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Season 2011 - 2012

Cheltenham Regain Warner Shield

This year’s annual table tennis match between the Cheltenham and Gloucester Leagues for the Warner Shield was held on Friday 3rd February at the Hillview Community Centre, Up Hatherley, Cheltenham.  Despite a bitterly cold night, some 40+ spectators turned up and witnessed a number of very close and exciting matches.  Cheltenham eventually ran out the winners and thus reclaimed the Warner Shield but the scoreline of 5-2 does not tell the whole story – the results in 3 of the matches could easily have been reversed, as the following details show.   

Under 18 Singles

Jaspreet Singh (Cheltenham) beat Hamza Bham (Gloucester)  11-9 11-4 9-11 11-6

Both players, perhaps understandably, were affected by nerves in the 1st game.  Jaspreet just edged it and then clearly relaxed and began to show why he’s such an exciting prospect, taking the 2nd game comfortably.  Hamza then upped his game and, in a tight 3rd, bravely held on to win it.  A strong start in the 4th saw Jaspreet establish a lead which was never threatened.

Division 2 Singles

Ryan Makepeace (Cheltenham) beat Trevor Oliver (Gloucester)  10-12 11-7 10-12 11-8  11-9

This was a match of long rallies and arguably the best contest of the evening between two players of contrasting styles, with Trevor coping very well with Ryan’s long pimples.  Trevor, behind for most of the 1st game, somehow sneaked it at deuce.  Ryan played more confidently to win the 2nd but trailed early in the 3rd, Trevor eventually taking it but only at deuce.  Trevor again held a few points advantage in the 4th but this time Ryan fought back strongly to win it and held his nerve well in yet another very close game to take the match.

Division 3 Singles

Nick Blake (Cheltenham) beat Vidas Rimkus (Gloucester)  8-11 11-9 3-11 11-5 11-8

This was another match that went the full distance and another match in which Cheltenham came through from 1-2 down to win.  Vidas was always ahead in the 1st game and, although he lost a very close 2nd game, won the 3rd so comfortably that it seemed his greater experience would prevail.  Nick however, showing great composure for a 14-year-old, listened to the advice he was given, steadied his game and impressively took the next two for the match. 

Doubles

Jason Million & Chris Sabourin (Gloucester) beat Russell Hayward & Chris Roberts (Cheltenham)  

11-6 11-9 10-12 11-4

After the two previous close encounters, perhaps too much was expected of this event.  In a match of short rallies, Gloucester secured their first win of the evening in a relatively straightforward manner, despite the loss of the 3rd game.  Jason and Chris combined very well and very efficiently in denying Russell’s and Chris’s attempts to make more of a contest of the match.

Ladies Singles

Ann Barnes (Gloucester) beat Choi Sze To (Cheltenham)  12-10 4-11 5-11 11-7 11-8

This was the 4th time in as many years that Ann and Choi Sze had played each other in this event and, for the first three games at least, the familiar pattern to the match took shape, with Ann winning a close game and Choi Sze winning two a little more easily.  With Choi Sze seemingly in control, Ann adopted a more aggressive approach, took her chances very effectively and came through strongly to record her first victory over her opponent.  The look of stunned disbelief on Ann’s face on winning the last point was something to behold.

Under 40 Singles

Matt Hartwell (Cheltenham) beat James Dance (Gloucester)  11-9 11-3 11-1

After a very shaky start to the 1st game with Matt 5-1 down, there was some speculation as to whether another upset was on the cards.  This was quickly dispelled as Matt cut out his errors and produced an array of attacking strokes that eventually proved too strong for James’s spirited defence.  With this victory, Cheltenham established a winning lead.

Over 40 Singles

Gordon Shaw (Cheltenham) beat Jacob Tily (Gloucester)  11-6 11-3 11-4

In the final event of the evening – and with the pressure off - it was Gordon’s more consistent defensive game, with the occasional sudden outburst of hitting, that won through, although the scoreline perhaps does not do justice to Jacob who made Gordon work hard for his points in a match of long rallies.

Cheltenham 5 Gloucester 2

On behalf of the Cheltenham Association, thanks are expressed to the Hillview Community Centre for the use of their premises; to Peter Cruwys and Alan Thomas for their umpiring; to all the spectators for braving the weather and supporting this event; and, not least, to the players of both sides for showing table tennis at its best.     

Winchcombe Way

Those of you who wish to talk the next stage of the Winchcombe Way with the regular walkers please note that the next stage is on Saturday the 24th March 2012. It will be a 7.5 mile hike and will take in three pubs for light refreshments. Those of you who are interested please contact Keith Ferguson to confirm your interest.

Warner Shield

This Friday is the annual competition between Cheltenham and Gloucester for the Warner Shield. Last years winners Gloucester will be hoping to retain the title whilst Cheltenham will be fielding a strong team in a bid to dominate and win the trophy back. The venue for the showdown is the Hillview Community Centre in Up Hatherley Cheltenham and the event starts at 7.30p.m. Matt Hartwell, Choi Sze To and Jaspreet  from Winchcombe will be performing their skills for Cheltenham so let's get supporting them.

Mid Season Update

With the 1st half of the season finished, now seems a good time to report on what's been happening on and off the table.

LATE FINISHES
None - so a huge thank you and well done to all Team Captains and their players for ensuring that our deadline requirement of being off the school premises by 10.35pm has been achieved every Thursday. We've now proved that it can be done, so keep up the good work for the 2nd half.

TEAM RECORDS
The current standing of our five teams is as follows:
Division 1: Roamers 1st, Cavaliers 2nd
Division 2: Wizards 1st, Warriors 6th
Division 3: Vikings 5th

IRELAND
The party for the return match with the York Road Club in Dublin is beginning to take shape. At present, there are 11 players (plus 6 partners) definitely going and another 3 players (plus 1 partner) hoping to be able to go.
To those who are definitely going, please get your flights booked asap - and let me know.
To those who aren't going, it will still be possible to accommodate you should you find that your circumstances change thus enabling you to join the party.
 

WEB SITE
The web site unfortunately was down during the most of December due to a technical issue with our host server which is why there were very few updates, our apologies for this, but normal service is now being resumed so please re-visit on a regular basis.

 

Irish Tour Dates Announced

As many of you will now know the return visit to Dublin for members and specially invited guests will be the weekend of 13th - 15th April  2012. Keith Ferguson is again making some of the arrangements and if you have not had you invite or even returned the application forms to him showing your initial interest and accommodation requirements please can you do so as soon as possible. Full further details will follow as soon as arrangements have been finalised.

England gets a new Number 1

Photo ; Courtesy of the ETTA

Liam Pitchford is England’s new senior number 1, taking over from Paul Drinkhall who has been present at the top of the leader board since becoming the youngest ever number 1 age the age of 16 in 2006.

Over the past few years Liam has gone from strength to strength, since finishing his GCSE’s he has been able to concentrate full time on his table tennis career, this dedication has produced some outstanding performances, the frequency of which has been gradually increasing.

Internationally Pitchford has claimed some major scalps. During the 2009 English Open when he was ranked 579th, he edged out world number 89 Liu Song (Argentina) in a very close 4-3 battle. At this years English Open he come out victorious against no. 148 Stefan Fegerl

These performances were eclipsed this month though when he went on an impressive run of form during the Austrian Open and European Championships, which included three victories against players in the top 50, including the Belarusian Vladmir Samsonov ranked 9th!

Article and Photo courtesy of ETTA

New Season News

Welcome, one and all, to the new season, with a special welcome to the Club to new members Anthony Ballinger, Graham Morrison, Darren Tarling, Jaspreet Singh and Ashley Woodman. 

What follows covers both general and detailed information about the coming season.

CLUB SUBSCRIPTIONS

Club subscriptions are as follows: Seniors £44.00 / Students £19.00 / Juniors £17.00. Subscriptions should be paid to the Treasurer by October 31st (note: late payment will cost an extra £5.00).

ETTA INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATIONS

From last season all players are now required to pay an Individual Registration fee.  The fee this season is £6.00 (£3.00 for Juniors).  Players are encouraged to pay online through the ETTA website (which I found to be a quite straightforward process).  If you pay by this method (or via another club), then please show me your new ETTA Membership Card once you have received it. If however you prefer to pay your fee via Winchcombe TTC, then the £6.00 or £3.00 must be added on to your subscription fee, thus making the total amount due to the Club as follows: Seniors £50.00 / Students £25.00 / Juniors £20.00

Urgent: will you all let me know please asap how you intend to register as the Individual Registration fee for those registering through the Club will need to be passed on to the Cheltenham TTA.

TEAMS          

ROAMERS (Div 1): Doug Payne (Capt), Nick Davidson, Matt Hartwell, Nick Mytton,

Choi Sze To

CAVALIERS (Div 1): Craig Norledge (Capt), Duncan Arrandale, Tristan Gretton,

Charlie Loh, Rob Sinderberry, Jaspreet Singh

WIZARDS (Div 2): Chris Lane (Capt), Jacqui Carver, Keith Ferguson, Stewart Ratcliffe,

Darrell Wiltshire

WARRIORS (Div 2): Mike Vick (Capt), Richard Bishop, Geoff Collings, Stuart  Greene,

Luke Gresty, Andrew Gretton

VIKINGS (Div 3): Alan Gallop (Non-playing Capt), Anthony Ballinger, John Gallop,

Graham Morrison, Darren Tarling, Ashley Woodman 

PRE-SEASON PRACTICE

The Gym has been booked for pre-season practice on September 8th, 15th and 22nd from 8.00 to 10.00 pm.  Players will be asked to contribute £2.00 per session.  

THURSDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER

Handbooks, match books and scorecards will be available on the 22nd.  Could Team Captains please ensure that they (or one of their team) are at the school on the 22nd so everything can be distributed.         

PLAYING ARRANGEMENTS

The League programme starts the week commencing September 26th (see attached Fixture List for full details).  Home nights are Thursdays and all matches will be played in the Gym.  (Note for new members: use the secondary entrance to the school – not the main gate; drive past the school-keeper’s bungalow, park in the marked spaces and then walk between the buildings to gym in right-hand corner).

The Gym is officially booked with the school from 7.15 to 10.30 pm and every effort must be made to finish matches by that time (see below).  Availability of the Gym before 7.15 is not a problem, so early arrival (7.00 pm) to set up tables etc is not affected – matches are officially supposed to start at 7.15 pm anyway.

The layout of the Gym for matches will be as it was last season – the 2 end tables to be self-contained playing areas (i.e. barriers across full width of gym and benches inside the barriers) and the 2 middle tables to have benches outside the barriers to enable easier access to the door.  Notices requesting the door to be closed have been produced – please remember to put them up (and return them to the net box at the end of the evening).    

The combination number for access to the storeroom for tables is 0847.  In the event of problems, Alan Dorrington, the school caretaker, can be contacted on his mobile (07968 350245) or directly at the bungalow. 

MATCH RESULTS

Match results can be sent either on the official scorecard or by electronic transfer.  The relevant League rules can be found in the Handbook – Team Captains please note.   

LATE FINISHES

Last season the School made it clear that we must be off the premises - not just out of the gym – by 10.35 pm.  Please help to achieve this by arriving at the Club in time to help set up and so ensure matches start as promptly as possible (I know opponents’ arrival time is out of our control but opponents arriving before home team players does not look good), by minimising knock-ups between games, by being ready to play or umpire when it’s your turn and by encouraging opponents to do the same.  Team Captains in particular are requested to push things along (in a friendly but firm manner, of course!). 

 AWAY FIXTURES    

New club/venue: Apperley Allsorts (Div 2) – ex-Cheltenham C (Dave Green’s team).

New venue: Cheltenham G (Div 3) – Sports Hall, Cheltenham Junior College.

Change of venue: Chelsea Exiles (Div 1) – Lakeside. 

FUTURE PRACTICE

Match nights: there will be either 2 or 3 league matches scheduled for every Thursday during the season.  At least 1 table will therefore be available for general practice, for a rearranged match or for completing a match running late.  Will those setting up please take all 4 tables into the gym.  

WEBSITE

The Club has its own website at www.winchcombettc.com.  Please send Webmaster Nick Davidson information on match results, outstanding performances or any newsworthy items – he will be delighted to hear from you at winchcombettc@fsmail.net. 

Finally, best wishes to all for an enjoyable and successful season. 

Keith Ferguson

White Witch Gets Spell Cast upon her

On the 27th August the White Witch Wizard Jacqui Carver was married to Richard Bickley at Hatherley Manor in a very enjoyable day. The other Wizards attended as you may of expected and the whole day went well with Jacqui and Richard being the only ones having a spell cast upon them. On behalf of Winchcombe Table Tennis Club we wish you all the best in your new lives together and look forward to seeing the name Bickley on a lot of score cards and trophies from now on.

    

Hotels Combined.com

Word is slowly getting around but the accommodation and prices on this web site are some of the best on the market. They search hundreds of deals on the web daily and whilst at least two of our club members have used the site for accommodation, the feed back that I am getting is that it is very good value for money. So if you need accommodation for anything, a visit to friends, a short break or even a wedding then check out the site from the link on the home page or click on the link below. You will not be disappointed.

 

Winchcombe Golf Classic 2011

 

Howdy Winchcombe Table Tennis Players and Invitational Players 

After the success of the previous 3 years golfing day out, Winchcombe’s Golf Classic is to take place once again, the suggested date for this entertaining day out is shown below, the venue Cleve Hill (Approx cost based on last year £10 for 10 holes unless inflation is stinging rounds of golf too, these days). 

The more Winchcombe table tennis players and invitational players the merrier, dust off those clubs and come have a laugh (usually at Excavator Ferguson or Divot Digger Doug’s expense) all standards welcome, if you don’t have any clubs I have a spare set for someone to use. 

Date:                 Sunday 28^th of August

Tee off Times:   11:00,  11:07, 11:15 and more if required

Venue:              Cleve Hill (10 holes then the long walk back for a snack and a cheeky beverage)

 If you could let me know your interest and availability asap, so I can add or confirm numbers, that would be great? 

Read about last years golf day re; link below, last item in the archive.

www.winchcombettc.com/news_archive.htm

Look forward to hearing form you all.                     Matt Hartwell

 

All Photos are copyright of Winchcombe Table Tennis Club unless stated