For SSC lining up were John, James and Cris. For OLOP C Skipper Simon, Mark  and Gobi.  A big shout out for James getting back from Glasgow in time to play. All he could say about Glasgow was the meetings went well but the Tennants Lager was £2.50 a pint in a pub he frequented last night.

Cris opened up against Mark and swiftly went into a 5-0 lead. However, following a couple of mistakes, Mark clawed back the deficit and came back to win 11-9.
In the second, Cris got to 7-7 but again the greater experience of Mark at this level showed, as he won 11-7. The third was over swiftly as Mark won 11-1.

Step up John to face Gobi  in the first game John found himself down 6-1 but got back to 7-7. A great effort! Both exchanged some great rallies with wicked forehand top and side spin as large areas of the hall were used. Gobi sneaked the first game 11-9 and eased past John in games two and three to take the set.

James then took to the table to face Simon. A cagey first game and it was obvious that James was ( not at it) his words, as he lost the first game 11-5. In the second and third games James won both 11-9. In the fourth as Simon was protecting his right shoulder, James won 11-0. So SSC 2-1 down.

Set 4 brought John and Mark to the table. John was encouraged to attack and he did so, to some effect. Although not winning a game, John matched Mark for the most part with smashes on both the forehand and backhand. A valiant effort and John should be encouraged how much he has come on this season.

Set 5, Cris and Simon at the table. The first game was extraordinary as Simon went 10-3 up, only for Cris to level at 10-10 following some sound play and mistakes from Simon. Simon then had game point and there followed an extra rally which all thought was the best of the night as both players scampered around returning the ball to the table. Simon eventually won the point to take the game. Games two and three were more sedate as Simon eased to a straight game victory.

Set 6 saw James and Gobi come together. This was in my view the best set of the evening without doubt. James edged the first game 11-9 but then Gobi came back strongly in the second as he returned smashes from near the floor on occasions. James stepped up the gears further to win game 3. In game 4 there were Herculean efforts by both. At 9-9, it looked as if James might win in four games. It was not to be as Gobi playing the best table tennis I have seen him play levelled to make it 2-2. Into the fifth, James took an early lead turning round at 5-2. Gobi never recovered and James was not going to let the set slip as he won 11-6. A tremendous set and a credit to both players and the 3rd Division.

Next the doubles. Cris and James versus Gobi and Mark. Three tight games as OLOP took a two to one lead. In the fourth SSC were losing 5-3 before rattling off 8 successive points to level 2-2. Keen to maintain the momentum Cris and James led 5-1 on turning round and won the fifth 11-3. A great result for Sonning. So 4 -3 down.

The last round of singles in brief. John last set was against Simon. Simon showed his vast experience and was too much for John. The end  of the season for John and all wish him well for his upcoming operation and hope he will be back by September. A terrific effort at this level John!

James then took on Mark. He commented during the game that it was like playing Brett! James won comfortably in three games.

Last set were Cris and Gobi. Gobi without doubt has improved massively this season proved a step too far for Cris and again a three game victory.

In summary an enjoyable evening with some great table tennis played. A 6-4 defeat which against OLOP was a creditable result, thanks mainly to James.

by Cris Reynolds