" What a match we had last night in the final of the Team Handicap between East Boldon Cowboys and Lanchester Auxillaries. Both sides fielded juniors - James and Freddie for the Cowboys and Billy and Joshua for the Auxillaries. Incidentally James and Freddie have been playing their first season in the league and together with their colleague Alex have been a wonderful addition to our East Boldon Club. A hint of age and experience was added to both sides with Mick for the Cowboys and Reuben for the Auxillaries.

The stage was set for an entertaining night of table tennis. James won the first set for the Cowboys but the Auxillaries came back strongly to win the next 2 sets putting themselves in the lead. Mick was able to put the Cowboys level but the following 2 sets were lost and the Auxillaries led 4-2 with the last 3 sets still to play. The Cowboys needed to win these last 3 sets to win the title. What followed was a remarkable effort by both sides with every player giving their all.

Mick won the third last set. The score was now 4-3 to the Auxillaries. Freddie pulled off another win to bring the scores level at 4-4. The final match had James against Billy, two wonderful players. The first game went to James followed by Billy taking the second game. Tense -Yes. The final game was again close with James just needing 1 point for victory. However, Billy clawed the score back to deuce and managed to take the game, set, match and Championship for the Auxillaries.

Well done Auxillaries and well done Cowboys in what must have been one of the most outstanding finals ever played in this Team Handicap competition.

Am I disappointed - No. The Cowboys did their club proud. So thanks Mick James and Freddie. Roll on next year."   By William Walton