Herefordshire Table Tennis News
LOCAL PLAYER PLAYS IN 2 FINALS AT THE NATIONAL VETTS CHAMPIONSHIP.
Ten Herefordshire players took part in the Vetts Western Masters Table Tennis competition held at the Hereford Leisure Centre over the weekend of the 12/13th Jan. This competition for men and women Table Tennis players over the age of 40, attracted 120 players from all over England. This included Joe Kennedy[ England rank 5 ] and 5 other players ranked above 13 for the men and Helen Shields [England rank 4] and 6 other ladies above England rank 14.
All put on an outstanding display of Table Tennis skills during the 2 days of competitions in the Over 40 ,50, 60 and 70 singles, doubles and mixed doubles events.
The eventual winner of the Over 40 men's event was Joe Kennedy [5] beating Brian Johns [6] whilst in the Ladies Elaine Short[6] beat Penny Perry.
The biggest upset of the event occurred in the over 60’s when Michael Meredith [22 over 60] beat David Crowley [2]. Michael then went on to beat Geoff Brook [14] before loosing to the number 3 seed Tom Adams the eventual loosing Finalist who lost to Henry Buist –2, 6, 5, -7 ,-5.
Of the local players Norman Merchant had the most success as he got to both the over 50’s and over 60’s consolation finals. In the over 50’s he lost to Ian Schwartz [ranked 35 places higher than him] after having beaten Ray Rider who was ranked 24 places higher on the way. While in the over 60’s consolation final he lost to Mike Withyman 7,-9, -4, -2. Norman also had a notable win during the over 40’s consolation event when he beat David Bowles [192] 152 places higher ranked in the over 40’s.
Other local players were Margaret Shock who lost to Sue Body the eventual winner in the Over 50’s Consolation. and our other lady, Carol Milnes ,who lost to Jan Hodgetts the eventual finalist of the over 40’s consolation –4,3,5,6.
3 local men Harry Jutle [over 40] , Richard Owens [over 50] and Neville Meredith [ over 60], made it through to their main singles competition only to go out to much higher ranked players in the first round. While John Hunt [over 50] lost in the first round of his consolation event as did Steve Farr in the over 40’s. The final Hereford player Michael Wheatly did better than most when he made it to the Quarter-finals of the over 50’s consolation when he lost to the eventual winner Ian Schwartz 8,8,7.
A most enjoyable 2 days was had by all and we are all looking forward to the event coming back to Hereford next January.
Information is available from Steve Watkins on 07970952364.for those of any age who want to know where to go to learn to play this interesting sport
If you have any comments on how we can use these events to promote our game
locally please let me know.
Steve Watkins
Dev Officer
Tel: 01432 356722, M-07970 952364 , E-mail: Swatkins@tt-t.fsnet.co.uk