16th September By Geoff Ware
Sally Smith “patissiere extraordinaire” created and presented a cake masterpiece for the Woolwell club in Devon, at their 10th birthday celebrations over the weekend of 13th/14th September, whilst Mr Woolwell himself, John Smith, organised a series of very successful events on the two-day table tennis extravaganza. Over 30 keen table tennis enthusiasts took part in an all day coaching session on the Saturday led by recent ETTA Coach of the Year, Paul Whiting and assisted by Marketa Myskova and Mike Short, which included structured exercises and multi-ball practise. To end the day a fun drawn doubles knock out competition was played, with Townsend Club in Bournemouth junior duo of Patrick Hurley and Matt Hanson coming through as worthy winners. This was followed by a two course dinner for 70 people cooked and served by club members Yetty Smith, Debbie Whiting and Jan Marshall. The evening ended with an entertaining auction of promises overseen by auctioneer Ian McLeod, which raised in excess of £800 for the club funds. On Sunday 53 competitors, including six players who had travelled up from Bournemouth, competed in a series of competitive events aimed at different playing abilities. Winners of the subsidiary events were Sean Mills, Oliver Davis and James Loughrey. The Premier Competition culminated in a top six final group of Devon’s highest quality Elite players. From a £200 prize fund for the top four placings, Marketa Myskova pipped Mike Short for third spot. The assembled audience was then treated to an extremely riveting and close final contest between junior international Richard Marshall and England coach, Paul Whiting. Long rallies ensued, with touches of brilliance from both players, with awesome long topspin rallies right back from the table. “Rich” eventually getting the upper hand running out a 11-8 last set winner and collecting the top prize of £100. The Player of the Weekend award was presented to Seventy years young, Miriam Mather for her enthusiasm, energy and commitment throughout the long two-day event. Woolwell’s second decade will start with an ambitious series of five one-day tournaments before Christmas, sponsored by Thorntons Sport and Leisure and Viridor Waste Management. Total prize money exceeding £1,000 in cash and vouchers, probably the largest purse ever in the region for a club event, it should attract the best local players, with the inclusion of four banded competitions that will enable all standards to compete. Club membership is open to all ages and standards, with further details available on the club’s new website at Woolwell.co.uk or from John Smith on (01752) 695158 or e-mail wttc@hotmail.co.uk I cannot finish this article without saying a huge “Thankyou” to all the Woolwell Club members who made me and my fellow Townsend Club mates so welcome, with their generosity and hospitality. It was a special weekend that we will all remember for a very long time!
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