News & Views from the Colchester Table Tennis League
with Press Officer Martyn Green

1st September 2008
H20 Rowhedge Start as Favourites - but which one?

Reigning Colchester & District Table Tennis League Champions H20 Rowhedge A will not have things all their own way this season as they face stiff competition in the form of their ‘B’ and ‘C’ teams as well as last season’s surprise package St Mary’s West Bergholt A. Following the departure of Captain Greg Green, Rowhedge A will rely heavily on Kevin Gowlett who finished fourth in the averages last season and welcome back Kate Wadling on a regular basis. Much will depend on the availability of star man and reigning Colchester Men’s Champion Dave Cole who finished unbeaten but played in just half of their matches. Rik James has been registered to play but with a heavy burden of Chelmsford and Braintree league matches both James’ fitness and Cole’s commitment will prove crucial.

Runner’s-up H20 Rowhedge B are ready in waiting, led by Michael Andrews who impressed last term reaching the Men’s Singles Final joined by Junior Champion Mike Shore no body could question their commitment, both ever present last season, they will look to their third player to make the difference this time. Anthony Greenwood certainly has the pedigree but may well be unavailable for large parts of the year they may turn to their Clacton connections of Pete Burrows backed up by the father and daughter combination of John and Holly Stubbings.

If your looking for experience H20 Rowhedge C have it in abundance with John Andrews (Over 50’s) and Alan Burgess (Over 60’s) champions as well as former Over 40’s winner Dave Moss. Burgess was below par in the early part of their campaign last time and if all three hit their straps from the off, consistency could prove to be the key.

St Mary’s West Bergholt A surpassed expectation mainly thanks to Gary Young’s best ever season that saw him average over ninety percent. They have picked up Greg Green from Rowhedge, he finished in the top ten averages and this should help them consolidate as a top half team. Rayne are always danger men with Steve Kerns, ably supported by a plethora of top Braintree players capable of beating anyone on their day although they will miss the prolific Andrew McEwan away at University. Watch out for the three Walton teams, who if they put out the players they have registered, are well capable of making a title challenge. The ‘A’ team feature two of the Brotherhood B team that won the Clacton League in Martin Hogg and Colin Stallwood as well as the possibility of Fred Dove who enjoyed considerable success at National Veterans level. Gt Horkesley will be well represented with two teams and it will be interesting to see how they both fare especially with the ban on frictionless long-pimpled rubbers although singles semi-finalist two years running, Richard Goodhand has been working hard with alternatives in the close season! The ‘B’ team may well struggle as they have lost star man Graham Mortimer to Lawford A however, have found an ample replacement in the colourful Mark Lewis.

Walton D should start as favourites to win Division Two again albeit with different personnel that includes husband and wife Martin and Chris Edwards moving from St Mary’s as well as a welcome to Colchester debutants; brother and sister Felipe and Annabelle Rodrigues from Clacton. H20 Rowhedge have two teams that could threaten promotion with Division Three winners Pegasus A, headed by Steve Noble capable of upsetting the best. Lorrie Austin moves to Gt Horkesley C to strengthen their team and Anchor Press will now be known as ‘Jobserve’ hoping to have a refurbished if not new venue soon.

Once again this promises to be a very competitive season and any youngsters interested in playing or being coached should contact Alan Burgess on 01206 843106.