Means less punch

with a vengeance taking the second and third, 8-11, 8-11, with a combination of deft back-hand angled drop shots and hits.

The pendulum swings back to Karen in the fourth, 11-8 and we are into a decider.

What a game, tension from both sides of the net adding to the drama, at 10-10 it’s anyone’s!

At 14-16 it’s George’s, like I said an absolute belter, it’s 2-2. North Meols number one Les Rimmer then put his side in front winning in four, over opposite number Ian, before Tom equaled things up again with a three straight win against Dennis, 3-3.

Having won already could cash in again?

Chris and Karen took on Les and George. Team work is the key here, and Chris and Karen showed they had just a bit more than their opponents, taking it in four, 11-4, 7-11, 11-9, 11-7, the home side lead 4-3.

Karen stayed put to face Dennis, who after a very promising start finally lost out 13-11, 11-1, 11-4, making it 5-3. A grandstand finish was needed by the visitors, and they were half way there, Les battling to overcome a gritty performance from Chris in three games, 9-11, 4-11, 11-13, closer than it looked. a doubles Waddington

Ian against George to finish off proceedings, so no pressure George, you needed to win this. An intriguing encounter, first game to George 6-11, second also 8-11, very close third but as Ian was gaining confidence, George pounced to take it 9-11, final score 5-5.

A wonderful night of table tennis, resulting in a fair result, credit to both teams.

That result keeps Waddington D in fourth place with 42pts, and although still at the bottom on 25pts North Meols must be encouraged by recent results.

With leaders Argyle G’s mini derby against their E team called off, Para’s took the chance to join them on 58pts after a maximum win over Crosby F.

Argyle F also improved their position winning well against their H team, and can now probably count themselves in the mix with 49pts.

Argyle E drop to fourth on 42 pts, but like Argyle G they have matches in hand so can’t be ruled out.

Crosby G also find themselves in a similar situation in fifth position on 40pts but with a match in hand.

League action takes a break next week, with the first round of the Gunson (Handicap)Cup. A favourite with the lower teams as they hope to compete on a level playing field having been awarded a handicap, so surprises expected.

All information can be found at www.tabletennis365.com/ southport SKELMERSDALE United did not have a good game on Saturday as an uninspired performance led to a 4-0 thrashing from Barwell.

Tommy Lawson’s side had two players sent off after Skem conceded a penalty in the first half before the goals started to flood in.

It was another blow for Skem, who are fighting to get away from the depths of the relegation zone and into safety in the league table.

The manager admitted it was a disappointing performance from his side but Lawson was not happy with the officials and stated they were at fault for a number of issues.

“I thought we were below par. We didn’t play well but we had a really poor referee again. She did not have a good performance. She allowed herself to be intimidated,” said Lawson.

“Their penalty was very controversial and we had two players sent off which I don’t believe deserved to be. I wasn’t the only one with that opinion.

“Even the linesman said our player shouldn’t have been sent off but he did nothing about it and didn’t even question her decision.

“It was like we were banging our heads against a wall watching the officials. They were a very low standard. It’s frustrating when that happens.

“There can’t be any excuses though. We weren’t as good as we know we can be and we just need to dust ourselves down now and remain positive.”

Lawson continued: “Alex Davies was out for eight weeks but he came back and played the full 90 minutes so I was very happy for him.

“Ideally we would have taken him off but the red card dismissals changed things a little. He was fantastic though. He has shown great commitment and that was a real positive from the game.

“We’ll access how he’s feeling in reaction to the game this week in training but hopefully he will be okay to play again on Saturday (against Buxton).