Match Report

Mini Match Report

Table toppers and potential division 2 champions Argyle D were the visitors to the Hall of Happiness for this much anticipated clash.

Argyle brought with them 2 players with a 100% avarage - Nicholas Millerand Les Dodd and were joined by league legend Les Lord and the rapidly improving Ilona Skraburska.

The E team were back to full strength and lined up with Nick Foss , Andrew Armstrong , Derek Aitken and , continuing to roll back the years Brian Haslam.

Little were we to know that in this incident packed match that the two 100% records would go , we would have a serious injury and that despite all that Argyle would maintain their lead at the top of the table.

The evening started in routine fashion with former town champ Nicholas Miller beating Andy in straight games to demonstrate why he hadn't lost in the division.

Brian played Les Lord and was unable to do anything about his steady push game and occasional backhand hit.

Ilona then played superb table tennis combining push with topspin and kill on both wings to beat the very experienced Derek - 3-0 to Argyle.

It was looking bleak for the Princes when Captain Nick stepped up to play Les Dodd who like the Argyle no.1 was unbeaten to date. This was an enthraling match Nick eventually prevailing 11-2 in the fifth .

The spoils in the doubles were shared.

Brian showed a great return to form after his prolonged injury absence and beat Ilona Skraburska in a wonderful match.

Les Lord then beat an out of sorts Andy - 5-3 to Agyle.

Next up the 2 no.1s. Nick v Nick and a match that both players were relishing. Argyle's Nick took the 1st 11-5 and despite the scoreline there were some excellent points but the problem for the Princes was that the former town champion was winning them.

However 3 points into the 2nd Nicholas Miller collapsed in acute pain and discomfort and it was clear that he had suffered a serious injury to his leg. Sadly he had to concede. This was a very cruel and unfair way to lose a 100% average and the Princes captain took no pleasure in this "victory" .

This put a somewhat sombre mood into what had been a good but one sided match. Les Dodd beat Derek to complete a 6-4 win for the visiters.

The big question is even though they have an 11 point cushion at the top of the league wil lArgyle be able to cope with Nick's absence for what might be the rest of the season? On the evidence of this display the answer is yes - they showed great strength in depth and fighting spirit.

Les Lord was the worthy winner of the POM award

Written by: Nick Foss
Share This Page