The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Archway’s win never in doubt after Song gives a masterclass
Table tennis - City club in British Senior League action
Peterborough-based Archway claimed a resounding 5-2 win against Scottish Champions North Ayrshire in their first home match in the Premier Division of the British Senior League last Saturday.
The result was never really in doubt after a masterclass by the outstanding Chinese team member Jiawong Song who won two singles matches at a canter.
In addition, both Callum Evans (Wales No. 1) and debutant Adam Jepson both chipped in with one win apiece. Evans also teamed up with the rested Chris Doran to win the doubles.
Song was unstoppable and untroubled as he didn’t need to get out of third gear for his two wins, entertaining the crowd on the way with some outlandish shots.
It was however Jepson – from Whittlesey – who had the ‘stand-out’ performance thrashing Colin Dalgleish (Scottish number 2 and current British champion) by a very convincing 3-0 margin.
Head coach Gareth Herbert was pleased with the win and particularly encouraged by Jepson who continues to go from strength to strength.
Herbert said: “That was an awesome performance from Adam who continues to learn and develop.
“He seems to have taken on board all that we have worked on recently in training and is now putting it into practice with devastating effect.”
Archway’s next fixture is away to reigning champions Ormesby (Middlesbrough) in January when the team will look to build further on this encouraging result.
Archway’s development • officer Diccon Gray was in excellent form himself over the weekend as he claimed two prestigious titles in Cardiff.
Gray won the over 50s mens singles and doubles competitions at an International Table Tennis Federation Veterans World tour event. Gray beat a fellow Englishman in the singles final after beating players from Wales, India and Denmark.
Tour events also take place in Australia, China, Austria and the United States.
Gray explained: “This is a new initiative by the International Table Tennis Federation to promote competition for veterans over40, 50, 60,65, 70, 75, 80 and 85!
“This was the fifth leg of the world tour and it was an enjoyable experience.
“The standard was not that strong, but as they say you can only beat whoever is in front of you!.
Gray has been a driving force at Archway who are providing top-division table tennis in Peterborough for the first time.
The club is based in Lincoln Road in the old Derek Brown Dance Studio.