Guildford Table Tennis Association News No.17

Published on: 25 Apr, 2019
Updated on: 25 Apr, 2019

League report by John Diggens

The main question on everyone’s lips in the Guildford Table Tennis League is how can Bramley A possibly be relegated from Division One.

In a top versus bottom clash with champions Merrow E they lost 6-4 in what is described by your correspondent as the match of the season.

In a cracking encounter with a very late finish, it could so easily have been 7-3 to the village side. Nick Gould, playing his best ping of the year, was desperately unlucky to lose three five setters, although successful in the doubles.

The ever-dependable Geoff Nevitt got two. The brilliant Dave Halfpenny, playing as well as ever, with his deceptively languid style, got three although pushed to the limit by Gould. This was sport at its very best!

Bramley A also have a part to play in the promotion battle when they take on Challoner A who need six points to clinch second place.

There are a number of other crucial matches to be completed to decide promotion and relegation matters with Godalming F favourites to go up to Division One and perm any two from three to join Bramley A to go down to the Second Division.

It’s been truly an upside-down season for the Bramley club, which recently celebrated 75 years in the league, with the E side, operating in Division Three, clinching the title with an outstanding 10-0 win over a strong Challoner B team.

Kim Farminer and Kerry East.

It must be noted that Bramley had most of the good fortune going during the evening. So, they will be playing their A side next season. Well done to Steve Palmer, Alan Osgood, and sisters, Kim Farminer and Kerry East (pictured here from days gone by).

In another amazing twist, Bramley F beat rivals Abinger 6-4 to just edge promotion in Division Four. The form of Richard Phelps has been a key factor in this success. In summary; of the seven Bramley sides, three are relegated and two are promoted.

Merrow H consolidated their title in Division Four with a 7-3 win over lowly Bramley G. A feature of the evening, in what must be the outstanding individual achievement of the season, was a great win by reserve Mark Taylor over high-flying Trevor Free in a fascinating encounter. A glance at the scorecard on www.gttl.co.uk will also see two other surprise results involving your correspondent!

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