SOUTH Devon & Torbay Table Tennis League teams took part in an early season tournament on Sunday, November 3 at Torbay Leisure Centre.

A number of good players were attracted to the competition and they took part in three different events.

First up as the main event was the handicapped Collins Cup. A very competitive field of 27 players from many different clubs and with mixed abilities took part, with handicaps stretching to as much as +8 points/game for the weaker player.

The seven group winners were as follows: Dan Webster-Hall, Jim McIvor, Gustaw Adamczak, James Kitchen, Lewis Lavery, Nick Kitchen and Curtis Sage.

Two third division players, Issy Brown and James Kitchen along with two first division players, Dan Webster-Hall and Clive Banham, made it to the semi-finals. The Newton Abbot club supplied the first semi-finalists as Dan Webster-Hall defeated James Kitchen, while the Brixham TTC provided the other two semi-finalists which saw Issy Brown defeat Clive Banham.

Dan Webster-Hall, despite giving away a five start to his Division Three opponent, Issy Brown, was in control throughout as he lifted the Collins Cup with a 13-11, 11-9, 11-7 scoreline.

Ed Damanskas picked up the Consolation Trophy in a really close final defeating Dylan Sadler 11-4, 7-11, 11-9, 4-11 and 13-11.

Next up was the Handicap Doubles where the pairs are matched up according to their ability. Some excellent pairs were thrown together for the first time with many exciting close encounters taking place.

The four group winners were Rob Williams & Ed Damanskas, Jackie Whitehorn & James Kitchen, Clive Banham & Eve James and Pete Sercombe & Chris Dunn. Rob and Ed were defeated by Jackie and James in the first semi-final whilst Pete and Chris overcame Clive and Eve in the other.

Jackie Whitehorn and James Kitchen, a scratch pairing thrown together due to a late withdrawal, eventually prevailed over Pete Sercombe and Chris Dunn in the final, with scores of 11-9, 11-3, 5-11 and 11-4.

We return to the ‘good old days’ for the final event with the Excell Shield on the line, playing up to 21 points with a traditional hard bat.

Matches of unpredictable length, often played with safety in mind do tend to go on a bit. Having said that, it was good to see some of the more aggressive players winning through the early rounds.

Chris Dunn lost out to a dominant Dan Webster-Hall in one semi-final while Clive Banham defeated Curtis Sage in the other semi. Dan Webster-Hall, pretty much unstoppable on the day, saw off Clive Banham in an excellent hard bat final 21-10, 21-12.

This made it a day of double delight for Dan who earned the Collins Cup and the Excell Shield, his dominance shining through at the end of play.

It was Jackie Whitehorn and James Kitchen who lifted the other prize on the day as the doubles winners, and they are pictured alongside Sonja Ryland, there on behalf of the sponsors Albany Florists.