Press Report Week 1
Table Tennis Review;
The usual suspects will be involved in the battle for the Premier title in the coming season-The Associations 83rd- Burymead B, going for their eleventh championship in twelve years, take on Godalming A- the current ‘Percy Lawes’ holders-who only narrowly lost the title last year on countback.
This year, however, Burymead will be without Men’s Singles Champion Chris Bush whilst Godalming expect to field last years side spearheaded by ace Adam Laws, with Federico Viterbo and Rob Pountney- this certainly makes them favourites. In the mix Merrow A will probably provide an additional challenge.
Likely relegation candidates would seem to be newly promoted teams Cody A and Challoner but will undoubtedly make great efforts to prove me wrong.
In other news Nationally ranked Junior star Danielle Kelly won’t be a regular for Godalming due to her out of town educational commitments but sister Estelle will be playing with her Dad Chris in the Third Division.
Triple winners last season- The Second Division,Lewis and Handicap Cups- Steve Day, Charlie Cunningham, Jamie Felton and Jonathan Cannon should be strong contenders in the First Division for Godalming D.
This year Godalming are fielding an unprecedented 15 teams. Not since the now defunct Pegasus club who had 17 teams, in their pomp, in the 70’s have we seen such numbers.
The Second Division looks interesting with no less than three Bramley sides involved.Bramley recently celebrated their 75th Anniversary of continuous membership in the league. Bramley B, led by Linda Makepiece, look a good bet for the title with teammates Steve Cheeseman, Joe Melchionno and Dick Nevitt however their C and D colleagues will struggle. It was the C side that clinched the Third Division Championship, last year, with a play-off against Godalming F after finishing equal on points with Kim Farminer and Steve Palmer starring. If they are to survive these two will need to be at their very best!
Clubs should note that the doubles will now be played at game seven instead of five as previously. The Associations Coaching program restarts on Fridays this month at Christs College.
May I wish you all a successful and happy season. See you on the table!
John Diggens