The Hastings Junior Table Tennis Circuit started for the 2023 – 24 season at Hollington Community Centre on 14th October.

With a lower number of entries than had been hoped for, the competition was condensed into the afternoon session with the Novice group combining with the under-11’s and the under-14’s and under-17’s doing the same so that all players had a minimum of four matches, six for the older group. Both the Novice and under-14’s played as a group within a group to decide those particular competitions.

Making his debut on the Hastings Circuit, Jacob Watters won the Novice competition with a four-game victory against Charlie Case. The match began with an incredible 18 – 16 win for Jacob followed by an 11 – 8 victory before Charlie reduced the arrears by winning the third 9 – 11. Jacob managed to finish the match in the fourth by an increased margin of 11 – 3.

Both Jacob and Charlie joined Dylan Gorridge, Hadrian Pain and Jasmine Pinna-Chapman in the under-11 competition. Dylan won all four of his matches to claim first place while Hadrian, who took Dylan to four games, finished as runner-up and Jasmine third. Jasmine played five games against both Dylan and Hadrian and four against Jacob.

The under-14 group provided the organiser with the task of establishing final places by countback. This demonstrated how close the competition was as positions were determined by fine margins.

Beau Larkin and Finley Shaw both won two matches which meant that the Gold and Silver medal positions needed to be decided by countback. Following the countback of games won both players were still tied meaning a countback of points won would be required, this concluded with Beau taking the Gold by scoring six more points across his matches. Amalina Gorridge and newcomer Leon Rose both won one match each so the Bronze medal position was also decided by countback. This time, however, the position was settled by Amalina winning two more games in her matches.

All four players from the under-14 section joined Henry Carey, making his first competitive appearance, Owen Graham and James Harrison in the under-17 section. Match results from the under-14 section were carried over and included for this part of the tournament.

Owen and James were level going into their final match, against each other, with Owen winning to take the Gold medal and James the Silver. Beau and Finley tied again, this time for the Bronze medal position, with Beau finishing ahead of Finley by winning one game more over his matches.

An excellent afternoon’s table tennis saw 31 matches played with eight going to 5 and eleven to 4.

Chairman of the Hastings Association, Mr. Dave Watters, presented the medals at the end of the tournament which had been played with great sportsmanship and a high degree of intensity and skill.

As ever, the support of family, friends and coaches was greatly appreciated.