Champions in winning form

HINCKLEY & District Table Tennis League resumed after a sumer break with 21 teams competing in two divisions for the winter league programme.

The shock result from round one of Division 1 was highly fancied new boys Hugglescote Rams, who were expected to be among the front runners for honours this season, going down to a surprise defeat at home to Cat A.

Despite a hard won two sets from Phil Jones, the Rams could not contain Cat A for whom Rhys Emery and Pete Jamieson won two apiece. Four sets went to a deciding fifth game and a further two went to a fourth game in a very tight match.

Barlestone A started well with a 9 sets to 1 victory over Cat B.

Man of the match was Adam Pettitt with a fine maximum but although the scoreline suggested a runaway victory it was in fact very close with two five game sets and six four game sets.

Barlestone B did not fare so well against G Ward B being soundly beaten by 9 sets to 1, with GWB’s Rob Whittaker taking all three of his games.

Last season’s champions G Ward A began the new season with a comprehensive victory over Nalgo running out winners by 9 sets to 1.

New boy Aaron Riley won his three for the title holders, alongside teammate Mark Perkins who also won his three.

RE Studios 1 won a tight match against Queen’s C by 6 sets to 4 with both Mark Randle and Andy Spring winning two each.

A junior coaching programme for six to 16 year olds is now up and running at Barwell’s George Ward Centre on Mondays from 3.45pm until 5.30pm.

Sessions cost £2 per person.

To book a call Mike Holt on 07545 476808 or just go along.

Anyone interested in playing in the league should call league secretary Jan Pinchess on Hinckley 440054.