Woodfield gearing up for title defence
A surprising slide in the rankings to 28th meant former world No2 Radwanska entered this week as an unseeded player, but she showed her quality in a 6-3 7-5 victory over British hope Konta.
In a repeat of last year’s final match-up, this time fourth seed Konta (pictured) could not take control of the contest against Poland’s former Wimbledon runner-up. Marsh Con C ................................................................. Kingsmith Engineering D ..................................... Deighton Leisure Centre D .................................. Kingsmith Engineering C ........................................ Woodfield Park B ....................................................... Kingsmith PW .................................................................. New North Road Baptist Church A ................. Kingsmith Fountain Of Youth ............................ Deighton Leisure Centre E .................................. Marsh Con D ................................................................. U3A A ................................................................................ Deighton Leisure Centre G .................................. Scissett WMC B ........................................................... Deighton Leisure Centre F .................................. New North Road Baptist Church B ................. Kingsmith Engineering E ...................................... U3A B ................................................................................. Elland ................................................................................. Howard Birch and Michael Townend, who sadly passed away just before Christmas.
Birch was a former Match Secretary, League President and regular contributor to the Examiner table tennis report.
As a player Howard competed at the highest level during his playing career including a closed championship singles victory in 1946.
I personally had the privilege of playing in the same team as Howard for a number of seasons and he will be remembered for his ability to outmanoeuvre his opponents with his treasured Barna bat.
Michael was also a keen competitor and served the League as Treasurer for more than 20 years also acting as Competition Secretary for a number of those years.
Michael’s early playing career included the RAFA club up Wellington Street and latterly the Marsh Club.
His playing successes could often be attributed to his strong attacking backhand – our condolences go out to their respective families. Woodfield Park A v Deighton Leisure Centre G, Deighton Leisure Centre F v Wilshaw A, Deighton Leisure Centre C v Deighton Leisure Centre A, Kingsmith Engineering B v Deighton Leisure Centre E, Scissett WMC A v Marsh Con A, Marsh Con D v Deighton Leisure Centre D, Kingsmith Engineering C v Wilshaw B, Marsh Con A v Kingsmith Engineering D, Kingsmith Fountain Of Youth v Kingsmith Engineering E, Paddock v Woodfield Park B, Scissett WMC B v New North Road Baptist Church A, Marsh Con C v Kingsmith Engineering A, Deighton Leisure Centre B – Bye, U3A B v Elland, Greetland v Kingsmith PW, New North Road Baptist Church B v U3A A