Disaster Weekend

Just a quickie to let those that are interested know how we got on at our British League Matches today.

Well as I predicted without a full strength squad we struggled and like Saturday lost both our matches. One weekend 4 matches, 4 defeats we've moved from title challengers into a relegation battle.
Both today's games were close we lost them both 5-3, personally I played well winning all four of my games but without some of my regular teamates we struggled. I'm disapointed personal success doesn't replace team success.

If anyone is interested I've just posted individual photo's our players from this weekend (1st & 2nd team) on the Clubs blog, check it out - Derwent Table Tennis Club

And just to cap off this miserable weekend Ricky Hatton got beat.

A Bad Day

Today I've got home not too happy with the results of our Table Tennis Matches. We were playing British League at Sheffield equal top in our division and with big ambitiond for the weekend. Now our division is really tight with one point seperating the top 5 teams, its wide hope and anyone can beat anyone.

First up we played the team that were equal top with us so it was critical we got a result, however it went wrong from the start and we were crushed 7-1, we lost a number of very close matches including mine. In one game I started really strong taking the first too sets with ease but I lost my way in the third allowing my opponent back in, then it all went downhill. I still can't believe I lost, I was so much in control.

Anyway I wasn't down to play in our 2nd match, it was against one of the bottom teams and we had calculated it better to rest me (I'm not fully fit still got a cold) but we would still be strong enough. Anyway it started to plan with the lads storming to a 3-1 lead following the first round of matches. Then disaster struck as our opponents took the last 4 matches three of which went to five sets, we couldn't believe how we clutched defeat from the jaws of victory, confidence is very low in the squad now.

Tomorrow we have two more matches and our top player Richard is unavailable but we thought the teams we are playing against their top players would be weak against defenders. Without Richard it would leave Trev & Myself playing the top half and we are both defenders. We reckoned our lower ranked players could pick up the pieces to help achieve the desired result. However Trev pulled his back muscle today and I would say is very doubtful for tomorrow, It sort of only leaves me who has played top half at this level before and I'm only half fit. It also means one of our better lower ranked players will have to play against better players than he is used to, we will be struggling.
Two defeats is a serious possibility and it would move us from top to a relegation dogfight, we need something out of tomorrows games.

It wasn't all bad today at least Leeds United cheered me up with a comprehensive 4-0 win against Huddersfield, well done the lads.
Shame that some of the scum pikey supporters decided to shame their Club by defacing "Billy's Statue". Lets hope when the Police catch them their Names & ADDRESSES are printed in the newspapers, I'm sure they have made some new friends that would love to meet them.


And finally Good Luck to Ricky Hatton in tonights big fight.

The Final Countdown

Its certainly getting close to me finishing work (21st Dec), I've still had no official contact from the new company to see if anything is on offer. To be honest I'm looking forward to Christmas off it'll be the first time I've had the full week off for a few years.
A lot of people leave tomorrow but a small skeleten crew including myself will be there to the end. It is just so quiet its sort of spooky.

A lot of people are off out for a drink tomorrow night but I'll just show my face and go home, I'm playing Table Tennis in the British League all weekend in Sheffield. The division is really tight with one point seperating the top five teams so every match is critical. We are equal top with 6 points and we play the team level with us first up Saturday morning. I've been struggling with cold all week but I am improving, hopfully I can up my performance we'll see.

Ok I'm missing the leaving do tomorrow but a few of us are off out for a meal next Wednesday, should be good I'll have to remember my Camera.

I've been scanning the deals for my travels next year, the prices arn't quite right yet but they are dropping so watch this space. I'm hoping to maybe visit some online friends during the next year, I reckon one is a cert (she knows who) but it'd be nice to meet more friends if possible, I suppose it depends where I go.

Take Care all of you xx.

Back Home & Knackered

I got home about an hour ago, I've been away all weekend down in Essex. I've been playing Table Tennis for Yorkshire Veterans and we've had a good time.
On Saturday we won one match but lost the other, today we won both matches. Our team Captain said he would have been happy with two wins as we only got promoted to this division last season.
Personally I was a bit iffy yesterday, should have travelled Friday night instead of Saturday morning, I reckon I was tired from the long drive early in the morning. Today though I was really pleased with my performance, much better, felt more confident.

Last night we went to a Pub for a meal, they had a Carvery with different meats and cos we went late on they were very generous with the portions. That was good cos we were starving after a long day.
Of course we also knocked back a few glasses of the local brew, in fact probably a few too many. One thing for sure it helped me get a good nights sleep.
Anyway I'll catch up with everyones blogs tomorrow, off to bed now.

Soon be the Weekend

Well life is boring at present tonight I was supposed to be playing Table Tennis in my home town local league. The standard is not great and I don't play too often in this league nowadays but I was looking forward to it as it was against one of the better sides. Work is also boring at present so any nightime activities are good.

While on Work we should find out before next Wednesday whether the takeover bid is succesfull, I don't know what will be best to be honest. A couple of the blokes in my department have found jobs and will be leaving next month. You can't blame them and I hope it works out for them they are good lads.

We'll sure have a leaving do to say goodbye but I'm sure everyone will keep in touch. I'm actually at another leaving do tomoz for one of the Fitters called Chris who starts a new job next week. Its straight after work just a few beers with workmates.

Saturday the mighty whites are at home to Millwall but I can't go as I've a TT training session. A lot of tickets have been sold and it will be a big crowd and great atmosphere. Its not a bad one to miss cos Millwall Supporters have a big reputation for violence, their Mob the "Bushwackers" make Hitler Youth look like Liberals. Ok Leeds also have a bit of a reputation and I've a bad feeling about this fixture we'll probably end up getting docked some more points.

Sunday I've actually got a TT match its in the Yorkshire League I'm representing York against Halifax, it could be a tough game but thats how I like it.

How to stop Leeds Front Men Scoring

Well so far this season Leeds have been brilliant and our Front Men Jermaine Beckford and Tresor Kandol have been almost unstoppable scoring goals for fun. We have made a mockery of the fifteen points we were docked at the start winning our opening 7 matches to equal the Clubs best ever start to a season.

Well the run had to end somewhere but today was sickening the way it happend. Away at Gillingham we started really well taking the lead through winger Seb Carole (pictured below) and were cruising. But this is Leeds United and the referee decided he would even the Match up a bit by sending off Kandol. We still kept playing well and controlling the game so he decided to send off Beckford as well, but not before he had two goals disallowed, we played the last 30 minutes two men short and with the referee helping them it was a bit like the Alamo.

The players played brilliantly fighting for everything again with fantastic vocal support from our army of travelling fans but disaster struck in the final minutes of the game with Gillingham equalising, we did hang on for the draw wish is a great result in such circumstances. Even reporters on the TV said the referee was diabolical and they don't normally stick up for Leeds.

The above fans view short clip gives an incite to what our travelling fans thought first they cheer off our heroes then let the ref know there feelings as he leaves the field under a police escort for his own protection.

At least we still haven't been beaten, we will still win this league. At present we are 20th in the table but after only 8 matches and giving 15 points start its amazing we are off the bottom and out of the relegation zone. Without the penalty we would be three points clear at the top, thats the real league table.

This week Leeds appeal against the 15 points to the FA was ignored, they will not interfere with a Football League management decision, its never bothered them before. Leeds Coach Gus Poyet was this week charged by the same FA over comments he made about a previous referee. Is all this just a conspiracy, something smells about everything that is going on.

On another note I've a Table Tennis Match tomorrow afternoon its my first match following my vacation and I need the exercise, I haven't weighed but I feel fat, I'm sure I've put a fair bit on.
I'll be representing York against Wakefield in the Yorkshire League so I could have some hard games.
I've two matches in the York league coming up this week Tuesday is our scheduled fixture and I think we will have a rearranged match Thursday.

Last night following work I went out for a few drinks with some of the people who left yesterday, they were the remaining ones from the previous redundancies. We maybe off out for a meal on Wednesday but not sure it definate yet.

In my last post I mentioned blog friend Rachel and I'll just say that she has been in touch, we've exchanged a number of emails and everything is ok between us. She has had a very tough time and reached rock bottom in her life but a few things are now starting to look brighter, for one she should be starting a new job Monday which she really needs.
She will be back blogging eventually with a new blog but at present she does not have internet access at home, she is walking to the local library to email. Wish her luck cos she is rebuilding her life from scratch, I'll be supporting her as much as I can.

Good Day

To follow on from last nights post we played our other two British League matches today and I've just got home.
I thought they were harder matches today but we managed to beat both Barrow & Grimsby 5-3 to give us six points out of eight. Everyone was dropping points it looks a real tough division but I think we maybe equal top which is amazing as we have only just gone up to this division.
Personally I again won three out of my four matches so I'm happy with a 75% return over the weekend. I shared "Player of the Match" against Barrow.
To be honest playing eight matches at this level is tough and I am really knackered, think I'll sleep well tonight.

Today = Zero

Five Matches, Five Wins, 15 points Lord Mawhinney and your Footbal League Committee you can stick your 15 points deduction up your backside.

Result Leeds United "2" Hartlepool "0" with goals from our super strikers Kandol & Beckford.

Ok we are still bottom but now we've only given everyone Five Matches start and none of the others have a maximum.
To me reckoning we are 13 points off top, 9 points behind a play off spot, 3 points out of relegation & 2 points off the bottom. As we play first next week at Bristol on Friday night a win will lift us off the bottom, unbelievable I know but we will do it. Ok it'll maybe only for 24 hours until the others play but hell they must all be looking over their shoulders and Shitting Bricks.

Another big Crowd actally the biggest in the country not bad for a third flight team.

Moving on today I've been in Accrington set off at 6.45am this morning to play British League Table Tennis, just got home about a hour ago at 7pm. Well today won our first match 7-1 against Ormesby, I comfortably won both my Matches and got the "Player of the Match Award" from the Umpire. Ok we was on a high winning out first match after gaining promotion last season but we were firmly put in our place in the afternoon with Sheffield hammering us 7-1. I actually won our solitary set which was pleasing after my opponent told me how he was gonna give me a wupping at lunch time, all in fun you understand.
Well we are back tomorrow for two more matches but I am setting off a little later 7.20am cos I'm getting picked up. Today I was driving and had to go via York to pick up a team mate but its his turn in the morning.
Hopfully I'll get time to post tomorrow night when I get home.

Update on Today

For those that read my yesterdays post I got beat in the last 8 of the tournament in both Singles and doubles, both times it was against much higher ranked players and both times it was by 3 sets to 1 so not a million miles away. To be honest I didn't think I was quite as strong today I was quite tired from Saturdays efforts.
I'm really chuffed with my performance I'm sure my training is paying off (plus weightloss maybe), but to be honest I'm really shattered and everthing aches, arm, shoulder, back, legs, knees, etc. not sort of injury pains just overworked pains. I reckon I've gotta get fitter to compete consistantly at this level.

A Good Day

Today as been good on two accounts I'm happy believe me.

1. I'm gonna start with myself, I've been in Halifax playing a Table Tennis Competition and have done really well. I know I've trained hard this summer and its been going well but I couldn't have dreamed up todays results.
It was a Open Tournament for Veterans with players from all over the country, it was a big high standard entry and today was the qualifying groups, everyone was placed in a group of 8 players with the top two getting through to tomorrows main event, the players finishing 3rd & 4th into band "2"event and so on.
Anyway first game up I played a bloke from Lancashire I hate playing and usually struggle against, I lost the first set but bounced back to beat him by taking the next 3. I was happy with that but next I had the top seed, not just in my group but in the whole tournament, anyway it was a expected loss he is ranked about No6 in England and I'm not in the top 100. As expected he took the first set, then the 2nd all though I got close. I shocked him in the 3rd and actually pinched it, unbelievably I also returned all his big shots to win the 4th 18-16 after a lot of deuce points.
The deciding set started I was a little nervous cos I could sense a lot of people starting to watch sensing a shock and the bottom line is I played out of my skin and won 11-6.
Although I tired a lot as the day went on I managed to win my other 5 matches, it was tough, not one of them was in straight sets and I could have easily lost them all on another day.
Anyway the bottom line is I've won the group I'm not only in the main event I'm in the spot reserved for the top seed and I'll even get a 1st round bye.
Ok I'm also a realist I'll be the lowest ranked player in it and probably wont win a game but who knows I'll be trying.

2. 3pm - Leeds United start the season in bottom place in the league on -15points, yes 15 points
behind all 23 Clubs that started on zero.

5pm - Tranmere Rovers 1 Leeds Utd 2 - Its now minus 12 and with only 6 other teams winning we are now 15 points behind them, 13 points behind Ten Clubs and 12 behind the other seven. Start looking over your shoulders boys this may be a handical now but we are coming to get you.

The celebration with our players and Fans was like a team that had just won the championship they just rubbed it in the faces of our enemys, they showed them what it means to us.

This and That

A few things tonight and I'll start with weight loss, at my last weigh in on my home scales (20th July) I weighed 216.5lb. Well following that my scales played silly sods and won't work so I know have started weighing on some industrial scales at work each Friday.

Last week on these scales that are very accurate (calibrated for product) I weighed 103.5kg which actually equates to 127.7lb. At first look this looks like I've gained a massive 11.2lb but actually to explain on my own scales I was naked and on these scales I jump on as I pass I'm wearing all my work clothes including heavy Flame resistant trousers, Steel Toe capped safety Boots and Safety Helmut plus carrying a radio. My previous scales may have been slightly out but the clothing & work equipment explains a big part of it I believe.

Anyway I'll take the 103.5kg as a new start weight and I'm pleased to report a 1kg loss this week as my new weight is 102.5kg.



Moving on last Friday I went for a night out wearing the shirt most people voted for, it was fun after meeting up at the Red Lion we went to a restaurant I've not been to before, then on to a cocktail bar called "Vudu". This took us to about midnight when most people went home as a Taxi was booked however Me and "Skid" decided to go on to a nightclub and to be honest we didn't pick well, tried a new one but it just wasn't our scene didn't like the music and most of the others there were all kids.

I didn't mention the meal was a leaving do from work for the lovely Tracy from Shipping department, she actually finished today and I gave her a big hug in reception as one does. There was actually ten of us for the meal six nice ladies, Tracy, Karen, Sue, Sam, Kathryn & Diane among the blokes Beachy and Teflon made up the numbers. It was a good laugh and I can't wait for the next outing (probably 31st August).



As I said last night I've booked my next Vacation and its back to the States and its two new Cities for me. I'm going mid September spending 5 nights in Philadelphia (must see the Rocky Statue) before moving on to Atlanta. In Atlanta I'm spending the first four nights in a hotel in Mid town before spending the weekend (Friday & Saturday night) in the Trendy Buckhead area to the north of the City.

More details later but the big news with this trip is I'm hoping to meet up with two of my blogging friends, yes two if I'm lucky. Hopfully Rachel and Rebecca will both be able to get to Atlanta what a gang of three, sure to get some great pics.



This Weekend I'm playing Table Tennis at the Halifax Veterans Summer Tournament, although out of season this is always a popular event attracting players over the age of 40 from all over England, many nationally ranked.

On Saturday you play in a group of about 6 or 7 players and depending where you finish dictates which section you play in Sundays Knockouts. The Top two go in the main section which is always very tough, next two into Band "2" and the remainder into band "3". Last year I came third in my qualifying group but on the Sunday I did well to reach the Band "2" final but eventually lost.

Training as gone well I think this summer so with a bit of luck I'll have a good weekend, I'll let you know.

Can't go without mentioning the Mighty Whites, the talking is over, the injustice is done, we know where we stand (15 points adrift), now is the time for Leeds United to shine, good luck at Tranmere to the boys. MOT.

Let the miracle happen.

Hard Work

As those who read last nights post know I went training at my Table Tennis Club. Well there was three of us Nathan one of our up and coming players who I have been training with lately and Nigel who I have played with for years.
As there was three of us and one was sat out we just did match play so we could keep rotating, we played 16 sets apiece and surprisingly we finished the night winning 8 apiece (yes all 3 of us tied). That wasn't particurlarly good for me as I'd normally be expected to come out on top going by ranking.
To be honest I felt a little sluggish and my legs felt heavy (probably the Steak from the previous night) so it was hard work. I lost a fair proportion of sweat and was made to work hard, it was good because they are both totally different styles, Nathan attacks hard while Nigel is more defensive, this gives me good variation of practice.

I'm training tonight this time with Richard he's 20 years old and is home from university and one of the top players in the area. I love training with him cos he has a really consistant attack so I have to work my socks of to keep up with him. My game is based on variation of spin, speed & direction to force errors from my opponent but against Richard that is hard as he knows my game inside out. I taught him to play from been 11 years old so he just responds to everything I do.
We'll do about one hour practice routines which is hard work have a short break then play a few sets. I feel really sharp today so I hope I'm really on top of my game when I get on the table.

One thing for sure I'll be knackered when I get home.

Turning back the mists of Time

I've been giving a lot of thought to getting old lately and of course take comfort from sayings such as "You are as Old as you feel". Well maybe that sounds good and positive but what is the truth about how you feel ?

Next year I'll turn 50 years old, yes half a century and in a lot of peoples eyes that is quite old. Its a milestone as was 40, 30, 21 etc. I've been giving this a bit of thought and can't deny all the evidence points towards the symptoms of ageing.

So what are the symptoms :-

Eyes - Over the last threee years I've had to start wearing glasses for reading but how many my age don't ?

Hair Loss - Well mine started to fall out early (about 30) so I've got over worrying about it, if it bothers others tough I just keep the rest short and at least that is acceptable in todays fasions.
Talking hair yes tints of grey are appearing.

Aches & Pains - Yes the joints seem to hurt more following exercise and the muscles take longer to recover. I've actually started taking Cod Liver Oil for my joints.

Injuries - Yes I definately seem to have had a few in recent years, never really been bothered before.

Weight Loss - It certainly gets harder, but no surrender on this front (I don't think my holiday has been too kind).
I've not neglected Wednesdays Weigh in I'm switching it to Fridays.

Slowing Down - So they tell us although I don't think we realise this is happening to us.

I'm sure everyone can come up with more symptoms of ageing (yes you can get Viagara for that before Rachel mentions it).

Anyway my point is I've always been competitive at Sports particularly Table Tennis which I still play at a good competitive level (National League, County, etc). However some of the major competitions its hard to judge if you are declinning because the players & standards change by the season. However the Local leagues (York in my Case) are a good measure and I've been looking up my results over the last few seasons and they certainly show a downward spirral.

My Averages in recent seasons are as follows :-

2000/1 - 92.5% (37 wins 3 defeats)

2001/2 - 95.43% (46 wins 2 defeats)

2002/3 - 92.31% (60 wins 5 defeats)

2003/4 - 93.22% (54 wins 4 defeats)

2004/5 - 84%est (not got full results ?)

2005/6 - 78.2% (40 wins 11 defeats)

2006/7 - 71.79% (28 wins 11 defeats)

This trend concerns me a lot it certainly suggests my performance level is falling although not excuses some of the results can be explained, the last two years the size of the division has been cut so the weaker teams play 2nd division and we now play all other teams 3 times instead of twice. Hence a few easier victories have been replaced by playing the better players more often.

In 2001 I would say only about 50% of the division were younger than me but with the emergence of more players I'm now one of the oldest in the top division. I don't use this as an excuse though I believe I can still beat everyone on the day but I need to prove it.

I'm quite paranoid about this because I'm not the type of person that likes losing, I need to prove to myself I can still win 90% of my games and there is life in the "Old Dog" yet. From this point I'm upping my training this summer (season starts late September) it may hurt at times but I need to do this or I may just go buy a Rocking Chair and Pipe.

I'll be blogging occasionally on my progress, my aches, my confidence and hopfully some of my Blog Friends can come up with words of encouragement when I need them most. I've organised someone to train with tonight called Nathan he's one of our up and coming players (18 years old), hits the ball very hard and is really dedicated and prepared to train hard. I'll be training with him every Wednesday plus some others and maybe weekends as well. Next week I'm adding Thursday but with another player called Richard who's one of the area's top players aged 20 and home from University for the summer. He is really strong against defensive players (did I mention I'm a defender) so really makes me work hard to stay in rallies.

But I'll finish with a Question - Looking at the facts what percentage wins do you believe a reasonable target for me next season (be honest) ?

Not our day but we gave it our best shot.

As I reported on Friday I've been away this weekend to Blackpool with my British League team. Thanks Sandii & Celtic Girl for you good luck wishes but alas it wasn't to be.
We started well Saturday with an hard fought 5-3 victory against "St Mary's Hull" but leaders "Barrow" matched our result with a impressive 5-3 win against a strong "Croda Halton". Against the Hull team personally I won one lost one but movement was difficult with my knee hurting and I felt slightly out of touch to my lack of play over recent weeks.
Next up was the big one against "Barrow", first game on I loaded up with pain killers to play their top player. I was not up to the pace at the start and went 2 sets down but managed to fight back and level at 2-2 but a bad start in the deciding set saw it run away from me. Later in the match I played ok to win my other game and my teamates battled hard but we could only manage a 4-4 draw still leaving us one point adrift.
Still in with a shout we needed to beat "Halton" sunday morning and hope either "Uxbridge" or "Murrayfield" could do some damage against "Barrow". However it wasn't to be as "Halton" held us to a draw and again I scored a personal 1-1. Barrow won their morning match 5-3 to move 2 points clear of us and with a superior sets difference it was all over, we were going to finish 2nd win lose or draw our last match.
I made the decision not to put myself through any more pain and sat out the last match, the team battled hard but the hearts were not really in it and we lost 6-2, there's always next year.

While in Blackpool we had an enjoyable time other than the TT, nine of us went and found a nice little family run hotel, the people there were really friendly. We all went out for a meal at an Italian Restaurant on Saturday night which was really good. I had Veal cooked in a white wine sauce for my main course (ok the diet may have suffered). Afterwards we went on to a Club were we met up with a lot of players from other teams. There were 4 divisions playing in Blackpool so 32 teams in the City.

Big Weekend Ahead

This weekend I'm away to Blackpool for the final four rounds of matches in the British League Table Tennis. My team "Derwent 2" lie in 2nd place in division 3 north just one point behind leaders "Barrow". It looks a two horse race as the third placed team look too far adrift.
Check out the link and don't forget to see the players averages and who is the top man in the division.

British League Division 3 North

On Saturday our first match is against bottom side "Hull St Mary's" which we expect to win, "Barrow" have a tough start against "Halton".
Saturday afternoon is the big one against Barrow, shuld be a great match. They beat us 7-1 earlier in the season but we had a weakend team so this time we will be really up for revenge.

Even if we win on Saturday we have a very difficult Sunday with matches against "Halton" and "Uxbridge". Barrow also have difficult games against "Uxbridge" and "Murrayfield", I reckon there will be a few twists over the weekend and the team who holds its nerve will come out victorious.

I'm still unsure how my knee and elbow injuries will stand up to games at this level and I may be a little rusty with hardly any play recently. But its now or never and I'll just take some pain killers and do my best.

On another note I had a fun night out in York with three friends last night, I suffered a bit at work this morning, I reckon I must have had one too many. We had a good laugh though.

Fed up

This weekend I'm feeling sorry for myself, why you may ask ?


Well its York Table Tennis Championships and I'm not playing due to my Tennis Elbow, I should be defending the five titles (Veterans Singles, Veterans Doubles, Divisional, Mixed Doubles and Mens Doubles) I won last year when I had a great tournament but this time I have had to withdraw.
I would have actually been competing in eight events, the above 5 plus Hard Bat singles & Doubles plus the big one the Mens Singles.


I've always had a dream that I could make history and win all eight events at the same tournament, arguably physically impossible as I would have to win over thirty matches without a single loss over the weekend but I always believe my mental strength makes it possible.

I will go down to the event Sunday afternoon to support some of my team mates but it doesn't make me feel any happier about not competing myself.

I just want to clear up my aches and pains and compete.

This Weekend

Only a short Post tonight as I'm away in the morning. I'm representing Yorkshire at Table Tennis, actually playing for the Veteran 2nd team in the county championships. The matches are in Halifax which is a 45 minute drive for me which won't be much fun because the weather forcast say's we are going to have Gale force winds tomorrow.

We have 4 matches altogether two saturday against South Yorkshire (they broke away a few years ago) and against our 3rd team who will be really up to beat us. Sunday we have two very tough matches against Norfolk and Nottinghamshire.

I'll be playing at number one for us so will be facing the oppositions top ranked players so it won't be easy. I am quite confident as I played a local league match last night and beat York mens champion which is a excellent victory.

Wish me Luck.

Time to call it a day

On tuesday I wrote a post asking the question whether I should pack in my Table Tennis Coaching sessions and a number of you gave me some good advice.

Basically I'm not motivated, I blame lack of determination amongst the current crop of players and also the fact I've been doing it a long time and have gone stale. I've actually been coaching at a good level for well over 20 years.

Anyway on Friday night I took the North Yorkshire squad session and I told the committee I was packing it in at the end of November and someone else will have to do it. I thought it was only fair to give a bit of notice.

I still be playing competively and hopfully will have a good season. Locally I'm playing in the York league which looks quite strong this season with a lot of new players. I missed our first two matches (one win and a defeat) due to vacation. Since then I've played in two matches and we won both 6-4 but this week I lost my first match individually ironically against a player I coach.
He's actually a good lad (york junior champion) but I was still a bit cheesed off as I had 4 match points that I blew.

I'll be playing British league which is 3 more weekends away in December, January & February we did well winning 4 out of 4 on the first weekend in September.

I've been picked to play for Yorkshire veterans (over 40) team in the county championships but that is over 2 weekends (November & February).

I'll be representing York Veterans in the Yorkshire Leagueand that is 3 Sundays (December, January & March). These are really tough as the team plays 3 matches in the day which will probably mean 9 singles and 3 doubles for me.

All these competitions I enjoy playing in as the standard is good and I know I've got to be at my best to win. I don't like losing so tough games are my motivation.

Played Four Won Four

Following the two victories reported yesterday we kept up the good work with a 7-1 win over Elgre (Nottingham) and a 6-2 victory over St Mary's Hull.

I lost my first match against the Hull No1 but it was really close, I led 8-4 in the fifth and deciding set before a run of points went against me. But credit to him for producing the goods when it mattered it was a really good match.

Despite the 4 wins we are only in 2nd place trailing Barrow who also won all their matches, we trail then by 2 sets only.

Great Start - Roll on Tomorrow

We started our British League Table Tennis matches today at Grantham and had a great start to the season.
Last season we had a bad first weekend with a draw and 3 defeats and and then struggled all season. We only just managed to avoid relegation with victories in our last two matches.

Anyway today we have started with two victories and although it may be short lived sit pretty at the top of the table.

Our first victory was a emphatic 8-0 win over Murrayfield (Edinborough), I bet they were really pleased they made the six hour drive from Scotland last night.

The second win was 6-2 over Formby T.T.C. (Liverpool), there was some very close games in this match.

Personally I was pleased to come away with 4 wins and a 100% record.

Tomorrow we return to face Elgre (Nottingham) & St Marys (Hull), you never know maybe another 2 wins, wouldn't that be great.