E. Kovtun 19. 7; Men's Consolation Singl.s: Semi·fiRIIls: Chin. 3 .Japen 0 Han Yan bt R. Diachenko 7. 17; with China in the men's team Rosenbaum (ISR) bt I. Mclean (SCQ) 10. 18; A. Fan Baozhang bt T. Inoue 13. 17; Han Yan/Liu Wei lost to Oiachenk/Kovtun -19.9, event. What a tale to tell to B. Wright (SCQ) bt S. Davies (Wi) 18. '10. Wang Zhenyi bt H. Ono 14.18; -17; Final: ROSENBAUM bt Wright -20, 14, 9. Fan/Wang bt Inoue/Ono -15,18.18. Liu Wei bt Diachenko 19. 15. Horace Mallett! Rep. of Korea 3 Fr.nc. 0 Women's Consolation Sing••: Semi-final.: Pol.nd 3 Englend 1 Lee bt Daviaud 18. 13; And what a tale to tell by Roy Higuet bt N. Deltour(LUX) -18.12,21; L Kucharski lost to Douglas -19.19. -18; Yoon bt Th(riet 12. 11: B. HerzellSUlj bt L Tyler (WAL) 16. -11.14. A. Grubba bt Prean 7. -7. 11; and Nancy Evans who are doubt­ Lee/Yoon bt OaviaudiTh iriet 15. -14. 22. Final: HERZEL bt Higuet 13, -12, 19. Grubba/Kucharski bt Douglas/Prean 17. 19; less still recovering from their Grubba bt Doul1las 19, -16.15. TEAM EVENTS Fin.l: toils in promoting this event along Fin.l: REPUBLIC OF KOREA 3 Chin. 2 with Eddie Thomas and Hon. Man POLANO 3 Chin. 1 Lee lost to Liu Wei -15. ·17; Round 1 Grubba bt Wang Zhenyi 8. 10; Yoon bt Han Van -18, 14. 15; Referee Alan Morris. But, despite Guernsey w,o. Norway (.cr) Kucharski lost to Fan Baozhang -17, ·1 6; Lee/Yoon bt Liu/Han 18, -18,19; all that the elements could throw . Belgium 3 Wale. I 0 Grubba/Kucharski bt Fan/Wang 18. 18; Yoon lost to liu -14. 20. -18; J·M, Saive bt N. Thomas 17,12; Kucharski bt Wang Zhenyi 20. 13. Lee bt Han'Yan -13.18,17. against them they succeeded in bringing matters to a successful conclusion not least being the finals party which went with a swing at the Angel Hotel. Results:­ Men'. Singles: Round 4 J. Secretin (FRA) bt L Kuchars~i (POl) 17. 18.20; A Mazunov (URS) bt S. Andrew IE) 16. ·18. 11. ·17. 19; H. Ono(JPN) btV. ShevchenkolURS) 16. ·22.14. 17; Fan Baozhang (CHN) bt An Jae Hyung (KORl 16, 14. -15. 13; D. Douglas (ENG) bt T. Inoue (JPN) 17. -20. 17. -17. 17; G. Bohm (FRG) bt U. Carlsson (SWE) 17. -13. lB. 19; P. Birocheau (FRA) bt Lee Jung Hak (KOR) 8.18. 16; A. G",bbaIPOL) btl. Solopov(URSj 15.12. -lB. 16. Quarter-finals: Secretin bt Mazunov 16. 12. 11; Fan Baozhang bt Dna -19.10,13.16: Douglas bt Bohm 18. 19. 13; Grubba bt Birocheau 14. 10, 13. Semi-finals: Secretin bt Fan Baozhang 16. -13. -18.17,17; Grubba bt Douglas 12, ·19. 15. 1 5. Final: GRUBBA bt Secretin -19,13,18,17. Women's Singles: Round 3: S. Wenzel (FRG) bt K. Bogaerts (BEL) 12, 17, 20; Han Yan (CHN) bt J. Grundy (ENG) 14. 16, 10; E. Kovtun (URS) bt A. Gordon (ENG) 20. 13, -17, 19; A Olschewski (FRG) bt G. Borgstrom (SWE) 16, -19. -21. 12.21; S. Grefberg (FIN) bt M. Fukutome (JPN) 12. 17, ·17. 12; liu Wei (CHN) bt F. Elliot (St) 14,18,19; N. Daviaud (FRAI bt K. Witt (Bkl-19. 19. -15. 12. 16; O. Nemes (FRG) bt Yoon Kyung Mi (KOR) -10, ·17.22.18. lB. Quarter-finels: Han Van bt Wenzel -19, 10. 11, 15; Kovtun bt Olschewski 14, -12,19, -17,10; Grefberg bt Liu Wei 21, -13, 20, -13, 19; Nemes bt Daviaud 9, 15. 20. Semi-finals: Han Van bt Kovtun 10, 14, 14; The Editor renews acquaintance with Japan's team manager Shojiro Ogata, Council Member of the Nemes bt Grefberg 18, 16, 14. Japan Table Tennis Association. Final: NEM ES bt Han Van 19, 19, 9. Photos by Denis George, Helensburgh, Scotland. 11 8th· Commonwealth T.T. Championship

(La), Claire Potts (Ch) and Kerry Saturday, 23rd March 8th Commonwealth Hall (Dy). Individual Events - continue in COACHING COURSE the morning. Individual Finals and Closing Ceremony in the Tab.le Tennis Course Leader- afternoon.. David A. Fairholm, E.T.T.A. Championships 1985 National Coach There will be morning, after­ Douglas, Isle of Man Course Structure noon and evening sessions on (a) Assemble - Saturday 16th each day except Wednesday~ March, 1985 at 8 p.m. at the 20th March. 17th - 23rd March Palace Hotel when Mr. Fairholm will welcome participants, and Free Day outline the course. There will be If you are new to the Island, [T.T. videos and an Open Forum. why not take advantage of the (b) Daily- (i) Participants will be coach trip around the Island split into pairs or groups of 4 which has been arranged for every day and given a specific Wednesday, 20th March from project which could be either approximately 11 a.m. until 3.30 Technical (stroke production, ser­ p.m. The cost of this trip will not vice, receipt, movement, com­ exceed £5. binations, equipment). or Tactical (general tactics, Registration specific tactics, 3 rd and 5th ball attack, 2nd and 4th ball attack, To register for the course please contact Mr. G. A. Baker, gamesmanship, bench coaching, Organising Director, 8th Common~ rally analysis.) wealth Table Tennis Champion­ Each project will take 2-3 hours. ships, The Lodge, Ballasalla, Isle (ii) Each day 1-2 hours will be WORLD-CLASS ENTRY runners-up in 1983 and four of of Man. spent vi~wing and discussing a A total of 21 countries have so their 5-man squad are scheduled series of matches as a group. PACKAGE DEALS far indicated their intention of to visit Douglas. In Kuala, Atanda (iii) Each evening the group will participating in the 8th Com­ Musa was the bronze medalist reassemble to disseminate the Group and Conference Travel, monwealth Championships to his teammates on that occaSion day's information and discuss Central Promenade, Douglas, be held at the Palace Lido, being Sunday Eboh and Francis projects for the following day. Isle of Man, 'Phone: (0624) 27711 Sule. Telex 627742 have inclusive Douglas, Isle of Man from Course Duration March 17-23, 1985 with Hong ENGLAND SELECTIONS package prices starting from as The final meeting of partici­ little as £59.50 per person; all Kong, Nigeria and England head­ The ETTA's Selection Com­ pants will be at 8.30 p.m. on the pack~ges include travel, ing the field. mittee announced on Jan. 21 Hong Kong'-s men's team in­ Friday, March 22. Please note accorTlmodation and admission their selections both for the 8th that no projects will be set for cludes three of the team which Commonwealth and 38th World to the championships. Wednesday, March 20, but the won the team event in Kuala Championships (Mar. 28 - Api. Travel can be arranged, by sea group will meet after the team Lumpur in 1983. They are Chiu 7). They are (age in brackets):­ or air, from a number of departure finals which take place on this Man Kuen, Chan Kong Wah and points in the U. K., and there is a MEN evening. Vong lu Veng. Chiu Man Kuen is Desmond Douglas (29) wide 'variety of hotels and guest the current COrTlmonwealth men's Alan Cooke (18) Attendance houses from which to cho'ose. singles and doubles champion. Carl Prean (17) Participants are strongly re­ Chan Kong Wah was runner­ Graham Sandley (21) commended to attend the whole up in the men's singles in 1983, Skylet Andrew (22) course but the structure allows Prices Include: semi-finalist in the men's doubles partial participation. However, * Return travel by either Sea or WOMEN and winner of the mixed. He is the minimum involvement would Air to the Isle of Man. Alison Gordon (21) ranked No. 2 in the Common­ be for 2 days. * Return transfers from eitherthe Joy Grundy (21) wealth. Sea Terminal or the Airport to Karen Witt (23) Costs Vong lu Veng was a semi­ your Hotel. Lisa Bellinger (18) The-registration fee for the full finalist in 1983 and took the course will be £20. (This fee will * 3, 4, 5 or 7 Nights' accom­ doubles championship. New­ With the exception of Skylet be reduced by £2 for each day modation on a Bed & Breakfast comer Lo Cheun Chung com­ Andrew, who earns his place by missed). This fee does not include or Dinner/Bed & Breakfast basis pletes the colony's impressive virtue of a series of consistent accommodation and meals but in various licensed Hotels in line-up. Their women's team will domestic results and his efforts does i1tclude admission to the Douglas. also travel to the ·Isle of Man as in the Dong-Ah Welsh Open, this Championships. * Complimentary admission into current team champions. They is the team which competed in the Palace Casino and Whispers Championship Programme will rely on the same team as in Moscow. National Trainer/Coach Nightclub on certain evenings of The programme for the Cham­ 1983, namely Vue Kam Kai, Hui Donald Parker, wi II travel with your stay (not Saturday). Ad­ pionship is as follows:­ So Hung and Mok Ka Sha. Vue the team direct from the English mission cannot be guaranteed Sunday, 17th March: Kam Kai is the reigning women's Closed at Bletchley to the Isle of after 10.30 p. m. Jackets must be Team events commence in the singles champion, was runner­ Man on Mar. 10 as a short worn and no jeans are permitted. morning. Opening Ceremony in up in the women's doubles and a training carTlp has been arranged * Entrance fees to all the Matches the evening. beaten semi-finalist in the mixed. in preparation for the hectic pro­ in the Palace Lido. Monday/Tuesday, Hui So Hung was runner-up in gramme. * Souvenir Brochure of the Cham­ 18/19th March the 1983 women's singles and is Additional places in the in­ pionships. Team events continue. ranked No.2 in the Common­ dividual events allocated to Eng­ * All service charges and 15% Wednesday, 20th March wealth, one place in front of Mok land have been afforded to (at VAT. Ka Sha. their own expense):- David Wells Free Day. Team Finals in the The other 20 countries in­ '(Mi), Phil Bradbury (Bu), Nicky evening. tending to enter are:- Australia, Mason (Sy), John Souter (Mi), Thursday/Friday, Canada, Cyprus, England, Andrew Syed (Bk), David Dodd 21 st/22nd March Our Package Prices are per person Guernsey, India, Isle of Man, (K), Stephen Scowcroft (La), Carl Individual Events. as follows: Jersey, Kenya, Mal.aysia, Malta, Morgan (Wa), Jimmy Stokes (Bk), Mauritius, New Zealand, Matthew Syed (Bk) and Adrian (3) (4) (5) (7) Nigeria, Nthn Ireland, Pakistan, Dixon (St) as well as to Fiona Atholville Bed/Breakfast 59.50 66.50 73.50 87.00 Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Elliot (St), Mandy Sainsbury (Bk), Dinner, Bed/Breakfast 65.75 74.75 84.00 102.00 Wales and Zibbabwe. Jean Parker (La), Joanne Shaw Marlborough Bed/Breakfast 61.00 68.50 76.00 91 .00 Nigeria's men's team were (V), Jill Powis (St), Andrea Holt Dinner, Bed/Breakfast 65.50 74.50 83.50 101 .50 12 8th Commonwealth T. T. Championship

Palatine/ Bed/Breakfast 62.50 70.50 78.75 94.75 Oaklands. 1 Palace View lift to all floors. television lounge, Oaklands Dinner, Bed/Breakfast 66.00 75.25 84.50 103.00 Terrace. Douglas. games room and laundry room. It is also licensed with two bars. Queenscliff Bed/Breakfast 65.50 74.50 83.50 101.50 This licensed Hotel is just off the Dinner, Bed/Breakfast 71.00 82.00 93.00 114.50 promenade around the corner New Rotherham. Central from the Palace Hotel. No rooms Grasmere Bed/Breakfast 62.50 70.50 78.75 94.75 Promenade. Douglas. Dinner, Bed/Breakfast 81.5096.00110.25 139.00 have private facilities, each room This Hotel is situated next door does have a radio. There is a New Rotherham Bed/Breakfast 62.50 70.75 78.75 94.75 to the Marlborough on Central Dinner, Bed/Breakfast 68.75 79.00 89.00 109.25 games room and a television Promenade. It has a lift to all the room. floors and is licensed. There is a Air Supplements Marlborough. Central Queenscliff. 2 Palace View games room and a television Blackpool - £24.95; Promenade. Douglas. Terrace. Douglas. room, also central heating - £35.95; This licensed Hotel is on the The Queenscliff is next door to throughout. Some rooms having London Heathrow - £57.95; promenade in a corner position. the Oaklands and - is licensed private facilities are available if - £37.95; , It has a lift to all floors. games with a modern bar lounge for the required. - £33.95; room and television room. No residents. A games room and a Belfast Harbour - £31.95. rooms with private facilities are television room are available. All the above Hotels are within HOTEL DETAILS available. None of the bedrooms have walking distance of the Palace private facilities. Atholville. 3/4 Castle Drive. Palatine. 2 Castle Drive. Lido which is where the Cham­ Douglas. Douglas. Grasmere. Central Promenade. pionships are being held. The Atholville is situated just off The Palatine is situated in the Douglas. the Central Promenade. It is a same road as the Atholville just This fairly large Hotel is situated licensed Hotel with a games off the promenade. It is a licensed on the promenade near to the room and a television room. There Hotel with the same range of Palace Hotel. It has a number of is a lift to all floors. and each facilities as the two Hotels already rooms with private facilities. all room has a radio. No rooms with mentioned. Rooms with private rooms have a radio/intercom and private facilities are available. facilities are not available. baby listening service. There is a ,SCOTTISH SPONSOR

( Bill Proudfoot. Chief General Manager of Scottish Amicable Life Assurance Company is here seen handing over the sponsorship cheque to STTA Deputy Chairman. Ben Dawson with Richard Yule and Carole Dayrymple also in attendance. Photo by courtesy of The Scotsman Publications Ltd.• North Bridge. . 13 1984 U.S. Closed Championship

Results were: Final: Diana and Lisa Gee d. Michelle Mantel/ Liana Panesko 11, 13. 1. Julie Au (9-0) OY. 40 SingJes: 2. Lan Vuong (8-1) Final: George Br.rthwaite d. Bohdan Dawidowicz 3. J;n Na (6-3) -19,15,21. 4. Takaka Trenholme 15-4) semis: Braithwaite d. Houshang Bozorgzadeh 5. Kasia Dawidowicl (5-4) 16,16. 6. lisa Gee (4-5) Dawidowicz d. Manin Doss 17. 15. 7. Alice Green Kimble (3·6) OYer 40 Doubles: 8. Shelia O'Dougherty (2-7) Final: Martin Doss/Bob Fields d. Bohdan 9. Cheryl Dadian (2-7) OawidowiczlTim Boggan 10. 15. 10. Jasmine Wang (1-8) Boys' -15 Singles: Final: Jim ButI... d. Dhiren Narotam 9, 19. In Sook Bhushan did not com­ Girts' -15 Singles: Round Robin: pete, and will not be at the World 1. M;chelle Mentel (3-0) Championships, because she 2. Stephanie Fox (2-1) 3. Janine Schroeder (1-2) and Shekhar will have their 4. Gavanne Homer (0-3) second child in January. Under 15 Doubles: Final: J. Butler/D. N.rotam d. Stephanie Fox/ Julie Au is our new champion, Janine Schroeder 13. 17. but she also will not compete in Over 50 Singles: Final: Tim Boggan d. Frank Suran 17, -19.13. the World Championships, as Semis: Boggan d. Azmv Ibrahim 9. 19; she has been a resident of the Suran d. Dan Banach -16. 18. 21. OYer 50 Doubles: U.S.A. for less than 2 years, Finel: T. BoggllnlChartes Bwns d. Stan Schuman! Ed Gutman 19. 11. Men', Amateur Singles: Boys' -13 Singles: Final: Quang Bui d. Mike Bush. 12, 20; Final: Dhiren Narotam d. Jeff Fori 17. 8. Semis: Bui d. Brian Masters -17,18,12; 3rd: Ed Weiss; 4 th Eric Owens. Bush d. Allen Kaichi 14, -18, 18. Girls' -13 Singl.s: Women's Amateur Singles: Round Robin: Final: Julie Au d. Diana Gee 18,21; 1. Michelle Mentel (3-01 Semis: Au d. Carol Davidson 13. 13; 2. Stephanie Fox (2-1) Gee d. Alice Kimble 16. 11. 3. Janine Schroeder 11-2) Men's Doubles: 4. Gavanne Homer (0-3) Final: Scott Boggan/Perry Schwartzberg d. Under 13 Doubles: Brian Masters/Quang Bui -13,18.16. Final: D. Narotam/Ed W.iss d. K. Schultz! Women's Doubles: E. Owens 12. 19. Final: lisa and Diana Gee d. Cheryl Dadian/ OYer 60 Singl.s: Kasia Dawidowicz 15. 16. Final: Chuck Bums d. Jack loth 11. 9; Mixed Doubles: Semis: Burns d. Y. C. Lee -19. 15, 15; Final: Quang Do/Lisa Gee d. Brian Masters/Diana loth d. Fred Borges 17, 14. Gee 18, -1 6, 19. Under 11 Singl.s: OYer 30 Singles: ,Final: Eddi. W.iss d. Eric Owens 13. 10. Final: David Sakai d. Bob Fields 11. 12. avw70S"",I..: Boys' -17 Singles; Final: Wing Lock Koon d. Robert Green 17. 1 7. Final: Sean O'Neill d. Scott Butler-17. 20, 21. 13; Semis: Koon d. Wiley Riggs 1 7, 9; Semis: O'Neill d. James Butler 9. 12, 12; Green d. Harry Bloom 12. 18. S. Butler d. Gene lonnon 20, 13. -1 8. 19. OYer 80 Singl.s: Girls' -17 Singles: Round Robin: Final: Lan Vuong d. Diana Gee 15, 17, -14, 22; 1. Joel Mello", (3-0) Semis: Vuong d. Lisa Gee -25. 17. -1 7. 16, 16; 2. Oliver Nicholas (2-1) D. Gee d. Jasmine Wang 15. 15. 19. 3. Charles H. McCallister (1-2) Boys' ·17 Doubles: 4. Stan Morest (0-3) Final: Scott and Jim Butler d. Sean O'Neill/Gene Hard Rubber Singl.s: lannon 16. -14. 10. Final: Roberto Byles d. Houshang Bozorgzadeh Girts' -17 Doubles: 19,19.

1984 U.S. CLOSED CHAMPIONSHIPS AN D TEAM TR IAL Tropicana Hotel. Las Vegas. Nevada. 1984 U,S, Closed men's singles final Eric Boggan (I) and Dan December 19-23. 1984. Seemiller (r). By Malcolm Anderson. Chairman. Photographic Committee U.S.T.T.A.

The Men's and Women's events the game at 20, and the next two were round robin format, with games at 17 and 17, to become the order of finish in the final our Men's Champion, Other round robin becoming the order results: on our International Team Squad, 3. Sean O'Neill (7·4l 4. Ricky Seemiller (7-4) so these events determined our 5. Brian Masters (6-5) teams to the next World Cham­ 6. Altila Malek (6-5) 7. Scott B09gan (5-6) pionships as well as the U,S, 8. Quang Sui (5-6) Champions, 9. Brandon Olsen (4-7) 10. Khoa Nguyen (3-8) In the Men's, the final match 11. Perry Schwarzberg (2-9) was between Eric Boggan (9-1) 12. George Braithwaite (1-10) and Danny Seemiller (10-0), Dan won the first game at 19, In the Women's, Julie Au. Eric led most of the second newly arrived from China, game, only to see Danny tie it at dominated the field, losing only deuce, Eric then rallied to win one game (to Cheryl Dadian). Women's singles finalists Lan Vuong (I) and Julie Au (r). 14 -The Chairman writes.

Diane and Lisa Gee U.S. women's doubles champions. The veterans Over-70 final Bob Green (I) and Wing Lock Koon.

Photographs by Mal Anderson.

The Cost of the Future

By ETTA Chairman, Tom Blunn

pare a five year plan for their £150,000 compared with plan using the document 'Table sport which would be considered £100,000 from our own Tennis to the 1990's" prepared for grant aid in further areas, members. by the Development Committee such as administration, travel The Sports Council has under Alan Ransome. The and training. As Treasurer at the changed the system and issued financial details will be worked time it was my job to prepare our recommendations for a "new out with the Treasurer, Aubrey five year plan which I did in 1965 approach" to grant aid. This Drapkin, and the final draftin9 under the title of "A plan for requires the governing bodies to and submission will be completed Table Tennis". It was a white prepare a plan for 3, 4 or 5 years with the assistance of the document and not green like the and to cost this in every area General Secretary, Albert I suppose it is inevitable that one which is appearing regularly covered by the plan. It is im­ Shipley, sometime during the season I on television! portant that the governing body Our plan is quite progressive would write on financial matters. Our plan was the first to be makes a serious attempt to and includes certain items of On this occasion I think it would received by the Sports Council provide a realistic contribution additional expenditure as be of benefit to readers if I re­ and they used it as a blue print for from its own members. That is approved by the National stated the current position with other sports and paid for it to be why it was necessary to ask our Council. There will be a shortfall regard to the Sports Council printed and distributed to every members for a substantial in­ between the estimated expendi­ grant aid. other governing body in the crease in fees this season. Even ture and what we can expect to The Sports Council has country. We were given very now at £1.50 per team place per receive as income from our own supplied grant aid to governing satisfactory grant aid and this annum it is only %rd of the grant members and our own other bodies of sport for over twenty has been progressive to. the we are currently receiving from resources, such as the trade, years. The first grants related extent that we come to regard it the Sports Council. The present sponsors, television, spectators, only to coaching and the ETTA as a permanent income giving us grant ceases on March 31,1985 advertisers etc. This shortfall wifl took advantage of the system by some form of security. All we and we have no idea what we be considered by the Sports appointing the late' Jack needed to do was to account for will be given forseason 1985/86 Council in relation to the plan as Carrington as our first pro­ each year's claim and submit a and subsequently. It all depends a whole and a figure of grant aid fessional coach. Then in 1965 claim for the following year on on how well our own particular will then be offered. It could be the Sports Council invited the an every increasing basis. This plan is received and adopted. the full shortfall or only a pro­ gove~ning bodies to each pre- season we will receive about Again I will be preparing our portion - only time will tell!

FRONT PAGE COVER England's ace Junior Carl Prean, winner of the first Euro Junior Top 12 ,n San Marino last month. Photo by Ian Ball FRPS, Hampstead, London NW3.

15 Halex National League NATIONAL LEAGUE By Fiona Brown

SPORTSMANSHIP NOT GAMESMANSHIP, IF YOU PLEASE! occasion as he emerged victorious from the closest of duels with Nicky Mason to level the score at 1-1 and went on to deal swiftly with The way things have been happening recently it seems that this brother Andrew to level once more at 3-3. season's league winners may be the teams who cannot only play the The confidence Larkhall gained from this result was immediately best table tennis, but who can turn their hands to the sport of evident in their·next fixture as they moved into a 3-1 lead overfellow orienteering! Without mentioning any names it has been brought to strugglers, Grove, but the Shropshire squad fought back to lead 4-3 my attention that certain cluljs are being less than helpful when it and despite a determined effort by Larkhall's Gary Spencer the points comes to providing the opposition with directions to their home slipped away as Anwar Majid clinched the final set in three games to venue, this is leading to unnecessary delays and as you might earn his first win of the afternoon and maximum points for his team. imagine more than a little ill feeling, Please nip this problem in the Omega meanwhile must be content with second place despite a 5­ bud and make every effort to extend a little more courtesy to your 3 win over Birmingham Optical for whom Carl Morgan provided two opponents, just remember that they are people too and not simply the superb rubbers with straight set wins over Andrew Syed and Chris dreaded enemy to be overcome at all costs! Bartram, Barry Johnson added Birmingham's third by edging home 19 in the third against Matthew Syed. PREMIER DIVISION P W D L F A Pts, 1. Thorn EMI Ellenborough 6 5 0 1 35 13 10 Over in Wales there is little to celebrate as Butterfly Cardiff have 2, Ormesby I 6 4 1 1 33 15 9 picked up only one point in their last two outings. This was collected 3. G.K.N. Steelstock Wolverhampton I 7 3 2 2 29 27 8 in the home fixture with MBS St Neots, Cardiff's four rubbers coming 4. Omega Reading I 6 3 1 2 26 22 7 from Nigel Thomas and Trevor Manning with Keith Richardson the 5. Jaques Fareham I 6 1 3 2 21 27 5 only St Neots player not to record a win. 6. Grove Market Drayton I 6 2 0 4 18 30 4 7. Tibhar London 7 0 1 6 14 42 1 FIRST DIVISION P W D L F A Pts. 1. Bath Toyota 9 6 2 1 46 26 14 2. Omega Reading II 8 5 3 0 45 19 13 3. South Yorkshire I 8 5 3 0 44 20 13 4. Birminghllm Optical 8 5 0 3 39 25 10 5. Dagenham F.C. 8 2 1 5 26 38 5 6. M.B.S. 51. Neots I 7 1 2 4 20 36 4 7. Butterfly Cardiff 8 1 2 5 21 43 4 8. Ormesby II B 0 1 7 15 49 1

Bath Toyota succeed in displacing Omega Reading to reclaim their position at the head of the table having bagged four points from a possible six in their recent set of fixtures. England No.3 Carl Prean is proving invaluable to theirpromotion surge and with a 100% record at this point in the season Carl must surely be well satisfied with his contribution to this effort. Against Dagenham he recorded two comfortable victories over Tony Penny and David Newman and was ably supported by Adrian Moore who fought back from a game. down to overcome Dagenham's Kevin Cal don and retained his composure in the final set of the afternoon to beat Stuart Gibbs and claim the full two points for Bath with a match result of 5-3. Bath's other set was provided by Andy Creed when he triumphed over Caldon in the penultimate rubber. Bath's other established international, Women's No. 1 Alison Gordon, failed by a whisker to claim a set in either this fixture or the following one against South Yorkshire but the scorelines in each of G,K,N, Steelstock, Wolverhampton's Premier Division team (I to r): these four visits to the table suggest that a lack of confidence rather Stephen Scowcroft, Skylet Andrew, Max Crimmins and Andy than talent may be Alison's major stumbling block. Bellingham - 6-2 winners over Omega Reading I. Against South Yorkshire she held a one game advantage over Dave Gannon before losing at 16 in the third and came even closer to Omega Reading's title hopes have suffered a setback following upsetting Chu Van Que, the penholder who had almost ended Prean's their 6-2 defeat by GKN Wolverhampton. With the score standing at unbeaten run in the opening game ofthe match. In fact the opposition 1-1 the Midlanders struck three times in succession to secure their in this fixture probably provided Carl with his toughest task to date first point. David Barr then beat Max Crimmins in straight games to this season as he struggled to overcome Chris Rogers in three very preserve Reading's hopes of salvaging a point but these were quickly close games. Such is the Northerners' strength in depth that only dashed when GKN's Andy Bellingham scored his second success of Andy Creed succeeded in adding to Prean's tally with a well deserved the afternoon by easing away from John Souter to win at 19 in the win over Steve Mills as he recovered from a game down to snatch third. In the final set Stephen Scowcroft rubbed salt into the Omega victory at 18 in the third. With the score standing at 4-3 in favour of wound with a businesslike two game victory over Andy Wellman. South Yorkshire Adrian Moore staged a last ditch attempt to salvage a This win enabled GKN to move above Omega in the table, despite point for Bath and when he captured the first game 25-23 against having lost to league leaders Thorn EMI Ellenborough 2-6 in their new signing Dave Gannon, there seemed to be hope but this effort following match. Ellenborough maintain a tenuous hold on the had drained his resources and Gannon was never seriously troubled number one spot but Ormesby are waiting eagerly in the wings having as he coasted to victory at 14 in the final game of the afternoon. collected a further two p'oints by defeating Jaques Fareham 6-2. South Yorkshire moved on the following day to tackle Omega Kevin Satchell created an early surprise when he overcame Ormesby's Reading and with the revised ranking list having come into use Andy new England No.2 Alan Cooke in straight games and despite a lack of Wellman replaced Andrew Syed who will now play for the Omega first support Satchell later returned to the table with the score standing at team; Wellman lead the way with an opening win over Chris Rogers 5-1 to despatch Richard Yule in similar style. and followed it up with a second win in a closely contested three Jaques have suffered a rather lean Christmas as they were held to a ender with Steve Mills when the score stood at two sets all. Chris draw by bottom club Tibhar Larkhall, a rather surprising result as the Bartram was in fine form as he tackled first Dave Gannon and then Larkhall club had'f;liled to score a single point in any of their previous Chris Rogers to add a further two sets to the Omega total, but two six fixtures. David Dodd was definitely Larkhall's star on this comfortable wins by Chu Van Que and one each from Mills and 16 Halex National League

Gannon resulted in a 4-4 tie, an equitable result in a match where no THIRD DIVISION NORTH P W D L F A Pts. more than a single rubber ever divided the teams. Both South 1. Unity Bradford 7 7 0 0 41 15 14 Yorkshire and Bath Toyota have met and defeated Ormesby in recent 2. Unity 7 6 0 1 40 16 12 3. South Yorkshire III 7 4 0 3 32 24 8 weeks, the former 7-1, the latter 6-2; results which leave the 4. Ormesby III 7 3 1 3 29 27 7 Cleveland side floundering three points adrift at the foot of the table. 5. Vickers Sports Barrow 7 . 3 1 3 25 31 7 6. Washington 7 2 2 3 25 31 6 7. Ormesby IV 7 1 0 6 17 39 2 SECOND DIVISION NORTH P W D L F A Pts. 8. Byker Newcastle II 7 0 0 7 15 41 0 1. Patsun Target Gold 7 7 0 0 39 17 14 2. March 7 4 2 1 39 17 10 South Yorkshire have finally dropped out of the promotion race 3. Chan Construction 7 2 3 2 32 24 7 following their 6-2 defeat by Unity Leeds a result which enables the 4. G.K.N. Steelstock Wolverhampton II 7 2 2 3 28 28 6 latter to remain within striking distance of local rivals Unity Bradford. 5. South Yorkshire II 7 2 2 3 25 31 6 Bradford, meanwhile have not been letting the grass grow under their 6. Byker Newcastle I 7 2 1 4 24 32 5 feet as Washington discovered to their peril when they travelled 7. Sincil Lincoln 7 1 3 3 21 35 5 south for a pre-Christmas meeting. Chris Blake, playing at No.3 for 8. Kingsbro' Insurance Services 7 1 1 5 19 37 3 the Tynesiders recorded the visitors; first win when the score stood at 3-0 and Phil Stafford their last when it stood at 5-1, the Bradford boys Patsun Target Gold marched relentlessly on towards the title with a certainly mean business this season! Byker Newcastle and Ormesby convincing 6-2 win when they met KingS-bro Insurance Services. The III enjoyed a hard fought match from which the Cleveland visitors Stockton team, jubilant after their win over South Yorkshire proved escaped with both points thanks to two wins in the last two rubbers no match for the likely champions when it came to the crucial points, by Dave Fewsdale and Chris Metcalfe over Maurice Clark and Robert Salford's Tony Boasman and Andy Leigh emerging victorious at 21 in Dodds respectively, a disappointing result for the Byker team who third in' the sixth and seventh rubbers respectively to secure yet had held an early lead. another two points and leave the Stockton side two points adrift at Ormesby IV were not as fortunate when they entertained Vickers the foot of the table. Sports Barrow; for Vickers Neil Smith and Allan Fay played well to win Salford's only serious remaining rivals, March, suffered a setback two rubbers each with teammate Andrew Murphy claiming the when they were hE1ld to a 4-4 draw by mid table team South decider in what must surely be one of the shortest League matches on Yorkshire. March raced into a 4-1 lead before South Yorkshire's record as it was completed in 2 hours 2 minutes! Illingsworth twins could stem the flow, firstly Mark beat Andy Withers THIRD DIVISION SOUTH P W D L F A Pts. in straight games and then David, despite losing the first game came 1. Medway 7 6 1 0 40 16 13 back to quash Geoff Davies. Paul Longstone earned South Yorkshire a 2. The DSG Rams 7 5 0 2 37 19 10 point with an excellent win over Robert Smith. 3. Nittaku Ruislip 7 4 2 1 35 21 10 Further north in Geordie land Byker Newcastle must be rejoicing as 4. ASPRO Gippenham 7 4 1 2 32 24 9 three points in their last two games have considerably reduced the 5. AHW Pioneers 7 2 1 4 24 32 5 relegation threat which was beginning to cloud their season. Against 6. Ashford 7 1 3 3 22 34 5 7. Abeng Warriors (Stiga) Sincil Lincoln Steven George and the much improved junior Thomas 7 0 2 5 18 38 2 8. Erreys Print '84 7 1 0 6 16 40 2 Blackman collected the four rubbers which resulted in a 4-4 draw, Neil McMaster must have been disappointed to lose at 17 in the third Abeng Warriors' new found confidence suffered a severe blow at with the match score standing at 4-3 to Byker but on the day he was the hands of leaders Medway who raced to a 6-0 lead when the two out-classed by March's Trevor Kerry. In the final rubber England cadet teams met in December. Medway's No.2 Bobby Brown set the scene Bradley Billington displayed the composure that we expect of a future with awin in the opening rubber over David Dewsbury but ironically it champion in cruising to a comfortable win over Eddy Smith in two was Brown who lost to Lionel Faure, Abeng's No.3, in the games. penultimate set; a result which obviously inspired Mike Ling as he picked up a second consolation set for Abeng and gave the final scoreline, 6-2, an air of respectabillty. This win gives Medway a three SECOND DIVISION SOUTH P W D L F A Pts. point lead in the division but two teams are engaged in an interesting 1. Holts Carpets Salisbu ry 7 7 0 0 42 14 14 tussle for second place. Nittaku Ruislip collected two points in their 2. TCB Dolphins 7 6 0 1 39 17 12 5-3 defeat of Erreys Print. Erreys' father and son duo Paul and Alan 3. Jaques Fareham II 7 4 1 2 30 26 9 Rowden won their first rubbers comfortably to level the score at the 7 31 4. Cranfield Colours Halex 3 1 3 25 7 half way stage but three sets to Nittaku directly after the break 5. Omega Reading III 7 3 0 4 25 31 6 secured both points before Andy Walker overcame Viv McCarthy in 6. Gunnersbury Triangle 7 2 0 5 20 36 4 7. TSP Larkhall 7 ,. 0 6 20 36 2 three games to give Erreys the final set of the day; with this result the 8. Spicer New Malden 7 0 2 5 17 38 2 Sussex side now drop to the bottom of the division by virtue of an inferior game average to that of young London side Abeng Warriors. Can anyone halt Holts? It seems more unlikely as each match ErrEiys remain hopeful as they have secured the services of another passes. The Salisbury side's latest victims Omega Reading were experienced player, Brighton Polytechnic student John Green. shown no favour when the two teams met recently. The only weak Due to exam pressures John has not played in competitive table link in the side on that occasion, Mark Holt, was swept easily asKJe by tennis since the end of last season but he is now eagerto rise back up both Simon Rowland and Steve Hodder but the combined talents of the ranking list. Dave Constance, Tony Clayton and Gary Lambert proved more than Meanwhile Nittaku Ruislip are becoming serious contenders for adequate as the leaders marched to a 6-2 victory. the League title as they demonstrated by squashing early season Despite Holt's continuing success they are not yet assured of the leaders Cippenham 7-1, only Clive Young prevented the whitewash title. TCB Dolphins have now been awarded two points from their by beating Ruislip No.4 Viv McCarthy in straight games. controversial fixture with Spicer New Malden which took place way The other team involved in the tussle for second spot, DSC Rams, back in September and added a further two points to their total by wasted little time in cacing to a 4-0 lead over Erreys Print and despite defeating Gunnersbury Triangle 6-2, a match in which both Graham Paul Rowdens point saving efforts against Desmond Charlery the Gillett and Keith Horton recorded two wins each. When Dolphins and match slipped away in the sixth set when Junior Facey recovered Holts met earlier this season the latter emerged 5-3 winners and with from a game down to beat Errey's Peter Barham and secure full points both teams very obviously in excellent form their second meeting on for the Rams who finished 6-2 winners. 21 st April should provide an extremely close encounter but between Ashford and AHW Pioneers earned a point each from their mid ·now 'and then the Sussex side must strive to improve their games table tie, for the Ashford club brothers David and Jonathan Goode average. provided four successes and Pioneers' Wooding, Luscombe, Doughty Jaques Fareham have crept past Cranfield Colours following their and Bradbury earned a single each. meeting from which Fareham claimed both points in a close 5-3 finish. Brian Jeanes gave Cranfield the chance to rescue a point when THIRD DIVISION EAST P W D L F A Pts. he beat Mark Wilding in two games in the seventh rubber but 1. EAE Waveney 7 7 0 0 39 17 14 teammate Warwick Armstrong could not contain Cranfield's Dave 2. Norwich Foxwood 7 5 1 1 36 20 11 3. Witham Town F.G. 7 4 32 24 Pilcher who clinched the third game 21-18, and both Cranfield and 0 3 8 4. M.B.S. 51. Neots II 7 3 1 3 29 27 7 the two points returned to the valleys. 5. Playrite Northampton 7 2 2 3 30 26 6 Spicer New Malden dropped to the depths of the division by virtue 6. Britannia Deepsure 7 2 2 3 26 30 6 of a 6-2 defeat by TSP Larkhall who must be delighted to have broken 7. Hassy Perfection Soham 7 2 0 5 21 35 4 their duck at long last. 8. Crusaders Lincoln 7 0 0 7 11 45 0 17 Halex National League

It has been a quiet month in this division with only two matches 5. G.K.N. Steelstock Ladies 6 2 1 3 23 25 5 played. MBS St Neots triumphed 7-1 over Crusaders Lincoln, a result 6. Global Sports Plymouth 7 2 o 5 19 37 4 which pushes the Cambridgeshire side up above Playrite 7. Grove Market Drayton II 7 1 1 5 21 35 3 Northampton and leaves Lincoln with little hope of catching nearest 8. Launceston Kernow 6 o 1 5 14 34 1 rivals Hassy Soham. East Anglians Britannia Deepsure secured their Leaders Pengelley Torbay certainly seem destined to take the tenure of sixth position with an emphatic performance in beating second division South by storm. Against Jolliffe Poole in their Soham 6-2. By the time that Soham's Julian Wheel beat Mick Palmer opening fixture of 1985 they scored their third 7-1 win in three and teammate Peter Holliday overcame Paul Gooding the match was matches. Any remaining dreams of title hopes which Olivers Shoes already lost. Hinckley may have held evaporated when they were held to a 4-4 draw by Hereford Times. In fact they were fortunate to recover from a THIRD DIVISION WEST P W D L F A Pts. 1. Pengeley Sports Torbay 8 8 0 0 51 13 16 0-2 deficit and then claim the final set of the afternoon. 2. Olivers Shoes Hinckley 7 5 1 1 36 20 11 At the foot of the table Grove at long last, have cause for 3. Hereford Times 7 3 3 1 32 24 9 celebration. A 6-2 win over Global Plymouth raises them off the 4. JolliHe Poole 8 3 1 4 29 35 7 bottom of the table once more.

JIMMY STOKES - A CREDIT TO TABLE TENNIS by Paul A. Clare Yorkshire County Umpire

It was for me a pleasure to maintained his skill and deter­ umpire a quarter-final set between mination to the last point played. Jimmy Stokes of Berkshire and In the men's doubles Jimmy Frank Boute of the Netherlands was partnered by another skilled in the Cleveland Junior Inter­ and courteous player in the per­ national played at Eston over the son of Andrew Syed and together weekend of Nov. 24/25, 1984. they produced a fine performance Jimmy played with such skill and of outstanding ability to beat determination, and his tempera­ Alan Cooke and Phil Bradbury in ment was of the h.ighest calibre, the quarters. One England player given the pressures of the game. said to me "How come two young It was also pleasing to note his lads beat someone like Cooke courtesy and politeness shown and Bradbury"? The answer, I to officials and spectators, both would say, is obvious: Jimmy on and off the table. When Jimmy and Andrew were the better players played in the next round of the and a force to be reckoned with. boys' singles, having beaten Boute, with a fine, no, super­ The Berkshire pair then went lative, performance of physical on to play Takehiro Inoue and fitness and table tennis skills, he Yoshikazu Murakami of Japan unfortunately lost in the semis to but, having won the first game Regis Rossignol of France. 19, they lost the second 15 and In a very tight and close finish after some fantastic, long and the French boy won through with hard-fought rallies, the Japanese a succession of net and edge pair with a couple of lucky edges balls. The point I am making is took the decider at 18. that many players. in this situation Jimmy puts in a lot of hard would have become somewhat work and training into his table vexed and. to a certain degree tennis. He plays every day, ad­ impolite. But Jimmy remained heres to a strict training schedule calm and it is in this situation and to quote him he goes on that one can sort out the' elite' training camps when selected players from the good ones. "without fail". With this sort of Jimmy, quite naturally, falls into dedication, enthusiasm and the' elite' category and he has my ability, I feel sure that Jimmy will respect both as a player and as go far. He has certainly come a an individual. long way since playing on the At the Cleveland 3-Star Open kitchen table and winning his held in January, I was following first trophy at the age of eleven in Jimmy's progress with interest the Reading Under-11 boys' and although he narrowly lost in singles. I will follow his progress the qualifying groups

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18 Counties Round-up

COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS ROUND-UP By MURRAY CORBIN

MIDDlESEX... YET AGAIN! Roffe in order to plan effectively Berkshire 7: Middlesex 4 lan­ MIDDLESEX, by games differ­ for the occasion. cashire 5: Essex 2 Yorkshire 7: ence, retained supremacy of the Surrey 3 Staffordshire 6. SENIOR PREMIER DIVISION of SPONSORSHIP SUNDAY RESULTS: the COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS, Sponsorship for the second Berkshire 4 Staffordshire 5: when the second and final part of successive year was provided by Essex 3 Surrey 6: 6 the knock-out competition was The WOODFORD MOAT HOUSE Cambridgeshire 3: Yorkshire 2 staged at WANSTEAD SPORTS HOTEL at Oak Hill, Woodford Middlesex 7: Middlesex 8 Essex CENTRE, East london, on 26/ Green, where the players and 1: Cambridgeshire 0 'Yorkshire 27th January. officials dined and slept on the 9: Staffordshire 1 lancashire 8: During this weekend of para­ first evening. Enormous gratitude Surrey 6 Berkshire 3. mOllnt importance to English can be showered on GU NTER L. Table Tennis, MIDDLESEX de­ STOH R, the General Manager of feated Berkshire 7-2, Yorkshire MIDDLESEX/LANCASHIRE SCORE SHEET this fine establishment. because 7-2, Essex 8-1, and lost only one MIDDLESEX vs LANCASHIRE SCORES GAMES without his enthusiasm for table Colin Wilson vs STEVE TURNER 18-21: 21-16: 18-21. match - the exciting encounter 0-1 tennis, and its growth in Essex JOHN SOUTER vs Shaun Browne 21-19: 17-21: 21-16. 1 -1 with lANCASHIRE, who must and the substantial financial DAVE WELLS vs Steve Scowcroft 21-9: 15-21: 21-17. 2 - 1 be kicking themselves at their Wells/Sarah Sandley vs SCOWCROFT/ JEAN17-21: 21-17: 22-24. 2-2 support he invests in these week­ only loss, to Surrey, during the PARKER ends, we would be unable to SOUTER/WILSON vs Turner/Browne 23-21: 17-21: 21-18. 3-2 first weekend at Stone, Stafford­ present the game as it is done by Sarah Sand ley vs JEAN PARKER 16-21: 21-12: 1B-21. 3-3 shire, last November. Had they COLIN WILSON vs Shaun Browne 20-22: 21-12: 21-16. 4-3 Essex TTA. We can only hope not slipped at this hurdle, the David Wells vs STEVE TURNER 20-22: 17-21. 4-4 that in spite of Essex being John Souter vs STEVE SCOWCROFT18-21: 18-21. 4-5 championship would have been relegated to the Second Division, theirs. 1st PREMIER DIVISION TABLE along with Cambridgeshire, that P W l F A Pts his interest will remain with this MIDDL'ESEX 3 3 0 23 4 6 CONDITIONS: STAGING: second premier weekend. CATERING. LANCASHIRE 3 2 1 14 13 4 Yorkshire 3 2 1 13 14 4 The weather was amiable and THE LINE-UP OF THE TEAMS Surrey 3 2 1 11 16 4 the playing conditions at Wan­ Berkshire 3 1 2 14 13 2 BERKSHIRE: stead were superb. Once again, Essex 3 1 2 13 14 2 David Barr; Andy Wellman; Paul the organiser DICK ROFFE and Staffordshire 3 1 2 10 17 2 Savins; Mandy Sainsbury. Brian the Essex ITA did our sport Cambridgeshire 3 Q 3 10 17 0 proud. As expected, great atten­ latham - Captain. tion was paid to every fine detail CAMBRIDGESHIRE: 2nd AND FINAL TABLE in their planning. Unfortunately, Keith Richardson; Mick Harper; MIDDLESEX 7 6 1 49 14 12 one unforeseen incident marred Andy Withers; Joanne Palmer; LANCASHIRE 7 6 1 38 25 12 the opening ceremony just as Geoff Waters - Team Manager. YORKSHIRE 7 5 2 39 24 10 the great , ESSEX: Staffordshire 7 4 3 28 35 8 MBE, was about to open the Skylet Andrew; Dave Newman; Surrey 7 4 3 27 36 8 games officially, the power am­ Tony Penny; Des Charlery; Kevin Berkshire 7 2 5 30 33 4 plification system did not respond Caldon; Elaine Sayer and lisa Essex 7 1 6 23 40 2 It was O.K. a few minutes pre­ Hayden. Alan Shepherd - Team Cambridgeshire 7 0 7 18 45 0 viously. After a delay of about Manager. twenty minutes, improvisation DRESS _. COUNTY COLOURS generally the County's fault. All was the necessary action to take, LANCASHIRE: Counties must be made to under­ and Johnny was soon meeting Steve Turner; Steve Scowcroft; It was evident that my plea in stand the importance of presen­ the Teams and Managers. Shaun Browne; Jean Parker. the last issue of this Magazine tation and the Team feeling it VALERIE ROFFE, Dick's wife, Majorie·Riddle- Team Manager. for Counties, in particular, creates. Furthermore, Counties had a successful weekend in her MIDDLESEX: Middlesex, to pull their socks up, should cater for buying their first outing as Referee, and I Graham Sandley; Dave Wells; did not fallon stony ground. Teams uniforms. When I hear of would like to see her in this Colin Wilson; John Soute! and They themselves made a con­ players having to pay to play for position more often. Her Umpiring Sarah Sandley. len Pilditch centrated effort, in spite of falling their Counties, I again realise Staff of FRED GROOM/Bill LAVIS Team Manager. short where John Souter was that there is so much wrong in (Kent), JACK MELNICK/DAVE concerned. Shaun Browne of Lan­ County planning. Here, I always STAFFORDSHIRE: PERRY/DAVE MillER/JACK cashire, on the other hand, made get the feeling that because Andrew Bellingham; Andrew RANDAll (Middx). MARGARET John look pretty smart. Was officials are giving their time Rich; Craig Bakewell; Adrian PLUMB/TED FISHER (Wilts), the Shaun's Team Manager Marjorie freely to help keep table tennis Dixon and Fiona Elliott. Paul gracious DI WINMlll and Bill Riddle, trying to hide behind her going, it can be an excuse to Chester - Team Manager. WilSON (Hants), plus the one spectacles on seeing his appear­ think small. be amateurish and and only STUART SNEYD of SURREY: ance during play and at dinner? void of all professional pride in lancashire, worked well to­ Nicky Mason; Mark Oakley; Steve Congratulations to Team Man­ what they are doing. I do not gether. Graham Parkes of Essex Holloway; Glen Baker; Jane ager Eric Hill of Yorkshire for think they are helping to raise did not turn up. I hope that he is Barella and Michele Hams. Mike nearly doing a complete overhaul the game from the pits. well. Kercher Captain/Team on Kevin 'T Shirt' Beadsley, who Staffordshire, for example, The Catering ladies Manager. played excellently, very often. By could not afford to pay for the FRANCES WAYLAND, PAT YORKSHIRE: the way, a Middlesex official evening meal at the Hotel on BARKER AND JUNE SAYER, Alan Fletcher; Kevin Beadsley; confided in me during the week­ Saturday night. I saw young and their helpers, provided ex­ Steve Mills and Melody Hill. Eric end that he was pleased with my Adrian Dixon and Craig Bake­ cellent lunch and buffet between Hill - Team Manager. scolding Middlesex, because, for well chewing their fingers out­ play and the success in this area· years, he has been trying to side the dining area, while the must have helped the players impress this and matters regard­ other Teams were eating. In a reach very high standards of play SATURDAY RESULTS: ing presentation to the powers later conversation with Paul during both days. Thank you also Yorkshire 8 Surrey 1: Stafford­ that be in the County. If a player Chester, for clarification and to County Championships Com­ shire 6 Cambridgeshire 3: Berk­ turns up at County Weekends or explanation, he told me that the mittee man STANLEY PARR of shire 2 Middlesex 7: lancashire for County matches, not properly County could not afford to pay Coventry, who liaised with Dick 5 Essex 4: Cambridgeshire 2 ,dressed when at the table, this is for dinner for the Team, and 19 Counties Round-up

Gloucs 2 Dorset 8 Lincs 4 Derbys 2 6 Division 3A: Cumbria 5 Notts 5 Derby 10 Northants 2 0 Division 3B: Lincs 8 Notts 2 axon 4 Gloucs 6 Cheshire 2 4 Clwyd 6 Beds 6 Warcs 4 Division 3 B: Warwicks 2 9 Gwent 1 Somerset 9 Cornwall 1 Division 3C: Dorset 2 7 Wilts 2 3 Hants 8 Avon 2 Avon 7 Somerset 2 3 Division 3C: Avon 2 4 Beds 6 VETERANS: Warcs 8 axon 2 Premier: Hunts 9 Worcs 2 1 Essex 2 Kent 7 Herts 6 Northants 4 Middx 1 Cheshire 8 Division 3D: Lincs 7 Notts 2 Kent 2 10 Suffolk 2 0 Hunts 3 Herts 6 Norfolk 2 Essex 3 Division 2A: Sussex 2 9 Cambs 2 Essex 2 4 Bucks 5 Surrey 2 9 Norfolk 1 Herts 2 9 Beds 0 Worcs 6 axon 3 Top: Winners MIDDLESEX Team Manager LEN PILDITCH. third JUNIORS: from left. holding the Championship Trophy after its presentation to Division 2A: Division 2B: him by GUNTER STOHR. (centre). General Manager of the Yorks 2 9 Warwicks 1 Dorset 6 Berks 3 WOODFORD MOAT HOUSE HOTEL at Oak Hill. Woodford Green. Lancs 9, Leics 1 Sussex 6 Hants 3 East London. and his wife GLYN N E. while the playing Members of Northumberland 9 Cleveland 1 Avon 7 Wilts 2 MIDDLESEX. on the left Graham Sandley. Colin Wilson. and from Cheshire 5 Staffs 2 5 Surrey 4 Middx 5 the right. John Souter. Sarah Sandley and David Wells. look on Division 3A: Division 2 B: proudly. Northants 3 Essex 3 6 Bottom row from left: The extrovert GLEN BAKER listens to tactical Essex 2 3 Wilts 7 Division 3 B: advice from Manager/Captain MIKE KERCHER of Surrey. during Middx 2 Northants Wilts 2 5 Herts 3 4 play on the Sunday: The lovely MARGARET PLUMB of Wiltshire. Herts 7 Devon 3 Sussex 3 3 Kent 2 6 just about to umpire one of her many matches: County Champion­ Division 3A: Hants 2 8 Dorset 2 1 ships Administrator LESLIE SMITH and ETTA Chairman TOM Cleveland 2 5 Cheshire 2 5 Berks 2 5 Sussex 2 4 BLU N N discussing the poor dress appearance of a few of the Teams. which something will have to be done about. furthennore. all County members PUBLICITY of Staffordshire. unfortunately.' Leading up to. and during this have to pay to play for the weekend at Wanstead. I received County. Now. I am not trying to great support from BRIAN say that it is wrong for a player to PARRISH, ESSEX RADIO and do this; what I am hoping to LONDON & ESSEX GUARDIAN impress upon Counties with NEWSPAPERS. After the event similar shortcomings. is the fact and in time for going to press, I that if the County officials were contacted all of the National more enthusiastic, go-ahead in Daily Newspapers and gave them ideas and filled with an abun­ three very short paragraphs of dance of pride and respect for the outcome of the Premier their players, they would make, Championships. As far as I could greater efforts year after year to record. only THE TIMES and obtain sponsorship for internal THE DAILY MAIL gave us a little competitions and come up with space. I was most disappointed money raising ideas. Sponsorship that , The is out there. you just have to keep Guardian. The Express and The plugging away relentlessly. Do Sun, did not show printed in­ not wait until a month before an terest. in this instance. If I have event to start looking .forfinance. to start modelling to be noticed At least nine months must be by the Sports Editors. then I will held in hand in case you get give it my best shots. If I fail, I will turned down one after the other. 'have to enlist the help of HELEN A company who cannot help this WILLIAMS. year may be in a position to do so next year. Build, up a bank of JUNIOR PREMIER WEEKEND contacts and keep working on The second and final Junior them. Be assured that they will Premier Weekend will be held at turn up trumps at some time, If I St Neots, Cambridgeshire, on can help you to follow up on your 6/7th April. Please start getting contacts, I would be glad to do your players in shape and iron so, if asked, I do not' want to out any clothing problem. right offend anyone in the Counties, now. Thank you! who, in general. are fantastic SENIORS people and doing a fair job. In my Division 2: enthusiasm to build the game for Top: DICK ROFFE. Organiser of this Premier Weekend. with Leics 7 Cheshire 3 JOHNNY LEACH. MBE. ex-Essex World Champion. and PAT the players, I just want 'to make Lancs 0 Warwicks 10 you aware of the success your DUKES - Member of the ETTA Disciplinary Committee and ex­ Bucks 6 Yorks 2 4 Essex National Councillor (right) laughing at the rumour of film not responsibility can bring to the Staffs 2 Suffol k 8 game. Go on, light yourself afire being in my camera. Middle:.The very well turned out STAFFORD­ with' pride and enthusiasm and Division 2B: SHIRE TEAM. with Manager PAUL CHESTER. second from the build the sport up for the benefit Essex 2 2 Devon 8 left. Bottom: TheCAMBRIDGESHIRE UNITwith Manager GEOFF of the players. I know you can do Sussex 9 Hants 1 WATERS on the right still smiling even after their hasty retreat for it! Wilts 4 Kent 6 cover to the second division. 20 County Notes

Mary Williams reports from... Les Wooding reports from.... Ashford but a disastrous 1-7 thanks to a maximum from Karl defeat for Cippenham at the Bushell. Mark Curtis failed to BEDFORDSHIRE BUCKINGHAMSHIRE hands of Nittaku Ruislip. record a win but Oxfordshire REVISED RANKINGS CIPPENHAM 1 County player Norman Swift REFRESHING CHANGE NITTAKU RUISLIP 7 recorded victories over Chris The latest ranking lists issued by In the first Halex National Ogle and Roger Pyle to help his the Beds. TTA are:­ It is a refresh ing change to report League match played at the new side to victory. Men Women that for the first time ever Buck­ (High Wycombe names first) 1 D. Sharpe 1 L. Bellinger Haymill Centre in Slough the inghamshire TTA are arranging Bushell bt Pyle 13, 15; 2 I. Doughty 2 J. Bellinger local side were beaten 7-1 and Swift bt Ogle 8, -18, 20; 3 A Conquest 3 J. Dimmock and running a residential course 4 D. Cartwright 4 L. Robins are now virtually out of the pro­ Curtis lost to Paul Bishop 18, 16; for their Juniors. When the idea Bushell bt Ogle 18, 9; 5 D. Foster 5 D. Campbell motion race, after having led Div. 6 K. Thompson 6 A. Robinson was first muted the obvious Curtis lost to Pyle -18, -19; Swift lost to Bishop -20, 26, -8; 7 L. Jones 7 M. Jarrett 3 South for three months. Once responses of" it will never work"; Curtis lost to Ogle -15, -18; 8 M. Lyons 8 B. Hammond again Cippenham's star players Bushell bt Bishop -1 7, 8, 15; 9 P. Edwards 9 J. Mitchell "there will not be enough in­ Swift bt Pyle 14, -18,14. 10 G. Black 10 C. Buckley terest"; etc. etc. etc., were from Kent, Ray Tilling and Richard 11 M. Verdon 11 R. Forrester Beckham failed to win. Cippen­ CIPPENHAM (SLOUGH) 3 12 D. Hyde voiced. However, due to the un­ 13 D. Gilbert tiring efforts of Tony Emery better ham's lone success came from B.C.L. (BRIDGWATER) 5 14 B. Byron Clive Young when he defeated Having beaten the same 15 L. Holmes known forhis excellent umpiring 16 G. Pepper arrangements the prospect has the former Cippenham player Viv Bridgwater team 5-1 in the 3 rd 17 N. Stanley McCarthy. round of last season's competi­ 18 N. Jarvis materiaIised. Ray Tilling lost to Dipay Topiwala 15, -12, -17; tion, Cippenham started as pre­ Boys Girls The coaching week will be rU,n Richard Beckham lost to John Burleton -19, -14; 1 Edwards 1 Robins match favourites. Clive Young bt Viv McCarthy 11, 14; 2 Black 2 Mitchell between July 29 and August 2in Steve Everard lost to Rupert Bole -12, -17; However, the Slough team 3 Stanley 3 Buckley conjunction with the 5th Buck­ Tilling lost to Burleton -16, -13; 4 N. Apps 4 Forrester found the ultra slow conditions inghamshire School of Sport at Beckham lost to Bole -19, 20, -22; 5 M. Sharpe 5 J. Strode Young lost to Topiwala -9, -18; very difficult to master and were 6 R. Pratley 6 L. Dean Green Park, Aston Clinton, near Everard lost to McCarthy -18, -15. 7 P. Bowler 7 C. Lawrence Aylesbury. The chief coaches 1-4 down by the time they had 8 N. Ali 8 D. de Groot ASHFORD 4 started to time the ball. 9 M. Weldon 9 M. Willis will be Ken Muhr and Colin 10 R. Simmons 10 A. Cotterill Wilson. A.H.,W. PIONEERS 4 (Cippenham names first) 11 M. Beaumont 11 B. Satchell The Pioneers continued their Dave Poutney lost to D. Lee -17, -13; 12 S. Graham 12 S. Dawson This success is not an isolated Frank Earis lost to L. Sadler -15, -19; 13 M. Wilkins 13 J. Green recent good run and it took the Alec Watson bt J. Crabtree 11, 14; 14 P. Farris 14 1\11. Harmer one in the essential area of Pouthey lost to Sadler 21, -22, -16; 15 J. Masters 15M. Davidson coaching. Thanks to the hard combined resources of the Watson lost to Lee -17, -18; 16 I. Alderson 16K. Cotteri II work of Ken Muhr, Mike Prior of 'Goodies' to stop them taking Earis bt Crabtree 17, 15; 17 T. Harris both points. Ian Doughty made Watson bt Sadler 16, -12, 14; 16 S. West Aylesbury, Steve Bigrave of Poutney lost to Crabtree -17, 17, -17. 19 G. Taylor an excellent return to the team Leighton Buzzard, David Stam­ AYLESBURY 20 R. Bowler playing some of his best Table 21 N. Wisbey ford and Tony Curzon, both of LEADING PLAYERS 22 G. Maunders Tennis for several months. 23 A Bradbury Milton Keynes qualified as Club (A.H.W. Pioneers names first) (PREMIER DIVISION) 24 K. Mitchell Coaches after a recent assess­ Jon Bradbury lost to David Goode -13, -5; Minimum of 5 matches played 25 M. Masters ment by David Fairholm. Mike's Les Wooding bt Daryll Windsor 14, 16; 26 P. Maunders S. Douglas (Hazells 'A') 95% Colin Luscombe bt Mark Butler -18, 9, 13; 27 S. Quinn L Wooding (Bucks CC 'A') 95% qualification is subject to one Ian Doughty lost to Jonathon Goode -17, -19; There were early shocks in the J. Bradbury (Quainton 'A') 94% further practical coaching session Wooding lost to D. Goode 14, -16, -8; C. Leslie (Ludwig Guttman 'A') 90% Bedford League's W. G. Smith Doughty bt Windsor 18, -18, 17; L Rose (Rediffusion 'A') 84% under Ken's guidance which I am Bradbury bt Butler 15, 20; Cup comretition with both last N. Hansell (Hazells 'A') 83% sure he will pass with flying Luscombe lost to J. Goode 18, -15; -14. D. Wackrill (Sports 'A') 79% season's finalists eliminated. Julie Richards (Sports 'A') 79% colours. WILMOTT CUP Holders Elstow from Div. 4 were C. Belcher (Hazells 'A') 74% It is hoped that the first all-day OXFORD 4 W. Barnard (Timberlab 'A') 70% beaten by Goldington Electric Sunday Session will be arranged MILTON KEYNES 5 MILTON KEYNES "A" from Div. 1, and Bedford during February in Aylesbury. Due to the serious accident to Events have been overtaken Modern "A" from Div. 1 (last The other areas are equally active Ian Doughty and Ken Muhr's car with the extremely tragic season's runners-up) were given with Roger Clark making arrange­ being stolen the North Bucks accident that happened to young their marching orders by Sandy ments in Chalfont, Karl Bushell side found themselves in the Ian Doughty. Working for his "C" from Div. 3. Of the larger in High Wycombe and Rodney unenviable position ofvisiting an new firm three fingers of his clubs, NALGO still have 4 of their Potts is doing a gooq job in Oxford team comprising 3 of playing hand were almost severed 5 team remaining, St Neots with Slough. Children of all ages who Oxfordshire's top players. Things by a Beer Keg. However, our 5 from 7 and Bedford Modern wish to learn to play Table Tennis looked even bleaker when Robert heartfelt thanks go out to Milton School have 5 from 8. in Slough are invited to turn up at Harman lost his first set but he Keynes Hospital and to the top The Luton League's divisional the Haymill Centre in Burnham played two of the best sets of his micro-surgeon who was just tournaments were held at Vaux­ Lane, Slough at 6.30 p.m. on career to help the Bucks side leaving the hospital after a visit hall'Motors in the week prior to Tuesdays for the hour and a half steal victory. but who agreed to stay behind Christmas with the following sessions at a cost of 50p. Further (Milton Keynes names first) and perform a miraculous 2 hour results:­ details can be obtained from Les Wooding bt Clive Morris 14, -19, 14; Winner R-up Robert Harman lost to Neil Harris 17, -18, -19; operation on young lan's hand. Div.1 L Wooding C. Luscombe Rodney on Slough 77049. Les Wooding bt Harris 7, 6; Div.2 C. Smith S. Griffiths Harman bt Arthur Chilvers 13, 19; We all pray that he will fully Div.3 D. Keane P. Bowler Wooding bt Chilvers 11, 11; recover the use of his hand and Div.4 D. Miles D. Quarmby NATIONAL LEAGUE Harman bt Morris 18, -18, 15. once again in the future treat us Div.5 T. Broadhead R. Ireson Div.6 A Wakefield F. Bossis Without any County matches NATIONAL CLUB to his natural talent. Div.7 Z. Hussain G. Hotard to report the attention tu rns to COMPETITION Leading Players (Minimum 5 games) In the Div. 1 doubles event the Halex National League. The LEGGATTS (WATFORD) 4 Premier Division Les Wooding (AH.W. Comets) 100% Wooding and Luscombe teamed last two matches of the season APOLLO (HIGH WYCOMBE) 5 Ken Muhr (C.A. Hammers) 92% up to account for D. Cartwright resulted in a good 4-4 away draw An excellent victory for the Ian Doughty (Gossard Wonderbras) 90% Geoff Giles (Gossard Wonderbras) 87% and M. Porter. for the A. H. W. Pioneers against High Wycombe champions Colin Luscombe (A.H.W. Comets) 84% 21 County Notes

Brian Ingram (Barclay Eagles) 75% Results (Cambridge names unbelievable 7 sets in devasta­ Andy Conquest (Gossard Wonderbras) , 74% been a trying season for Laun­ Julie Richards (AH.W. Sapphires) 71 % first): ting style. What a pity only Karen ceston having lost two key M. Livermore bt R. Swift 17, 15; bt P. Holliday "Fennell" Cup Handicap Broczek survives from this team players for the time being and -14,16,16; next season, in what has been Competition K. Richardson bt M. Oldroyd 13, 11; bt Swift 16, unavailability problems as well. 16; the strongest ever Cornwall This popular Christmas tour­ However, every cloud has a silver J. Wheel bt Holliday 13, -14, 6. Junior team. nament was excellently organised lining and two fine wins resulted; The Seniors blew it against by Bill Wooding. Mark James over Michael Dorset II and will now have to Owens and John Bassett con­ Results: labour to win promotion tinues to pick off ranked players, although it is still quite possible. his latest victim being Torbay's Group'A' Winner Trevor Thomas Jeremy Williams reports from .. R-Up Gerald Ridgeway The women still seem to be Malcolm Francis in an entertain­ Group' B' Tied Carol Bamsey unsettled - Sharon James made ing Cornwall/Devon Christmas David Gatiss CORNWALL Group 'C' Winner Robert Harman an encouraging comeback and derby match. R-Up Derrick Harris NEW CROP OF BOYS Group '0' Tied Bob Phillips Susan Yorke a reasonable debut Match scores:­ Richard White but on the whole a disappointing Launceston Kernow v Pengeley Torbay Group' E' Winner Ken Muhr The latest County rankings J. Williams lost to M. Francis -8,-14; lost to display by Cornwall. M. Ellett 11,-14,-16. R-Up David MacManus which took effect from Dec. 1, J. Bassett bt Francis 17,16; lost to P. Whiting Group 'F Winner Colin Luscombe An opportunity to blood some '84 have shown a few changes -17,-15. R-Up lain Lindsay new youngsters in the Junior SEMI FINAL GROUPS and John Bassett commences G. Reed lost to Ellett 16,-19,-11; lost to P. Giles -12,-13. Group 'X' Winner Colin Luscombe Seconds has been taken and R-Up David Gatiss the New Year as the No.1 man. A Hunt lost to Whiting -7,-8; lost to Giles -11, recent results show they have -17. Group 'YO Winner Ken Muhr Graham Reed swaps places with acquitted themselves quite well. R-Up lain Lindsay Mark James in both the Senior NEWS IN BRIEF FINAL Match scores:­ Winner Colin Luscombe The new Cornish Club cham­ and Junior lists while Ian James Somerset v Cornwall R-Up Ken Muhr who recently won the P. Payne lost to G. Reed -17,14,-17; lost to pions are Bude Central who M. James 12,-19,-14. SLOUGH earned the honour of being the Metropolitan Police cham­ M. Barter lost to Reed 16,-17,-19; lost to Leading players (minimum 5 matches) M. Peters 18,-19,-15. best all round team of the day D. Poutney (Cippenham Buccaneers) 100% pionships for the fourth D. Wooldridge lost to James 19,-9,-9; lost to G. Harris (South Bucks NALGO Wasps) 93% when they finished first out of successive year remains at four. Peters -17,-22. F. Earis (Cippenham Buccaneers) 92% M. Carey bt E. Stevenson 10,12. eight teams over Christmas; A. Maude (South Bucks NALGO Bees) 81 % lan's sister, Sharon, enters the S. Webb bt K. Broczek 10,17. B. Savage (Burnham 1) 79%' beating holders Camborne into Women's list at three after an Payne/Barter lost to James/Reed -11,19,-11. P. Swinn (Cippenham Outlaws) 78% Carey/Webb bt Stevenson/Broczek 22,19. second place .... in the M. King (Cippenham Outlaws) 74% absence of two years. Whilst National Junior Ranking trials at P. Leckie-Snr (Burnham 2) 71 % there are still a number of absen­ CORNISH INTER-TOWN Hinckley on Jan. 6 Mark James tees insome categories, it is very LEAGUE encouraging to see a new crop of Series 2: and Graham Reed were Junior boys appearing behind St. Ives 4, Truro 4 Cornwall's only successful Launceston 3, Redruth 5 the older players. Falmouth 8, Helston 0 players each winning two Men Bude 5, Camborne 3 singles .... plans are now well Geoff Waters reports from.... 1) J. Bassett (St. Ives) (2) Series 3: 2) J. Williams (Falmouth) (1) St. Ives 6, Falmouth 2 in hand for the fifth T.S.B. CAMBRIDGESHIRE 3) G. Reed (Falmouth) (5) Launceston 5, Bude 3 Cornish Junior 2-Star. Entry 4) I. James (Falmouth) (4) Redruth 8, Helston 0 HISTORIC HIGH 5) M. James (Cam borne) (3) forms can be obtained from John 6) M. Starkie (Redruth) (6) The new leaders of the Inter­ Crocker at 'Falaise', Cliff View There have been no county 7) R. Prendergast (Redruth) (7) Town League are Redruth 8) M. Peters (Falmouth) (8) Road, Camborne, Cornwall. matches, during the last month, 9) R. Jacobs (Truro) (9) following a big upset in although by the time these notes 10) S. Lobb (Redruth) (10) December when St. Ives 11) G. Marquand (Launceston) (11) are read, the seniorfirstteam will 12) N. Cock (Penzance) (12) defeated reigning champions have played their second series 13) A. Hunt (Launceston) (13) Falmouth to bring to an end a 14) D. Williams (Falmouth) (14) of Premier Division matches. Women two year unbeaten record by As a result of the first Premier 1) A Clemens (Camborne) (2) Falmouth. Hero for St. Ives was weekend, Mick Harper and Keith 2) S. Rapsey (Truro) (3) 3) S.,James-Prowse (Penzance) (-) 18-ye'ars-old Michael Kent who Colin Taylor reports from.... Richardson have both risen 4) E. Stevenson (Bude) (4) defeated both Dennis Williams several places in the Lentec Com­ 5) G. Davies (Truro) (1) 6) J. Menzel (Camborne) (5) and Neville Reed. John Bassett CUMBRIA puter Rankings. In fact, with seven 7) K. Broczek (Launceston) (-) also had a finger in the pie with 8) S. Yorke (Camborne) (6) IN WITH A CHANCE men and two womien in the lists Boys victories over Jeremy Williams Cambridgeshire now have the 1) G. Reed (2) and Graham Reed and further The County Juniorteam have not 2) M. James (1) highest number in their history. 3) M. Peters (3) wins from Rodney Smith and played since my last report and Harper has moved up to No. 4) A. Hunt (4) Eddie Curnon gave St. Ives a are still in 3rd place in Division 5) K. Stevenson (Bude) (5) 29, which puts him in the No.1 6) X. Ly (Launceston) (6) valuable victory. It now looks to 3A of the County Championships. spot for MBS St Neots in the 7) M. Stanley (Bude) (8) be a three horse race and Their remaining matches are 8) P. Rees (St. Austell) (7) against HUNTINGDONSHIRE Halex National League. IVIBS 9) N. Bevan (Bude) (-) Redruth's team of Melvin colleague Richardson with Pre­ 10) M. Bawden (Launceston) (-) Starkie, Rob Prendergast, who have yet to gain a point and 11) A Bevan (Bude) (-) mier wins over John Souter and 12) K. Hockridge (Launceston) (10) Steven Lobb and Austin NOTTINGHAMSHIRE who lie Max Crimmins jumps over twenty 13) S. Cleworth (Bude) (9) Chapman seems to be well 2nd and are unbeaten. On current 14) D. Clarke (Falmouth) (11) places to 36. Girls balanced although they still have form the Juniors have a good Robert Swift, Andy Withers 1) E. Stevenson (1) to play both Falmouth and St. chance of ending NOTTS run. 2) K. Broczek (2) and Geoff Davies, all of whom 3) L. Jewell (Falmouth) (3) Ives in two very interesting On the League front, upsets in play for March in the National 4) S. Hunt (Launceston) (4) crunch matches. The table BARROW-IN-FURNESS mean 5) M. Broczek (Launceston) (5) League are in the List at 95, 109 6) T. Logg (Launceston) (6) reads:­ VICKERS 'A' are heading the 1 st and 142 respectively. The, re­ 7) R. Plummer (St. Ives) (7) P W 0 L F A Pts Division of 12 teams with a 8) L. Clarke (Falmouth) (8) Redruth 3 3 0 0 19 5 6 maining two men are Martyn S1. Ives 3 2 1 0 16 8 5 healthy lead of 7 points over Livermore and Julian Wheel, both COUNTY MATCHES Falmouth 3 2 0 1 17 7 4 VICKERS and I\1ILLOM F.P. Bude 3 2 0 1 13 11 4 of whom play for Hassy Soham Cornwall 3, Dorset II 7; Launceston 3 1 0 2 9 15 2 VICKERS 'A' are setting the pace and the county second team. Cornwall Jun. 1,10, Berkshire 110; Truro 2 0 1 1 6 10 1 thanks to the super form shown Camborne 2 0 0 2 5 11 0 Martyn is at 137 and Julian 149. Somerset 3, Cornwall Jun. I 7; Helston 3 0 0 3 3 21 0 by I\IEIL SMITH and ALAN MAN­ In the women's list Joanne Wiltshire 115, Cornwall Jun. II 5; SON. NEIL had a year off recently, Palmer and Hilary Finch have Cornwall Jun. II 2, Berkshire II 8; HALEX NATIONAL LEAGUE got married and moved to both dropped a few places with Avon 5, Cornwall Jun. II 5. Hereford Times '7, Launceston BARROW, so VICKERS' gain is the Newmarket girl at 32 and the Congratu lations are in order to Kernow 1; MILLOM'S loss, but it is good to Cambridge University under­ our Junior 1sts after that superb Launceston Kernow 1, Pengeley see N EI L playing at top form. The graduate at 53. 7-:3 win at Somerset which has Torbay 7. 'A' team have so far dropped only In the second round of the all but clinched Div. 3C. A draw Only two matches involving 3 points out of a possible 48 and Wilmott Cup, Cambridge had an would have been a good result Launceston Kernow of late have beaten their higher-ranked easy 5-0 win. Richardson and especially with Somerset's girls against perhaps the two stron­ team and drawn with MILLOM Livermore both won two, while undefeated, but the Cornish boys gest teams in Div. 3 (West) and F. P. Former Pupils are unbeaten Wheel chipped in with one. came to the rescue to take an sadly two heavy defeats. It has but are dropping points because 22 County Notes they are unable to field a full HOUSE is doing well in Div. 1 Malcolm Allsop reports from .. G. Farnsworth won his 3 singles strength team each week. For and has won 25 out of 39 singles and combined with Martin Starr F.P. ANDREW PACHUL is having for his club, VICKERS, who have DERBYSHIRE to win the doubles for Eastwood a good season and is above 5 teams in the division which is a in a 6-4 win over Chesterfield brother TIM in the averages. remarkable achievement. VITAL ABILITY 2nd. County junior JOHN BACK­ E.S. P. is a vital ability for anyone DERBY LEAGUE wishing to be Derbyshire Press The Derby Individual Cham­ Officer and, unfortunately, I do pionships are being held at the DIVISION ONE, BARROW LEAGUE - LEADING POSITIONS not have that ability. Hence I St. Ralph SherWin School on P W D L Pts have received criticism for not Sunday, March 3. VICKERS 'A' 12 11 1 0 45 commenting upon certain events. EASTWOOD LEAGUE VICKERS 11 9 1 1 38 I expect a lot of people to be at The Eastwood League Cham­ MILLOM F.P. 12 9 3 0 38 the Derbyshire A.G.M. eager to pionships are being held at the ST PATRICKS 12 8 0 4 33 take over the position of Heanor Community Centre on GLAXO 12 8 1 3 31 Derbyshire Press Officer! Sunday, Feb. 24. The Dunlop Derbyshire Closed In the Midland League the Championships will be held at Eastwood sen ior team lost 3-7 to the Lea Green Sports Centre, LEADING AVERAGES Gloucester and 1-9 to Bath; near Matlock on Sunday, whilst the Juniors lost 0-10 to a P W % March 24. NEIL SI\~ITH (VSC 'A') strong Birmingham team but 36 36 100 The Derbyshire T.T.A. are very ALAN MANSON (VSC 'A') were victorious 6-4 at Walsall. 36 32 94.44 pleased to announce that the ANDREW PACHUL (M.F.P.) 36 32 94.44 Dunlop Sports Company will be ANDREW MURPHY (VSC) 32 27 84.37 supplying aH the equipment for ALAN FAY (VSC) 32 27 84.37 the Championships and Trencher Harry Black reports from ... TIM PACHUL (M.F.P.) 33 27 81.81 Engineers, Burton-on-Trent will NEIL YARDLEY (VSC) 26 21 80.76 be sponsoring the trophies. DURHAM GEORGE GIBSON (ST PATS) 36 27 75 The closing date for entries is NEIL HONEYMAN (GLAXO) NEW YEAR RANKINGS 36 27 75 Feb. 28 which should be returned to Mr. Les Allwood, 13 The County issued the following Prospect Road, Marlpool, rankings for January:­ Men Heanor, Derbyshire, DE7 7NF. 1 Tony Gelder (5) The CARLISLE and DISTRICT The Honorary Referee will be 2 David Blackburne (PI) drop a point (PAU L KI RKBRIDE, 3 Stephen George (5) LEAGU E have lost six teams TONY GILSENAN, STEWART Colin McLean. 4 Cliff Olsson (Ph) from last season and have re­ O'NEIL). Second place is hotly 5 Robert Reed (5) INTER-TOWN LEAGUE 6 David Godbold (Ph) arranged their league into a cont~sted 7 Bill Reay (PI) between DUMFRIES, In Division One, Burton 1st Premier Division of six teams and ,SC NOMADS, SCOTBY, TELE­ 8 Tom Robson (Ph) gained a surprisingly easy 8-2 9 Don Maciver (Ph) 13 teams in each of divisions 10 Philip Stafford (5) SPORT 'A' and CAVENDISH. victory over Eastwood ­ Paul one and two. The leaders in the TONY GILSENAN has established 11 Gary Webstell (B/A) Harvey winning his 3 singles, 12 Paul Smith (PI) Premier Division, SPORTSTYLE 13 Chris Blake (5) a lead in the averages. with Stuart Brooks and Charlie (GEORGE GRAY, IAN BROWN, In Div. 2 CIVIL SERVICE 'A' are 14 Paul Young (PI Kyles winning 2 each and com­ 15 Allan Thompson (Ph) IAN OLIVER) and ROYAL OAK, unbeaten at the top but could be bining to win the doubles. David 16 Norman Hunt (PI) Scotby (ALEC CRAIB, BRIAN stretched by SALVATION ARMY, 17 Neil Herrington (5) Greaves and Tony Holand Women BELL, PAUL WATSON) recently SC STRAND ROAD and SC replied with 1 each for Eastwood 1 Lynne Bainbridge (5) drew 5-5, after ROYAL OAK led STARS. 2 Shirley Gelder (5) but Mick Peska had a blank 3 Lynne Yarnell (5) 5-2. CRAIB and WATSON lead The CARLISLE league team of night. 4 Linda Spensley (5) the averages with ROG ER ROGER STEWART, ALEC CRAIB 5 Jeanette Roberts (5) Derby 1st gained a 9-1 win on 6 Judith Grant (PI) STEWART (SC SPARTANS) close 7 Helen Reed (5) and PAUL WATSON have beaten the table over Matlock 1st, but behind. WESTMORLAND 7-2 in the 8 Jeanette Turner (PI) the validity of Trevor Kerry's pre­ Boys In Div. 1 'NEWS' are romping 1 Michael Roughley (PI) WILMOTT Cup and play BURY sence (3 singles and a doubles away in 1st place and have yet to away in the next round. 2 P. Young (PI) win) could leave the result as a 3 Neil Thornley (PI) 4 Mickey Chong (Ph) 5-5 draw. 5 Paul Swift (Ph) Chesterfield 1st set the stan­ 6 Ian Telford (Ph) ~ARLISLE 7 Ian Collier (5) PREMIER DIVISION - LEAGUE dard in Div. 2 with a 7-3 win over 8 Dermot Ledwith (5) P W D L Pts Burton 2nd with D. Allison hav­ Key B/A = Bishop SPORTSTYLE 7 5 2 0 • 12 ing 3 singles wins, coupled with Ph = Philadelphia 2 each from A. Burton and PI = Peterlee ROYAL OAK 6 5 1 0 11 S = Sunderland CHAPELCROSS 'A' 8 4 1 3 9 A. White. S. Bentley had 2 SC SPARTANS 8 3 1 4 7 singles wins for Burton and com­ COUNTY LEAGUE CIVIL SERVICE 'B' 8 2 0 6 4 bined with R. Vernall to win the Sunderland 'B' are the new WIGTON 7 0 1 6 1 doubles. leaders of the Senior Division David Hall had 3 singles wins after their recent victory over DIVISION ONE - LEADING POSITIONS and combined with D. Edwards Sunderland 'C'. They lead by 1 pt for Buxton to force a 5-5 draw from Peterlee who beat P W D L Pts with last season's Champions Philadelphia 'A' 6-4. Sunderland NEWS 13 13 0 0 26 Derby 2nd. Alfreton gained an 'A' are a further point behind but DUMFRIES 11 7 1 4 15 8-2 win over Matlock 2nd. have a match in hand. Results:­ SC NOMADS 9 6 2 1 14 In the Veterans Section, Rose Sen ior Division SCOTBY 9 6 1 2 13 Bishop Auckland Durham Haggar had 3 wins for Burton Sunderland 'B' Sunderland 'C' TELESPORT 'A' 9 5 2 2 12 who forced a 5-5 draw with Peterlee Philadelphia 'A' INFIRMARY 'A' 10 5 2 3 12 Philadelphia 'B' Darlington Eastwood, for whom Fred Clarke Boys' Division CAVENDISH 8 4 2 2 10 and Dave Inkley won 2 singles Peterlee 6 Bishop Auckland 4 Peterlee 6 Philadelphia 'A' 4 each and combined to win the Sunderland 0 Philadelphia 'A' 10 DIVISION TWO - LEADING POSITIONS doubles. In the other matches, Philadelphia 'B' 7 Sunderland 3 P W D L Pts Derby and Matlock gained 10-0 TABLES (Leading positions) CIVIL SERVICE 'A' 7 7 0 0 14 wins over Chesterfield and Senior P W D l Pts Sunderland'B' 4 3 1 0 14 SALVATION ARMY 9 6 2 1 14 Buxton respectively. Peterlee 431013 SC STRAND ROAD 9 6 2 1 14 In the Junior Division, John Sunderland 'A' 3 3 0 0 12 Philadelphia 'B' 4 3 0 1 11 SC STARS 9 6 1 2 13 Davies and C. Glossop won Boys FERGUSON 'A' 9 6 0 3 12 maximums for Chesterfield 1st in Peterlee 0 0 Philadelphia 'A' 0 1 AGLlONBY14 8 4 3 1 11 an 8-2 win over Buxton. Phildelphia 'B' 0 0 23 County Notes

LEADING AVERAGES finalists in the cadet girls' event. Our other p~ayers in the cadet Penny faced M iss Gordon. She Senior Division Julie, who is rapidly developing trials were Martina Hicks (Brent­ swept to victory at 21-8 in the P W LAve. D. Blackburne (Peterlee) 9 9 ° 100% her skills as a play-making wood) and Kelly Bennett (Waltham first end with great ease. Then T. Bainbridge (Sun 'B') 1211 1 92 attacker, scored a narrow quarter­ Forest). Both did well to gain two the game was transformed as A. Gelder (Sun 'A') 9 8 1 88 P. Stafford (Sun 'A') 9 8 1 88 final victory over Debbie Toole victories each in their groups Penny introduced changes of B. Cuthbertson (Sun 'B') 9 8 1 88 (Yorks), a composed and though this was not enough to pace and prolonged the rallies, B. Reay (Peterlee) 12 8 4 66 N. Herrington (Sun E) 9 6 3 66 accomplished stonewaller and proceed to the first knock-out forcing frequent errors from NATIONAL LEAGUE counter-hitter, coming from a stage of the last sixteen. Alison.She still hit many winners Washington travelled to game and 17-20 down. Our juniors found the going on both wings but the percen­ league leaders Unity Bradford on In the under-17 event, at mostly uphill. Lisa Hayden (Brent­ tage was not quite enough to Dec. 23 and were beaten 6-2. Coventry, Kerry (still an under­ wood) won six out of six sets in defeat the consistent Penny who Chris Blake, on his debut, beat 13!), further extended the claims her group, with an outstanding won -8, 20, 19, to level the Andy Ball in his 'opening set, the of the Hall/Billington clan, by straight games success over the match at 3-3. Andrew Creed and only other success coming from reaching the final - where she wily defence of cadet charrlpion, Adrian Moore then stopped the Phil Stafford who accounted for lost to Joanne Shaw (Yorks.). Andrea Holt. In the last sixteen rot for Bath by gaining straight Michael O'Driscoll. Scores:­ Kerry's victims included Claire she fell, 18 and 23 to the always games victories over Caldon and R. Reed lost to S. Gibson -12,-9; lost to S. Sharpe Potts (Cheshire), in the group, dangerous, big-hitting, Lesley Gibbs, respectively. -16,-10. P. Stafford bt M. O'Driscol1 19,20; lost to Sharpe Helen Lower (Staffs.), Sarah Souter (Middx.). Tanya Holland An ingredient which appealed -8,-15. Hammond (Hants.) and Andrea (Billericay) was favoured to get to the appreciative crowd of some C. Blake bt A. Ball 11,21; lost to Gibson -10, -11. Holt (Lancs.) - in the semi-final. through her group of seven but 150 was the offer of £100 bonus D. Lawrence lost to O'Driscol1 -10,-11; lost to Ball It's interesting to note that three defeats and three victories (by Dagenham Motors) to any -9,-15. Hall/Billington table tennis is very were only sufficient to secure Dagenham player who could WILMOTT CUP much a family affair; Maurice and fourth place. Helen Platt (Bi Iier­ defeat Prean. However, the Isle Sunderland were knocked out Jackie Billington and Eric Hall icay), our 1\10.4, won two and lost of Wight youngster cru ised to by local rivals Northumberland in share the planning, coaching four in her first national trials and victory against Penny and Dave Round 2 at Byker by a 6-3 and corner work. It seems to will undoubtedly have learned Newman, retaining his unbeaten scoreline on Jan. 6. Neil work. While still in Chesterfield from the experience. In the boys' record. Newman scored the third McMaster and Stephen George it's worth noting that Alan Cooke event, James Griffiths (Silver­ Dagenham success with an ex­ gained maximums, Tony Gelder, (inevitably, a close friend of the town) and Tony West (Wickford) cellent win over Creed. Phil Stafford and Chris Blake all HIB clan but, mercifully, not a both had tough groups and The encounter with Cardiff defeating Eddie Smith. Scores relation) has reached No.2 in the neither reached the knock-out, appears to have been a some­ (Sunderland names first) were:­ national Senior Men's list. He is stage but both are still under 16. what unfriendly affair which is Gelder bt Smith 14,21; lost to McMaster -1 7,14, only 18. So any foreign power As a postscript to the trials, regrettable. Still the result was -19; lost to George -24,13,-18. Stafford bt Smith 20,17; lost to George 19,-11, seeking to damage the future of the new junior girls' ranking list satisfying to the Daggers, re­ -22; lost to McMaster -16,-12. English Table Tennis could do shows the amazing advance of versing a 5-3 defeat at Cardiff in Blake bt Smith 11,23; lost to George -17,-11; lost to McMaster -10,-18. worse than detonate a tactical the present exceptional wave of October. Kevin Caldon atoned nuclear device in the vicinity of top cadets, with Claire Potts, for two defeats against Bath by the crooked spire! Kerry Hall and Andrea Holt all in beating both Bryn Tyler and Tony What has all this, you may ask, the top six! Healan. Newman and Penny both John Holland reports from.... to do with the Kingdom of the Our juniors and cadets must scored excellent victories over East Saxons? The short reply is be looking for a better tomorrow. Welsh International, N'igel ESSEX very little but we must lift up our Part of the foundations for pro­ Thomas, and Gibbs also beat eyes to the hills if our players, gress are being laid in the revived Tyler. For the visitors, the chop­ JUNIOR DOMINATION who also contested' both the coaching scheme under the driv­ ping and retrieving of Trevor The last month has been dom­ junior"Closed" and the Coventry ing leadership of Dick Roffe. A Manning was very impressive; inated by jun ior affairs both Trials, are to emulate the best. coaching day for Essex-ranked he overcame both Penny and domestically and internationally, Most successful of our con­ juniors (21) was held in Horn­ Gibbs. with the English Junior "Closed", tingent was Kate Gower (Ingate­ church on Jan. 13. The coaches Dagen ham have just success­ English Junior and Cadet Ranking stone) our cadet girls' county were Peter Hirst, Malcolm Cole, fully concluded the signing of Trials, and, most significant, the champion. She reached the Joe Wigley and Phil Gower. The David Tan for their squad. He first European Junior Top Twelve. quarter-final before falling to 'Harrow Lodge centre is now open was likely to face Birmingham on The last will be covered exten­ eventual winner, and top seed, every Thursday evening and on Jan. 20. This is a considerable sively elsewhere but I would like Andrea Holt. Kate has now risen occasional Sundays (all day) and fillip to the Daggers' campaign. to offer warmest congratulations to 17 in the national cadet list could help to revitalise the county The full squad in rank order is to Carl Prean for the astonishing and is now, indisputably, our junior scene. now as follows: 1. D. Newman; 2: achievement of not just winning best player in this category. She In the National League Division I. Kenyon; 3. T. Penny; 4. D. Tan; this prestige event but staying now needs to turn her attention I Dagenham F.C. have been get­ 5. K. Caldon; 6. S. Dettrnar; 7. S. unbeaten through a gruelling towards the junior ranks which ting their act together and now Gibbs. schedule of eleven sets. Once she joins in September. To make stand a good chance of avoiding With Kenyon out of form and again, his father, John, was the her mark there on the national the drop to Div. 2. In two home currently dropped, the strongest cornerman and successful or­ scene she will need to get more games over the Christmas period team looks like Newman, Penny, ganiser of Carl's preparation. venom into her promising but they fell 3-5 to high-riding Bath­ Tan and Caldon. This should be Incidentally, let me apologise for bland game. spearheaded by Carl Prean ­ good enough to defeat both. an inaccuracy in my last notes. I Darrlian Holland also reached then defeated Cardiff by the Ormesby and S1. Neots in key described Andy Syed as" hottest the quarter-final in the cadet same score. Highlights of the home matches on Feb. 24 and favourite for years" for the boys' event. At this stage, he Bath match were fluctuating May 5, the likely pre-requisites "Closed" Boys Singles title. It is, contested a thrilling and en­ encounters with Alison Gordon for survival. of course, only two years since thralling set with Chris Oldfield for both Stuart Gibbs and Tony Carl was an even hotter favourite. (Yorks.), falling at 18 in the third. Penny. Gibbs seemed totally I referred briefly to the He has the encouragement of outpaced by the English Ladies' "Closed" last notes, with special rising from 8 to 6 on the new champion as she raced to 19-11 attention to the impressive national under-14 boys' list. in the first end but, remarkably, Chesterfield stable. They were at Jason Tendler (Waltham Forest) the veteran of more than 50 it again in the Coventry trials. also performed very creditably in international appearances then Alf Pepperd reports from.... Bradley Billington followed up this event, winning three out of reeled off 10 consecutive points his sensational success of gaining six sets in his group, including a to win 21-19! Alison took the GLOUCESTERSHIRE the silver medal in the "Closed" good win over R. Yong (Notts) at second at 16 and established boys' singles by winning the 18 in the th ird. Paul Pesce (Ilford), another commanding lead in the REFLECTIONS cadettrials, taking all eight of the also scheduled to compete at third. Stuart was not to be denied, I write these notes in early sets he contested in straight Coventry, in the cadet boys' however, and his superior end January, a new year is suddenly games. Sister Julie and cousin singles, failed to materialise. I game took him to victory at 18 in upon us and I pause to re'flect Kerry were both losing semi­ hope he's alright. the third. At 2-3 in sets, Tony just what the future of table 26 County Notas

tennis in Gloucestershire will be. the privilege of a County ranking." 1. Neil Taylor (12) Graham Slack and Steve future is in doubt. She checked Moreman (10) Andrew Golding (9). Many changes will unques­ A very similar state of affairs 2. Martyn Lane (7) Sylvester Callum. David Smith into Standish Hospital on Jan. 5 tionably take ~place on the County exists in Glo'shire. In the top 10 and Peter Wood (6). for investigation and possible 3. Craig Saunders (6) Adrian Vale (5). Committee, several stalwarts of the Senior ranking list (issued treatment for her serious back have already indicated their desire by the selectors Jan. '85) we And finally with six rounds still complaint which has dogged her to vacate important positions. Of have FIVE ranked players who for to be played and with nine points f<:>r the past 15 or 16 months. course it will be sad to see them various reasons, WILL NOT, or. going in each match, the com­ Th is injury has caused her to go but this does not mean the do not, wish to play for the petition is still wide open and, as drop from No. 20 to 39 in the end of the world. I wrote in last County, and yet have to be given happened last season, the title National Rankings. month's T. T. N. that as one door a ranking for seeding purposes, might only be decided in the Nina had been playing in closes so another quite unex­ i.e. County Closed. The plain fact Final Round of matches, WHO Germany up and until last pectedly opens. that they have paid their affiliation KNOWS? Auturrln, but the injury became My very grateful thanks to Since the boundary changes fees, many have a genuine reason so bad that she had to return John Boyd, Chairman of The of 1974 (when we lost a part of - i.e., Business, others perhaps earlier than planned. County Prerrlier League, for this Bristol to Avon) Glo'shire was prefer football on a Saturday She has not played competi­ enlightened report. considerably reduced in size afternoon, and finally not wishing tively since her return, and at the with three leagues only. But to offend, perhaps some have COUNTY RANKINGS time of writing I understand that despite our minority 'Status Quo', taken umbrage at the Selectors Gloucester = G. Cheltenham = C. her stay in hospitaI is thoug ht to Stroud = S. we are and always have been an for reasons of wh ic h th is writer is be indefinite. Hurry up and get not prepared to enlarge on. Men well soon Nina. exceptionally busy little County­ 1. Darren Griffin (G) with teams in the Midland Summing up, ours is a free Coun­ 2. Neil Taylor (5) COACHING League, The Cotswold Ladies' try and people and players surely 3. Andrew Golding (5) 4. Graham Slack (C) Coaching is still very actively League, The Schools, The Warner have the prerogative of choice. 5. Steve Moreman (G) being carried out in the City by Shield, and more recently - The No one, after all, is indispensable. 6. Paul Jackson (G) 7. Martyn Lane (G) Paddy Jackson, the County It is so easy to lead a horse to Capitol Providence County Pre­ 8. William Dawe (G) Coach, and George Norvorth. mier League, all well organised, water, getting itto drink is entirely 9. Sylvester Callum (C) another matter. 10. Frank Jones (C) Both these hard working gentle­ providing entertainment and 11. David Smith (G) men report a heavy influx of enjoyment for the enthusiasts. 12. Paul Tsakarisianos (C) COUNTY 13. Craig Saunders (G) youngsters ready, willing and Having mentioned all this with able to better themselves at our Only one round of matches in Women reckless abandon - it would be the Providence Capitol County 1. Nina Tsakarisianos (G) sport. .very remiss of me if I did not 2. Cathy Robb (C) In Cheltenham, Peter Cruwys, Premier League has been played 3. Christine lacopi (G) mention the NOT SO HAPPY since the last report. The 4th 4. Heather Colwill (G) despite his many T.T. activities, 'Status Quo' that I think prevails 5. Jenny Eilery (G) still seems to find valuable time round matches scheduled for 6. Julia Evans (C) today. Simply that a few members Dec. 14, which would have in­ 7. Julie Bearcroft (C) for serious coaching on the nine of the County Committee are 8. June Hall (C) by five. cluded the fixture between'­ 9. Suzanne Webley (5) perhaps not really interested in League lea-ders, "Taylor's Pom­ 10. Clare Symonds (G) In Stroud, Head Coach Alan what is going on COUNTY-WISE. mies" and title favourites, Giles takes control. Proof of the I can synlpathise with these "Griffin's Tornados" was post­ Boys good work done here, coupled members, perhaps they were 1. Craig Saunders (G) poned, when several players 2. Dale Saunders (G) with the stalwart work of Trevor coerced against their wishes to declared themselves unavail­ 3. Lawrence Symonds (G) Golding, IS THAT STROUD now represent their respective Lea­ 4. Anthony Wilson (G) have a formidable force of very able and reserves of comparable 5. Howard Williams (5) gues, but on the other hand if the ability could not be found. 6. Adam Peck (C) good Juniors whose results this County is to continue to function 7. Neil Gingell (5) In the 5th round Neil Taylor 8. Keith Rodway (5) season in the Midland League efficiently then it must have en­ retained his unbeaten singles 9. Gary Thomas (G) speak for themselves. thusiastic members willing to 10. Ralph Pobjoy (5) record and led his team to a 5-4 NEWSLETTER WRITERS work. victory over Golding's Gold­ Girls ASSOCIATION It would indeed be nice to 1. Ellery (G) diggers. The other matches both enlarge our sport within our 2. Webley (5) Around the County's local ended up with a 7-2 scoreline, 3. Symonds (G) boundaries for there must be a 4. Dawn Boles (C) Scribes:- Cheltenham's Gill Slack's Savages took full advan­ vast wealth of untaped talent, in 5. Nikkie Clarke (C) Smith's" Nett & Edge" continues tage of Richard Russell's absence 6. Jenny Egan (C) say, the Cirencester area, and the 7. Cheryl Finnan (G) to provide good local news and and likewise Griffin's Tornados surrounding regions of the 8. Megan Willshire (5). equally good reading also. took full advantage of a knee 9. Caroline Steiner (S) Cotswolds. Last January the 1O. ElizClb~th Turner (C) Likewise in Gloucester City:­ injury to Frank Jones in his first County Premier League played 11. Listra Maisey (C) Andy Browett's "Bat Chat" con­ set of the evening. 12. Wendy Nicholls (S) up there under very good con­ 13. Fiona Black (G) firms what I have always sus­ The League Table, after 4 ditions at the Cirencester Sports 14. Rachel Hopkins (G) pected - its Editor HAS A GREAT rounds stands:­ 15. Lisa Crawford (G) Complex. SENSE OF HUMOUR? It only requires one or two The Stroud "Pointmaker":­ Well put together by Dave table tennis-orientated people to P W L Pts Popjoy is also a joy to read. Being get something of a concrete Taylor's Pommies 4 4 0 23 a bank manager Dave's a born nature going where, at the Slack's Savages 4 3 1 21 diplolnat, it's a good job I am moment, table tennis IS played, Griffin's Tornados 4 2 2 19 with L1oyds! BUT not at League level. If this Golding's Golddiggers 4 1 3 1 7 Summing up these three T.T. happened I am sure the County Moreman's Muppets 4 1 3 15 Scribes, they all do a great job T.T.A. would not only take a Russell's Razzle Dazzlers 4 1 3 13 great interest, but would proffer and I'm pleased to note that they all the help and assistance they allow their individual Newsletters could. to be distributed all around the I read with great interest a Neil Taylor's team's lead has BITS & PiECES County, That's good. former Gloucester colleague's now been cut to 2 points and in The Rudford and H ighleadon remarks in T. T. N. Staffs report the next round they play Slack's T.T.C. in the City League have for Dec. '84. Savages in a crucial fixture. just welcomed two new members That person was Jack Chalk­ Griffin's Tornados, who have risen - Ken Smith from Cheltenham Harry Stevens reports from.... ley, current Chairman and Press from bottom place but are now and Nina Tsakarisianos. The club Officer of Staffordsh ire. Jack's playing more like the title now sports nine teams in the remarks concerned County-rank­ favourites, will hope to make up Gloucester League and member­ ed players in Staffs failing to turn further ground at the expense of ship-wise must rank the largest HERTS. & BEDS. LEAGUE CUP out for their County when requir­ bottom team, Russell's Razzle in the County. My thanks to A new invitation competition, ed. Jack went on to say- "These Dazzlers. Rudford's Secretary for this in­ 'The Herts. & Beds. League Cup' players who are not committed Leading point scorers, (All out formation, Stenneth Salisbury. is set to be launched and the to the County just do not deserve of 12 sets): . Meanwhile Nina's table tennis Organisers are hoping that this 27 County Notes

will, through sponsorship, be­ tinue to court the ugly sisters of could find something unpleasant beloved club at last settled in come a major event in the local other sports or turn to foreigners to say about me. Sadly I had to such beautiful surroundings. calendar. when it is our rare turn to appear conclude yet again that people Surely Newport Table Tennis can Seventeen teams have entered on the box. Cinderella only wins can spend a lifetime in Table only go up and up from now on. the competition, and cash prizes, in fairy tales. Constant protests Tennis without knowing the first The 'A' Team with Robert Warren as well as the prestigious league that our players are no good thing about it. Perhaps the looking almost invincible (after a cup are at stake. (.. "except Des, of course," to ceaseless search for foreign long absence) are heading for A consolation plate event is quote it all in full) do a dis­ stars for the ETTA's next Invita­ Div. 1 and that will give being run for first round losers service to the English Sport. I tion Event has left them tired and encouragement to the rest. The with trophies and medals on KNOW how hard our players irritable. Encouraged by the 'B' Team may not wait too long to offer to the finalists. work and how little they get. Yes, success of an earlier poem may I follow them. The RYDE Club Favourites at th is stage wou Id I do see red when I see how submit another? under the energetic leadership appear to be Motorola, headed readily money is spent, some­ It is hard to kick the bot of John Rawlings is actually get­ by England-ranked Mike Harper times wasted in other direc­ Of the one who wins a lot ting new members, an impres­ and Phoenix TTC, from Barnet, tions. In short: Good friends, don't be sive feat these days and John who are led by Welsh Interna­ A long, bloody battle .. but too sad himself is playing better than tional Nigel Tyler, but the event 'only' for commonsense ... You can still KICK the young ever despite these diversions. boasts some good sides with This is what I have fought on man's Dad. Less good the news from such distinguished players as another front. Time and time Sourpusses and Nice Guys... Shanklin and Sandown, two Jackie Bellinger, Keith Samuels again our players arrived tired When players are on England famous old clubs, where mem­ and Les Wooding taking part. and washed out after long jour­ duties, they are ALWAYS cap­ bership figures are down. Both Any clubs or individuals not neys, having to play the next day tained by England captains and have had to find new premises in entered this year, but who think at 9 or even 8 a.m. when well not by Mr. John Prean. Whether recent years, causing upheavals they would Iike to participate in below their best. Time and time my advice on these occasions and change at a time when tran­ 1986 should contact Roger Bow­ again we got rotten results. I would have been better or, as is quality and stability were needed. ler - (H) 60986 for asked for no extra money, no probable, worse we shall never Their time will come again. details. new budgets, no favours, just know. I have only attended two Icy Blasts Our Junior 1st team were at ' commonsense, but even that overseas events. In one, Carl When the above notes were home to Middlesex 2nd team. turned into a long battle. I think it won the European Cadet Title, written, I had not seen the Herts were represented by Derek has now been won. I thank the the other brought the Silver in January issue of T.T. News, Rogers, Leonard Rosso, Michael Chairman of the Selectors and the,Junior. I hope this clears up which contained icy blasts from Boardman, Alison Boxall and the England Captain for their part the officials' problems. Aubrey Drapkin, Treasurer and Tracy Baines. Derek had 2 wins, in the victory for commonsense. Not all officials are sour­ Peter Charters, Cbairman of Alison one and Alison and Tracy I hope my praise will not under­ pusses, however. I was much Selectors at the time of the were winners in the doubles, mine their career pros(pects. moved by another who 'phoned Moscow disaster. Both seem to resulti ng ina 6-4 victory to The best prepared ... 'long distance' to tell me: "This me to suffer from an identity pro­ Middlesex. Carl Prean was perhaps not has got to be the greatest perfor­ blem. They think THEY and other Diary dates - Barnet Table the best player who ever left mance ever by an English .officials ARE the Sport. It is per­ Tennis Centre: these shores for foreign lands, Junior .. I am over the moon .. " fectly reasonable to love the Feb. 9 J~nior Training but he WAS the best prepared It takes all kinds .. good guys Sport, yet to criticise the Feb. 10 Inter League for the European Junior Top 12 and the others, sadly not un­ Feb. 16 County Championships, administration of it. I propose to Junior 2 - Kent 2 which he won in the Snows of common in our sport, who have answer both of them next month. Vets 1 - Kent 1 San Marino. For this I thank Don such an irresistible urge to spoil 23/24 SENIOR CLOSED CHAMPIONSHIPS Parker who planned it all, Paul others fleeting moments of joy. March Junior Training Day who masterminded the Local Matters March County Championships Senior 1 - Oxford details throughout the final We pass on to other local Te-rry Bown reports from.... March 17 Barnet League 2-a-side week, the pre-match practice, matters. Our 1st Division was March 30 Junior Training the corner tactics and all the rest. most interestingly poised Get behind these chaps, between Ryde, Sandown and LEICESTERSHIRE gentlemen of Hastings, National Shanklin when I wrote my earlier Council and Management Com­ notes. Ryde, in beating WELL DONE, HINCKLEY John Prean looks beyond the .. mittee and o'ne day we shall beat Sandown, have now taken a big the world, just as this time we step forward. The almost inevit­ ISLE OF WIGHT An exciting climax to 1984 was beat junior Europe. All sets were able three from Jim Daly and the experienced by local players and TO BURY CAESAR­ won in straight games - a day to doubles with Mike Turner pro­ officials of the Hinckley & celebrate, but not for all ... OR TO PRAISE HIM? vide 4 bankers which present District League when instant (with apologies to uWhat's this? OLD Prean in their opponents with a mountain stardom came the way of Mick W. Shakespeare) The Telegraph again?" to climb. Mike, after hanging up Holt, Alex McLeish, Stuart I opened this newspaper his combination bat to concen­ Various representations I made Burwood and Stephen Brown. which is the one that gives Table trate on all-sponge, is winning to the ETTA about what seemed The BBC brought along their TV Tennis the best deal and I again and Ryde look very shabby treatment of our players cameras to interview Mick Holt read " ... Widespread Contro­ secure. were due to be discussed by the the organiser of the Beneficial versy continues to surround the National Council in January. A Champions vs The Rest Trust English Junior Champion­ teenager's development and in Our showpiece match was full house was in attendance. ships held at Hinckley Leisure particular the coaching of him at also won by Ryde despite injury Whether the purpose was to bury to Dave Tolfrey, their No.3 and Centre. Congratulations go to the court side. ETTA officials me or to praise me remains to much improved player these last Mick and John Iliffe for their ma intain that his best resu Its be seen. two seasons. Daly & Turner sterling work, and to the mag­ have been achieved on uThe Great Debate" safely saw the ship home. For nificent work done by local occasions when he has been For a number of reasons 'the THE REST Roger Hookey, Ian league players, officials and their advised at the table by the great debate' was postponed. A Sm ith and Keith Taylor all had families. A superbly organised England coaches and when his proposal to invite me to state the their moments against Jim and tournament· then, with the pro­ father has not been present... " I case was voted down. I would Ian beat Mike, but Jim seemed spect of these Championships do not blame Mr. John Woodford have welcomed this and thank able to slip into a higher gear returning to Hinckley later in the who quotes what he is told. all those who supported freedom every time he was under pres­ year. of speech. The first Lemon of the Year sure. Carl Prean was in San The County Selection Only in Fairy Tales ... Award Marino. The match took place at Committee issued their latest The public image of our Sport I DO award the first Prean Newport Vics' new sports com­ ranking lists just before Christmas, depends greatly on our leading Lemon of 1985 to the anony­ plex, the result of an immense and these are as follows:­ Men. 1. Chris Rogers; 2. Dave Gannon; 3. lVIark players. If we treat them like mous 'officials'. THEY saw no effort by the club. For Bill and Illingworth; 4. Phil Smith; 5. Martin Pickles; 6. Cinderellas, the Princes of Tele­ need to pra ise what was a pretty Graham Hall; 7. Maurice Newman; 8. Tony Kinsey; Joan Rossi it must have been a 9. Keith Fellows; 10. Simon Griew; 11. Steve Day; vision and Sponsorship will con­ fair performance when they dream come true to see their 12. Paul Bumpus. 28 County Notes

Women. 1. Karen Smith; 2. Julie Revill; 3. Yvonne Kath Fisher reports from ..... Foxwood against Waveney proved strong enough to retain Hall; 4. Eileen Shaler; 5. Joanne Heath; 6. Tracey Clark; 7. Jane Heath; 8. Joanne Murray. Lowestoft and despite his usual this title against strong opposi­ Veterans. 1. John Iliffe; 2. Geoff Aldwinckle; 3. 100% performance on the table tion, a rule change in the County Colin Truman; 4. Brian Mayfield; 5. Alan Crowson; 6. Mike Meredith; 7. Rod Pickering; 8. John something was rrlissing and the League set-up may make it more Davies; 9. Terry Yeomanson; 10. Brian Kimble. resulting loss of the match no difficult for them to hold on to Women Veterans. 1. Glenys Odams; 2. Pat Kilsby; 3. Jose Rogers. FANTASTIC WIN doubt, in my mind, confirmed his the County League title, int~ntion of finishing. Only in his although with such a well bal­ Cheshire 23 not out, Match 24 early twenties he has been anced squad they must again In Div. 1 of the Midland whoops beaten by Lincs! A around for some fourteen years start favourites. The rule in ques­ ,League, Geoff Aldwinckle re­ fantastic win for our Vets' team man and boy and for ten of those tion makes a player ineligible for ports that the men travelled to conquering the rrlighty team years always at or near the top selection unless he has Wolverhampton for their open­ from Cheshire who had not been and is one of the few players appeared in more than 50% of ing fixtures and were on the beaten since the Vets' divisions Norfolk have produced who is his team's matches in a par­ wrong end of a 7-3 scoreline. were formed. known outside the County. ticular league, and this could However, in the 7 sets lost all Matt Sheader gave them a One of the few side effects of deprive Wellingborough of went to a deciding game. good start beating Pete D'Arcy this will be that most of the McKim, whose appearances for Graham Hall was in very good 15, 12. Brian Edlington then had better players in Norwich are Chapmans have been few and far form beating M. Browne and A. a tough set with Eddy Griffiths concentrated at the CEYMS club between this term. However the Cockerill, but losing to new­ before emerging the winner 22 and the only time they will get a issue will be settled on Saturday comer D. Parmar who went on to in the third. Brian Allison then game is if they could play them­ 30th and Sunday 31 st 'March, complete a maximum for Wolves played Derek Schofield and was selves! Going back to Norwich when the five member leagues I. The scoreline was reversed leading 20-16 in the third but Foxwood versus Waveney this will dispute the County League when the men travelled yet again Derek managed to pull this one match did live up to expectations title at Lings Forum. to the West Midlands to face back 21-23. Edlington and with an excellent atmosphere Despite the absence of Wolves II. Phil Smith was in Connie Moran then won the created by the large and .vocal McKim, Chapmans have built up outstanding form to score a mixed -1 8, 21, 15. Sheader and crowd that attended.Waveney a commanding lead at the top of maximum and was only extended Allison made it 4-1 taking the triumphed 5-3 and must be Wellingborough's Premier Divi­ by Steve Dunning. With 2 wins other doubles against Derek and certs. for promotion to Div. 2. I sion, with Edmonds, Handshaw each by Maurice Newman and Eddy this also going to three -1 8, hope they manage to keep their and Mark Nannery all making Hall, Leicester Men claimed their 13, 17. squad together. For Foxwood sizable contributions, and only first win of the season. A Karen' Cheshire then started to come second place for the second a lapse on their part, or a major Smith maximum with support back, Doreen Schofield beating season, so back to the drawing improvement from Higham Band from Yvonne Hall and Joanne Connie 10,12. D'Arcy made it 3­ board as promotion is a must seems likely to change the Heath enabled the ladies to see 4 taking Edlington but Lincs next season to keep interest current situation. off the challenge of Notts ladies came yet again, Matt beating alive both for the players and by 7-3. Good all round perform­ Derek 15, 13 and Allison taking supporters. Norwich finally LEADING POSITIONS ances from Phil Overend, Geoff Premier Division the final set against Eddy 19, 16 played a Wilmott cup match on P W D L Pts Aldwinckle and Bryan Hall have to give them a greatly deserved Dec. 29 with Ely the visitors. Chapmans 'A' 9 9 0 0 85 seen the Veterans continue their Higham Band Club 'A' 9 8 0 1 75 6-3 win. Andy Withers beat Phil Logsdon Team Electric 9 7 0 2 66 Div.1 challengewith victories of Lincoln Ladies beat Grimsby second game on and that was Burton Britannia 9 6 0 3 56 7-3 and 6-4 ove'r Walsall and in the Rose Bowl competition 5­ the end of this season's cup run Leading Averages: Leamington respectively. The A ndy Edmonds (Chapmans) 23-24=95.8% 4 and in the Butlin Cup 6-4 to get by Norwich. A better story in the Andy Trott (Higham Band) 23-24=95.8% Junior's season of woe continu­ revenge after losing to them Carter Cup with Stephen Fox, Mark Nannery (Chapmans) 25-27=92.6% ed in their latest fixture when Steve Brown (Higham Band) 19-21 =90.5% earlier in the season. Sue Radly Neil Pickard, and Simon Steward Chris Handshaw (Chapmans) 19-21 =90.5% ,they went down to the maximum won all her sets andJulie Evans so far beating Bedford and Gavin Black (Higham Band) 15-18=83.3% score against Derby. Strangely, Dennis Millman (Britannia) 14-18=77.8% only lost to Connie Moran. Ann Northampton away and waiting Steve West (Electric) 21-27=77.8% the same junior players were in Green, although without a win, to see who they have at home Graham Ball (Electric) 20-27=74.1 % Mark Cole (Ele?tric) 16-24=66.7% action again in the Carter Cup showed good potential for the next round. Although, temporarily halted' with Leicester bowing out at 0-6 future. She has a nice steady I gather Cromer have dis­ by an unlikely Barclaycard 'B' down. Olivers Shoes, Hinckley, game and if someone could affiliated from the E.T.T.A. I don't team selection, Malcolm Dilley who are doing very well thank encourage her to hit a bit more, pretend to know exactly what Associates hold a definite you, in the National League Div 3 she could become a useful player. that means except that the ,(West), recently recorded their advantage in Northampton's In the Pontefract 1-star tourna­ County income suffers, but I see first draw of the season against Premier League with Abington ment, Brian Edlington from no dramatic effect such as picket Hereford Times. The top 2 Nomads most probable candi­ Gainsborough won the Vets' lines or barricades across the dates to cash in if the leaders Hereford players were in great singles title. A.140 just north of Aylsham. falter, and ACC 'A' with John form and remained unbeaten, In the Decenlber issue,1 made but fortunately Graham Hall was a mistake with the name of the Sanders and a rejuvenated John again in super shape winning tournament. Matt Sheader won Palmer holding on comfortably to third place. both his singles. Hinckley were the Vets and not Leading Positions: never ahead and came back from the North of England as stated. Dennis Millman reports from .. 2-0 and 4-3 down. Northampton Premier Division My apologies to Derek Schofield PWD LPts Malcolm Dilley Ass. 10 8 2 0 87 who won that event and a slap on NORTHANTS Abington Nomads 9 8 1 0 72 ACC'A' DETAILS. the wrist for me!!! 10 7 0 3 64 SUCCESS STORY Timken 'A' 10 5 1 4 52 Phil Smith lost to Griffin ':11, -18; lost to Mark Roadmender 8 5 0 3 48 Owen -14, -15. At a time when results at County Martin Pickles lost to M. Owen -19, -13; bt Leading Averages: Micheal Owens -18, 18, 11. level, Juniors excepted, are not Graeme McKim (MDA) 26-27=96.3% Maurice Newman bt Castle 18, -22, 19; lost to Ray Hogg reports from..... all that could be desired, it is David Gallo (Barclay 'A') 26-27=96.3% Griffin -15, -9. Keith Jones (Abington) 26-27=96.3% Graham Hall bt Owens 14, 15; bt Castle -17,16, pleasing to hear of a genuine Andy Edmonds (MDA) 25-30=83.3% 10. Northamptonshire success Chris Handshaw (MDA) 25-30=83.3% NORFOLK John Sanders (ACC 'A') 23-30=76.7% story. My congratulations go to Brian D'Hooghe (Abington) 18-24=75% Wellingborough for another out­ John Palmer (ACC 'A') 18-24=75% Best wishes go to the Ray Kingston (Roadmender) 17-24=70.8% standing win in the St. Neots Leicester League President, Vice­ Phil Snelling (Roadmender) 17-24=70.8% FINISHED?? Winter League under enthusias­ Adrian Roper (Doddridge) 18-27=66.7% Chairman and elder s'tatesman, tic skipper Chris Handshaw, with With all of Kettering's divi­ Phil Smith who is recovering Graeme McKim and Andy sions reduced to ten clubs, partly quite nicely after undergoing a "Doug Bennett retires." So said Edmonds putting the finishing to intensify the competition, and nasty operation over the the headline in the local paper­ touches to a fine campaign as partly to make room for a Points Christmas period. retired from National League, RAF were beaten 5-4, and St. Cup organised on a group basis, County and domestic playas Neots6-3 to complete the nine most clubs find themselves with from the end December. His last match programme unbeaten. only six league games remain­ appearance was for Norwich Although Wellingborough ing, and Town 'A' having stolen a 29 County Notes

march on their rivals by bringing No. 1 junior can be justifiably when they came away trom Women 1. Mary Denbow one forward, hold a lead which proud of a truly remarkable Sincil Lincoln with a 4-4 draw. 2. Steph Haddrell looks more generous than it may performance. Competition is tough in Div. 2 3. Amanda Shufflebotham 4. Julie Woodward turn out to be. Clare Mouzon, unfortunately, (North), with only two ,points 5. Eleanor Harrison Town 'A's Chris Handshaw had a disappointing tournament, separating the third-placed team 6. Jackie Windle 7. Disa Wingent and Andy Edmonds are joined by but did manage to reach the from Byker, who are currently 8. Carol Pullen Andy Trott, and in the crucial semi-final of the girls' doubles. third from bottom, and with 9. Shirley Burton 10. Gillian Aston return fixture between Town and However, both juniors have Lincoln only one point behind, nearest challengers Welling­ played their part in giving this result could have an impor­ The big disappointment for borough, it was five wins shared encouragement to County offi­ tant bearing on the final posi­ Oxford was the 5-4 defeat by between Edmonds and Trott cials for the future of table tennis tions. The second team, how­ Milton Keynes, in the Wilmott which ensured that a superb hat­ in the area. Both players quali­ ever, are having a disastrous Cup, especially after Milton trick from Ian Hawes still left him fied for the National ranking't season, and their latest defeatby Keynes turned up with only two on the losing side, as for the first tournament and no doubt they 3-5 at the hands of Ormesby JII players. Les Wooding took the time this season County Men's will both be looking forward to leaves them languishing at the home side apart and was only Doubles champions Hawes and achieving a high National rank­ foot of Div. 3 (North) without a really pushed a little by Clive Steve Kendall were beaten. ing. point to their name. Morris, who went down -14 in Leading Positions: Blackman's recent run of good The Northumberland League the third. Neil Harris gained Kettering League (Premier) performances is reflected in his Oxford's only win apart from the P W D L Pts season only recommenced on , Kettering Town 'A' 13 12 1 0 108 rise up the men's County ranking Jan. 7 after the Christmas and three sets conceded, when he Rothborough 'A' 12 9 3 0 92 list. He is now ranked at No.4, beat Rob Harman 19 in the final Wellingborough Town 12 9 1 2 92 New Year break, but the League Team Electric 'A' 12 9 1 2 88 with only Chu Van Que, Peter tables up to the end of the game. McQueen and Neil McMaster i Leading Averages: season's first half show Tyne The County Veterans continue Graeme McKim (Corby) 27-27=100% ahead of him. The only other new Dock as runaway Premier Divi­ to show poor form, their latest Keith Nicoll (Rothborough 'A')') 35-36=97.2% Ian Hawes (Wellingborough) 33-36=91.7% name in this ,list - and I am not sion leaders with a 100% record defeat being 'against Essex II's Steve West (Electric) 32-36=88.9% certain that "new" is the right from 14 matches. North Shields and have not won since their Andy Edmonds (Town 'A') 34-39=87.2% Chris Handshaw (Town iA') 33-39=84.6% word in this particular instance­ Y.M.C.A. 'A', however, have lost opening match of the season, Andy Trott (Town 'A') 31-39=79.5% is the welcome return at No.1 5 only two matches, and are lying against Beds. Steve Kendall (Wellingborough) 25-33=75.8% Ken Nicoll (Rothborough 'A')~') 25-33=75.8% of veteran Pat Tindale (Revac), ' in second place with two games However, the Oxford City Vets Graham Ball (Electric) 26-36=72.2% who has earned this position by in hand. The season's first half 'B' team of John Paul, Len Pratt virtue of good Premier Division leaders and second-placed and Brian Allen, are currently on League performances for his teams in other Divisions are as top of the Midland League Div 2 club. 0 Tindale only recently follows:­ Vets' section and look set to take returned to competitive table Pauline Long reports from .... Leaders Second Place the title, providing they do not tennis after a long spell out of the Div. 1 Wansbeck Byker C.C. 'D' slip up in the final matches to be' game,' and the hard bat expert Div. 2ABoldonC.A. North Shields NORTHUMBERLAND E.E. played in January. has evidently lost little of his Div. 2BAshington Y.M.C.A. 'A' Electrics ·c' In the Oxford and' District LIFE TIME BEST FOR THOMAS ability; Clare Mouzon, Caron, Div. 3ADunston Hill 'B' Byker C.C. 'G' Div. 3BShankiea 'A' Woodlands Park League, Haddenham continue to With the Christmas and New Buglass and Christine Burke are O.B. dorrlinate the 1st division and Div. 4 Shanklea 'B' John Baste Y.C. Year holiday break only recently still the top three in the women's should now retain the title they having been completed, there list, and new names in this list won for the first time last year, has been very little table tennis are _Daphne Russell (7), Susan providing the form of Karl activity on which to report. The Harrison (9) and Vicki Landles Bl:Jshell, Norman Swift, Mark second half of the Northum­ (10). Curtis and John Paul does not berland League season There is also little change in tumble. commenced on Jan. 7, and only the boys' list, with Blackman Brian Hamilton reports from.... The Oxford and District league the junior Countyteam were due obviously still leading the way at have, for the first time th is to play'a match that month - at the top, but John Morton (11): OXFORDSHIRE season, introduced the one point home to Cleveland on Jan. 26. J. Hope (13) and M. Christie (14) ARTHUR BACK ON TOP per set system and after the first Unfortunately news of have entered the ran kings for the The pack of players at the top of seven or eight matches, large Thomas Blackman's tremendous first time. The situation regard­ the county rankings were shuffled gaps have appeared between performance in the Beneficial ing the girls remains critical, somewhat recently, with Arthur teams from the top to bottom Trust English Junior Closed at with only three players - Clare Chilvers getting the No. 1 spot places in the tables. It can be Hinckley on Dec. 5/16 failed to Mouzon, Denise Wilkinson and J back, which he lost to Clive said that certain teams are in the reach me in time for the January Elaine Hopper - included in the Morris at the start of the current wrong division to start with, but issue deadline, but there is no ranking list, and all three will be season. this may not be entirely the case. doubt that to reach the semi­ over age next season. The first Arthur moves up from 3 to 1 However, it would be interesting final unseeded was easily a cadet boys' list of the season has and Clive drops to No.2, after to get the impressions from lifetime best for the blond left­ been issued, and this is as Arthur defeated Clive in the members of other leagues, who hander. He disposed of the follows: league and again in the final of have used the system for a much ranked Paul Savins of Berkshire the District Champ,ionships. longer period than Oxford. for the third time this season in CADET BOYS Norman Swift drops from 2 to 4, 1. Darren Shaw One very sad piece of news for the last 16, and this put him into 2. Michael Curry being overtaken by both Arthur the County, is that ofthe proposed the quarters to face the England 3. Simon Douglas and Neil Harris, who goes up to 4. M. Armstrong retirement of the No.1 woman in No.4, Adrian Di?

NORTH OF SCOTLAND OPEN, Aberdeen, 2.12.84. History repeated itself twice over at this year's NORTH when. for the second season in suc­ Denis George reports from.... cession the Men's Singles crown went to a first time winner in SCOTLAND West of Scotland's Ian McLean. Just twelve months ago Edin­ ROYAL BANK TROPHY burgh's David Campbell similarly The annual junior international claimed his first ever senior matches with Northern Ireland singles title. The second repeti­ for the ROYAL BANK TROPHY tion followed from the fact that were held at the Bishopbriggs McLean, as a junior, also won his Sports Centre, Glasgow, on first championship in Aberdeen. 23.11.84 and resu'lted in a first Sarah Hurry achieved a unique time win for our boys and our treble, winning the Women's girls winning for the third time in JAPAN IN SCOTLAND- Masako Fukutome and Atsuko Wada with Singles, the Giris' Singles and Dave Hannah and John Broe. a row. The Ulster youngsters the Open Cadet Singles. were mainly new to the inter­ (Photo: B. D. George) MEN'S SINGLES: Semi-finals: national scene, in consequence C. Gerrard bt I. Stokes 18. 11; the greater ,experience of the I. McLean bt J. Graham 13. 20. Final: Scots was the telling factor. McLEAN bt Calum Gerrard 17. 14. BOYS: SCOTLAND 7. NORTHERN IRELAND 1 WOMEN'S SINGLES: David Low bt Michael Ferrin 1,7. 8; Final Group: 1. SARAH HURRY. 2. Patricia Gordon Cummings bl Brian Rutledge 18, 18; Calder VETERANS' SINGLES: Gordon Waddell bl Peter Robinson 18. 14; Ian Stokes lost to Andrew Dennison ·12. 16. -18; Final: JOHN LOW bt Jim Milne 18. 21. Cummings bl Ferrin 12. 16; BOYS' SINGLES: Final: IAN STOKES bt David low 18. 18. Low bl Rutledge 15. 10; GIRLS' SINGLES: Stokes bl Robinson 15. -20. 14; Final Group: HURRY. 2. Calder. Waddell bl Dennison 17. 14. OPEN CADET SINGLES: GIRLS: SCOTLAND B. NORTHERN IRELAND 0 Final: HURRY bt Martin Shields 18. 20. Maureen Cusick bl Athena Gallagher 9.2: MEN'S DOUBLES: linda Hood bl Noreen O'Soyle 15. 6; Final: GRAJiAM/GERRARD bt McLean/Stokes Sarah Hurry bl Grace Matthews 12. 6; -16.10. lB. Patricia Calder bl Kirsteen StaHord 12. 25: Hood bl Gallagher 8. 8; MONKLANDS 2-STAR OPEN, Cusick bl O'Soyle 8. 14; Coatbridge, 16.12.84. Calder bl Matthews 5. 16; Hurry bl Stafford 16. 1. Once again this popular tour­ nament, sponsored by Monklands WEST OF SCOTLAND 2-Star District Council. attracted a OPEN, Bellahouston S.C., JAPAN IN SCOTLAND number of top players from Eng­ Glasgow. 24.11.84. Mr. Ogata (NPC), Hirohiko Ono and Yoshikazu Murakami. land and the Swiss European (Photo: B. D. George) John Broe, aft'er his good form League squad stopped over from in the STIRLINGSHIRE OPEN their match on the previous earlier in the month, won his first evening in order to boost the title of the season with a 2­ quality 'of the entry. straight final win over David David Hannah made up for his Mcilroy, whilst Carole Dalrymple semi-final loss in the Stirling­ won her third with a similar win shire Open earlier in the season over Janet Smith. Surprise of the by convincingly sweeping aside tournament was Jim Graham's all opposition to retain the Men's defeat of Richard Yule in Round Singles title, defeating Nigel 3, achieved by fierce attacks Eckersley in the semi-final and interspersed with his more usual Alan Cooke in the Final. Richard defensive play. Yule having beaten Thomas Busin The young N. Ireland squad on in the quarters, lost to Cooke in their annual visit to Glasgow the semis. maintained their record of win­ Alison Gordon had no trouble ning at least one WEST title each in winning the Women's Singles season with Peter Robinson tak­ from Beatrice Witte (SUI). The ing the Boys' Singles. Sarah Hurry MONKLAND 2-STAR OPEN Swiss squad obtained some con­ (Stirling) continued her success Men's Singles Winner DAVID HANNAH. solation for their lack of success story with yet another double in (Photo: B. D. George) in the singles by taking both the Junior and Cadet Girls' doubles titles. T. Busin and S. events. Renold won the Men's and MEN'S SINGLES Semi-finals: Beatrice Witte and B. Hirzel the J. Broe bt J. Graham 17. -18. 19; women·s. D. Mcilroy bt M. Francis -16. 15. 18. MEN'S SINGLES: Final: BROE bt Mcilroy 14. 18. Quarter-fina's: WOMEN'S SINGLES A Cooke bt J. Broe 18. 13; Semi-finals: R. Yule bt T. Busin (SUI) 20. ·14. 15; C. Dalrymple bt V. Thomson 6. 9; N. Eckersley bt S. Renold (SUI) 17. 13: J. Smith bt P. Fleming 16, -17. 21. D. Hannah bt D. Mcilroy 15. 12. Final: DALRYMPLE bt Smith 14. 14. Semi-finala: OPEN CLASS 2 SINGLES: Cooke bt Yule 15. 16; Final: GERRY CAMPBELL bt Andrew Dennison Hannah bt Eckersley 18. 17. 14.19, Finel: BOYS' SINGLES: HANNAH bt Cooke 18. 18. Final: PETER ROBINSON bt Dennison 17. 17. WOMEN'S SINGLES: GIRLS' SINGLES: SemHinela: Final: SARAH HURRYbt Linda Hood-19. 15. 15. A Gordon bt B. Hirzel (SUI) 21. 14; CADET BOYS' SINGLES: B. Witte (SUI) bt E. Mcilroy 16. 15. Final: MARTIN SHIELDS bt Christopher Woess Final: GORDON bt Witte 14. 13. 12.18, CLASS 2 SINGLES: CADET GIRLS' SINGLES: Finel: IAN STOKES bt David Thomas 14. 18. Final: HURRY bt Lorraine Anderson 6. 12. OPEN JUNIOR SINGLES: MEN'S DOUBLES: Finel: STOKES bt Martin Shields Final: MciLROY/B. WRIGHT bt C. Gerrard/J. MONKLANDS 2-S,TJ\R OPEN OPEN CADET SINGLES: Graham -17.19.18. Women's Singles Winner Alison Gordon, presented with her Finel: CHRISTOPHER WOESS bt Shields. WOMEN'S DOUBLES: MEN'S DOUBLES: finol: DALRYMPLEIL JOHNSTON bt Thomsonl cheque by tournament organiser Jim Graham. Finel: BUSIN/RENOLD bt Hannah/K. Rodger 17. Fleming -17.14.18. (Photo: B. D. George) ·20.11. 31 County Notes

WOMEN'S DOUBLES: and Carole Dalryrrlple beating fought back from an opening Langford was in fine form to take Final: HIRZEL/WITTE bt V. Thomson/P. Fleming 17. 19. Masako Fukutome. With the reverse against Spencer to win two of his three. scoreline at 2-all, Yule went the second at 20 and trounce the S.T.T.A. SENIOR Russell lost to M. Meredith -14. 17. -13; down' fighting to Ono in a set Londoner in the third to end the CLASSIFICATION TOURNA­ Herbert lost to P. Bumpus -12. -12: which produced some fantastic match on a high note for Grove, Langford bt D. Fox 17. 1J; MENT, Meadowbank, Edinburgh, Herbert lost to Meredith -6. -15; long range rallies and thunder­ who won 5-3. 5.1.85. Russell/Langford lost to Meredith/Bumpus -17. ous applause from a capacity -15; Unfortunately Hannah had to Russell bt Fox 19. 15; audience. THIRD WEST Langford bt Bumpus -19. 16. 14; withdraw with a leg strain thus SCOTLAND v JAPAN in Edinburgh. Herbert bt Fox 8. 18; denying Broe the chance to re­ Langford lost to Meredith -13. 19. -18; 14.1.85. John Ellis made a dream start peat his Stirling success. How­ Broe lost to Inoue -19. -12; Russell lost to Bumpus -16. -12. Hannah lost to Ono -18. -17; to his career in the National ever the day long play in groups Dalrymple lost to Atsuko Wada -9. -19; League, when he won both his of eight provided much useful Hannah lost to Inoue -14. -13; TELFORD LEAGUE (Div. I) Broe lost to Ono -22. -5. sets to help give Grove II their information on the current stan­ The season's halfway mark SCOTLAND v JAPAN in Glasgow. first win of the season. dard of the top Scottish players. has been reached and it looks as 15.1.85. The Market Drayton side beat Yule and Carole Dalrymple head­ Yule lost to Inoue -18. -19; though four teams in division Hannah lost to Ono -13. -16; Global, Plymouth 6-2. ed the ir respective first categor­ one will be contesting the title. Dalrymple bt Masako Fukutome 19. 15; The match started well for ies without loss. Hannah bt Inoue -16. 18. 17; All four have lost one match Yule lost to Ono -12. -18. Drayton with Stan Deakin re­ Final Classification (Top Ten): and the eventual outcome could covering from an opening deficit MEN: WELSH OPEN, Cardiff, be decided on sets. 1. Richard Yule to beat Tony Sweet. 2. John Bore 16/19.1.85. Burnhill Tarmac A beat Glyn­ The scores were soon level as 3. David Mcilroy Scottish successes were con­ wed 8-2. M. Langford was un­ 4. Anwar Majid luckless Keith Sillitoe fell to 5. Graeme Docherty fined to the team events where beaten for the Tarmac side: T. Plymouth's Gary Wilson. Joe 6. Brian Wright the men (Hannah and Broe) de­ Jones beat Deakin 15 in the 7. Ian McLean Deakin emulated his brother to 8. Ian Stokes feated Luxembourg 3-0 and the third, while G. White won the give Grove the lead once again 9. Calum Gerrard women (J. Smith and L. John­ two sets for Glynwed. 10. David Low as he demolished Kevin Buddell. ston) beat Wales /I 3-1 before Broseley A beat bottom team WOMEN: The vital fourth set saw 15­ 1. Carole Dalrymple losing to Sweden and Korea GPO B 8-2, M. Beaman winning year-old Ellis making his debut 2. Janet Smith respectively. his three for the Broseley side. R. 3. Diane Greig as a "supersub". He was deputis­ 4. Lynn Johnston Holding beat B. Edwards and A. NORWEGIAN TRAGEDY ing for the injured David Morris. 5. Eleanor Mcilroy Grainger beat N. Maycock. 6. Sarah Hurry All in Scotland were very Young John rose to the 7. Valerie Thomson Burnhill Tarmac B managed to shocked to learn of the tragic occasion to give Michael Short a 8. Elizabeth Robb grab a point at Glynwed thanks 9. Maureen Cusick death of Tone Folkeson in Spain. lesson in top spin play. 10. Lynne Davren to S. Cullis and H. Hunt. Cullis She visited Scotland in 1981 Grove were now 3-1 ahead won three and Hunt two., CLEVELAND 3-Star OPEN, and several of our players renew­ and they had anotherwin as Stan Top team Shifnal A were held Thornaby, 12/13.1.85. ed acquaintance with her at a Deakin retained his form to beat to a draw by Albrighton A so arch The Scottish mens' team of training camp in Luxembourg Wilson. rivals Telford Development A Hannah and Mcilroy provided last summer. Sillitoe, despite his usual take over the top spot. the shock of the tournament by spirited effort, fell to Short. Joe P. Fisher was the mainstay for inflicting a first ever defeat on an Deakin beat Sweet and this left the Albrighton team as he won England team 3-1 in the semi­ Welshman Ellis to meet Buddel/. his three yet again, with D. finals of the team event with Gerald Green reports from .... Ellis purred like a Rolls-Royce Russell and R. Fettes each win­ Hannah defeating both Graham in overdrive to give a smooth nipg one. Sandley and David Wells. The performance which underlined SHROPSHIRE Tel Dev A had an easier time at Scots were not disgraced by a 1­ his tremendous talent as Buddell Burnhill Tarmac C winning 7-3 3 defeat by Japan in the Final, was overwhelmed. Grove well Hannah beating Hirohiko Ono 17 REMARKABLE FIGHTBACK deserved their 6-2 win. even thou'gh M. Jones was miss­ and 19. Earlier on they had de­ ing from the Telford side. Burnhill Tarmac A hammered feated Ormesby II and Canada, Steve Turner, playing his first SHROPSHIRE RANKINGS both 3-1. match of the season in the No.1 GPO A 8-2 thanks to the efforts spot, masterrriinded a remark­ The NMW computer ranking of M. Langford and G. Rose who SCOTTISH AMICABLE able fightback by Grove of lists for Shropshire put Grove won three each and combined to CHALLENGE MATCHES Market Drayton in their home player Malcolm Green at the top win the doubles. Immediately after the Cleve­ match againstTibhar Larkhall in of the men's section and clubmate land Open the japanese squad the premier division of the Halex AI ison Gibson at the top of the TOURNAMENTS travelled north to play two mat­ National League. women's division. Grove player David Morris was ches against Scotland in Edin­ Grove made a great start when The top 10 players in each in superb form in the English burgh, and Glasgow. The visit Turner's splendid attitude saw section are: junior closed at Hinckley, when MEN: Malcolm Green (Grove). Paul Barnett (Grove). was sponsored by the SCOTTISH him record a win over an un­ Keith Sillitoe (Grove). Anthony Harrison (Grove). he reached the latter stages of AMICABLE Life Assurance predictable Richard Jermyn. Ian Baker (Shrew). David Morris (Grove). Justin the under-14 singles. The Drayton Goodall (Grove). Darrell Corfield (Pont). Gerry Society to whom the Scottish But matters turned rather sour Owen (Oswestry). Tim McGill (Grove). player recorded excellent wins TTA is most grateful for their for Grove when Alan Fletcher fell BOYS: 1. Morris. 2. Goodall. 3. Corfield. 4. McGill. over David Bevan, of Cornwall, 5. David Williams (Grove). 6. Simon Cooper interest and support. The match, to David Dodd, Malcolm Green (Grove). 7. Robert Holding (Telford). 8. Nigel and Robert Till, of Staffordshire, in Edinburgh was treated as the lost to Gary Spencer and Anwar Holding (Telford). 9. Ian Garrett(Pont). 10. Matthew before losing to the eventual Jeffrey (Grove). first event in the celebration of Majid suffered at the hands of CADET BOYS: 1. Cooper. 2. David Morris(Grove). finalist, Michael O'Driscoll, of the Edinburgh & Lothians TT Joe Kennedy. 3. Jeffrey. 4. Adrian Phillips (Pont). 5. Neil Martin Yorkshire. (Grove. 6. Chris Day(Pont). 7. PauICorfield(Pont). League's 50th Anniversary and Grove trailed 3-1 and matters 8. Paul Brown (Grove). 9. Paul Ainsworth (Grove). Claire Potts, of Grove, reached many of their internationalists seemed to be heading towards 10. Peter Giles (Grove). the fina I of the cadet girls' WOMEN: 1. Alison Gibson (Grove). 2. Alison from the past were invited to an inevitable defeat. Barker(Grove). 3. Julie Ballard (Grove). 4. Colette singles losing to her arch rival attend including Ross Young, Turner then met Dodd who Soan (Grove).' 5. Carol Wickstead (Grove). 6. Andrea Holt in a high quality Dawn Wickstead (Grove). 7. Cheryl Jones Alec Laidlaw and the famous won the first. But Turner was (Oswestry). 8. Audrey Barnett (Grove). 9. Victoria encounter. ladies' duo of the 'fifties: Helen able to fight his way back to run Boyd (Grove). 6. Nicola Thorneycroft (Grove). 7. The competition broug ht out Caroline Ashcroft (Grove). 8. Tara Hanley (Grove). (Elliot) Hamilton and Helen out a winner. 9. Johanna Dyke (Grove). 10. Louise Townsend the best in Claire as she upset (Houliston) Nicholl. The Japanese Fletcher showed his deter­ (Grove). the form book and the seedings CADET GIRLS: 1. Barnett. 2. Boyd. 3. Ashcroft. 4. proved to be too strong and won mination to beat Kennedy and Hanley. 5. Dyke (Grove). 6. Townsend. 7. Claire to beat Cumbria's Debbie Soot­ the match 5-0. level the match score at 3-3. Marshall (Grove) 8. Anne-Marie Williamson hill, with a tremendous display of (Grove). 9. Laura Talbot. (Grove). 10. Jane Roddy The following evening at Bella­ In typical style, Green rose to (Grove). attacking play to reach the semi­ houston S.C., Glasgow, before the occasion and, playing above final of the girls' singles. MIDLAND LEAGUE the cameras of STV, the Scots himself, recorded a win over put up a spirited performance to Jermyn. The Telford side of D. Russell, claw back a 0-2 deficit with The amazing escape was M. Langford and W. Herbert lost Hannah beating Takehiro Inoue finally completed as Majid 6-4 at home to Loughborough. ~2 County Notes

Tony Carey reports from .... Junior coaching set-up over the with some tournaments we have strengthen their current posi­ past four to five years and know­ attende<;j over the years. It was tion. Both results to my mind are SOMERSET ing out potential strength in this the emphasis on the welfare of important. The first (discounting area in relation to our near the players which impressed me any fluke results on the day, as SPRING IS ON ITS WAY neighbours and some distant, I most with the provision of five we have seen in the past) can Apologies to all who missed my feel that the time has come to good quality practice tables in a give confidence to the young column in the January issue, but see if our ducklings can swim in separate room with a relaxed player that their playing style is time and the post waits for no deep waters. This should serve attitude to knocking-up on on the right lines and provide man as I discovered. Still, let's as a two-fold purpose, the first unoccupied tables in the main further motivation to achieve not worry about the past, let's giving experience and con­ hall providing they did not inter­ their goal. The second also is a look forward to the future of our fidence to the survivors and fere with matches. As some of confidence builder in the fact County on the Senior and Junior secondly, providing adequate my readers will know, the lack of that they have not lost ground scene. Putting the Sen iors first replacements for the inevitable adequate' knocking-up has and that they also are on the for a change, things seem to be r. Jmber of players that find other always been a sore point with right lines for the future, provid­ working out fine for them with pursuits when their Junior days me and I know that it is not ing they are constantly seeking barring any unforeseen slip-ups are over and they find they are always possible to provide such improvement. That said, back to they should win their division. little fish in big ponds. There will facilities at every venue. Some the action. Their latest match on Dec. 15 be some I am sure who will make players can exist on a very Once again Somerset had a against Glamorgan away was the transition at a smoother rate minimum of knock-up time and fair representation on bo'th days. hard fought as we expected, but as they are competing at a higher play quite well, but others like In the Cadets we had Paul Smith our team's new-found tenacity level already. More strength to top class athletes have to get and Joanna Webber of Bridg­ pulled them through 6-4. Well their elbows as long as they their rhythm right to give of their water, also Tina Sadler of Yeovil, pl,ayed all and keep that momen­ don't come across their bodies. best, which, after travelling con­ gaining a well-earned invitation, tum going fot your next match The subject of ex-Juniors siderable distances, is essential and from the information that I against Cornwall as they also brings me neatly into my next to justify their entry in the com­ received from this first day, they breed tenacity and skilled report, the Chilton Open Under­ petition. Another good point all played to their best abilities. players as we have found to our 21 Tournament. This tournament about this tournament apart from Although they did not set the cost in the past. shone as a beacon lighting the the video screens in the refresh­ world alight they showed that Our latest lesson being learnt way into the future for players ment rooms, was the good tim­ they will get better as the season by' our Juniors in their match who on reaching the age of 17 ing of events with a set lunch goes on and cause a few upsets. held at Chard n Dec. 1, a match find that after treading the weary break. The second day saw in action which we had to win to stand a path of Cadets and Junior tour­ Back to the competition again, Somerset's top two girls and resonable chance of promotion naments suffering varying some good matches at all levels boys, Melonie Carey, Sarah this season. All the signs looked successes and disappointments with Somerset's lone represen­ Webb, Philip Payne and Murray good as our No. 1 boy Philip on the gentle slope to their peak, tative Melonie reaching the Barter from Bridgwater. All the Payne and our No. 2 Murray discover overnight that this semi-final before losing, to groups they played in were of a Barter were still on a high cloud slope becomes a sheer rock face Andrea Holt, the eventual very strong standard as was to be from their good display in the without a hand-hold or ledge in winner. expected. We therefore had no Regional Trials at Launceston sight and a chill wind blowing Next big event was the pretensions of glory, only a quiet against the same opponents, but down on them to cool their English Junior Closed at confidence that if they all played I am afraid that their high clouds enthusiasm. Well lads and Hinckley. On the first day our to their potential on the day were hit by a Cornish thunder­ lasses the first toe-hold has been leading Cadets, Paul Smith, things could start to come right, storm with thunderbolts that chipped out for you by the Joanna Webber, Tina Sadler and and indeed it did for Melonie and shook the very foundations of success of this tournament. I Claire Brazier were in action with Philip. The temperature outside Somerset hopes of the Juniors hope that all who took part have varying successes, the major may have been on the wintry emulating the Seniors. Our pride already spread the good word honou'rs going to Paul who side but it certainly was scorch­ was saved once again, as in the and that we will have more reached the 3rd round. On the ing on the tables inside. Giving past, by our No. 1 and 2 girls entries next time. Sunday it was the Juniors' turn to the boys the first mention for a Melonie Carey and Sarah Webb The conditions and timing compete and the Somerset con­ change and trying not to draw winning their singles and throughout the day were very tingent were Melonie Carey, too many comparisons regarding doubles to make the score look good as expected when run by Sarah Web,b, Philip Payne, styles of play. Barter played as more respectable at 7-3 to the efficient Somerset con­ Murray Barter and David well as I have seen him in the Cornwall, Melonie beating tingent under the experienced Wooldridge. All had varying for­ past, but as is well known, he Esmee Stevenson and Sarah hand of Pat Archdale as Referee. tunes in their respective can be unpredictable in his play, beating Karen Brosneck. Well With a group system operating in matches meeting very keen this I feel he could not afford to played Cornwall and good luck both the mixed and the ladies' opposition, but nothing out­ be with the class of players in his when you get promoted. events, there were equal oppor­ standing to report this time. Just group. Still, all is not lost as he All is not gloom and doom tunities for individuals to shine, a small plug here though for one had vital experience for the though as the Senior squad is and for the much forgotten of the good girls from our next­ future. Philip's play on the other getting stronger under the young ladies, this presented an door-neighbours, Avon. I refer to hand was the best I have seen generalship of Tony Russe. Also, ideal opportunity for them to dis­ Helen Perrott who reached the from him, he doesn't like losing; with the addition of a second play their skilful play against third round before going out in a two of his most notable wins Senior team competing in the some of the best young men on a tense three-game set with Juliet being against Richard Hayward same division, there has been a stage where they can be recog­ Houghton from Kent. Well and Paul Savins. He applied him­ good training ground for our top nised. I know they compete very played all who took part and with self to his tasks well, coming out boys and girls to show their well in their local Leagues but all this talent on display it is a top of his group. My one con­ potential for the future and to without an audience to appre­ credit to the English coaching structive criticism must be that develop their game to a higher ciate that they can play very well. system, and is an encouraging he doesn't hit enough of the standard which will be required This added to the entertainment sign that the game's future is in loose balls; other than that, well to support the Senior first team for the spectators, although I good hands. played Philip. in their quest for gre'ater success. doubt if the male players who Now to the girls. Sarah played Without looking through rose lost to a lady would not quite see ENGLISH JUNIOR TRIALS to her potential but met very coloured glasses I believe this it that way; even some that won AT COVENTRY, experienced opponents in her season could be the springboard against a lady or young girl cer­ JANUARY 5/6, 1985 group with Helen Broomhead that we have been seeking. Our tainly knew they had been given Once againt the cream of being the key figure and coming Juniors though will require some a good game. English Cadet and Junior talent good. Last, but by no means careful thinking about, mainly Now the pen is flowing, what assembled to do battle with the least, I will mention Melonie. with regard to the format to be other news is there. Well the car rewards for success being those Well readers you know that- I adopted for the rest of this has done a few more miles, the much sought after, Computer have extolled the virtues of her season. longest being to the Halton points, which if gained can play in the past with her triumphs Having myself been in con­ Junior 2-Star at Runcorn. This irrlprove a player's position on and disappointments with all the stant touch with the County proved a revelation compared the National Ranking List or frustrations that go with them. 33 County Notes

'But this day it all faded into the December. Coaching secretary can also report that the 'old men' Cheryl at No. 11 in the cadet list past as she proceeded to open Graham Povey reported on a of Stafford have won their second and Richard, who eventually lost up the memory banks on all the successful weekend attended by match having been a member of to Bradley Billington, is also past years of coaching and let 24 juniors and 10 coaches. the team myself, so they may be No.11. her bat describe the patterns of October 19/20 next season has a force to be reckoned with. Pernett beat the winner of the play required for the various been mentioned as the date for (Having been a veteran for more group, but lost to Richard and on opponents in her group. It made the next Lilleshall We.ekend. years than I care to remember, games count back finished 3rd, a change just to offer a drink and Entry forms are now available it's ridiculous how young some so didn't qualify for the remain­ a talk about the weather. She for the County Closed and most of the vets. seem these days!). der of the tournament and is now won her group outright without league representatives have Stone are strongly placed in Div. ranked at No. 21 . The other boy dropping a game and then had a them. Closing date for entries is 5 following a 10-0 thrashing of who played was G. Connolly nail-biting 3 game set with Lisa March 7th. Ring me on Stafford Li.chfield 'D' and a convincing 9­ (75). Also in the list is Robins only clinching it at 82201 3 for information or further 1 win over West Bromwich 'B'. J. Krzystniak (89), J. Hole (91). "deuce" inthethird. This ledtoa forms. Juniors quarter final match with Andrea The projected date for the Lesley Popkiewicz must have Holt of Lancashire, the No.1 Hard Bat Tournament is May been disappointed not to qualify Cadet. They have battled 11 tho Walsall, Stone, Stafford, for the last 16 from a seeded together in the past but none Potteries, Lichfield and Tamworth Frank Hams reports from .... position in her group. Sh~ isnow matched this encounter which have agreed to take part and ranked at No. 16. Claire Brooks went to 3 games with Andrea agreement is still awaited from SURREY also failed to qualify and is now making a great recovery to win Wolverhampton, Leek, West MIDDLESEX 3-STAR OPEN ranked ·at No. 24. 21 -1 8. The end of a very long day Bromwich and Cannock. Each For some reason or another for Melonie, with the consola­ league will enter six players- we At the Middlesex Open, Surrey's Deborah Simmonds (No. 41 ) wa~ tion to ease the tiredness of a need a full entry in order to make most successful players in terms not invited to the tournament. leap up the ranking list from 29 up the required groups - and the of points gained on the com­ Other players on the list are to 14 and with the best win of individual winner will be awarded puter, were Mike Hammond and Cheryl Bateman (50) and Karen her career to date in her group the Turner Trophy and the Beattie Michele Hams. Mike made a big Wilde (70). In the boys' section against Jill Powis, England's No. Trophy will go to the league irnpact by beating 3 higher Martin Lowe was the on Iy one to 2 Junior. winning the most matches within ranked players and these wins qualify to play in the tournament. the groups. The tournament will now take him to No. 40 in the In his group he lost every set be held at the GEC St. Leonards latest list. Michele beat 2 higher except the last when he beat Sports and Social Club, Stafford ranked players and is now Thomas Blackman, a highly­ Jack Chalkley reports from.... and will follow the same form·at elevated to No. 24 in the ranked boy. Martin is now No. as the very successful event women's list. Other Surrey 76. Other boys in the list are M. STAFFORDSHIRE staged by the Stafford league. players who gained points were Pernett (34), R. Jones (5), Brian and Allen Garroway, Rue Andrew Davies (63). SENIOR CALL FOR RACHEL Staffordshire juniors perform­ Bole and David Harding. Also Congratulations to Stafford's ed creditably at the recent competing were Mark Oakley, SOUTHERN (DIS) COMFORT Rachel Roberts on being selected National Ranking Tournament in Glen Baker, Steve Holloway, In the Southern region for the Welsh senior table tennis Coventry. Pride of place goes to Selwyn Walmsley, Graham veterans' tournament Surrey squad to play in the Welsh Open. Jill Powis who finished 2nd Bateman and Melville Taylor but had two semi-finalists in Gordon She has already played three amongst the girls. Adrian Dixon I haven't their results to hand. Chapman, who was beaten in the times for the Welsh junior team, maintained his form by gaining I only heard one of Mike's sets 3rd by Derek Schofield; and but this is the first time she has 4th place in the boys. Other and that 'was against Andrew "Connie" Warren who beat been called up for sen ior duty. positions were:- Richard Haywar.d Dodd. His characteristic sound Henry Buist in the 3rd. My head­ Amongst other Stafford names in 16th, Kevin Lawrence 22 nd, accompaniment and fist waving ing for this article relates to the the news is Bill Bridgeman, who Stephen Slater 45th, Angela were there for all to observe. The final where "Connie" was is now playing regularly for Trades Sanders 14th and Helen Lower match officials didn't object, but thoroughly uncomfortable and Labour in the local league, 22nd. These positions mean a when his opponent began to against Derek losing 2 straight, helping them to 'maintain an un­ good deal more than the com­ mimic him it appeared that he, at although in the preceding sets beaten record at the top of pilations of the computer ranking least, was being distracted. Any­ he had looked completely at Division 1. Bill's name is now list, and our congratulations go way at table tennis, Mike won 2 ease. The only other Surrey going forward to the ranking to all of them. straight, and in the mimicking player to get through the groups committee at County level and Stafford'A' and Potteries'A' game, Andrew looked' like a was Graham Brown; He then lost hopefully he will join the band of have started strongly in Div. 1 of punch drunk boxer. in the first - round. Brian committed players willing toturn the County League. With the In the women's groups Jane Simmonds and myself couldn't out regularly for the County. In league starting late In the season, Barella found Sara Sandley in even progress that far. "Connie" second place is the RAF team led only two matches have been good form but th is was the on Iy also played in the restricted by County-ranked Bob Murray, played up to the time of writing. set she lost. Deborah Simmonds singles (restricted to players and it will be surprising if either Stafford's wins have been against tried hard but found 3 senior ranked below 30) and beat of these teams are displaced Walsall'A' (6-4) and Leek 'A' (8­ women too difficult. A. Rowden in the final. So a very from their current positions. I am 2) and Potteries gained their JUNIOR ENGLISH RANKING successful day for him despite sorry to report that Dave Roberts, points at the expense of Leek (7­ TOURNAMENT his defeat against Derek. I would Rachel's father, has been in 3) and West Bromwich 'A' (6-4). Cadets imagine that when a new ranking hospital for an operation. Dave is Wolverhampton 'A' have sur­ Cheryl Bateman and Richard list is compiled he \iVon't be able a stalwart in junior coaching in prisingly dropped points by losing Jones were the pick of Surrey's to play in a restricted event Stafford and plays a major role in to West Bromwkh 7-3. Wolver­ 'cadets in this tournament, Cheryl again. the Staffordshire Schools hampton' B' isthe only team with winning her group, and only los­ It was good to see Graham at Association. We wish him a a 100% record in Div. 2, with ing in the last eight, to the even­ the tournament. I have heard that speedy recovery. wins over Lichfield 'A' (8-2) and tual winner, Andrea Holt. In the one or two veterans in Surrey are Congratulations also to recent Stafford 'B' (6-4), and this division recent Surrey junior tournament wondering why they haven't winners of the Halex Proficiency looks a,s though it will be closely Cheryl played very well and of been considered for the County Awards. Top Gold Awards went contested. On the other hand, the sets I watched was my "girl side. Well unless we see them at to Stephen Slater and Kirk Walsall 'B' are well ahead in Div. of the day". If she gets the con­ tournaments, getting experi­ Roberts of the Potteries and to 3 with big wins over Tamworth fidence from these results and ence, and letting me know they Ian Hodgetts of Tamworth and 'A' (10-0) and Potteries Ladies manages to keep her nerves are interested by being there, it Silver Awards went to Richard (9-1). WolVerhampton 'D' is the under control, I'm sure she has a will be very difficult for them to Clark, John Moston, Darren only side to have won two great future. What I have said break into the team. Winning Keogh, Dean Ellis, Mark Gwilt, matches in Div. 4, but in this about Cheryl applies equally to games in league table tennis is David Graham and Darren Stokes. smaller division Lichfield 'B' and Richard (except that Matthew much easier than winning at The- awards were won, at the Stafford Veterans also have 100% Pernett was my "boy of. the County level. Lilleshall Weekend held in records after only one match - I day"). These results now rank I have managed to persuade 34 County Notes

Gordon to make his debut in the be creating a great deal of Laurie Selby reports from ...... Paul Tuck was in fine form for County veterans' team and hope­ interest and massive entries for Swindon and won all his sets in fully this will enable us to climb the 3-star and some 2-star straight games. away from the bottom of the tournaments. WILTSHIRE Swindon meet the winners of table. Now that "Connie" is ping­ Several Sussex players have the South Devon v Launceston ing more regularly perhaps he been travelling one way and then match in the next round. BRIAN'S DRAMATIC ROLE will also agree to play. Gordon is the other like a yo-yo. Sussex Scores: (Plymouth names now the highest ranked veteran champion Stephen Moore shot fi rst):­ What started off as an evening of in Surrey, at No.7 in the latest up to an exalted 22nd spot in Neil Crook lost to Ian Neate -13, -10; chaos and confusion turned into Adrian Sainsbury bt Raymond Powell 14, -17,19; Lentec list. Other players in the November and then came down Sean Gaylard lost to Paul Tuck -9, -13, triumph for the Wiltshire senior list are F. Hams (44), Brian Sim­ to 32 on the December list. Sainsbury bt Neate 20, 21; team. Crook lost to Tuck -7, -11; monds (49) and John Garland Possibly the most consistent Gaylard lost to Powell -18, -19; And the hero was Swindon's (94). Sussex player at the moment is Sainsbury lost to Tuck -17, -18, Brian Powell who literally Gaylard lost to Neate 14, -15, -18; Phil Smith who has made steady Crook lost to Powell -17, -16. GRAHAM SPICER stepped into the team at the last progress in the right direction But the Swindon girls' side, TABLE TENNIS CLUB minute and played a dramatic and is now No. 45. entertaining Reading, went down The Graham Spicer Club at role in Wiltshire's 9-1 victory Not so happy is Graham Gillett 3-5 in the Bromfield Trophy. New Malden, is where some of over Hampshire. who has dropped 27 places to All Swindon's wins came from Surrey's cadets come along for Remarkably it was Wiltshire's 11 3 after fail ing to get his entry Jenny Neale who lost only one coaching by Peter Corner and first win in the County Champion­ accepted for the Middlesex game in the match. Fred Garbett. It also has a full ships and they desperately Open. He said it was in 14 days league programme particularly in needed the points in their battle before entries closed. The Scores: (Swindon names first):­ the Thames Vcdley League. The against relegation. Lorraine Cox lost to Mary Allan -14, -17; Middlesex organisers em­ Jenny Neale bt Yvonne Underwood 4, 9; smooth running of the fixture list But when one of the Wiltshire phatically deny that allegation Sue Vowles lost to Claire Plumridge -14, -10. and related matters is due to the players failed to arrived - his Neale bt Allan 15, 10; and say that about 35 entries Cox lost to Plumridge -10, -15; efforts of Greta Linter the present notification of the match went were returned but only those Vowles lost to Underwood -17, -14. club secretary. astray in the post - the home Neale bt Plumridge -13, 12, 15; which arrived in the last four Vowles lost to Allan 15, -10, -15. On Friday Dec. 14 the club side's chances looked slim. days before closing. Maybe the held a social evening where all Powell was phoned just as the posta I services between Sussex players and parents were invited. match started and he turned up and Middlesex are not what they During the evening a sponsored trumps with two brilliant victories should be. Les D'Arcy reports from.... event against the Stiga Robot in his singles. was held to raise funds for the The remedy is for players to Wiltshire had another stroke YORKSHIRE club. Each participant had 50 get their entries in early. I am of fortune when Hampshire's top shots to return to the robot and quite sure that early entries player had car trouble and Keith NEW IMPETUS was sponsored for each good stand little chance of being Donaldson, who was to be non­ Interest in playing at veteran return. The highest sponsored rejected and I cannot see any playing captain, found himself level is increasing throughout player was Daniel Dewar who way that this type of complaint in the side. the County. Strong teams from raised £43.40; Johnathon by the Gillett family at Bexhill can Ray Hughes scored his first Sheffield, Dewsbury and York Spoczynski raised over £35. The be handled at the new Regional victory for Wiltshire and, backed have given a new impetus to an overall total raised was nearly Development structure where I up by solid performances from ever growing movement. Several £200. Other events were for fun am told, the complaint is to be first team regulars Kevin of the vets are reaching new including a double snooker and laid. Looks more like a Cham­ Satchell, Claire Maisey and heights. of achievement and darts competition. A successful pionship Committee matter. Janet Parker, Wiltshire came players like Geoff Brook, Terry and enjoyable way of raising What I think is important is that away with an amazing victory. Curran, Stewart Milnes and funds. During the evening, a pre­ organisers are careful that only Scores: several others are quite capable sentation of a carriage clock was the late entries are thrown out Hughes lost to Graham Toole -18, -15; of extending the best non­ made by John Mowat, Trustee Powell bt Donaldson 14, 17; and retain envelopes with post­ Satchell bt Nicki Sinanan 11. 8; veterans in the County on their and former secretary of the club, marks to settle arguments. Maisey/Parker bt Jill Green/Barbara Clare 19, day. M ick Wadsworth came with­ to Peter Corner for his outstand­ 21. On the Sussex junior scene Satchell/Hughes bt Toole/Sinanan -17, 16. 13. in two points of defeating York­ ing services to the club which the Haywards Heath boys trio of Hughes bt Donaldson 13, -21.12; shire men's Champion, Steve include coaching and being a Parker bt Clarke -18. 19, 17; Paul Elphick, Martin Packham Satchell bt Toole 11. -19.16; Maisey bt Green Sharpe in an exciting inter-league past secretary over many years. and Patrick Street, all from the 11, 15; Powell bt'Sinanan 10. 14. match, recently. The other players mid-S~ussex SPONSORSHIP town, further proof continue to register outstanding In the next issue I hope to how a group of players playing Swindon girls kept the performances at almost every and practicing regularly can report on the Surrey Senior Wiltshire flag' "flying in the outing. improve each other' s play~ Closed Tournament. We are Berkshire inter-town competit­ One reason for the increased indebted to Cornilleau for the Rachel Mackriell will create a ion at Reading. popularity of veterans' table loan of the tables but at present record if she wins the all-Sussex They finished top of the table tennis is the prestige given to it charrlpionship at Worthing we are still waiting for other in the under 17 section without by the I.T.T.F. in organising and Leisure Centre on March 24. sponsorship. Even though as you dropping a match. promoting biennial World Then it will be five in a row and as read this the tournament has The Swindon girls - Lorraine Veterans' Championships and finished it's not too late to make she is now a Sussex resident Cox, Susan Vowles and Jenny more recently the formation of a donation. This also applies to with a teaching post at Bexhill, Neale - started off with a 4-2 win the Veterans' English T.T. Society the South of England 3-Star tour­ further records are possible, over Reading, followed up with a which just recently celebrated its nament which is being held at although Teresa Moore with an 6-0 victory over Maidenhead and first birthday. Secretary, Mike Farnborough on the Surrey/ England women's ranking of No. made sure of top spot by defeat­ Watts, Chairman, Derek Scho­ Hampshire border March 2/3. 25 will have other ideas. ing Newbury 5-1. field; Treasurer, Bill Moran; Pre­ Please speak to Norman Hooper After a season with Dolphins Jenny was in fine form and sident, Maurice Goldstein OBE., on 01-397 9533 who can'advise when they were based near finished the tournament unde­ and P.O. Officer, Gerry Batt­ how to help. Brighton, John Green the big­ feated. Rawden must be very happy with hitter from Coventry is back in Swindon boys' team marched how things are going, but no the National League, making a into the third round of the Carter doubt, would welcome some debut for Erreys Print in Div 3, Cup competition with a 7-2 new members from Yorkshire. John Woodford reports from .... South. victory over Plymouth. (See details re joining in VETTS England selectors' chairman In the end the visitors came Section). I recently took part in SUSSEX Peter Charters is an admirer of away with a comfortable victory two of the Society's events: the the Green technique and if John but they had their work cut out Midland Vets' Open in Coventry UNHAPPY GRAHAM could get a few more of those early on. and the Southern Tournament in explosive drives on the table he Swindon were pegged back to Brighton. Steve Nunn and Brook The ups and downs in the Lentec would be an even greater force 2-2 but then scooped up all the both played well in the former. computer rankings still seem to than he is. remaining sets. Steve won a silver in the 60+ 35 County' Notes

doubles and reached the quarters very useful to combination bat Former Leeds Veterans' Cha"m­ of the table. of the men's singles in the same players in his team which look on pion, Don Kelly and team mate Waddington's John Binks tops age group. Geoff's best perfor­ course for promotion to the David Clarke head Div. 3 averages Div. 6"B" followed by Brian Pine mance was to take Ron Etheridge, Premier Division. and help, give Lawnswood of Vickers Engineering. current English and World's 60+ In recent Yorkshire League Y. M.C.A. a four points lead as The Systime No.1 Ian Frazer, Champion to 19 in the third matches Wakefield players were division leaders. leads Div. 7 "A" averages with before going down in the 40+ in devastating form. Undaunted British Telecom's No.1, Terry just over 90% and YEB's Geoff restricted singles. The weather at being a man short for their Caine, leads the Div. 4 "B" Thompson is second on 87%. and distance probably kept my fixture against Hudders"field 2nd averages from Leeds Juniors/ In this division; however, the Yorkshire colleagues away from team, Trevor Watson and PhiJ Cadets coach John Stallard. two Polytechnic girls - Helen Brighton, but an invitation from Tomlinson made up the th'ree Veteran Fred Heath is enjoying Frost (1 00%) and Karen Brown Ron Etheridge to join him in the sets deficit to win 6-4, with each a successful time in Div. 5 "A". (83%) could well figure in the doubles proved too strong a taking three singles in the pro­ He is topping the list of aver­ final top 10, providing they play temptation for me. Stayed with cess. Wakefield's Veteran Cham­ ages with 95.83% havihg won enough of the remaining matches. Hon and his wife, Margaret, at pion, Keith Hurley joined the 23 out of 24 .sets. their home in' London on the men's 2nd team, at short notice, His closest rivals are John Another 100% player after the qualifying number of games is Saturday evening and enjoyed and gave them a tremendous Whitworth, David Walton, Trevor Adel Memorial Hall's David Watts, their first class hospitality. Was boost with three wins in the Hick and John Walker- all with who has a magnificent 30 out of pleased it wasn't trophy cleaning singles in a 7-3 win over Barn­ averages of over 80%. 30 and team-mate Keith Peers time. With over two hundred to sley 2nds. Neil Cafferty (2) and All three regular Bain Dawes has lost only two - a record polish it could have been quite a doubles with M ick Wood (1) players figure in the top 15 in shared with Jack Metcalfe, of task! This didn't seem to worry were also Wakefield scorers. Div. 5 "B" with their l\Jo. 1, John Rose Forgrove. Ron for he went on to collect two Wakefield Vets. produced the Dakin, so far undefeated. more gold medals -60 class same score line against Harro­ Div. 6 "A" players Dave Noutch, Div.8 has the only other 100% singles and doubles to add to gate Vets.' Graham Bailey won a Ian Sutcliffe and Mike Hodgson man in Steve Anischenko, 'from gold medals won at world, remarkable set in this match. 3­ all show in the top ten. They do Pudsey Dynamos, with Jack national and regional levels in 12 down in the first game he not figure higher than 80% but Burnett, Ian Moorhouse, Peter the last seven months - a remark­ came back to win 23-21 ; lost the their performances have helped Abbott and Andrew Sutcliffe all able achievement and a remark­ 2 nd, -1 2 then came back from to put their Calverley team on top turning in 80% plus. rlhlp. m;::ln 20-21 down to take the final SPOTLIGHT ON WAKEFIELD game from a bewildered Vic Smith who had scored 21 in each game Shock results occur in every and still lost against the tenacious league from time to time. Re­ Bailey. YORKSHIRE LEAGUE latively unknown players some­ The Wakefield League have Sponsored by Morte for Sport times defeat a higher ranked recently lost the services of their (LEADING POSITIONS) player, but when a player strugg­ enthusiastic young Yorkshire MEN'S PREMIER P W D L ST PT ling with the rest of his team League Match Secretary for the mates at the bottom of a local Harrogate 1 3 3 0 0 23 6 men's teams, Guy Rothery, who Bradford 1 3 3 0 0 league division defeats three of 23 6 has now moved to London to Sheffield 1 0033 20 6 the top city squad in one evening further his career. One of the then it is something special. youngest coaches in the County, MEN'S DIV. ONE P W D L ST PT Wakefield Champions, Youth 'A' Guy also played regularly in Leeds 1 3 3 o o 24 6 one of the strongest league sides Wakefield, Dewsbury and Leeds. Sheffield 2 3 2 1 o 19 5 Wakefield 1 3 2 in the county must have not been Another young coach and pro­ o 1 17 4 Harrogate 2 3 2 o 1 16 4 concerned about the absence of mising inter league player, nine­ Steve Sharpe for the match teen-year-old Neil Cafferty (Tel: MEN'S DIV. TWO P W D against lowly placed 'Avery' who L ST PT 0924 272380) is the man who Barnsley 1 3 3 o o 21 6 had not gained a point at the half takes over from Guy. Rotherham 3 2 1 o 19 5 way stage. Phil Tomlinson, top of Joanne Shaw who in addition Leeds 2 3 1 2 o 18 4 last season's Wa}

JUNIOR PREMIER P W D L ST PT CADETS' DIV. ONE P W D L ST PT Sheffield 1 4 4 0 0 28 8 Selby 1 3 3 0 0 22 6 Doncaster 1 4 3 0 1 28 6 Castleford/Pon 2 2 0 0 12 4 Bradford 1 3 2 0 1 16 4 Selby 2 2 1 0 1 9 2 Doncaster 2 4 2 0 2 14 4

JUNIOR DIV. ONE P W D L ST PT CADETS' DIV. TWO P W D L ST PT Wakefield 2 3 3 0 0 20 6 Hull 2 2 0 0 14 4 Harrogate 4 3 0 1 19 6 Halifax 1 1 0 0 9 2 Sheffield 2 3 2 0 1 15 4 Barnsley 1 1 0 0 5 2 Selby 3 2 0 1 15 4

hr 20 mins each player will play Pontesbury U-12 10 times during the day which and U-14 commences at 9.30 a.m. and ends at 5.30 p.m., and costs only Team Events £10 per team. Without doubt, now one of the Accommodation in this most most popular events in the table beautiful part of England is tennis calender, is Pontesbury reasonably priced and quite U-12 and U-14 team tournament plentiful. If your association for the Shropshire Star Shield, would like to know more, then this year to be held on June 8/9. contact without delay, organiser The U-12 event will be played on John Morris at 2 School Bank, Saturday and the U-14 event on Pontesbury, Shrewsbury SY5 Sunday. The event," now five OPP. 'Phone:- 0743 790303 (B) A.T.T.P. years old, last year attracted a or 0743 340 (H). maximum entry, with association (Association of Table Tennis Players) teams from as 'far apart as Cleveland, Cornwall and Kent. LANCASHIRE SENIOR Hon. President: Johnny Leach M.B.E. The success of the tournament 2·STAR OPEN Hon. Chairman: Barry Johnson (Tel. 05646 2978) is in its format. A maximum of 16 Hon. Treasurer: Jill Hammersley-Parker M.B.E. teams of 4 players, boys and/or Confusion still' exists as to the Hon. Secretary: Colin Wilson (Tel. 0707 874751) girls, in each event being divided 'date of this season's Lancashire Co-ordinator: Derek Baddeley (Tel. 06845 3763) by known strength and location Senior 2-Star Open. It is to take Committee Members: David Barr, Karen Smith. into 4 groups of 4. All play all, place on Saturday, April 20/85 with group winners competing for the 30th occasion at British This Association has been formed by popular demanr! after careful for positions 1 to 4, whilst 2nd, Aerospace Dynamics. Lostock. discussion by the steering committee named abovF;, and its main 3rd, and 4th, in each group nr Bolton. Prize money is likely to objectives are:­ compete for positions 5·8, 9·12 reach a record £1,000 and appli­ 1. To ensure that the interests of all members in organised table­ and 13-16. cation fpr entry forms should be tennis are safeguarded. . Each match is played on 2 made to Mr. G. R. Yates, 43 2. To establish improved communication with the E.T.T.A. on all tables and consists of 8 singles. , Bolton. BL1 matters affecting our members. With each match scheduled for 1 6JH. 3. To create further opportunities for promoting and expanding the game of table-tennis by increased sponsorship, publicity and special events. We trust that considered and sensible negotiation with the E.T .T.A. t------­ and other interested parties will prevent future occurrences of the unfortunate disputes and confrontations between players and officials which have marred the past two ·seasons. At the' same time, we ask our members to behave responsibly, to play to the spirit of the rules of the game, and to avoid actions which could cause trouble and dissent; any grievances being brought to the IN THE FIRING LINE notice of your committee for consideration and possible action. Heading the membership are the current English champions Desmond Douglas and Alison Gordon.

A.T.T.P. Membership Form

Name: ...... •..•..•..•......

Address: ...... •...... •......

...... •..•.....•.. Tel:...•...... Club: '...... •...

League: .

Signed: ...... •..• £2.00 Membership fee to be enclosed.

Post to: Colin Wilson, Hon. Sec. A.T.T.P., 25 Brookside Crescent, CUFFLEY, Herts.

You will be supplied with a Membershio Card. By Budimir Vojinovic, Novi Sad, Yugoslavia. 37 Personal Viewpoints by Peter Charters Personal Viewpoints

by Peter Charters, Vice-Chairman, Selection/Coaching

difficulty on occasions with EQUIPMENT the size of the table, decreasing communications at grass roots the thickness of the sponge level because of the fragmented Enough on clubs, I could say rubber, standardisation etc., all day by day relationship between more but I hope this is enough to have inherent weaknesses in league committees and their start a debate on the subject. obtaining the desired result. numerous small clubs. There most certainly is a need for More suggestions please, Sponsorship would be easier debate on equipment. Is stan­ to obtain by a club with a large dardisation the answer? CLOTHING membership and venue to offer. The villain of the peace is spin, In some cases, even without or to be more accurate the Two areas for further discuss­ these, National League clubs mixture of excessive spin, dis­ ion must be the up-dating of I would like to make some have shown what can be done in guised spin and non-spin, the table tennis clothing - moderate­ personal views known, hopefully the way of sponsorship. Such latter can be achieved with coloured stripes for example are to instigate some constructive clubs could afford to support sleight of hand or with skilful use not the distraction traditionally debate in the pages of Table their top players, both in the (some say no skill is needed) of accepted - and the staging of Tennis News. Out of this dis­ provision of facilities and finance. certain types of rubber. This is finals at tournaments. So often I cussion may come ideas for The membership of these perhaps an over simplification have witnessed the quarter­ realistic improvements in our clubs would have an individual but it is basically the case. We all finals of an event along with sport. stake in its success. The club's seem to want to see longer many other spectators during the At the base of ETTA activity I success would be measured by rallies. I doubt if we all want to mid-afternoon only to find that would advocate the rise of the the standard of its top players, by see fifteen minutes pushing come the early/middle evening large clubs. The creation of at numbers of youngsters constant­ rallies. What seems to be most staging of the finals the majority least one purpose built, minimum ly being brought into the sport, popular are the lengthy loop to of the spectators have left - not four-table venue, in each by the numbers being kept, by loop rallies with both players the best situation to encourage community area of the country the attraction of sponsorship and well away from the table; the sponsors. would bring with it tremendous by the community and social attacker versus chop defence/ I have heard it suggested that advantages to table tennis with services provided. retrieve rally or the attacker the singles should be played few, if any, disadvantages. Such a club must be good for versus top spin/lob defence through leaving the doubles until At grass roots level, if the the standard of the table tennis rally. In each case at least one after the finals of the singles. current 'push' in schools, with played. The provision of good player is some distance from the Alternatively Class 2 events the help of the new Dunlop Skills local practice and training facili­ table and the rallies are invari­ could fill that gap, tournaments Award Scheme, is successful ties, seven days a week, sixteen ably longer. could be shorter or certain then there is a need for a link hours a day with a quality We must be careful that events such as doubles could be between school and club. The practice partner at the other end changes in equipment and/or dropped. All these ideas would vast majority of clubs as they are of the table, is one of the sport's rules do not deprive us of certain either create difficulties for, or now structured have not the greatest problem in this country. players who provide visually op'position from certain quarters; facility or the will to take in raw The top players in England popular table tennis; internation­ but if the problem is discussed players straight from school. have this very problem and many ally Secretin and domestically an acceptable solution may be I applaud leagues who have have to scrape around in an Barr, two players whose rubber found. set up such centres of their own attempt to overcome it. I have requirements differ considerably. There is much about table but I believe that clubs are better seen some examples of clubs It is a difficult problem but a tennis in England that is good suited organisationally to this moving in this direction (Ellen­ simple solution is desirable. The but there is also concern about task. The leagues' primary role is borough and Ashford in the two colour rule was simple and the real problems that we face. to set up and run league and London area) and I would like to effective. The changes in the There is a great deal of know­ associated play for their mem­ visit others. Those people who service rule, I would contend, ledge among the silent majority bers. The setting up of coaching have been successful in setting were complicated and ineffective. in English table tennis and it is activities would surely be easier up such clubs should let it be Some suggestions put i.e. the time that that knowledge was within a large club unit. The known in detail how it was done. raising of the net, 'doubles' put forward in constructive and National Coaches have had We need many more. service for singles, increasing open debate.

John Woodford writes ... games and leave it at that. speak. even smaller sport than it is, 2. As a staff journalist in 4. It is common knowledge in including a former Eastbournian Eastbourneand a national free­ sport today that players subject none other than Gordon lance, I am far too busy to to disciplinary action must be Steggall, Chairman of the ETTA CLEARING UP the POINTS "generate" wars. The presenta­ given a chance to defend them­ coaching administration. raised by the Secretary of the tion of the affair, content and selves before sentence is 7. Great efforts are now being Eastbourne League, Derek size of headlines waS not in my passed. made to repair the damage. Wilkinson, the man who hands but in those of the sports 5. Derek Wilkinson will never be Nothing can be done to restore suspended the town's top two editor and when the crunch more wrong in all of his life when the withdrawal of the men's 'A' players in Eastbourne during came the Editor himself took he claims that his move against team from the county inter­ October. over and some of my copy was the Rowdens would have been league event, a direct cause of re-written. supported by the majority. the ban, but behind-the-scenes 1. No one is suggesti ng that it is 3. Months after the peace broke 6. Every single player and official talks are now going on to restore an ideal situation when top out in Eastbourne, I still have not I have spoken to in my travels the disarray amongst the execu­ players cannot appear regularly yet met a player (apart from the found the Eastbourne suspen­ tive committee before the sum­ or even occasionally in the local four who' made the decision) sions laughable, totally out of mer AGM when it is possible league because of other commit­ who agrees with the way it was keeping with "natural justice" in that not all the officers will stand ments. Most leagues would, it is handled, that is suspension a democracy and' a decision for re-election, another direct felt, not pick them for inter-town without warning or chance to likely to make table tennis an cause of the dispute. 38 Standardisation by John Prean

today want to play with th is? A higher Net after all? Standardisation: Myth or Manufacturers will tell you that If we all feel that the way to a most of their sales are in the more attractive sport lies in Masochism? greater thickness. I was no longer rallies, then there is only Jonyer - even in my prime ­ one answer: A HIGHER NET. It John Prean looks at the Options except in hairstyle, but I insisted has been pointed out to me quite on the maximum thickness. It properly that millions of new gave me more options and the nets would have to be bought all I cannot as yet be sure, but I think the Birmingham World Cham­ chance to play more imaginative­ over the world, but this would the National Council has given pionships, players began to use ly. still cost a lot less than new guarded approval to our delegates combination bats and again the rubbers in new colours and thick­ to the InF Congress to raise this cry for standardisation went out. Impudence. I would.regard it as quite un­ nesses yet again. I advocate a subject. The meeting was held in It was heeded to some"extent, limited experimental period dur­ a room in which it was hard to first by reducing the length ofthe warranted impudence if my governing body told me that ing which we try a few different listen and to hear. Things had dreaded long pimples to 2mm, heights, playa few tournaments been so mismanaged by the hotel then by imposing different -From now on I had to play with something with which I did not with these and then have another that a noisy drill somewhere colours on the two sides of the look at the situation. above drowned what Councillors blade. enjoy playing. If you lose mem­ had to say and that is why my bers every year, the last thing you The Ship is Burning - Let's I am mystified.... wa nt to do is to upset the few you rearrange the deck chairs... reports are hazy. It cost an At this point my mystification estimated £1 ,250 to bring them have left. I have tried to make To bowdlerise a famous begins. WHAT exactly are we this point to our EnA in many phrase, when the ship is burning, all together, money not well trying to standardise? Are we spent on that occasion. articles. Many years in business you have to do something trying to inflict yet further agonies have taught me that there is no dramatic - like putting out the Graceful Figures... on the 'funny bat' brigade? Or are quicker way to ruin than to dictate fire. Re-arranging the deck chairs Standardisation is like good­ we trying to get down at this late to your customers. It is a mistake is no longer enough." I don't ness and peace. We are ALL in hour to some measures that will I have managed to avoid. It think, in our terms, taking our favour of such laudable objec­ make sponge less fast, easier to grieves me to see our EnA members' bats away from them return, so that some rallies last tives. I am, sadly, old enqugh to falling into that trap~ and making them play with remember those graceful figures longer than a few seconds? A masochistic life style.... something else is a very good in grey, long trousers playing Bicycle Glue Piling further restrictions on idea, all things considered. beautiful, long strokes in rally Despite temptations to the the combination bat fraternity is My own Government Health after rally. Time has lent enchant­ contrary, I cannot see how 'Bike now pointless. It takes a high Warning ment to those golden days, but at Glue' can be banned. This cer­ degree of skill to use them Table Tennis in England, less times it was sheer magic. Then, tainly, apart from ruining rubber successfully under the new rules. so in other countries, is now on in 1952, the Japs started playing very quickly, makes it faster and There will always be exceptional the foundations of very thin ice. with sponge and in 1954 they is now regarded as a 'must' in players, but I see the ' combi' The ice may break one day and swamped us. They were not play­ many celebrated hands, but I can mainly as a defensive weapon for then the Sport will fall in and ing the same game! Many see no way in which an umpire players who enjoy a masochistic drown or freeze to death. We are associations fought a gallant (?) can tell it apart from 'normal' life style and play 'from the back not far from that happy fate and rearguard action, banning the glue which merely sticks rubber of the ha II', a beautifuI, but often each wrong decision brings us new-fangled material in theirown to blade. We tried to do that with losing game. nearer. There are now many other lands. It was not till 1959 that the many strange, hidden services We undoubtedly led Europe. sports that can take our members 'the great compromise' was now in use... but that is another 'Stan Lenton's firm made the best away from us. reached, reducing the maximum story. long pimple rubber and our I am all in favour of change, thickness to 4mm. Standardisa­ I only had Jonyer's (Hair) Style... players were years ahead in the ,but this time let's get it right. tion had won. Or so we thought. You CAN reduce the thickness use of these materials, but we More bungling will harm the Those dreaded pimples... . of the sandwich to 1Y2mm or threw away that lead. I therefore health of the sport and in time kill Long before 1977, the year of even 1 mm, but will the players of say 'Enough is enough'. it.

ENGLISH SCHOOLS' CRYSTAL PALACE Coaching courses in 1985 for TABLE TENNIS ASSOCIATION players of all standards who want to improve their own game and those who want to qualify as coaches. However, there are maximum Feb. 24 at Leeds (Moor Grange entries from West Yorkshire (six High School), Stroud (Stratford WEEKEND COURSES from Wakefield), Cumbria (six Park Leisure Centre) and February 15, 16, 17 from Barrow-in-Furness), Lanca­ Orpington (Walnuts Sports Non Residential * by David Lomas shire, Derbyshire and Centre), commencing at 10 a.m. September 13, 14, 15 Lincolnshire in the North The Dunlop Skills Award Residential Region. Scheme has been launched (as November 23, 24, 25 By the time these notes appear In the Midlands and West readers of last month's issue of Non Residential * in print (and providing that the Region the Shropshire total this magazine will know). current arctic weather abates and includes five entries from Market Thanks are expressed to teacher (* Accommodation can be the Area Finals take place as Drayton and maximums from Bryn Jones and pupils of arranged if required). planned) then the teams which Staffordshire and Cornwall. Hillcross Middle School, WEEK COURSES have qualified for the Regional Bedford Modern School pro­ Morden, for giving their support July 14-19 Finals stage of the Dunlop vide all four boys' teams whilst and taking part in the launch. Summer School Residential. National School Team Cham­ all four girls' teams are from the Arrangements are well in hand Further information avail­ pionships will be known. Luton area in the Bedfordshire for the Dunlop English Schools' able from: The Area Finals were due to challenge. Suffolk and Essex Individual Championships to be take place during the weekend of County have a "full house" and held at Mansfield Leisure Centre SUSAN DRUMMOND at the Jan. 19/20. Looking through the Brampton Manor from the on Sunday, May 5th. County ETTA office. list of schools involved it is London Borough of Newham Schools Associations are remin­ All publications and course apparent that there are no have four teams th(ough. ded that they are due to notify information is available from: entries from Durha[lf,' East Six of the eight titles at stake the Competition Secretary - Paul ETTA Sussex, Isle of Wight, Leicester­ are being defended. Birch - by March 1st as to which 21 Claremont, Hastings, shire, Northumberland and The Regional Finals are sche­ events they will have entrants East Sussex TN34 1 H F. North Yorkshire. duled to take place on Sunday, (county winners) in. 39 Universities' Athletic Union Individual Championships

UNIVERSITIES' ATHLETIC UNION the resilient Blackburn who had Swansea's top-seeded Hobbs overcome local hope Pam and Tyler. INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS Graham to reach the semis. In Steve Bryant and Pam Graham the lower half defending cham­ of Bath exce'lIed themselves to by Mark Horsfall pion Lesley Tyler of Swansea provide local· interest in the despatched the Bristol dark finals removing the much­ The splendid Sports hall of Bath with the classy and previously horse Mary Heffernan whilst fancied John Roberts and Julia University was the venue for the impressive Marc Labeille of Jean Parker was going well in Woodcock 'of Leicester, but des­ 1984/85 UAU. Individual Salford being disappointing in her first championships beating pite taking the 2nd game were Championships. held over the the case of the Frenchman's sub­ Loughborough's Jane Leonard forced to give second best to weekend of Nov. 17/18. and the mission. The semi-final line-up for a place in the last four. where Liquorish and partner. The cham­ nu'mber of entries was well up on was completed by that most after two' close games were pionships. possibly the last last season.'s figure. a heartening consistent and dedicated of' shared. she ran away with the under the present U.A.U. struc­ sign in these worrying times. players Phil Aspinall of Sheffield 3rd against Miss Tyler. ture. were superbly run by Bristol 185 players competed in the 5 whose dogged blocking game The final saw Parker reach her referee Tim Harris, ably assisted events from 26 universities and was too good for the 4th seed peak as she served well and by June Watts, who ensured that it was 'good to see the return of Alan Briscoe from Sussex. attacked fiercely on both wing~ play ran smoothly to schedule Lancaster, Salford. Manchester At this stage both the Shef­ to take the first .game against' throughout the weekend. and Cardiff after a number of field men made their exits as Blackburn. then hold off a strong seasons without representation Moore outplayed Bailey and challenge in the 2nd and at this tournament. Rainford overcame the defence showed the greater consistency Results:­ Star of the show was Lough­ of county colleague Aspinall. to take the title 21-17. borough's Susan Blackburn who Unlike so many finals the Moore In the men's doubles the reached three finals winning the - Rainford encounter was a seedings worked out perfectly to Men's Singles: Quarter-finals: women's and mixed doubles and thriller. as the holder belied the the final, where Salford new­ A. Moore (Keele) bt S. Richards (Exeter) 10.14; N. Bailey (Sheff) bt J. Hobbs (Swansea) 10.18; finishing runner-up in the massive computer ranking comers Tanner and Labeille P. Aspinall lSheff) bt A. Briscoe (Sussex) women's singles to improve on difference to take the first .game maintained the brilliant form -18,14,16; P. Rainford (York) bt M. labeille (Salford) 16.13. her impressive haul at last from the 'Keele man with con­ they had shown throughout the Semi-finals: season's championships. trolled aggression. Moore then event to devastate Sheffield's Moore bt Bailey 8.13; Rainford bt Aspinall 18.-14,1 7. The men's singles attracted led for most of the 2nd game but defending champions Bailey and Final: RAINFORD bt Moore 18.26. 139 entries with defending became frantic in his efforts to Aspinall. Women's Singles: Quarter-finals: J. Woodcock (Leic) bt J. Cilaison 150ton) 11.7; champion Paul Rainford of York win. going for the rash shots The women's doubles saw S. Blackburn (Lough) bt P. Graham (Bath) 15,12; seeded behind Keele fresher while Rainford mostly just kept Loughborough's Blackburn and L Tyler (Swanseal bt M. Heffernan (Bristol) 14.7; J. Parker (lancaster) bt J. leonard (lough) 11.16. Adrian Moore. For once the top 8 the ball on the table. Surviving Leonard go one better than last Semi-finals: seeds were present and there several game points it was season, winning easily against Blackburn bt WoodCOCk 17.16: Parker'bt Tyler 19,-20.8. were few surprises as the rounds Rainford who eventually showed surprise finalists Heffernan and Final: PARKER bt Blackburn 15.17. progressed. Moore came the greater nerve to take the set Sian Herbert of Bristol after a Men's Doubles: Semi-finals: Aspinall/Bailey bt P. Cadman (Keele)/Moore through his expected battles 28-26 and retain his title. much closer dual with Parker and 18,15; with the 12th and 5th seeds, In the women's singles British Alison Currie of Lancaster in labeille/R. Tanner (Salford) bt J. Turner/ J. Woolins (B'ghaml 12. 6. Colin Wilson of Leicester and Universities' champion and No. the semis, Final: LABEILLE/TANNER bt Aspinall/Bailey Exeter's Stuart Richards, to a 1 seed Sarah Sandley was a non­ The mixed doubles looked a 12.13. Women's Doubles: Semi-finala: semi-final meeting with former arrival leaving a rather bottom­ far more open affair than· for Blackburn/leonard bt A. Currie (lanc)/Parker 16. British Universities' champion heavy draw. The preliminary many years with no university -14,12; HEfflernan/S. Herbert (Bris) bt K. Hitching (Swan)/ Neil Bailey of Sheffield. quarter­ groups threw up no real sur­ having players from both the Tyler -15,19.10. final victor over Swansea's prises and the six seeds present men's and women's singles Fina1: BLACKBURN/LEONARD bt Heffernan/ Herbert 13.10. Jeremy Hobbs. proceeded comfortably to the seeds and Susan Blackburn Mixed Doubles: Semi-finals: In the other half of the draw quarters. Leicester's Julia completed her trio of finals R. liquorish (loughl/Blackburn bt Hobbsffyler -16,17,16; Rainford was completely un­ Woodcock took advantage of when. in partnership with the S. Bryant (Bathl/Graham bt J. Roberts (leic)! troubled in reaching the semi­ Sandley's absence to reach the consistent Robert Liquorish the Woodcock 16.19. Final, LIQUOR ISH/BLACKBURN bt B",.nt/ finals, his meeting in the last 8 last four. there going under to Loughborough pair took out Graham 10.-18.14.

Alan Times" Sports Personality Trophy. Tops The Poll And "personality" proved to be the key word as many who voted for Cooke praised him for his sportsmanship. dedication and modesty. "He is a perfect ALAN COOKE has scooped the ambassador for his sport" ex­ first ever "Derbyshire Times" plained one of his fans. while Sports Personality of the Year another said he was an inspir­ Award. "Cookie", newly promoted ation to the young people of to No.2 in the Lentec computer Chesterfield. rankings, topped the poll with a Cooke first picked up a table massive majority. In fact he tennis bat. when Colin Deaton received more nominations than introduced the sport to all the other contenders put Holmgate Prim<;lry School together, around ten years ago. He quickly Cricketer Geoff Miller was won bronze. silver and gold runner-up. with footballer· Ernie awards and then joined Chester­ Moss in third place. Nominations field Activity Centre where he were also received for Moss's received expert coaching from Chesterfield team-mate Bob Derrick Marples. He first entered Newton and darts ace John tou~namentsat the age of 13 and Lowe. But the name of Alan in his first year in serious Cooke will be the first to be competition he achieved fourth engraved on the new "Derbyshire spot in the cadet ranking list. 40 Lancashire Life

the Red Rose county at iwickshire whose Carl, "The LANCASHIRE LIFE Wanstead, namely Steven !Major" Morgan, Phil Gunn, Turner of Preston, Scowcroft and players' rep Barry Johnson, Shaun Browne of Bolton and Karen Groves and Sandra Congrats All Round Jean Parker of Preston, and be­ Peakman gang-banged the tween them they won 24 out of Lancastrians. It proved an un­ By Geo. R. Yates the 36 sets contested. happy evening for Blackburn's Turner had just one loss in his Phil Blake and Graham Clarke as eight singles - to Skylet Andrew well as Oldham's Phil Aspinall, of Essex - whilst Miss Parker, Amanda Goodwin and Carey Congratulations to Bolton's Ltd., the Vauxhall/Opel car sister of England Trainer/Coach Whithead. Stephen Scowcroft and Andrea dealers, financial help can be Donald, was undefeated beating But, earlier in the day, at the Holt of Bury on their invitation by obtained. Lisa Hayden, Sarah Sandley, same Post Office Transport Dept the ETIA's Selection Committee But for that loss to Surrey in Joanne Palmer and Fiona Elliot! venue, Lancashire's juniors ex­ to participate in the individual the first of the County Champion­ Scowcroft returned 5 wins, celled in seeing off Leicester­ events of the 8th Common­ ships Premier Division weekends including victory over John shire 9-1, the one set to escape wealth Championships in the at Stone, Lancashire would have Souter, whilst Browne equated them being that lost by Andrew Isle. of Man. become champions for, on the at 4-4. Scowcroft and Miss Eden to Paul Bumpus. Unbeaten Nineteen such invitations second such weekend, at Parker won 3 of their mixed were Sean Gibson, Lee Brown, have gone out but the expenses Wanstead, they recorded wins doubles, Turner and Browne one Lynne Harnden and Nicola will be borne by the invitees over Essex (5-4), Middlesex (5­ of their 4 men's doubles. McG rath, the latter being un­ un less, as in the case of 4), Cambs (6-3) and Staffs (8-1). Meantime, at Bamber Bridge, beaten this season in singles Scowcroft, who is locally spon­ What a string of results! Lancashire's second senior team with 5 successive victories to her sored by Kirkby Central (Bolton) Just four players represented were 'whitewashed' by War­ credit.

County Championships - Senior Premier Division Lancashire - IIALMOST BUT NOT QUITE" by Stuart Sneyd

After what can only be described second to 7. By this time neither some people, but under those Middlesex and 2 points clear of as one of the best team perfor­ Valor myself could bear to circumstances it would most Yorkshire. This was very much a mances ever produced by watch. Shaun finally clinched 'it certainly happen again. Needless team performance and not just Lancashire, the red rose county at 18 in the third, in what was to say, dinner at the Woodford on the table. After the Stone finished runners up to Middlesex described as probably the set of Moat House went down like a weekend, it was said that we - equal on points and separated the session. I beat a hasty retreat dream. lacked a focal point and some­ only by sets average. In the final - Referees can be nasty at times! Sunday morning saw us take one to pull the show together. analysis, victory quite rightly The second session had us on bottom of the table Don Parker had traditionally belonged to Middlesex, but they scheduled to take on favourites Cambridgeshire. Consecutive fulfilled the role admirably, but were stopped firmly in their Middlesex. Having just losses by Steve Scowcroft and he was no longer available, and tracks going down 4-5, to the squeezed home against Essex Shaun Browne made it look as the sel,ectors therefore decided Lancastrians from Bolton and we expected problems, but how though the Middlesex encounter to appoint Stan Clarke, from Preston, in their only defeat. wrong we were. Steve Turner's had taken too much of a toll but Liverpool, as non-playing cap­ With Lancashire lying third first set win over Colin Wilson wins by Steve Turner and the tain. That decision couldn't have ,after the Stone weekend, and set the scene but consecutive Scowcroft/Jean Parker duo been bettered. From start to equal on points with Berkshire victories by John Souter and levelled it at 2-all. The men's finish Stan provided quiet and, and Surrey, there was everything Dave Wells put Middlesex back doubles saw us go behind again often, not so quiet, encourage­ to play for, but there were pos­ in front. The Steve Scowcroft/ but Jean Parker produced the ment, bringing together these sible dangers ahead. With John Jean Parker combination made it goods against Joanne Palmer vastly different characters into Hilton, Don Parker and Joy 2-all, but Steve Turner and Shaun and from then on the adrenalin one complementary outfit. The Grundy all unavailable and the Browne failed to clinch the began to flow and with wins from team spirit was absolutely 2nd team match at Preston caus­ men's doubles. Jean levelled it, Scowcroft, Turner and Browne, superb and although, as an ing a conflict offixtures, the selec­ yet again, beating Sarah Sandley the final score line finished at umpire, I was often quite remote, tors decided to stick with the line in three, but Colin Wilson's 6-3 in favour of Lancashire. I was always a part of the up at Stone, but this time without victory over Shaun Browne made Lancashire squad - and proud of We knew our final encounter reserves. An injury, and we were it 4-3 to Middlesex, and the odds it. Spare a thought too for team against Staffordshire could have almost certainly doomed. As it now seemed heavily stacked manager and county match sec­ been a tricky affair. The potteries turned out, problems were few. against Lancashire. Every set retary, Marjorie Riddle, whose county lay just two points And so it was at Wanstead had so far gone to three and by efficiency in taking care of the behind, and level with Yorkshire. Sports Centre that Steve Turner, this time the other matches had administrative arrangements left It looked too as though the tykes Steve Scowcroft, Shaun Browne finished, which gave me the others free to con'centrate on the might well finish with a better and Jean Parker prepared for opportunity, for the first time, of reason for being there - to win. sets average. We were certainly their first encounter against the joining the players. How satisfy­ WELL DONE LANCASHIRE. host county, Essex. A see-saw ing it was to have a ringside seat under pressure, but so too were Middlesex - they had to beat affair was this, with Skylet to witness what followed. Steve FINAL AVERAGES P W % Andrew showing his class and Turner, working as hard as ever, Essex. The southerners weren't Steve Turner 14 9 64.3 prepared to take any chances Steve Scowcroft 14 8 57.1 proving an irritating obstacle. At took Dave Wells in two straight­ Shaun Browne 14 7 50.0 and Graham Sandley appeared Jean Parker 7 4-all the outcome depended on surely it was too much to expect 6 85.7 for the first time. As it turned out Turner/Browne 7 3 42.9 Shaun Browne's battle with Dave Steve Scowcroft to follow that Scowcroft/Parker 7 5 71.4 Newman. As the Lancashire and take the final set for victory. we registered our heaviest victory, running out winners 8-1, umpire representative, I But follow it he did, and Finally, on behalf of the only loser being Shaun happened to be in the control obviously inspired by Turner's Lancashire County T.T.A., I Browne who went down 2 room at the time, exchanging a win turned on a superb and would like to take the oppor­ straight to Adrian Dixon. At this few "pleasantries", on the likely almost clinical performance to tunity of thanking Essex County point, however, the match had result, with Essex Referee, leave a bemused John Souter T.T.A. and the County Cham­ already been won and it looked Valerie Roffe. Shaun went down nursing the wounds of a two pionships Committee for staging as though the Bolton lad was 14 in the first and the lady had straight loss. The sight of a blue this superbly organised week­ only too glad to finally relax. the advantage. In typical fashion, coated and supposedly impartial end. To Dick and Val Roffe,'to however, the Boltonian came official gyrating with ecstasy So there it was - runners-up­ Murray Corbin and to the many back with a bang, winning the might have been too much for level on points with champions others involved - WELL DONE. 41 Midland League Report

DIVISION 4 P W D L F A Pts. I\lotts "C" 5 5 o o 41 9 10 Midland League Report Bath 5 4 o 1 38 12 8 Dudley 4 2 1 1 20 20 5 by John Barber JUNIORS In Men's Div. 1, Chesterfield went to expedite! R. Bolton's having lost two matches, played three sets were involved in these DIVISION 1 P W D L F A Pts. a stronger team including as were A. Saunders' thus A. Notts "A" 4 4 o o 32 8 8 Maurice and Bradley Billington, Sutton, B. Belcher and M. Wood

DIVISION 2 P W D L F A Pts. Coventry "A" 4 3 o 1 25 15 6 VETERANS DIVISION 1 P W D L F A Pts. Notts "A" 4 2 2 o 24 16 6 Notts "A" 4 1 32 8 7 Potteries "B" 4 3 o 1 23 17 6 3 o 2 26 24 6 Notts "B" 4 2 1 1 22 18 5 Oxford "A" 5 3 o B'gham "A" 3 2 1 o 20 10 5 Leamington 4 1 2 1 21 29 4 DIVISION 3 P W D L F A Pts. Nuneaton 4 4 o 0 30 10 8 DIVISION 2 P W D L F A Pts. Loughboro 5 2 1 2 25 25 5 Oxford "B" 4­ 4 o o 33 7 8 Stafford 5 2 1 2 24 21 5 Coventry "A" 3 3 o o 22 8 6 Derby 3 2 1 .0 17 13 3 Stratford 3 3 o o 19 11 6

TIES BADGES TROPHIES T-SHIRTS AND . SWEAT SHIRTS Telephone Or Write ALL CLUB INSIGNIA For Your Edition Of The Alec Brook Catalogue Illustrated in Full Colour ADD (London) Ltd. (Dept. TTN) 49-57 Harrow Road, London W2 IJH Telephone 01-402 5671 Telex 24752 Tieman~G

42 Stop Press - International News

EUROPEAN CLUB CUP OF but was beaten by Jozsef EUROPEAN POSTSCRIPT CHAMPIONS Nozicska the Hungarian team winning 5-3. Scores:~ The finals of the European Club Cup of Champions are due B. Frank lost to D. Douglas -14, -16; bt R. Wosil EUROPE TOP 12 Appelgren/U. Carlsson bt Broda/Pansky 15. 14; -22, 15, 12; Appelgren/Svensson lost to Pansky/H rachova -7. to be played on April 13/85 with G. Gergely lost to Douglas -18, -20; bt C. Borsos Poland's Andrzej Grubba and -15; the draw being:- -21, 16',6; bt Wosik -19, 17. 19. Lindh bt Broda -22. 16. 12; J. l\Jozicska bt Douglas 14, -15,18; bt Borsos 12, Bettine Vriesekoop of the Appelgren bt Pansky 7, 19. Men 12; lost to Wosik -18, 16, -18. Vasutas, Budapest (HUN) v ASZ Gdansk (POL) Netherlands were the outright POLAND 3 NETHERLANDS 4 Women WOMEN'S GRAND PRIX P. Molenda lost to Potton -10, -19; winners of the Europe Top 12 R. Statisztika, Budi:lpest (HUN) v A. Grubba bt H. van Spanje 15, 14; Tolnai Voros lobogo (HUN) Following the Europe Top 12 played in the Palau Municipal E. Gracek lost to B. Vriesekoop -11.-8; in Barcelona the leading positions d'Esports, Barcelona, Spain over Grubba/Kucharski lost to R. and H. van Spanje 19, In the semi-finals Tolnai Voros -17. -12; in the Women's Grand Prix are:­ the period Feb 1/3, 1985. Grubba/J. Szatko bt H.v. Spanje/Vriesekoop -19, Lobogo beat Vitkovica of Desmond Douglas, England's 15. 17; Pts Molenda lost to H.v. Spange -12. -16; Czechoslovakia 5-3 whilst 1 Bettine Vriesekoop (HOl) 325 sole representative, finished in Grubba br Potton 16, -15. 7. Statisztika accou nted for STK 2 Zsuzsa Olah (HUN) 245 3 Olga Nemes (FRG) 230 6th place. WALES 2 BULGARIA 5 (Division 2) Mladost, Zagreb 5-1 in the 4 Maria Hrachova (TCH) 225 N. Tyler bt L. Georgiev 6. 19; Without doubt the Dutch girl, 5 Valentina Popova (URS) 160 N. Thomas lost to M. lukov -13. -15; women's section. ASZ Gdansk 6 Branka Batinic (YUG) 140 Bettine Vriesekoop, established L. Tyler lost to D. Guergueltcheva -19, -5; were denied their home fixture 7 Fliura Bulatova (URS) 100 Thomas/Tyler lost to Georgiev/lukov 22, -12. herself as the "Queen of Europe" 8 Narine Antonian(URS) 80 -12; against Kremlin-Bicetre (FRA) 9 Gordana Perkucin (YUG) 75 winning all' her eleven sets with Tyler/Tyler lost to lukov/Guergueltcheva -11 with the latter conceding because Edit Urban (HUN) 75 -12; the loss of only two games - to 11 Sonja Grefberg (FII\J) 65 Tyler lost to Lukov -20, -16; of the French national champion­ Gabriella Szabo (HUN) 65 Fliura Bulatova of the Soviet Thomas bt Georgiev 14, 18. ships. Desmond Douglas playing Union and, in a tremendous set, BLAEUWE WERELT TROPHY for Borussia Dusseldorf, against The final tournament will take to Branka Batinic of Yugoslavia. Vasutas in· Budapest, beat both place in Breda, Holland on May Grubba \lvon nine of his eleven In front of 1,000 spectators in Bela Frank and Gabor Gergely 19/85. sets losing to J indrich Pansky of Apeldoorn, Sweden's Ulf Czechoslovakia and Erik Lindh of Carlsson was the winner of the Sweden. Five players, including Blaeuwe Werelt Trophy with a Douglas, finished up with 7 wins final victory over Anne Vlieg of and four losses, those of Douglas Holland (writes Bas den Breejen). IRISHAFFAIRS being to and Carlsson and Federal Germany's Jan-Ove Waldner of Sweden, Peter Engel were the two group Pansky and Grubba, the latter winners with Vlieg and Patrick TSB MUNSTER OPEN winning 18 in the fifth! Birocheau of France the runners­ by Tony Martin Final placings:- up. But in the semi-finals Carlsson

MEN Both Colum Slevin and Anne 4 Mary McMullen P W L Pts Leonard returned home from 5 Nora ~cEvoy 11 9 6 Mary pheehan 1 Andrzej Grubba (PO L) 2 9 Federal Germany to participate = Caroline leonard 2 Jindrich Pansky (TCH) 11 7 4 7 8 Kathleen Copeland in the TSB Munster Open at Cork 3 Mikael Appelgren (SWE) 11 7 4 7 9 Anna Kelly and stamped their authority on 10 Helen Walsh 4 Jacques Secreyon (FRA) 11 7 4 7 11 A. M. Reilly 5 Jan-Ove Waldner (SWE) 11 7 4 7 their respective singles events. 12 lorraine Cullen 6 Desmond Douglas (ENG) 11 7 4 7 Slevin, who is a much improved 13 Ellen McManus 7 Dragutin Surbek (YUG) 11 5 6 5 player, showed his superiority JUNIORS' 8 Erik Lindh (SWE) 11 5 6 5 beating A. Walsh in the semis Boys 9 Andrei Mazunov (URS) 11 4 7 4 and Mervyn Kelly in a one-sided 1 A. Dennison 11 2 P. Robinson 10 Zoran Kalinic (YUG) 3 8 3 final. Kelly accounted for his 3 B. O'Gorman 11 Leszek Kucharski (YUG) 11 3 8 3 4 B. Marchall clubmate Hilton Meneally in the 12 Ulf Bengtsson (SWE) 11 2 9 2 5 R. Grist other semi. Girls WOMEN In the women's event Anne 1 L. Cullen 2 O. Stevenson P W L Pts Leonard was a comfortable win­ 3 K. Stafford 1 Bettine Vriesekoop (H 0 L) 11 11 o 11 ner beating Nora McEvoy in the 4 C. Anderson 2 Zsuzsa Olah (HUN) 11 8 3 8 final. The only real upset in the 5 J. O'Connor 3 Marie Hrachova (TCH) 11 8 3 8 whole tournament was the defeat 4 Olga Nemes (FRG) 11 8 3 8 of Colum and Anne in the rrlixed 5" Fliura Bulatova (URS) 11 6 5 6 final by Kelly and Caroline 6 Valentina Popova (URS) 11 5 6 5 7 Narine Antonian (URS) 11 5 6 5 Leonard. This was their first 8 Branka Batinic (YUG) 11 4 7 4 defeat by an Irish partnership. 9 Gordana Perkucin (YUG) 11 3 8 3 Results:­ 10 Edit Urban (HUN) 11 3 8 3 M.S: s-f's: BADGES 11 Kirsten Kruger (FRG) 11 3 8 3 C. Slevin bt A. Walsh 13, 8; M. Kelly bt H. Meneally 18, 19. Quality Sew-On 12 Gabriella Szabo (HUN) 11 2 9 2 Final: SLEVIN bt Kelly 9. 7. W.S: s-fs: A. leonard bt A. Kelly 15. 12; Minimum 20 A full report will appear in the beat Birocheau and Engel went N. McEvoy bt H. Walsh -18, 18. 18. March issue. Final: LEONARD bt McEvoy 10, 14. under to Vlieg. Scores:­ MD: KELLY/SLEVIN bt J. Dill/Meneally 8,8. WD: LEONARD/McEVOY bt C. leonard/E. TOP 12, 1986 GROUP A McManus 15, 19. Pts ZD: KELLY/C. LEONARD bt Slevin/A. leonard The next Europe Top 12 will Ulf Carlsson (SWE) 4 For friendly efficient Anne Vlieg (HOl) 3 -20,18,17. take place in Sodertalje, Sweden BS: A. DENNISON bt A. Redmond 16, 18. Paul Haldan (ROM) 2 service contact: GS: McMANUS bt L Cullen 3, 15. from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2, 1986. Frank Hartmut (FRG) 1 Jaap van Spanje (HOl) 0 IRISH SENIOR RANKINGS EUROPEAN LEAGUE GROUP B Scores in respect of Super Pts Men Peter Engel (FRG) 4 1 Colum Slevin s. A. CORY & CO. Division matches played on Jan. Patrick Birocheau (FRA) 3 2 Mervyn Kelly 23 were:­ Bob Potton (HOl) 2 3 Tom Heasley LTD. Ron van Spanje (HOl) 1 4 Derek Weir HUNGARY 6 FEDERAL GERMANY 1 Hans den Boer (HOl) 0 5 Hilton Meneally Glengarriff, Z. Kriston bt J. Rosskopf 8, 9; 6 Aidan Walsh Semi-finals: Z. Harczi bt R. Wosik 15, -21, 19; 7 Jimmy Hamill Carlsson bt Birocheau 16. -17. 12; Co. Cork, Eire. Z. Olah bt K. l\Jolten 9. 12; 8 Kevin Keane Vlieg bt Engel 18, 19. Harczi/Kriston bt Rosskopf/Wosik -18, 19, 15; 9 Jimmy Robinson Kriston/E. Urban bt Rosskopf/Nolten 17. 18; Final: CARLSSON bt Vlieg 6, 18. 10 Tommy Caffrey Kriston bt Wosik 15, 12; 11 Brian Larrigan Harczi lost to Rosskopf -15. 9, -14. 1\1 ext year the introduction of a 12 Jim Dill Telephone: SWEDEN 4 CZECHOSLOVAKIA 3 Youth version in addition to the Women 010 35327 63159 E. Lindh lost to J. Pansky -18,14. -16; 1 Anne leonard M. Appelgren bt V. Broda 15, -19, 11; Senior will extend the affair into 2 liz Cheevers M. Svensson lost to M. Hrachova -17.19. -14; two days. 3 Jennifer Reid 43 Stop Press - Home News

AFFILIATION FEE UNIT FOR The Association's Auditors CENTENARY CELEBRATION 1985/86 have submitted ,a certificate which reads as follows: . In accordance with rule 7.6, I by David Kinder write to inform you that the "We certify that the Fee Unit amount of the fee unit calculated for the season 1985/86 is to be under Rule 7.4 for 1985/86 £1.58 and that the Retail Price On May 1st, 1985 England have Parker, suggested such a match season will be £1.58, unless Indices used to calculate this agreed to play in a friendly inter­ which was greeted with great there is a change of the relevant figure are as follows: national match against the enthusiasm by' the Festival Netherlands at the George Lawton Committee who have agreed to Rule. November 1983: 341 .90 Centre, Mossley. The event is fund the match. The formula used for this cal­ November 1984: 358.80 culation is: being staged to help the town of On the Tameside ATC front, Mossley celebrate its centenary the Tameside MBC have provided 150 x November 1984 R. P.1. as a Boroug h. members of the squad with track­ November 1983 R. P.1. SPAIN BROS. JUKES & CO. Chartered Accountants suits and T-shirts. After the Junior This becomes: As is known the Tameside and Cadet ranking trials at Coven­ 150 x 358.80 = 157.41 p ATC is based at the George try the following ATC members Sussex Chambers, Lawton Centre, and because of ·341.90 are now nationally ranked:­ 8-10 Hav.elock Road, this, we were approached by the Hastings, Boys: Jonathan Taylor, aged 12 No. 19 cadet; This is rounded up to the next Mossley Centenary Festival Com­ Wayne Renton, aged 13. No. 22 cadet; even number of pence to beO East Sussex. mittee to put on an exhibition. Mike Parker. aged 13, No. 43 cadet. Girls: Barbara Smallwood. aged 12, No. 23 cadet; come 158p. 1st February 1985. England Trainer/Coach, Donald Kristina Cox, aged 14, No. 34 girl.

Tu'nbridge Wells & District Table Tennis League present the:

GRIEVESON, GRANT TUNBRIDGE WELLS JUNIOR OPEN TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS (TWO STAR)

(Promoted by Tunbridge Wells T.T.L. & approved by K.C.T.T.A. & E.T.T.A.) To be held -SATURDAY/SUNDAY 20-21 APRIL 1985 at SANDOWN COURT SCHOOL, BLACKHURST LANE, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT

(Blackhurst Lane is found on the Right Hand Side of the A264 Pembury-Tunbridge Wells Road, off the A21)

COMMENCING 09.00 both days Organising Committee: Referee: C. Wright (N.R.)

Assistant Referee: L. C. Pildit~h (N.R.) Organiser: J. Butler, 108 Stephens Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 90A (Telephone (Home) 0892 22288; (Work) 0892 27332) Committee Members: Mrs. K. Gosling; Mrs. C. Harrison; Miss D. Moors; Mrs. F. Roberts; R. Bacon; D. Gosling; A. Harrison; E. A. Peerless; R. Roberts; J. E. Scholes; ENTRIES CLOSE: TUESDAY 19th MARCH 1985

Draw: Friday 22nd March 1985 at The Education Office, Grove Hill Road, Tunbridge Wells, Commencing 6.30pm

44 Postbag

throughout and my opponent to WILL WE SEE HIS LIKE AGAIN? colour both sides, and I don't return from distant parts both of intend buying a two colour bat at us using some very old fashioned I set out for Cardiff on Friday, my age (77). If this rule is made equipment. All three games Jan. 18, on a very cold and wintry compulsory for local leagues I went to the limit and rallies of day, unbeknowing that Stellan shall give up competitive play 20+ were commonplace. All Bengtsson would be among the 'and ETTA membership. Mr. John present agreed it was well worth competitors. Prean in his article in December's watching - a poor men's version What a pleasure it was to see T.T. News agrees when he says, of Vana and Bergmann perhaps. him playing in the U.K. again at "I can think of nothing more ROBBIE ROBINSON, his near brilliant best. I am likely to lose us members." Chairman, Queen Elizabeth convinced that everyone in the K. WOODARD Community College TTC play­ hall who witnessed his set 5 Birchwood Road. ing in Exeter & Dist. TTL (now against Andrzej Grubba were Tooting. London SW17 9BA reduced to 6 divisions)!! enthralled not only with his 'Belair'. spectacular play, but by his sheer Weston Road. determination and exciting Crediton. Devon, attacking play. On this occasion he lost, but in defeat he is a joy to FULL STEAM AHEAD DRASTIC ACTION NEEDED watch. FOR THE TITANIC STIFLE NOT ERASE I have been an avid admirer of I read "Any more for the Titanic" Re your letter in TT News (Jan. him, on seeing him soon after he by Dick Hopkins with consider­ won the World men's singles Reading Table Tennis News '85) "Any more for the Titanic", I frightens me to death. Not my able interest and I could not would suggest that what Mr. title in Nagoya, Japan in 1971, at agree more with his statement the age of 18. Two years later, he death but that of a premier world Hopkins advocates would end "The public and the players want sacrificed his own chances of sport called Table Tennis. How­ up a real Mary Rose! rallies". I learned my game from retaining the title, winning the ever, from the T.T. News comes I would pose the queries - is Jack Carrington in the early 50's Swaythling Cup for Sweden off only soothing messages intend­ the serve of a player not a part of and it seems to me that the rot his own back in Sarajevo in ed one assumes, to allay the the skill of this great game and began sometime about then. 1973. fears of the fore-doomed partici­ must we have to serve to the Through over 30 years and 8 When I saw him in the Worlds pants in the coming Titanic right hand court of our opposing leagues of play at home and at Birmingham in 1977, in the disaster. player encouraging only a blister­ abroad it has been truly awful to quarter-final of the men's singles To be sure there is one ing forehand return and therefore watch the steady decline (with against the eventual winner M. discordant note - that struck by a encouraging a "Two ball rally"? the occasional slight upsurge) in Kohno of Japan, he was leading stowaway named John Prean. I am only a player in one of the players, teams, leagues, by two games to one. The crowd This fellow, among his "flam­ Bolton League's lower divisions spectators and, more recently, were chanting his name and boyant offerings" says "The long who does on occasions (i.e. cup TV coverage. However, I do not going wild and he amassed decline in membership must be matches) have to play first agree with Mr. Hopkins' suggest­ numerous fans throughout the reversed or there will be no sport division players, some of whom ed remedy because he, is con­ fortnight. of Table Tennis, just a few hobby are of county standard. The main­ sidering the symptons not the The Swedes had the foresight gatherings". stay of my game against players cause - the bat and its changes in the 50's to employ Ogimura, Fortunately for the nervous, of this calibre is to use whatever over the past 30 years. the Japanese world champion, reassuring official bulletins are guile and spin I can on my serve I have heard it said so often and in five years he produced a issued from the Bridge. 'Things in order to put a player of this that you cannot turn the clock European champion in Alser and are not as gloomy as John quality under whatever pressure back but I'm not sure that is so in this led to Stellan Bengtsson writes" says Peter Charters. to return the ball, and this often this case. Firstly it has to be being a world champion. Thank goodness for that! I was means using spin to both fore­ accepted by the law-makers that I realise the problem is financial getting worriedl "The search for hand and backhand. Is Mr. Hop­ the bat is the cause, then I think and also that Stellan might not a new sponsor for the English kins therefore advocating that changes towards standardisation be available, especially now that Closed continues" writes Aubrey this weapon in my, and many should be made in the appro­ he is a proud father of twins, but I Drapkin. So there is still hope players like myself, armoury priate law. After all it is not all am convinced that young en­ then? Maybe somewhere, in should be banned? that uncommon for legislation of thusiastic players would respect some dark recess, a reticent In my division of the Bolton any kind to bring the situation a player of this quality. sponsor awaits discovery. And League I find very few players back to where it once was. In closing, I am also an finally the Captain (Chairman) who struggle to return my serve When Dennis Lillee, the admirer of Grubba, Secretin and himself assures us that the and the "Third ball rally" is really Australian cricketer, walked out Jonyer and, dare I say it, I have "coverage of sport by the tele­ quite rare. If a player is using spin with a metal bat in Australia the fallen for Olga Nemes, who could vision channels is a topical sub­ in service he is obviously spinning cricket authorities quickly be the women's champion by ject". There you are! It's only a the ball to be returned to his own stepped in to prevent him using 1987. Past heroes of mine were matter of discussion and the TV strong point. Is it not therefore it in the best interests of the Ivan Andrea'dis and England's channels will again by lobbying the object of the receiver to try to game, not because the law said Johnny Leach, their largesse our way. outsmart the server with his own the bat must be made of any LEN F. ROBERTS Therefore why am I a humble return? particular substance. 80 Greenway. passenger, listening to the casti­ I suggest that if you take away I feel that some quite drastic Southgate. gated stowaway and reaching for that piece of a server's armoury action is needed now before it is London N14 6NS my life-jacket? Because in all the too late for our sport to recover in you aIso ta ke away the need of January issue of T.T. News there this country. During the past two the receiver to "think" too hard is not the tiniest hint that the root decades all kinds of new and about the return. On Mr. Hopkin's cause of our sport's decline is NOT AT MY AGE! exciting sporting activities have second point of raising the net, under serious discussion. In case been introduced to the public so once again I feel that a lot of the I received an entry form from anyone does not remember, the is it any wonder that so few grass roots players would still Helsinki for the Veterans' World root cause, indeed the only youngsters take up, and so many return the ball into the net, pro­ Championships which took place cause, is the first ball serve not so young give up our in­ bably more so. With respect, Mr. last June, but I was unable to followed, if returned by the third creasingly unattractive sport? Hopkins, the "Two quick and enter owing to the two colour bat ball kill. On a personal note, two easy changes" you suggest would rule which read"According to That is why TV does not want weeks ago in a league match I not erase the "third ball rally"; it ITTF Rule 4.2.1.2.2. the two sur­ to know us. That is why met my first combination bat would merely serve to stifle a faces of the racket blade shall be spectators are deserting us. That which produced a most one­ great part of our game - the of clearly different colours, is why players are leaving for sided game. This week I enjoyed service. whether or not both sides are other sports. And that, cumula­ playing and others watching one JOHN HYLAND used for striking the ball." tively, is why sponsors for big of those now very rare games 44 Regent Street. I have two bats - a Barna hard events are getting harder to find when I was able to attack Heywood. Lanes. OL10 3 BX. and a Wadsworth anti-spin same than choppers in the top ten. 45 PostbagfJunior and Cadet Rankings

Consequently, I agree abso­ sidering; such as a larger ball, us to properly organise, present and, at its best, a joy to watch. lutely with those (notably that which would reduce velocity ­ and promote the game at our So, I repeat, let us the rank and castaway fellow John Prean) and incidentally be more easily own level. file work hard to interest and who argue strongly for changes seen on Television. But some­ We cannot for ever moan and enthuse recruits and supporters which will lead to longer rallies. thing must be done and done criticise about the powers that to our game. It will be frustrating To state the obvious, it is only quickly. Where's my life-lacket, I be. We cannot wait until some and take a lot of effort and time, longer rallies which can give the can smell the ice-bergs. charismatic super star hits the but as things stand it is the only colourful tapestry of play de­ DICK HOPKINS England scene, until bicycle glue sure way. signed to attract spectators, "'2 Woodside Grove, is banned, rubber standardised, Finally, I must admit to a pre­ players, TV channels and, thus, Henbury, Bristol BS10 7RF the service rule modified, the net judice (but no more a prejudice sponsors. raised, until communication, than to talk of 'third ball bashers', As I have written begore my ONLY SURE WAY decision-making and manage­ as John Prean does!). I am glad own solutions would be: ment from top officialdom is that 'twiddling' is no longer 1) A higher net restoring the ,Murray Corbin echoes in one exemplary. These things might effective. I felt it damaged the balance between attacker and paragraph (County Champion­ help but they may never happen game. The task of selling table defender and 2) A restricted ships, Jan. '85) something of and the time for action is now! tennis will now be that much serve to the right-hand court what I have intended saying for a Of course there is scope for easier. restoring players' ability to make long time but have never got change and improvement re­ KEN MUHIR safe returns of service. round to it. He is of course right. garding the promotion, regula­ 23 York Road, Of course there may be other We, the players, coaches and tion and organisation of table Stony Stratford suggested solutions worth con­ officials are the ETTA. It is up to tennis but it is still a great game, Milton Keynes. MK11 1BJ

34 Kristina Cox (La) (30) 53 LENTEC COMPUTER RAN KI NGS 35 Esme Stevenson (Co) (-) 50 36 Kathryn Bray (Y) (23) 49 JUNIORS/CADETS 37 Susan Butler (Dv) (21) 47 38 Caroline Dada (Y) (-) 44 39 Julie Clegg (La) (-) 43 UP, UP AND AWAY 40 Linda Thompson (Li) (-) 41 CADET BOVS Pts Although Carl Prean and Joanne 21 Paul Elphick (Sx) (19) 159 1 Matthew Syed (Bk) (1) 815 22 Kevin Lawrence (St) (-) 158 2 Michael O'Driscoll (Y) (3) 541 Shaw retain their No.1 positions 23 Phillip Szekeres (Mi) (24) 151 3 Bradley Billington (Dy) (2) 539 in the latest up-dated lentec 24 John Bult (Y) (22) 138 4 Chris Oldfield (Y) (5) 348 TABLE TENNIS NEWS 25 Andrew Henry (Dy) (41) 135 5 Neil Pickard (Nk) (6) 254 computer rankings, issued in 26 Tony West (E) (40) 129 6 Damian Holland (E) (8) 224 January, four cadet players have 27 Bernard O'Grady (K) (36) 126 7 Andrew Houghton (K) (7) 219 Published each month from 28 Neil Pickard (Nk) (25) 124 8 Dale Saunders (Gs) (9) 191 October to May. Postal subscrip­ made significant strides in the 29 Matthew Connell (Y) (-) 124 9 Neil Sims (Y) (10) 174 junior category. 30 Phillip Payne (So) (32) 121 10 Phillip Szekeres (Mi) (-) 173 tions £6.50 for eight issues (U. K.) 31 Paul Bumpus (Le) (29) 116 11 Richard Jones (Sy) (-) 158 Europe (including Eire) £11.00, Bradley Billington, son of 32 Andrew Taylor (Ch) (-) 108 12 David Morris (Sp) (18) 157 Maurice of Derbyshire fame, has 33 Matthew Pernet (Sy) (-) 106 13 Michael Rutherford (K) (4) 152 Overseas airmail £13.00. 34 Chris Oldfield (Y) (-) 106 14 Stuart Miller (Cv) (15) 149 rocketed from No. 23 to No.6 35 C. Pertez (Mi) (-) 104 15 Nicky Ryder (Y) (12) 130 whilst equally impressive is the 36 Lee Brown (La) (-) 99 16 Adrian Thorpe (St) (22) 129 93 Advertisements: Mrs. Christine rise of Northumberland's 37 Bernard Lazarus (E) (37) 17 Leigh Jeffries (Wa) (24) 125 38 Paul Gooding (Sk) (38) 93 18 Andrew Whiteley (Y) (23) 118 Wilkes, English Table Tennis Thomas Blackman, from No. 31 39 David Fewsdale (Cv) (-) 92 19 Jonathon Taylor (Ch) (-) 105 88 Association, 21 Claremont, Hast­ to No. 10. Well done, Geordie 40 Darren Smith (Wa) (-) 20 Mark Ward (Y) (20) 102 41 Kark Ball (K) (33) 86 21 Matthews Pernet (Sy) (11) 97 ings, East Sussex. TN34 1 H F. lad! 42 Bernard Wentworth (Ch) (-) 82 22 Wayne Renton (La) (-) 94 43 James Griffiths (E) (-) 81 23 Jason Swaine (Y) (-) 91 'Phone: Hastings (0424) 433121. lancashire's" Andrea Holt, the 44 S. Slater (St) (-) 80 24 Andrew Eden (La) (16) 90 pride of Ramsbottom, apart from 45 Alaric Bassano (Y) (-) 79 25 Gary Knights (Dy) (14) 86 46 Stuart Craggs (Cv) (18) 77 26 Will Hollingsworth (Oy) (-) 77 topping the cadet girls' list - up 47 Andrew Ball (Y) (-) 77 27 Simon Cooper (Sp) (17) 76 Subscriptions:Miss B. Davies, from No.3 - has also ascended 48 Peter Curry (Nd) (28) 73 28 John Collins (Ca) (25) 72 English Table Tennis Association, 49 Gavin West (Dy) (-) 72 29 Andrew McKeown (Cv) (21) 66 in the U-1 7 girls' Iist from No. 9 50 David Thomas (Wa) (-) 71 30 Paul Smith (So) (-) 60 21 Claremont, Hastings, East to No.3 closely followed at Nos. 51 Andrew Eden (La) (-) 71 31 Mark Bawden (Bd) (-) 59 Sussex. TN34 1 HF. ' Phone: 52 Greg Barden (K) (39) 70 32 James Nicholson (Cv) (-) 54 4 and 5 by Claire Potts of Chester 53 Michael Rutherford (K) (30) 65 33 S. Greenvrook (Sy) (-) 52 Hastings (0424) 433121. - from No. 11 - and Kerry Hall, 54 Simon Jones (Ch) (-) 65 34 Brian Mileham (K) (26) 51 55 Adrian Bolton (Ng) (27) 61 35 R'obert Till (St) (-) 50 daughter of Eric' also of Derby· 56 Peter Harris (He) (-) 59 36 Robert Yong (Ng) (13) 47 shire fame - 'from No. 28! 57 Richard Jones (Sy) (-) 57 37 Darren Shaw (Nd) (-) 47 Distribution: Mrs. E. Doreen 58 Tim McGill (Sp) (-) 56 38 Mark Mulley (Dv) (-) 46 Yates, 43 Knowsley Road, Neasden's lesley Souter is also 59 Paul Ward (La) (-) 56 39 Ian Humes (Cv) (-) 40 to be congratulated on her rise in 60 Murray Barter (So) 55 40 Michael Roughley (Du) (19) 37 Smithills, Bolton, lancs. Bl1 41 Kevin Sangster (Y) (-) 37 6JH. 'Phone: Bolton (0204) the U-17 category, from N"o. 27 GIRLS Pts to No. 11. Not forgetting young 1 Joanne Shaw (Y) (1) 553 CADET GIRLS Pts 42223. 2 Jill Powis (St) (2) 325 1 Andrea Holt (La) (3) 674 Julie Billington - let's keep it in 3 Andrew Holt (La) (9) 310 2 Claire Potts (Ch) (1) 574 the family - up from No. 25 to 4 Claire Potts (Ch) (11) 307 3 Kerry Hall (Dy) (2) 452 5 Kerry Hall (Dy) (28) 286 4 Julie Billington (Dy) (4) 262 Editorial: Mr. George R. Yates, No. 12 whilst still a cadet! 6 Juliet Houghton (K) (4) 280 ·5 Jane Wright (Dv) (10) 179 43 Knowsley Road, Smithills, Revised rankings and points 7 Claire Mouzon (Nd) (5) 256 6 Debbie Toole (Y) (5) 171 8 Louise Davis (Wo) (10) 221 Bolton, lancs. ' Phone: Bolton (previous positions in 7 Tracy Scott-Pawson (Do) (7) 163 9 Debbie Soothill (Cu) (3) 216 8 Julie Forster (Le) (8) 147 (0204) 42223. brackets):- 10 Lisa Hayden (E) (8) 206 9 Julie Norman (Bk) (6) 128 11 Lesley Souter (Mi) (27) 200 10 Nicola McGrath (La) (-) 128 12 Julie Billington (Dy) (25) 171 11 Cheryl Bateman (Sy) (13) 117 BOVS P~ 13 Sarah Hammond (Ha) (19) 158 12 Caroline Buckley (Bd) (-) 98 1 Carl Pran (lOW) (1) 1010 14 Melonie Carey (So) (29) 148 13 Ellen Meddings (Y) (15) 94 2 Andrew Syed (Bk) (2) 652 15 Angela Sanders (St) (6) 142 14 Anne Pashley (Cv) (16) 91 3 Jimmy Stokes (Bk) (3) 466 16 Lesley Popkiewicz (Sy) (7) 128 15 Susanne Lawton (Cv) (-) 88 4 Adrian Dixon (St) (5) 459 17 Alison Boxall (He) (15) 128 16 Helen Potts (Ch) (14) 71 5 Matthew Syed (Bk) (7) 413 18 Tanya Holland (E) (13) 126 17 Kate Gower (E) (-) 70 6 Bradley Billington (Dy) (23) 366 19 Rachel Knight (Mi) (12) 119 18 Julie Brion (Bk) (9) 69 7 Andrew Cunningham (K) (4) 363 20 Lisa Robins (Bd) (16) 116 19 Victoria Boyd (Sp) (-) 57 8 Mark Randle (Wa) (10) 304 21 Helen Perrott (Av) (17) 114 20 Janine Harrison (Y) (12) 50 9 Clive Guest (V) (9) 296 22 Helen Lower (St) (-) 97 21 Nicola Jones (Wo) (-) 47 10 Thomas Blackman (Nd) (31) 283 23 Michelle Cohen (Av) (34) 92 22 Audrey Barnett (St) (-) 44 11 Rodney Thomas (Do) (15) 273 24 Claire Brooks (Sy) (24) 86 23 Barbara Smallwood (La) (-) 36 12 Paul Amos (K) (13) 266 25 Ruth Bray (Y) (-) 86 24 Elizabeth Bryant (Le) (-) 33 13 Michael O'Driscol1 (V) (17) 261 26 Sarah Webb (So) (14) 83 25 Lisa C.oulson (Bk) (-) 33 14 Murray Jukes (Wo) (6) 240 27 Louise Forster (Le) (18) 82 26 Tracy Hooker (Bk) (-) 30 15 Richard Hayward (St) (12) 193 28 Alison Evans (Y) (20) 76 27 Elizabeth Connell (Y) (-) 29 16 Sean Gibson (La) (16) 183 29 Helen Broomhead (Y) (-) 61 28 Judith Grant (Du) (11) 29 17 Nicholas Newton (Y) (20) 180 30 Jane Roberts (Y) (32) 59 29 Denny Corden (Dy) (-) 28 18 Jonathon Goode (Mi) (21) 173 31 Hazel Kavanagh (Y) (-) 57 30 Julie Clegg (La) (-) 27 19 Graham Kemp (Bk) (26) 168 32 Katrine Baker (Mi) (-) 55 31 Rachel Skinner (Mi) (-) 26 20 Paul Savins (Bk) (14) 167 33 Amanda Shufflebotham (Ox) (22) 54 32 Sarah Kettle (Av) (-) 22 46