The Essex Juniors Interleague took place at Batts, Harlow, on 25th March

The juniors who represented Southend

Adam Jackman (Hullbridge), Liam Squirrell (Hockley), Matthew Stringer (Hockley), Harry Small (Hockley) and Harry Keys (Canvey).

The format was each team had 4 players played in ranking order. Top 2 ranked players played opposing top 2 players and then a double to finish. The 3rd and 4th ranked players played the same format to gain a maximum of 10 points. We took 5 players for the Competition as there were 6 teams competing. Thankfully, Colchester 'B' dropped out as it turned out to be a long and hard day of TT.

Matt and Liam played all 4 matches, the 2 Harrys and Adam rotated for team starts

·         We won the first match 8-2 against Colchester 'A' with all players scoring.

·         We did one better against Chelmsford winning 9-1.

·         After lunch we played, on paper, the favourites and unbeaten Clacton. Their team included Essex no 1 Sam Hume; Essex no 3 Gracie Edwards plus 2 good standard 3rd and 4th ranked players. We played some outstanding table tennis t to beat them 6-4.

·         The last match was against Harlow, we needed only 3 points to clinch the Championship.  Despite tired legs, we duly achieved this with another 6-4 win. 

Southend retained the Title, won last year, as top Essex County Interleague Juniors.

Congratulations to a tight unit of Southend Juniors.

Tim Pang

Team Coach & Manager