TABLE TENNIS: Block and Bailey shine

AFTER a week of hectic and fast paced table tennis, the young duo of Jonathan Block and Oliver Bailey won the final of the Spring Pairs for the Waveney Misfits team.

The Misfits came through their group four tie thanks to an impressive run of straight wins from Block and a further three points from team captain David Etheridge. For the final the pairing was changed and Bailey teamed up with Block for what would prove to be a decisive combination.

This innovative event matches players for just a single set against each other on a given handicap. This provides for a fast moving and ever changing competition that maximises the number of opponents played in one evening and allows minimal room for error. Hot of the Misfits tail were the Mill Lane Beacons. Josh Baxter and John Smith won their final place with an unbeaten run from Baxter in the group stage, which continued through the finals with a full eight wins from eight sets played.

While Misfits took an early lead the Beacons threat never let up and the continuous wins from Block and Bailey were only interrupted when they faced the unstoppable Baxter.

In what would prove to be a decisive game, Kevin Jones pipped John Smith 21-19 and although there were another five wins from Smith the Beacons fell just short of the Misfits total.

Kevin and Lauren Jones earned their final place by winning group five and made full use of their handicaps to come third in the final with a number of constructive wins. The Terminators and Coaching School Owls both had to qualify through a points countback when their groups finished in a three way tie.

Tight it may have been but full credit should be given to the Coaching School pairing of Ryan Grimmer and Charlotte Mildenhall who made up the Owls and are the first cadet team to make it through to a final in this competition.

For further information on league table tennis in Lowestoft or coaching sessions please contact Alan Peek on 01602 589895.