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

28th February-2009
COLE BIDDING FOR RECORD FOURTH CONSECUTIVE MEN’S TITLE

The prolific Dave Cole (H20 Rowhedge A), fresh from his success in the recent Chelmsford tournament is favourite to win a record fourth consecutive Colchester Men’s Singles title having won nine previously. Cole has only lost one league game in the last three seasons, against Steve Kerns (Rayne) last month, who unfortunately will be absent, playing in the Romford tournament. That leaves a host of evenly-matched challengers including twice semi-finalist Richard Goodhand (Gt Horkesley A), last season’s runner-up Michael Andrews (H20 Rowhedge B), who first has to face his in-form team-mate Mike Shore, and surprise fourth seed Jimmy Farrow (Gt Horkesley A). Gary Young (St Mary’s A) could pose a threat to Cole if as scheduled they meet in the quarter-final as both league encounters have gone the full five set distance. Clacton champion Kevin Gowlett (H20 Rowhedge A) has the pedigree but faces stiff opposition in the ‘group of death’, the all First Division line-up that includes Over 50’s Champion and runner-up John Andrews (H20 Rowhedge C) and Ian Whiteside (Rayne) as well as Martyn Green (St Mary’s A) who beat Gowlett earlier in the season. Former winner Dave Moss (H20 Rowhedge C) and Colin Stallwood (Walton A) complete the eight seeds.

Sue Welham (St Mary’s A) is expected to win an unprecedented twenty-second Ladies singles title despite not making last season’s final as both Sian Cook and Holly Stubbings college commitments prevent them from playing this year. Welham’s main opposition could come from twice Clacton Ladies champion and number two seed Annabelle Rodriguez (Walton D) in her first Colchester tournament or Hazel Hume (St Peters), enjoying one of her best seasons.

Mike Shore is overwhelming favourite to win the Junior (Under 18) title for the third year in succession, with club-mate Mark Smith second seed, Toby Turner (Pegasus B) and Andrew Harvey (H20 Rowhedge F) all trying to stop him. Watch out for Rowhedge G’s Brett Angell whose impressive recent league form could see him cause a few upsets. Runner-up last year, Andrew Harvey hopes to go one better in the Cadet singles (Under 15) with the up-and-coming Thomas Lewis and Grant Donaldson his main rivals (both H20 Rowhedge H).

In the Veteran’s 40+ Singles it’s Dave Cole once again who is resounding favourite with Jimmy Farrow seeded two. Last year’s runner-up in both events, Ian Whiteside is the number one seed in the Veteran’s 50+ and 60+ with Alan Burgess (H20 Rowhedge B) seeded two, also in both, the reigning 60+ champion. Last year’s 50+ champion John Andrews and former winner Dave Binns (Walton A) could have something to say about their seedings! Please note all Veteran events are to be held on the Saturday this year and not Sunday as previously.

In the doubles Dave Cole and Fred Button defend their Men’s title in a very competitive field as does Gary Young and Sue Welham in the Mixed Doubles looking for their third win in a row. The Ladies Doubles is wide open with Welham and Marlene Smith (St Mary’s) the top seeds.

The Tournament starts with the Handicap, Junior and Veteran’s events on Saturday and the Closed Championships and Divisional singles on Sunday with the Finals and presentations by the Mayor starting at 7.00pm on the Sunday evening all at the Rowhedge Table Tennis Club. Spectators are welcome to attend, refreshments will be provided.