Bernard Pickthall wins the Crook Tournament
As the second phase of the Kendal & District Table Tennis League winter season got underway, with the top 4 teams battling it out in Division 1A, Dalton A strengthened their grip on top place with resounding 10-0 and 8-2 wins over Burton A and Natland A respectively. Ben McDonald won all 6 of his singles matches in the process. IBIS, with a crushing 9-1 win against Burton A, moved above Natland A into second place. At the bottom end of Division 1, Dallam A are fighting hard to try and avoid automatic relegation. 6-4 victories over both Crook A and relegation rivals, Natland B, saw them climb to within 6 points of Natland B. James Neal, Matt Neal and John Fitzgerald have all contributed valuable wins.
At the top end of Division 2 (Division 2A), Kirkby Stephen A have closed the gap on leaders Burton B to 6 points. Their ruthless demolition of Natland D and Burton C, by 10-0 and 9-1 respectively have piled the pressure on the Burton team but the leaders have a game in hand. At the bottom of Division 2B, only a single point now separates Natland C and Dallam B. A 10-0 loss to Burton D has not helped the Dallam cause.
Grayrigg A’s 26-15 defeat of Kirkby Stephen B saw then draw level with Crook C on 240 points but the South Lakes side have a game in hand.
Last Sunday saw 27 veteran table tennis enthusiasts battle it out at the annual Crook Veterans Open Handicap Table Tennis Tournament. An excellent day’s competition, including an excellent lunch, concluded with a very competitive final between Natland’s Bernard Pickthall and Richie Jones from Merseyside. Pickthall took an early 2 game lead only to be pinned back to 2-2 but Pickthall came good in the fifth and final game with some crushing forehand winners. The picture shows Pickthall being presented with the trophy by Tournament Organiser, Phil Swift. A great day was had by all.
Social table tennis continues and will continue over the summer at the Kendal Table Tennis Club, based at Kendal Leisure Centre. Anyone wanting to give it a try should contact Tony March on 07814 029471. It’s great fun!
