Pukekohe Table Tennis Club victorious

The Pukekohe Table Tennis Club saw more teams than ever competing at the recent Counties Manukau Table Tennis Interclub Competition - and it paid off as the team came away with a first place.

Member Peter Schloots said a highlight for the club during the last round at interclub in Counties Manukau was the first place in A grade for the duo of Kevin Fogarty and Paul Swift.

‘‘This is a first time in Pukekohe table tennis history to win the title in the A grade of Counties Manukau table tennis,’’ he said.

‘‘This team is again holding first place in A grade and is in good shape to win the championship.’’

Pukekohe Table Tennis Club has two teams in A grade and five more teams in lower grades of the Counties Manukau Table Tennis Interclub Competition.

The Pukekohe club is currently the second largest table tennis club in Counties Manukau, behind the Manurewa club.

Schloots said Counties Manukau Table Tennis was the association of all table tennis clubs from the north of Howick to Panmure -including all Manukau suburbs to the south of Hunua and Port Waikato.

‘‘At club nights on Mondays and Tuesdays we regularly see more than 20 members turning up to improve their table tennis skills.

‘‘The club nights are held on Mondays from 7pm and on Tuesdays from 7.30pm on six tables in the Pukekohe Youth Centre,’’ he said.

Schloots said new players of all levels were always welcome and could join on their first club night with no fee.

‘‘After that the club charges a fee of $2 per night for adults and $1 for juniors. On Tuesdays from 6.30pm until 7.30pm, table tennis is open for special olympics which is quite popular as well.’’

Schloots said the club was lacking new young players and he wants to start a special session for school kids.

Interested players of all ages, or schools in the Pukekohe area can call Peter on 232 8778 for more information.