The Hastings table tennis veteran's tournament held on Sunday 18th February at Bexhill YCC provided lots of excitement and high-quality play from the local 40 plus brigade.
With four separate age groups - 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s plus an open doubles, most of the favourites made it through to the finals with the odd exception. From an original ten pairs in the doubles Roy Funnell and James Gorridge (Tackleway) upset the form book with a scintillating display of controlled attacking play in the semi-finals to hold out against number 2 seeded big hitters Nathan and Trevor Darby (Bexhill) sealing victory with an 11-7 win in the 4th set! In the other semi-final hot favourites Paul Barry (Bexhill) and Dave Butler (Academy) were too strong for the pairing of Rose Rainton (Academy) and Pam Winter (Bexhill) as they powered their way to a three sets to one win. Paul and Dave were also relentless in their forceful attacking play against James and Roy in the final taking the title with a three straight win.
Five players contested the 70s in a 'round robin' / everyone plays everyone group in which there were lots of close and exciting matches with several 'going to the wire' in the 5th set before Mike Funnell (Tackleway) and Bob Lowe (Hollington) emerged with the most wins to secure their place (two going through) in the final. Though Mike had beaten Bob in the group in 5 sets the final turned out to be a totally different affair with seasoned campaigner and ex top 10 Hastings player Bob changing his rubbers to a 'deader combination' to throw Mike's normally controlled counter and steady attack game into inconsistency, having to work much harder to top spin and lift the ball (from earlier on in the day). Bob's deep chop and rasping long loop proved too tricky for his opponent and though Mike was getting back into it in the 3rd set he went down 11-9 and Bob took the title. Bob had played a really clever and controlled game to run out a worthy winner.
There were six players in the 60s comprising two groups of three with two from each group going through to the semi-finals and then two prevailing to the final. It all went according to form with Dave Butler (No 1 seed) and Roy Funnell (No 2 seed) comfortably making it through to the showdown where Dave's controlled aggressive shots proved too consistent for Roy's rapid attacking game .The former 40s title holder unleashed a barrage of massive forehand loops down both wings which Roy just couldn't block and contain enough of (despite smashing accurately through some) and Dave ran on to victory and the title in three straight sets.
The 50s was contested by another 'round robin' group of four players with local legend Rose Rainton (22 times Hastings ladies champion) and quality Hailsham player Steve Hickey making it through to the final. Rose treated the crowd to a wonderfully fluid array of spinning looping and smashing combination shots to forge into the lead and though Steve managed to claw back some ground in the third set with his tricky chop and hard flat smash Rose held on to take it 11-9 to claim the crown!
The 40s group of four saw hot favourites Paul Barry and Nathan Darby winning through to the final to contest the 'blue ribbon' event and what a treat they gave the enthusiastic audience in the day's finale! New vet fresh faced flamboyant force Nathan looked full of confidence as he faced 16 times Hastings Men's champion and multi vets title holder the hugely experienced and awesome Paul Barry in what turned to be an epic battle! Paul quickly ran into a comfortable two set lead with his early take drives and beautifully measured blocks containing Nathan's attack. In the third set the trailing man emerged far more 'pumped up' as he ramped up his game with more powerful speeding loops and cracking smashes to take the next two sets to even up. In the final set both men were utterly focused on winning though Nathan's youth and energy seemed to be edging it with his fabulous sweeping and agile attacking shots racing him into an 8-4 lead! Paul was not finished yet though as he began to contain his opponent with precision blocking and cuttingly accurate counter-attack while Nathan's big hits were now just missing. Suddenly the tables were turned as Paul took the next 6 points in a row to lead 10-8. Nathan got one back but the night favoured Paul as he crossed the line to take the title 11-9. What a game what great entertainment and what a great advert for local table tennis!
There was also an impromptu consolation event where Alison Jordon played a lovely smooth attacking game to get the victory over Sheila King in the final.
The trophies were presented by HDTTA president Paul Hyland and there was a special thankyou to Trevor Towner (Bexhill TTC leader) and Paul Whitehead (Bexhill YCC manager) for all their hard work in preparing the hall and tables beforehand. Also, a round of applause for Mike Funnell for all the time and effort he put into organizing the event and to Paul Barry for assisting him so well on the day plus the players who all helped to make it another successful and enjoyable tournament this year.
