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Final handicap tables 2009

Ryedale Table Tennis Handicap League 2009

 Thanks to Steve Miller for all his hard work compiling these. [18 June 09]

Helmsley Bat Workshop

Helmsley Table Tennis Club will be holding another Jarvis Sports bat workshop at Helmsley Primary School on Sat 12th September 10am-1pm. As well as blades and rubbers for sale there will be balls, cleaners, shoes, clothing, bags and all the other usual equipment. Details from Ruth Purseglove.  [15 June 09]

AGM Report  

The 2009 RTTL AGM took place last night at Ryedale Sports Club. There were no rule amendments or major policy changes made to the running of the league and other events, although the following points were raised and decisions taken:

• The existing Management Committee were re-elected en masse.

• League Secretary Pat Swindell announced that ETTA is planning to implement individual registration for season 2010-2011 (note, not this coming season). This means that they need to update all records of players and other people involved with the league. Pat handed out ETTA individual registration forms with existing details and asked that all members of the league check and amend these as necessary. Forms should be returned to Pat by the start of October. If you haven't received a form please ask your team captain or club rep, or contact Pat.

• Social Secretary Mary Chappell suggested that the Presentation Dinner should be subsidised by holding a special fundraising event for this purpose (an extra quiz), the idea being to keep down the price to attract more people to the event after only about 60 attended this year (down from 100+ from the past 2 seasons). There was general agreement that the Forest & Vale is an excellent venue and that we should continue to use it.

• Coaching Secretary Ruth Purseglove appealed for help with her Helmsley coaching sessions on Saturday mornings. She needs people to help 'feed' juniors in particular - they're a hungry lot...  Ruth also added that anybody wishing to play in the league's Yorkshire 'Vet's team was very welcome.

• Match Secretary Andy Seed made his usual appeals for matches not to be rearranged unless absolutely necessary and for scorecards to be filled in more carefully. Handicap Secretary Steve Miller reiterated this.

• Andrew Chappell, Publicity Officer, was once more delighted with the press coverage we've been getting but requested that people email reports to Andy Seed and try to get results from Friday matches sent to Andy promptly so they they are included in the following week's report (which has a Monday morning deadline). Photos are also appreciated.

• The next meeting will be held on Sun 2nd August 7pm at Ryedale Sports Club - this is a General Meeting, all members welcome, where we will discuss the allocation of teams to divisions.

Team entry forms for the forthcoming season were given out at the meeting. If you need one they can be downloaded here, or contact Andy Seed.  [15 June 09]

Yorkshire Coaches workshop - from Cliff Edens:

The 2nd Coaches workshop (Yorkshire Region) is planned for Sunday 28th June 2009. 

This will be held at Wisewood School, in Sheffield.

The main session is on ’How to Coach girls’.  China has been doing it differently for a while and the proof is in their success.  Those of you who attended the workshop with Ian Marshall, received a fantastic day of knowledge sharing and this is what a workshop is all about.

So call now to book your place:- 01706 818526 or cliff@tabletenniscoach.net.

Topics for the Day

• ‘Girls: International methods of coaching the fairer gender’

• Butterfly skills awards

• Developing hand skills, advanced techniques

• ‘Hip hip’, rotate! Make their shots more powerful

• Structuring sessions and seasons

• Corrective practices: identifying faults and making them good. Remember the magic finger!! That’s not the only one!

Coaches:-Please bring girls for a free day’s coaching (or at least the morning)

Where: Wisewood Secondary School and Community Sports Centre, Rural Lane, Sheffield S6 4BH

When Sunday 28th June 2009. 9.30am coffee for 10am start till 4pm.

Bring lunch!

Cost- £20 per person.

Who can come? - ANYONE.  Coaches, players, prospective coaches, partners, wives, husbands.   

BOOK NOW! Places limited.   [10 June 09]

Summer League 2009

Congratulations to 'The Threesome', this year's winners of the RTTL Summer League. The duo of Paul Young and Stephen Temple (supported by Titch Temple and Mick Carter) finished two points ahead of the PR Pros, Pat Swindell and Ray Mitchell's team. Paul Young also won the averages for the third year running, finishing on 100%.

The final tables and averages can be found here.  [10 June 09]

Paul Young, trophy collector

• Don't forget that the League's AGM is this Sunday, 14th June at Ryedale Sports Club, starting 7pm. Please make sure that someone from your club attends.

Presentation dinner report

The League's annual presentation dinner took place at the Forest & Vale Hotel on Saturday and a very good meal was enjoyed by those present. Geoff Cawthorn was presented with a special tankard to commemorate 25 years as President of RTTL and Graham Slater was awarded the new Howard Wass Trophy for his dedication in coaching table tennis at Gillamoor Primary School - Graham has had to retire due to health reasons but was delighted to hear that Kenny Brown is taking over the role.

Other trophies awarded on the night were:

Geoff Cawthorn Trophy for the Season’s Most Improved Player: Stephen Temple

Alec Cousins Memorial Trophy for the Most Sporting Player Div 1: Eddie Prest

New Trophy for the Most Sporting Player Div 2: Richard Brown

New Trophy for the Most Sporting Player Div 3: James Ellis

Terry Adams Memorial Trophy for the Most Sporting Team in Division 1: Swinton

Terry Adams Memorial Trophy for the Most Sporting Team in Division 2: Ryedale Sports Club C

The new trophy for the Most Sporting Team in Division 3: Hutton-le-Hole A

A full list of the season's winners and some jolly good photos of them can be found here. [26 May 09]

Geoff Cawthorn receives his award from league Chairman John Gascoyne

Don't forget that the RTTL AGM is on Sunday 14th June 7pm at Ryedale Sports Club. If you have a suggestion for a rule change or an item you wish to be discussed please let league secretary Pat Swindell know as soon as possible. Please try to make sure that at least one person from each team attends this important meeting.

International TT event at Scarborough

Railsport is the Rail Industry body which provides sporting opportunities for rail employees and their immediate families within Great Britain . Railsport was purchased from the British Railways Board in 1996 at the time of Rail Privatisation and has been funded through rail industry sponsorship and revenues from its Flagship event, “The Railsport Games” which take place annually in Blackpool . Railsport is affiliated to the Union Sportive Internationale des Cheminots (the International Sports Union for Railways) which organises world championship events in numerous disciplines every 4 years.

To facilitate more regular international competition a group of 7 Western European Administrations (including Railsport) set up a sub group (Eurogroup) which arranges mini championships yearly with each administration hosting in rotation.

Table Tennis is a discipline within the Eurogroup and this year, 2009, Railsport is hosting these championships at the Scarborough Table Tennis Centre on 29th and 30th May.

The competing administrations for these Championships will be Germany , Switzerland , Poland and Railsport. The format of the tournament will be a 3 player team event for Mens I, Mens II  and Ladies with round one taking place on Friday evening, round 2 on Saturday morning and round 3 Saturday afternoon.  All players have played in their countries at different levels from local to some representing their countries. 

Scarborough was chosen to host these championships because of the “State of the Art” facility at Scarborough Table Tennis Centre, wide choice of accommodation, excellent transport links, along with cultural, historical and social opportunities available locally and within easy travelling distance.

Scarborough was voted recently European Enterprise winner 2009 which was on the back of it winning Enterprising Britain 2008.  We now are hosting this international event which is a major coup for Scarborough table tennis Club and Scarborough as a whole.  [20 May 2009]

Graham TT Centre in Scarborough

League matches finished, at last...

Malton A have conceded their final outstanding match with Helmsley A so that the league tables are now complete. There is still a play-off match to play, between Ryedale E and Amotherby D but this has been delayed due to illness.

• Could all teams please provide one good quality raffle prize for the dinner this Saturday. Prizes can be taken on the night or passed on to Mary Chappell.  [18 May 2009]

Amotherby A at the double - just!

Bower Trophy final: Ryedale SC A 4½ Amotherby A 4½

Well, table tennis matches don't come much closer than this, and when they are the final of the league's KO competition with the top two Div 1 sides facing each other it's all the more exciting. Ryedale Sports Club's first team put out a strong line up of Dave Burnham, John Flintoft and Mike Fenby to face Amotherby A who were without Ian Stansfield who has been unbeaten in handicap games for a remarkable length of time.

Ryedale took the initiative from the off, with Mike Fenby outplaying Pat Swindell, and Dave Burnham's antispin expertise proving difficult for the opposition. Paul Young beat John Flintoft, however, as did Tom Needham, although the Pickering man picked up a set against Pat Swindell, his bogey player of times past.

With one set to play, Ryedale found themselves 4½ - 3½ ahead and needing just a draw or win to take the Bower Trophy. Up stepped the evening's only two unbeaten players: Mike Fenby and Tom Needham. Their encounter was a tremendously tight tussle, with controversial edge calls and two great battling performances but Tom came out on top, levelling the match and requiring a points countback. With the card checked several times, Amotherby A emerged as the winners, by 11 points, and so it was by the narrowest of margins that they won the league and cup double for 2009. Well done to them and commiserations to Ryedale Sports Club who put up a great fight. [9 May 2009]

John Flintoft

Ryedale D safe

Div 2: In the final league match in the second division, Ryedale Sports Club D beat bottom side Ryedale Laundry 10-0 to stave off relegation and ensure mid-table action next season. This result leaves club neighbours Ryedale E in second to last place and facing a play-off against Div 3 runners up Amotherby D.

Well done to Ryedale D for such a resounding result.

• With the Presentation evening fast approaching, RTTL needs the remaining matches to be played very soon: the above play-off, the remaining two Div 1 matches (come on Helmsley A!) and the Bower KO final. With trophies to be sorted out time is running short.

• Please send your RTTL dinner forms to Mary Chappell ASAP - the closing date is fast approaching!  [2 May 2009]

Ryedale Pair Triumph

2009 President's Pairs Final - report from John Freeman:

The final of the President's Pairs took place on Friday 24th April at Ryedale Sports Club. Players from Amotherby, Jill Adams and Nick Knight took on a pair from Ryedale Sports Club, Stephen Temple and John Freeman.

A hard fought match saw the Ryedale pair come out on top 4-1.

First up were Knight and Freeman. The senior ranked player, Freeman, won quite comfortably, the pressure getting to Knight towards the end of the set, although he won some hard-hitting points. 1-0 to Ryedale. Temple, an up and coming 14 year-old, then held his nerve with some excellent serving and counter hitting to beat Adams. 2-0 to Ryedale.

Jill Adams then played careful table tennis with explosive smashes to outplay Freeman. Giving Adams 28 points proved just too much for Freeman. 2-1 to Ryedale. Temple again proved what a good player he is by giving Knight a 10 point advantage and still winning by eight. 3-1 to Ryedale.

The doubles was the icing on the cake for John Freeman and Stephen Temple as they won the final set of the evening. They are a good left-handed combination, Freeman setting up Temple with drop shots and angled pushes for his younger team mate's loops and strong flat hits. 4-1 and victory for the Ryedale men.

The pom-poms and skimpy skirt were in evidence as Chris Hurst became cheer leader to celebrate the victory. Don't you just wish you'd been part of the crowd who turned out to watch the match!

I do! Thanks, John  [27 Apr 2009]

John Freeman and Stephen Temple

It was true: the cameraman was clearly shaking with laughter at Chris Hurst

Amotherby B promoted

Div 1/2 Play-off: Amotherby B 6 Coneysthorpe 3

A rare unbeaten performance from team captain Andy Seed helped propel Amotherby B into the first division for next season after an enjoyable and closely contested play-off match. The evening began with Coneysthorpe's number one Malc Haswell facing Andy Seed with the Amotherby player deciding that a policy off all-out attack was the order of the day (based on the second half of Man Utd v Spurs!). It worked for a while, with Malc being surprised into losing the first game. He then rallied, however, using some deftly varied serves and whipped backhands to take the next two ends for a 2-1 lead. Andy then found a couple of nasty edges and started returning the Coneysthorpe man's hits, to edge ahead, finally taking the decider 11-7 for a shock win.

The second set was another epic 5-gamer with Wendy Prest giving a stirring performance to see off John Gascoyne. Wendy slammed some expert attacking forehands past the Amotherby veteran for a two game lead before John employed a more defensive strategy to peg her back to 2-2. Wendy cleverly frustrated John in the fifth, preventing him from deploying his deadly backhand attack and she deservedly took the set with an 11-8 win to tie the match.

John Stokes stepped up against Eddie Prest next and played a canny game of mixed spin and counter-attack to knock the vastly experienced Coneysthorpe man off his rhythm and secure an impressive 3-0 win. Andy Seed next faced Wendy Prest in a key encounter but Andy's forehand was on song once again for another 3-0 victory to put Amotherby 3-1 ahead before John Gascoyne made it 4-1 with a comfortable win against Eddie Prest. Malc Haswell then kept Coneysthorpe in the contest by beating John Stokes 3-0 before a tense tea break (OK, it wasn't really but I'm just trying to keep you interested) with Amotherby needing just one more set for promotion.

The breakthrough came in the next encounter as Andy beat a feisty Eddie 3-0 to secure the win for Amotherby. The last two games were relaxed and entertaining, with John Gascoyne - his backhand now off the leash - beating Malc Haswell in style, and Wendy proving too smart for John Stokes. 6-3 was the final score at the end of a very sporting and enjoyable match, with Coneysthorpe contemplating Div 2 and Amotherby looking forward to being hammered in the top tier next season...    [27 Apr 2009]

Wendy Prest

Book now for the RTTL Presentation Dinner!

Venue:  Forest & Vale Hotel, Pickering . 

Date: Saturday 23rd May 2009 at 7.00 for 7.30pm

Don't miss the league's main social event and awards ceremony: excellent food, good company and a chance to give the winners a well deserved round of applause.

Remember too that everyone has a chance of being awarded a trophy on the night - as well as the usual league champions and tournament winners, there are awards for:

• The handicap league winners Divs 1-3

• Most sporting players Div 1-3

• Most sporting teams Div 1-3

• Most improved Player

• The Howard Wass Trophy

It's always a great shame when people who win an award are not there to pick it up.

The deadline for getting your booking form in is 5th May!

Menu and further details (plus link to download a booking form) here.

Nick's night again

President's Pairs Semi final - report from Nick Knight:

Jill Adams - who along with Nick will face Steve Temple and John Freeman in the Pairs final

• Bower Trophy: the second semi final was played last night with Div 1 champions Amotherby A facing last season's finalists Helmsley A. The two teams put out strong line ups but the home side's Tom Needham, Paul Young (and a mysterious third player who seems to have flown over from Canada just for this match) had just too much for Chris Londesbrough, Ruth Purseglove and Rebecca George. Amotherby won the tie 5-1 with Ruth edging out Tom 45-42 for Helmsley's consolation set. Amotherby A now face Div 1 runners up Ryedale A in the final.  [17 Apr 2009]

• Don't forget to send in your booking forms for the RTTL dinner on 23rd May - they can be found in the latest newsletter.

Fine fourth for Hutton despite heroics from Josh

Awaiting a better pic of Josh...

• Div 2: Malton B beat Ryedale E 9-1 last night in the two teams' final fixture of the season. Malton finish third on sets difference, while the result puts Ryedale E in relegation peril for the second successive season. Also in the picture are Ryedale D who must beat bottom side Laundry in their last match to avoid a play-off with Amotherby D from Div 3.

• Summer League fixtures are now available here. Copies have been posted or emailed to team secretaries - matches start on Tues and Wed next week. [9 Apr 2009]

Remaining league matches

There are still several rearranged league matches to be played, especially in Div 1 - these need to be played as soon as possible. Remaining Bower and Pairs matches should also be arranged urgently - remember that we need plenty of time to organise trophies before the dinner.

• Thank you to all those RTTL players and their guests who turned out for Andy Seed's Amotherby Village Hall fundraiser. Over 100 people attended and a jolly time was had by all, with over £600 raised to help sort out those horrible loos!  [5 Apr 2009]

Countback vindicates handicappers!

President's Pairs - report from John Gascoyne:

Thanks, John  [3 Apr 2009]

• Div 3: fifteen year-old Cameron Walker scored a impressive win over hard bat legend Mick Carter as Amotherby E beat Ryedale F 7-3. This was after Cameron had surprisingly lost 3-2 to Silvio Rusu after being 2-0 up. Ian Dawson and Josh Garcia-Hall also won two each for Amotherby E. [4 Apr 2009]

Amotherby into play off

Div 2: Ryedale D 2 Amotherby B 8

This was a hard-fought encounter, with Ryedale D, battling to stave off the spectre of relegation, unlucky not to emerge with a point. The result confirms Amotherby B as runners up and they will now face Coneysthorpe of Div 1 in a play-off.

Ryedale began the match well with Johann Voigt slamming a series of forehand winners past a shell-shocked John Stokes. Amotherby then won the next eight sets but all except two were very tight affairs. John Stokes played particularly well against Andy Paton, and Barry Rudd gave John Gascoyne a real scare, going 2-0 up in games before the Amotherby man got into gear to win 3-2.

Andy Paton and Johann pushed Andy Seed hard but he and John managed to win all their singles to secure the maximum points needed for the second spot in the division. Malton B can draw level on points but cannot make up the 'goal difference'. The result also leaves Ryedale D in trouble at the base of the table, although a win in their final game against bottom side Laundry will see them safe. Ryedale E, also in the mix, still have to play Malton B, whilst Amotherby C must await their fate.

Div 2 Top (18 matches):

Div 2 Bottom (18 matches):

John Stokes: 67 and still bouncing round like a toddler!

• Div 3: Amotherby F's Linda Clarke put in a sensational performance to beat Hutton A's top man Doug Annan 3-1 last night. John Mothersill also beat Doug to win all three while primary school champ James Rule was Hutton's mainstay with another two wins. Amotherby F won the match 6-4. [1 Apr 2009]

• Bower: Ryedale Sports Club A are through to the final of this year's competition after a titanic struggle with Whitby. John Hanson was unlucky to be on the losing side, having won all three of his games against a strong Ryedale line up. John Flintoft secured the match in the final set, with the score at 4-4, defeating an off-form Stuart Brown. Ryedale will meet either Amotherby A, Helmsley A or Coneysthorpe in the final. [2 Apr 2009]

Helmsley do it again

Div 2: Scarborians 2 Helmsley B 8

After winning Div 3 last season, this Helmsley team strengthened their squad with the addition of David Chugg and last night confirmed themselves as Champions of Div 2 with a hard-fought victory over Scarborians. Congratulations Helmsley for coming out on top in a tremendous three-way tussle for the title - now let's see if you can win Div 1! Report from Steve Miller:

Helmsley B knew that a four point 6-4 win was all that they needed in their last match of the season, away to Scarborians, to win the Division Two Championship. However, their aim was a maximum six point win and that's exactly what they achieved. Scabs' captain, Steve Miller, couldn't repeat his tournament success over a more focused Adam Ridley though he did catch David Chugg off guard to record a straight games victory.

Tim Penrose proved that Ridley was beatable by taking the first two ends before Adam fought back valiantly to just lose out 9-11 in the decider. With Helmsley's James Mayne unbeatable, Scarborians' only chance of further success was in the doubles, but with Penrose sidelined, Henry Peak and Miller had little to offer against a jubilant Ridley/Chugg partnership. Well done, Helmsley!

Thanks Steve.

David 'Chuggy' Chugg

• At the bottom of Div 2 there was a significant result last night as two of the three teams involved in a relegation scrap met. Amotherby C dug deep and produced a gritty 6-4 win over a Ryedale E side bolstered by the addition of Mick Carter. Kenny Brown was the star for Amotherby, winning all three, while Russ Grimshaw won two and Richard Brown one. Mick, Paul Morse and John Ellis each won one for Ryedale who also took the doubles. This result means that the two teams are level on 35 points, four ahead of Ryedale D who have two games still to play.

• A reminder to please send in your entry form pronto if you are entering the RTTL Summer League this year. Teams of two play 7 matches from April to the end of May all at Ryedale Sports Club. Entry forms are in the newsletter (here) and more info is here. Closing date is 6th April! [31 Mar 2009]

RTTL Dinner: kids half price

League Social Secretary Mary Chappell has just informed me that The Forest & Vale Hotel are offering half price meals for children under 12 at the RTTL Dinner and Presentation Evening on Saturday 23rd May. Full details of the event are in the March newsletter which can be downloaded from this page. [30 Mar 2009]

Helmsley B edge towards Div 2 title

Beginners' TT Sessions

Amotherby TT Club are holding open sessions for beginners and anyone interested in playing table tennis. Perhaps you know someone who used to play and might like to take up the game again - if so, please invite them along.

The sessions are on Tuesday evenings 7-9pm starting on 7th April. Experienced players from any club are welcome, especially if you're prepared to feed the ball to new players and pass on a few tips. Hopefully some of our qualified coaches will be there too. The sessions are open to all ages and cost just £2.

Contact Andy Seed on 01653 696704 or email andy@cannybooks.com for further details. [27 Mar 2009]

Correction

The RTTL Dinner is on Saturday 23rd May and not Friday as printed in the newsletter - apologies for the gaffe.

• Pairs: John Freeman and Stephen Temple are through to the final of the President's Pairs KO, having decisively beaten Ken Pidgeon and Kenny Brown 3½ to ½. Stephen outpointed Kenny 42-31 to underline his improvement this season while John Freeman won his sets comfortably.

• Div 1: Gerald Cosens of Ryedale B won only his second set of the season, sensationally beating Swinton's athletic defender Paul 'the wall' Cuthbertson as the bottom team continued their late surge with a 5-5 draw. Steve Oldfield was unbeaten while Alec Hodgson won two as did form-man John Freeman.  [27 Mar 2009]

Nimble Steve earns a point

Div 2: Scarborians 3 Amotherby B 7 - report from Steve Miller:

Scarborians' Henry Peak wasn't firing on all four cylinders in the singles, and Steve Miller couldn't get going against Amotherby's on-form John Gascoyne. Tim Penrose started the ball rolling with a straight games victory over Ray Holroyd whilst Steve managed the same against John Stokes. The latter hasn't yet figured Steve out, but had learned a trick or two whilst playing Tim in the Tournament and used them to good effect to bamboozle the youngster this time round. 

So all the pressure was on Ray not to lose to Steve, if Amotherby weren't to jeopardize their promotion chances by dropping a point. He started well, winning the first end with his brick wall-like defence, but Miller found a chink in his armour that required a lot of patience and nimble footwork, normally missing from his game, and just shaded the next three games. 

Tim and Henry gave a good account of themselves in the doubles, but John G and Ray got away from them in the decider to claim the win. This very enjoyable match was played in a typically sporting manner with good shots acknowledged by both parties.  [27 Mar 2009]

Thanks Steve

The evergreen Mr Gascoyne

Paul pinches second?

Div 1: Amotherby A 5 Ryedale A 5

On the surface this was a dead rubber, with the two teams having secured first and second places in the division but it was still played in a tough competitive spirit, not least as John Flintoft and Paul Young were battling it out for runners-up spot in the averages. 

Amotherby were struggling for a team with Ian Stansfield in mid-Atlantic and Tom Needham unavailable, and so called up Andy Seed from Div 2 who played all three straight away so that he could get to the pub quiz at Swinton (he needn't have bothered..).

Andy did, however, perform well on the night at TT, not least against the tricky Mike Wheatley and his curious home-made bat. After a series of loop v pimples-block rallies featuring a quite absurd number of nets & edges (97% to the home player) Andy found himself 10-6 up in the fifth game before somehow contriving to lose all four match points and then allowing Mike to take the spoils. This set also featured one of the funniest moments of the season as Mike, on game point in the fourth end, hit the edge of the table, apologised and then set off walking around to the other side unaware that Andy had actually returned the ball. Mike swiftly woke up, returned to the action and plucked the ball back, with the rally continuing to much guffawing from the watching players.

Andy made amends by beating Ed Wardman 3-1. Paul Young then stepped up to face John Flintoft and a tremendous contest ensued. John took the first end 13-11 before Paul blitzed the Pickering man 11-0 in the second. Game three went 15-13 to John but Youngy levelled the set by edging the fourth 18-16. The deciding game was just as close with Paul taking it 12-10. He then won his other two sets to sneak ahead of John in the averages by less than one percent. Whether he gets the runner up spot depends on Amotherby's final match, with Ryedale having now completed theirs for the season.  [27 Mar 2009]

Paul Young

Five for Hutton

Div 3 Hutton A 7 Westow 3 - report from Andrew Chappell:

Points see Nick & Jill through

President's Pairs - report from Nick Knight:

Newsletter 2 out now!

Please make sure that you get a copy of the March 2009 RTTL newsletter as it contains important info and forms, including:

• An entry form for the 2009 Summer League which starts on 14th April (+ details of how the league works)
• Details, menus and a booking form for the forthcoming Dinner and Presentation Evening (on 23rd May)
• Other dates
• All the usual fascinating stuff!

The newsletter can be downloaded from this page  [25 Mar 2009]

A message from Ian Stansfield

Dear Andy,

Could you please pass on a message from me to say a big thank you to all the players I've played with and against over the years. Having played in a number of leagues I can say that Ryedale is the friendliest by far.

I have made many friendships through table tennis and will miss everyone very much.

Wishing everyone the very best for the future.

Kinds regards,

Ian Stansfield and family

Wishing you the very best too, Ian, from everyone at RTTL

[Ian flies to Canada this week] [24 Mar 2009]

Nick's Night

Div 3: Amotherby D 8 Hutton C 2 - report from Nick Knight:

• Div 2: Amotherby C gave themselves a slim chance of avoiding a relegation play off by picking up a 7-3 win against bottom club Laundry who will now face the drop to Div 3. Russ Grimshaw put in a spirited performance to bag three including a 3-1 win over Andy Grayson. Kenny Brown also won two, as did Andy.  [24 Mar 2009]

Nick - could be heading for another trophy...

2009 Tournament winners

About fifty RTTL players turned out for yesterday's Closed Tournament at Ryedale Leisure Centre in Pickering. The event was superbly organised by Paul Stansfield with excellent help from son James. The winners of the main events were as follows:

Div 1 singles: Steve Oldfield

Div 2 singles: James Mayne

Div 3 singles: Stephen Temple

Handicap singles: Gareth Bryning

Doubles: Titch Temple and Steve Temple

Selected Doubles: Tom Needham and Tim Penrose

Hard bat: Tom Needham

A full report with photos can be found here.

Steve Temple jousts with grandfather Mick Carter in the Div 3 final

• Div 1: Ryedale A are confirmed as runners up after a 6-4 win over Swinton. Ryedale B finish bottom and are relegated, despite a great 7-3 win over Coneysthorpe with Alec Hodgson and John Freeman registering maximums. Coneysthorpe will go into the play-off against the runners up from div 2 (still undecided).

• Bower Trophy: Ryedale A eased into the semis with a 5-1 pasting of Div 2 neighbours Ryedale E with Ed Wardman and Mike Fenby their mainstays. If you are still in the Bower Trophy please arrange your next match right away (the same goes for the Pairs competition too) [23 Mar 2009]

Scarborians safe

Div 2: Ryedale C 7 Scarborians 3 - report by Steve Miller:

Scarborians had a very sporting and, despite the score, close match against Ryedale S.C.'C' who played somewhat better than the last time we met. The unbeaten Ken Pidgeon was the least troubled whereas Barry Todd, after a close encounter with Tim, just lost out to Steve Miller. I don't know who was more surprised, him or me! 

Tim Penrose had another epic battle with Jan Bryan, winning this time, and that softened her up for Steve too! Scarborians were happy with the one point, because it puts them mathematically clear of the relegation zone but Henry and Steve were struggling to add another in the doubles when Steve's 'rotator cuff' shoulder injury recurred. Barry and Ken felt sorry for us for a while, letting us win a couple of ends but then finished us off in the decider.

Thanks, Steve [20 Mar 2009]

• A reminder to please return any RTTL trophies to Malc Haswell as the tournament tomorrow.

Helmsley C champs again!

Div 3: congratulations to Helmsley C who have won the third division championship for the second year running after beating Westow 8-2. Following a slow start to the season the team has settled on an experienced and talented line up of Howard Mayne, Philip Trevelyan and John Toll which proved to be too strong for the rest of the division.

The battle is now on between Amotherby D and Ryedale F for the runner up spot, with the team finishing second going into a promotion play off. For now, it's well done once more to Helmsley. [20 Mar 2009]

John Toll: a fine season

John still on holiday...

Div 2: Amotherby B 8 Amotherby C 2

This was a hard fought derby match featuring several close games, with the B team still contesting the promotion race and the C team battling against relegation. Surprisingly, it was the lower-ranked side that made a good start as Russ Grimshaw shocked John Gascoyne, who was clearly still in ski holiday mode. The RTTL Chairman was 2-1 up but far too relaxed against a canny Russ who then smartly took the next two games for a shock 3-2 win as his opponent once more went downhill.

The C team's other win came from Kenny Brown who displayed some great touches and no small measure of composure to come from behind and defeat vintage chopper Ray Holroyd in a another 3-2 epic. Kenny also played well without reward against John G and Andy Seed who was somehow unbeaten on the night despite being flustered by an inability to move his fingers out of the way when throwing the ball for service. Richard Brown found the going tough but played some entertaining rallies. Overall, the final score was somewhat harsh on the valiant C team.

• In Division 3 Hutton C bagged only their second point of the season thanks to the ability and nous of under-11 player James Rule who beat both Janet Bailey and James Stansfield in a 3-7 defeat against Amotherby E. Niki Hampson also beat James S 3-0 while Ian Dawson was undefeated after just holding off Hutton's new young star in a feisty 3-2 set.  [18 Mar 2009]

Ian Dawson - nice bloke for a Leeds fan... (sorry Ian)

Tournament draw

Find out who's in your group at the Tournament this Sunday here.  [17 Mar 2009]

Congratulations Amotherby, farewell Stan!

Amotherby A are champions of RTTL Division One after a 7-3 victory over Helmsley A last night. The five points gained puts them just out of reach of rivals Ryedale A with two matches left to play. It's Amotherby's first ever title in the top division and only the second league trophy the club has won since it was formed in 2001.

The celebrations were subdued, however, as both teams said farewell to Ian Stansfield, Amotherby's top man and one of the best players to grace Ryedale League in the past 30 years. Ian will be flying to Canada at the end of the month with his family to start a new life and it was fitting that his last game should secure the championship, with 'Stan', naturally winning three out of three as usual. He may yet win the Div 1 averages too (leave us your address to post the trophy!) and Amotherby are still in with a chance of the 'double' as they are through to the semis of the Bower Trophy. It would be typical of Ian to leave with a clean sweep...

About the match itself, Ruth Purseglove reported, An enjoyable match, Ian was playing well, as he managed to claw his set against Charlie to victory after being two games down. Tom (Needham) is getting to grips with his pimples now, and none of the Helmsley players posed a threat to him. Kenny Brown, standing in for the absent Paul/Pat, played well and hopefully one day will be playing in the first division. We all wish Ian and his family a successful life in Canada.

Thanks Ruth - I'm sure that everyone at Ryedale Table Tennis League echoes that last thought.  [13 Mar 2009]

Ian 'Stan' Stansfield in familiar pose

Biccies to the rescue!

Div 3: Westow 5 Hutton B 5 - report from Colin Payne:

An excellent evening, played with great enjoyment by both sides.  After an early win by Chris Parker over John Clayton, Westow raced into a 4-1 lead at half-time, including wins by Colin Payne and John over Sara Winn-Darley, and an impressive win by Matthew Shipley over Angela Parker.  

After resuscitation with choccy biccies and drinks at the interval, Hutton were rejuvenated, but despite Chris beating both Colin and Matthew, after they put up strong fights, each taking a game off him before finally succumbing, Hutton were still 3-5 down.  Sara and Matthew then had the battle of the night, with Sara eventually winning the fifth game by 11-9 to take the point, and Westow’s doubles pair were outgunned, to give Hutton a well-deserved draw.   [13 Mar 2009]

Thanks, Colin

A rare snap of Colin 

Snippets...

• Div 2: Jean Wardman had a great unbeaten match as Ryedale E put their relegation fears behind them with an emphatic 8-2 win over Ryedale Laundry to claim maximum points. John Ellis (3) was also in superb form. Alan Kirkwood (1) described himself as lacklustre.

• Div 3: Hutton A beat Hutton C 8-2 - Andrew Chappell reports, Jim Bailey was the only winner for Hutton C with wins over James Rule and Andrew Chappell. James and Andrew beat the Hampsons and Doug Annan won another 3. Doug and Andrew combined to win the doubles thereby reversing the doubles result of the reverse fixture. [12 Mar 2009]

Amotherby Village Hall Fundraiser

If you've been unfortunate enough to visit the loos at Amotherby Village Hall you'll know what a grim experience it is. The good news is that the hall, used by 5 RTTL teams, is being renovated once grants have been obtained. In the meantime, Amotherby Table Tennis Club are doing their bit to raise money for the work by putting on a special fundraising event:

You are invited to

an evening of

Stories, fun and laughter

with local author

Andy Seed

Amotherby Village Hall

 Friday April 3rd 2009

7.30pm

Plus 'How well do you know Yorkshire?' slideshow!

Tickets £4 from Malton Tourist Information Centre or from Andy, and on the door on the night.

More info from 01653 696704

 All proceeds to the village hall restoration fund

 -- Show suitable for all ages --

Amotherby TT Club hopes that you will support this event and come along to see the RTTL Match Secretary make a fool of himself in public (yet again some would say). A good turnout will help to make the hall a better place for all local table tennis players, especially when we get the lighting and heating improved.

Don't risk leaving it until the night - buy your tickets now! You can email andy at andy@cannybooks.com to do this. See you on the 3rd!  [11 Mar 2009]

More news in brief

• Div 1: Rebecca George put in a rare appearance for Helmsley A, winning two but falling to a stupendous fightback from Ryedale B's doughty John Freeman who was two sets behind. Helmsley earned all the points, however, in an 8-2 win.

• Div 2: Kenny Brown was on storming form for strugglers Amotherby C and helped them pick up two valuable points against Ryedale C. Kenny's three wins included two stirring five-gamers against Chet Butler and Barry Todd. Jan Bryan won a brace for Ryedale.

• Div 3: CSL B's Pawel Plonczkier mustered a fine performance to defeat Westow's top man John Clayton but everything else went wrong for the boffins as they were pummelled 9-1. Elsewhere, Stephen Temple and Mick Carter were too strong for Amotherby D meaning that Ryedale F have now closed the gap in the battle for second place after a 7-3 victory. Sara Winn-Darley picked up two good wins as Hutton B dominated the Drifters 8-2 and, in the Amotherby derby, the F team's John Mothersill was unbeaten during an entertaining 5-5 draw with the club's feisty E team.  [11 Mar 2009]

'Keen' Brown polishes up his backhand

New regional championship

Scarborough Table Tennis Club is organising the first North/East Yorkshire Closed Tournament to be held in Scarborough on Sat 20th June (Juniors) and Sun 21st June (Seniors). Full details and an entry form can be downloaded here.

Please contact Scarborough TT Club for more info or call Amanda Lee on 07765 446059. [9 Mar 2009]

Tournament help needed

Paul Stansfield would like help with setting up the tables etc for the RTTL tournament in Pickering. Help is needed on Saturday 21st March and particularly with taking out the equipment on Monday 23rd March. Please contact Paul if you can help - his number is in the handbook.

• Malcolm Haswell has requested that players return trophies at the tournament - please pass this message on to anyone who doesn't use the internet, thanks. [9 Mar 2009]

The week's other news...

• In Div 3, title-chasing Amotherby D had a disaster when only two players turned up for their away match with Helmsley D, who beat them 8-2 after Andrew Cavanagh put in a sensational performance to defeat both Tom Thorp and the vastly experienced Jill Adams.

• Div 3: Cameron Walker mustered another excellent unbeaten showing as Amotherby F pulverised the unfortunate Drifters 10-0. Linda Clarke and John Mothersill were the other winners.

• Div 2: the big Pickering derby between Ryedale D and C was dominated by Div 3's Steve Temple, playing up for the D team and admirably winning all three against a very handy C team of Chet Butler, Ken Pidgeon and Jan Bryan. The match finished all square.

• Div 1: Coneysthorpe called on the quality of York player Joe Suchecki for their clash with in-form Ryedale A but neither he nor Malc Haswell and Eddie Prest could do anything as John Flintoft, Mike Wheatley and Dave Burnham powered to an impressive 10-0 whitewash to keep them in with a slim hope of the championship.

• Pairs: Kens Brown and Pigeon teamed up against Adrian Voicu and Dave Grayson, managing to squeak through to the semis after a very competitive 3-2 win which was decided by the doubles. In the other half of the draw, meanwhile, John Gascoyne and Jean Wardman saw off Jean's teammates Alan Kirkwood and Paul Morse with rather more ease, the final result being 4-1.

• Final reminder that your RTTL Closed Tournament entry forms need to be with Paul Stansfield by this Monday, 9th March. I hope that lots of you are going to be involved!  [7 Mar 2009]

Helmsley's improving junior Andrew Cavanagh

James Rules!

Div 3: Hutton A 7 CSL B 3 - report from Andrew Chappell:

North Yorks Under-11 champ James Rule

• Div 1: Odds-on favourites for the championship Amotherby A called on Kenny Brown for their trip to Whitby - here's a rare report from Pat Swindell: Most people asked  to play for their first team would find the whole affair quite daunting but not Kenny Brown who stepped up to the plate last Thursday to play for Amotherby A against Whitby. Kenny stood tall all night and gave a performance to equal his team mates. In doing so he beat Stewart Brown and only lost in five to the tricky and wily fox John Hanson. Kenny's excellent display helped his team to win 7 - 3. Thanks Kenny. Thanks Pat.

• Div 2: Malton B dropped two vital points against CSL - Ken Darby said, 'Malton B really needed a good score to stay in contention for Div 2. They only managed a 6-4 win but the star was John Loftus, winning his 3 with a powerful attacking game, including a rare defeat for Gareth Bryning. Malton B have influenced the Div 2 averages with some good individual wins.' Thanks Ken.

• Div 2: Ryedale E's Paul Morse played out of his skin to beat a less than impressive Andy Seed at Amotherby on Tuesday. Alas this was the away side's only win in a 9-1 defeat that keeps the pressure on leaders Helmsley B. John Stokes put in a great battling effort to go unbeaten on the night.

• Pairs: Jill Adams and Nick Knight both played admirable table tennis against David Chugg in a 3-2 win. Although neither could master James Mayne's long pimpled bat, the Amotherby pair won the doubles to go through. [5 Mar 2009]

Spring Committee Meeting

I know that everyone will be desperate to attend the next RTTL Management Committee meeting, so here are the details:

It's on Sunday 8th March at Ryedale Sports Club at 7pm. As usual, we request that at least one person from each club attends so that things are proper democratical. The agenda is:

1. Chairman’s Introduction

2. General Secretary’s Report
3. Treasurer’s report
4. Match Secretary’s Report
5. Publicity Officer’s Report
6. Social Secretary’s Report
7. Coaching Secretary’s Report
8. Handicap League Secretary’s report
9. Tournament Secretary’s report
10. Awards Secretary’s report
11. AOB - nothing to date, but please let Pat Swindell know if you wish anything to be discussed.  [3 Mar 2009]

Piggies triumphant

CSL team The Piggies won last night's ace RTTL Quiz - see pictures and a report here.

The brainy Piggies

• The Quiz Night made a very handy profit of £141.20 so well done to all those who supported it.

• Don't forget to get your RTTL Tournament entry in! The tournament is on Sun 22nd March, and the closing date for entries is 9th March - a week today. Details and downloadable entry form here. [2 Mar 2009]

Bad week for Helmsley...

Div 3: Ryedale F 6 Helmsley C 4 - report from Howard Mayne:

Helmsley C slumped to their second defeat of the season at the hands of Ryedale F, who now put themselves forward as Div 3 contenders. Helmsley now having a slender two point advantage at the top of the third tier. 
 
Steve Temple won his three sets, one of which being my first defeat of the season. Steve thoroughly deserved this win: he is a vastly improved player, dominating the the game early, imposing himself with an armoury of wicked spinny serves to claim the first two ends. I scraped home in the third, but was unable to make sufficient winners from then on (in fact spent most of the remainder defending) to effect the result. Well played Steve.
 
Philip Trevelyan made Steve work very hard over five ends for his third win of the evening.

Thanks, Howard

• Div 2: Leaders Helmsley B unexpectedly dropped two points against Ryedale D. Howard Mayne said: Helmsley B, having worked hard to put themselves in pole position in Div 2, failed to take full advantage. The two other teams involved in the three way title fight, Malton B and Amotherby B had byes this week. The two points dropped by Helmsley, leaves the door open for their rivals to close within one and two points, if they gain maximum points wins from their games in hand. [Read Andy Paton's report below].

• Div 1: Helmsley A also fell behind in the title race after a 7-3 defeat at the hands of Swinton, despite another great effort from James Mayne who beat Steve Oldfield and Ray Mitchell. Paul Cuthbertson (3) was man of the match for the visitors. Luke Lunn put up a good show, taking Steve and Ray to five.

• Div 1: Joel Wright suffered a rare defeat at the hands of Mike Fenby as Malton A lost 6-4 to Ryedale A. Mike was unbeaten but team mate Dave Burnham had an off-night, losing twice, including an epic 5-game set with form player Neil Raine.  [28 Feb 2009]

Howard Mayne: gracious in losing his fine 100% record

Pizza Cartons not required...

Ryedale D 4 Helmsley B 6 - report from Andy Paton:

Ryedale D came close to producing a shock in this top against bottom fixture but  were eventually edged out 4-6 with 8 games going to deuce and 2 even memorably ending 18/16.

Andy Paton and Johann Voigt registered Ryedale D’s first success of the night by turning up with their bats,  in contrast to the previous night’s debacle against Scarborough ,where they were reduced to playing with used pizza cartons. However James Mayne’s astute TT brain, swift movement and eye for the right shot contributed to Andy’s  speedy demise, leaving him  thinking that a used pizza carton may have  served him better.

Adam Ridley and Johann, both considerable talents, played out an exciting 5 ender with each player displaying a striving to outdo the other in beating themselves. Eventually Johann won that battle and lost the war.

 Barry Rudd easing back up the gears after his lay off, brought a much needed dose of sense to Ryedale with an elegant 4 game win over Joe Newton  whose attractive  style just lacked Barry’s consistency. However Joe is no doubt developing  in the white hot cauldron that is the Helmsley training scheme and will soon surpass us mere Rye mortals.

James continued his unstoppable progress through the Ryedale ranks taking out both Johann and Barry without conceding a game. He combined a laconic gum chewing attitude with the impeccable manners which go with being a great champion. Added to this was the disturbing psychological Trompe – l’oeil whereby his bat seemed to  grow larger into a great 3 dimensional monster as James disappeared into near invisibility.

Adam and Barry played out an exciting 5 ender with Barry coming from 2 down to fall 11/9 in the fifth.  Adam’s set with Andy also went to 5, the Helmsley lad taking the first 2 ends 18/16 and 13/11 before Andy came back with an 11/7, 16/14 11/8 hat trick. He later contributed his success to encouragement  such as “What a sitter” and “How could you miss that?” he received from  spectators.

Thanks, Andy [1 March 09]

• Here is Steve Miller's report on the infamous 'pizzagate' match: Scarborians were helped to an unexpected victory over Ryedale S.C.'D' by two of the visitors having to play with borrowed bats! The home side's improving star, Tim Penrose, remained unbeaten, but only just, winning the deciding fifth end against Andy Paton, 11-9. Henry Peak and Steve Miller both got the better of the first-round hero, Johann Voigt, whilst Miller also unexpectedly beat Ryedale stalwart, Barry Rudd, whose movement was still affected by a recent injury. Miller then partnered Penrose to a comfortable doubles victory over Paton and Voigt. The 7-3 win eased Scarborians' relegation fears whilst leaving Ryedale S.C.'D' perilously close to the drop-zone. Thanks Steve.

Latest round up

• Div 3: Westow 10 Hutton C 0 - Colin Payne reports: Although Westow won 10 – 0, the game was played with great spirit and enjoyment by both teams.  Hutton’s 9-year old player James Rule played exceptionally well, troubling all of Westow’s players, who could not relax at any time against him, and taking a game off John Clayton.

• Div 2: Scarborians 7 Ryedale E 3: A batless Andy Paton struggled to inspire his team against in-form Scarborians with Tim Penrose once more starring. It was good to see Barry Rudd playing again after his injury.

• Div 1: Amotherby A are in a strong position at the top of the league after a decisive 9-1 win over bottom team Ryedale B. Tom Needham and Paul Young were unbeaten, with John Freeman beating Pat Swindell for the Pickering side.  [27 Feb 2009]

Stephen untouchable

Div 3: Hutton 3 Ryedale F 7 - report from Andrew Chappell:

This was another fine win for Ryedale F for whom Stephen Temple and Mick Carter again each won 3. Silvio Rusu played some good games but was unable to come away with a win. Stephen and Mick combined in the doubles for a straight games win. 

Sara Winn-Darley deputised for the injured Mary Chappell and did well to beat Silvio, coming back from a game down, as well as taking a game off Mick (as did Andrew Chappell and Doug Annan) but Stephen Temple proved untouchable.  [26 Feb 2009]

Thanks, Andrew

Young Stephen is getting better all the time

• Div 2: Alan Kirkwood reports: Ryedale C had no difficulty in overcoming Ryedale E 9-1 despite being without their leading player Barry Todd. The E team's only success came from John Ellis whose awkward style was too much for the equally awkward Ken Pidgeon. For the C team Chet Butler was on fire, losing only one end to Paul Morse in all three singles, and Jan Bryan was also impressive, dropping only two ends in her three wins. Chet and Jan ended the evening in style, making short work of Alan Kirkwood and Paul Morse in the doubles. Thanks Alan! [26 Feb 2009]

Oh so close

Bower KO: Amotherby F 4½ Helmsley A 4½

Table tennis handicap matches don't come much closer than this as the competition's last remaining third division side faced up to one of the league's top teams. Five of the nine sets were decided by just one point or less and the tie finished as a draw with pencils out and heads being scratched as the total points were added.

Amotherby made a fine start as Cameron Walker beat Ruth Purseglove before Charlie Allot levelled the match by edging out Ollie Grimshaw 42-41. Helmsley's Chris Londesborough then produced the night's one really comfortable win, outplaying Janet Bailey to put the visitors ahead before Cameron once again displayed his excellent potential by just holding off Charlie 43-42 to make it 2-2.

Ollie then beat Chris also by 43-42 and Amotherby went 4-2 up as Janet put in her best performance to defeat Ruth. Helmsley were not finished, though, and Chris held his nerve to stop Cameron claiming a maximum with a 42-41 win. With Amotherby still needing one set for victory, Ollie Grimshaw came agonisingly close as he was held to a 42-42 draw by Ruth's skill and experience. 

It was all down to the last game which Helmsley had to take to grab a draw - up stepped Charlie and Janet with the young man playing brilliantly to restrict his opponent to just 9 points for a 42-37 win which secured a 4½-4½ draw. The overall points were added and checked, and finally revealed that Helmsley A had won an epic cup tie by 378-375. What a cracker!   [25 Feb 2009]

Ollie Grimshaw - just one point away from cup glory...

Tim has the touch

Div 2: Amotherby C 5 Scarborians 5

Scarborians had Tim Penrose to thank for securing a draw in this close match against relegation-threatened Amotherby C. Tim won all three of his sets, each in four ends, with the first one a remarkable comeback after he lost his opening game 11-0 to Russ Grimshaw.

Gill Thorp made a rare appearance for the home team after some time out with a troublesome neck problem. She clicked into gear quickly, however, using her stylish topspin game to see off both Henry Peak and Steve Miller before finding Tim a bridge too far.

Like Gill, Russ beat Steve in five but the Scabs' cap'n salvaged some pride by ousting the ever-enthusiastic Kenny Brown in straight games. Kenny beat West Country veteran Henry Peak, while the other four contested the doubles with Scarborians just edging it to grab a sixth draw of the season.  [24 Feb 2009]

• Remember to get your RTTL Tournament entries in to Paul Stansfield. It's also not too late to enter a team for our fun Quiz Night which is this Saturday 28th - please support your league!  [24 Feb 2009]

Cameron comes close

Div 3: Amotherby F 7 Westow 3

Improving Malton school student Cameron Walker put up an impressive display against Westow last night, defeating Colin Payne and the previously unbeaten Tom McAuley, before just losing out 11-8 in the fifth end to the visitors' best player, John Clayton. Showing good temperament and some well placed shots on the forehand, Cameron looks like an exciting prospect for the future.

The vastly experienced Linda Clarke also came close to picking up three wins. After seeing off Colin Payne in four she outplayed John Clayton whose sidespin serves were powerless against the infamous Clarke dead bat. However, Linda came unstuck against canny Tom McAuley who won a tight five-gamer. John Mothersill also won a brace but fell to Clayton before combining well with Cameron to win the doubles against a very sporting Westow team who always seem to enjoy themselves whatever the result.  [18 Feb 2009]

Amotherby F's Cameron Walker (have you got a more recent pic, Cameron?)

• Div 2: Across the hall from the above match, CSL A took a well-deserved point off Amotherby B in a 7-3 defeat. Gareth Bryning just held off John Gascoyne's exceptional backhand in five to win three but Li He and the jovial Ken Mills struggled to get a foothold. This result leaves Amotherby just a point behind Malton B in a very close three way promotion race.

• Div 1: James Mayne once more demonstrated what an outstanding talent he is by defeating both John Flintoft and Ed Wardman as he played up for Helmsley A against Ryedale A last night. Ryedale consolidated their challenge for the title, however, by winning the match 7-3.

• Please support the RTTL 2009 Quiz Night fundraiser on Sat 28th Feb at Ryedale SC. This was a really good fun social evening last time around so do send in your entry right away to Mary Chappell - entry form here. It only costs £2 per person and includes supper - WHAT A BARGAIN!    [18 Feb 2009]

James back on form

Div 2: Helmsley B 7 CSL A 3 - report from Howard Mayne:

With Helmsley B sitting 8 points behind leaders Malton B in Div 2, it was crucial to their title chances to make up ground, this fixture being one of their two games in hand. A strong team performance from Helmsley: James Mayne 3, Adam Ridley 2, Dave Chugg 1, plus a Mayne/Chugg doubles win, saw the home side claim a 7-3 victory. Gareth Bryning, put up the most resistance for CSL, winning two, but was unable to cope with a back to form James. This result has implications for the Div 2 season averages, with all the leading players now having lost two games.  [14 Feb 2009]

Thanks, Howard

• Find out how Helmsley's cadets got on in the National Cadet League here.

Miller treble secures rare win

Div 2: Ryedale E 4 Scarborians 6 - report from Steve Miller:

Fed up with regularly losing or drawing, Scarborians actually won a match! Steve Miller won all his singles, but only just. Tim Penrose lost over five ends to Paul Morse whilst Henry peak managed to beat John Ellis. Tim had to come back from 1-2 down to beat John 3-2. Jean Wardman wiped the floor with Steve in the first two games forcing him to completely change his tactics to snatch the next three. Jean and Paul easily beat Henry and Steve in the doubles.  [12 Feb 2009]

Thanks, Steve

Form man Steve Miller

• Gareth Bryning has taken over as secretary of CSL A until the end of the season. Gareth can be contacted on 01904 462404 which his work number at CSL.

• Div 1: Neil Raine was on great form for Malton A against Whitby, winning all three during a 7-3 victory. Stuart Brown was unlucky not to register a win with each of his sets going to five games. John Hanson won two for the seasiders.  [12 Feb 2009]

Neil Raine - laid back as ever

Malton maintain lead

Div 2: Malton B 6 Amotherby B 4

Malton B maintained their lead at the top of the second division last night with a deserved win against an off colour Amotherby B side who seemed to be suffering from the intense cold inside Brian Quinn's shed. The home team's John Loftus got Malton off to an unexpectedly good start, beating John Gascoyne for the first time ever and coming back from 2-1 down to do so. Stuart Chadwick then played very well to reverse his early season loss against Andy Seed and Tom Harrington did the same against veteran defender Ray Holroyd to put Malton 3-0 ahead.

John Gascoyne moved up a gear to defeat Stuart convincingly and then inflict on Tom Harrington only his second defeat of the season, playing some dazzling backhands during a series of rapid exchanges with the talented Scarborough junior. Ray then pipped Stuart in a tremendous five-game set featuring classic hard bat defending against a variety of tactics from the canny teenager. John Loftus won his remaining sets, both of which were very close, before Amotherby took the doubles 3-0 on an evening which made 'The Fridge' at Coneysthorpe seem positively tropical.    [11 Feb 2009]

John Loftus

• I haven't received a single match report from anybody for weeks, either on the back of a card or by email. It's a shame that some teams aren't getting much of a mention in the press reports because of this - so come on, it doesn't take long to jot down a few words.  [11 Feb 2009]

Johann on fire

Div 2: Ryedale D 6 Amotherby C 4

Two teams struggling near the basement of the second division met last night in Pickering with Ryedale D coming out on top thanks to an admirable unbeaten performance by the much improved Johann Voigt. The contest also saw the welcome return of Ryedale League stalwart Barry Rudd after injury. He registered one win, a tremendous comeback from being two sets and 10-6 down against the unlucky Richard Brown.

Another Brown, Kenny this time, had scored an excellent 3-1 win over Andy Paton and another in five against Barry Rudd before finding Johann just too hot to handle. The Ryedale man 'hit everything' according to Kenny, and in doing so dismissed Richard and Russ Grimshaw also by a 3-1 margin. It was good to see Russ back in action after a long period out - he is another person who suffered a series of health problems in 2008.   [10 Feb 2009]

Johann: so good now that he doesn't even need to look at the ball (or has he just overdone the speed glue?)

• Entries have now closed for the Presidents Pairs - the draw for the competition can be found here. Details have also been emailed and posted to players involved (please let me know if you do not receive yours).
• Div 1: Dave Hildreth won three mammoth five-game sets for Whitby away to Swinton but couldn't prevent his side losing 6-4. Ray Mitchell commented, 'The fact that five sets went to five games indicates the commitment of all the players, some really breathtaking shots from all sides.' [10 Feb 2009]

Averages updated

The averages for Divs 2 and 3 and individual results for all divisions have finally been updated now that the bug in the ETTA database software has been (sort of) fixed. Hopefully they will be updated each week as usual. [8 Feb 2009]

Todd sinks Malton

Div 2: Top team Malton B suffered a surprise 6-4 defeat against mid-table Ryedale C with unbeaten Barry Todd the star of the show. With their number one Tom Harrington unavailable, Malton brought in another talented junior, Stuart Chadwick, and the youngster impressively won two sets against experienced opponents. Ken Pidgeon frustrated John Loftus in five and then dismissed defender Ken Darby, who surprisingly went winless after his great performance against Helmsley B.

Jan Bryan lost to John and Stuart before beating Ken but it was Barry Todd, blocking well and firing in his trademark backhand who cost Malton valuable points in the three-way promotion fight at the top. Malton did win the doubles to ensure a respectable scoreline but Ryedale went home justifiable pleased after an excellent result.  [7 Feb 2009]

Barry 'the backhand' Todd

Round up

• Div 1: Not a good week for bottom club Ryedale B who suffered a pair of 9-1 defeats, firstly against club rivals Ryedale A who had Ed Wardman and Dave Burnham on top form. For the losers, John Freeman put up his usual battling performance, beating old pal John Flintoft in five epic ends and taking games off the other two. Amotherby A also took Max points of Ryedale B in a rearranged match, with John Gascoyne (3) playing up in style.

• Div 3: Angela Parker was unstoppable for Hutton B who registered a great 8-2 result at home to Amotherby E. Husband Chris also won three to make it six out of six for the Parkers against a team weakened by the loss of Paul Stansfield to injury and Kris Waluk to night shifts. Ollie Grimshaw, playing up for Amotherby, did very well to beat Sara Winn-Darley 3-0.

• Bower: a busy week for Ryedale A saw them effortlessly move into the quarter finals of the team KO trophy with a decisive 5-1 win over third division leaders Helmsley C. John Toll put up the most resistance, edging out Dave Burnham by one point, but the experience and craft of John Flintoft and Ed Wardman was too much.   [6 Feb 2009]

The elusive Ed Wardman

Tournament details out now

The 2009 RTTL Closed Tournament will take place on Sunday 22nd March at the Northern Ryedale Leisure Centre in Pickering. Details of the events and entry forms can be found here.

• Div 2: Amotherby B put in a strong performance last night against Ryedale Laundry, who braved the elements to turn up only to be tonked 10-0! John Stokes played a belter against Andy Grayson who spent most of the evening picking his bat off the ground in despair. Adrian Voicu gave a spirited performance for the visitors.

• Div 3: Also unwilling to let a little bit of snow and ice deter them were the very sporting Hutton C, who also arrived at Amotherby last night and were similarly rewarded with a 10-0 blitz! Malton School teenagers Ollie Grimshaw and Cameron Walker enjoyed the chance to hit some big winners for the F team and it was a most enjoyable match, judging by the hoots of laughter that drifted across the hall.  [4 Feb 2009]

Snow go

There have inevitably been matches called off this week with the arctic weather. Please rearrange postponed matches right away, within three weeks, so that we do not have a fixture pile up at the end of the season. I know it isn't easy to find new dates for rearranged games but please do get on the phone right away.

We really must get our roof fixed...

• Div 1: Ryedale B picked up a rare point against Coneysthorpe in a 7-3 loss thanks to two wins by Alec Hodgson and one by Titch Temple, the latter against Eddie Prest. Malc Haswell (3) was man of the match, though, ably supported by Wendy Prest (2).

• Div 2: Basement team Ryedale Laundry were also in the points last week thanks to a fine show from occasional standby Andy Grayson who was undefeated against Ryedale Sports Club C. Barry Todd, Chet Butler and Ken Pidgeon won two each for the Pickering trio to give them a narrow 6-4 victory.

• There have not been many entries so far to the RTTL 2009 Quiz Night fundraiser on Sat 28th Feb at Ryedale SC. This was a really good fun social evening last time around so do send in your entry soon to Mary Chappell - entry form here. It only costs £2 per person and includes supper - WHAT A BARGAIN!   [3 Feb 2009]

The Young wins

Div 1: Malton A 3 Amotherby A 7

Joel Wright, Malton's top man, turned out for this key clash with leaders Amotherby A and went about inflicting another defeat on their number one Ian Stansfield. However, he did not have things all his own way, losing the big forehand battle with Paul Young who was unbeaten on the night.

Ross Dransfield beat Tom Needham to ensure that Malton took a point but lost to Stansfield who then combined with the in-form Young to beat Ross and Joel in the doubles to give Amotherby a 7-3 win against a strong side. 

• Bower: Defenders Paul Morse and Alan Kirkwood won two apiece to put high-flying Helmsley B out of the Bower Trophy as Ryedale E picked up a commendable 5-4 win. James Mayne had the chance to win the tie in game 8 but Kirkwood kept his nerve.  [31 Jan 2009]

Alan Kirkwood

Helmsley reach summit

Div 3: Helmsley C 9 Amotherby D 1

Amotherby D, the last unbeaten team in the league, lost both this record and their place at the top of the third division last night as promotion rivals Helmsley C leapfrogged them in spectacular style.

Once more the consistent Howard Mayne was unbeaten and ably assisted by his team mates Phil Trevelyan (2) and John Toll (3), with the latter 'hitting some fantastic forehand and backhand winners' according to his captain. Nick Knight was the away team's only winner, seeing off Phil in five.

Helmsley C are now two points clear at the top and look uncatchable, playing with a settled three-man team who are all on form. But who knows, maybe some Rafa-like dodgy squad rotation will yet come into play...

• Div 1: second placed Helmsley A had a bit of a shocker, losing 7-3 at home to mid-table Whitby for whom unbeaten John Hanson was too good. Charlie Allott was off-colour for Helmsley and Luke Lunn tried very hard but could not win a game. Dave Hildreth bagged two for Whitby.

• Div 2: Ken Mills was on 'dark satanic' form again for CSL A against Scarborians, overpowering his three opponents with that supernatural backhand. The game finished all square, as did the teams' previous meeting.  [30 Jan 2009]

Ken Mills: as close as the photographer dared stand

All square in late scrap at the top

Div 2: Malton B 5 Helmsley B 5 - report from Howard Mayne:
 
A pivotal clash between the top two teams in Div 2, produced the table tennis equivalent of a toe to toe bare knuckle fist fight. Two significant knock out blows were landed on the Helmsley B talisman, James Mayne.
 
Trevor Teasdale was responsible for James's first defeat of the season. Trevor's consistent defence, and James's miss firing forehand attack earned the Malton man a deserved 3-1 victory.
 
The wily Ken Darby, with great tactical nouse, and dogged tenacity was the second to claim the scalp of the Helmsley youngster, in a close 5 setter.
 
With James out of sorts, his team mates produced some sterling performances to keep Helmsley in the tie. Adam Ridley got involved in an enthralling contest with Ken, prevailing in 5. Then came from 2-1 down, to win against John Loftus. Once again Trevor's endless patience and skilful defence proved to be a bridge too far for Adam, Trevor winning 3-1, but Adam's two wins kept the visitors hopes of parity on the night alive.
 
It was no coincidence, that Helmsley's most attacking player, Dave Chugg finally broke down the 'stonewall' Teasdale defence, 5-4 to Malton. 
 
With the time approaching 11.05pm, Helmsley claimed the doubles in another long and close set, to gain a 5-5 tie.
Not a classic, more a war of attrition, with no one player was undefeated. Possibly the main beneficiaries were 3rd placed team Amotherby B.

Thanks, Howard. [28 Jan 2009]

Ken Darby (photo of Trevor Teasdale wanted!)

• Div 3: John Mothersill was on sparkling form for Amotherby F in their 5-5 draw with Hutton-le-Hole B. He beat Angela Parker and the in-form Sara Winn-Darley in three before overcoming Hutton's number one Chris Parker in a stirring five-game set with the decider going to 13-11. Linda Clarke also won a brace for Amotherby.  [28 Jan 2009]

• Div 2: Jean Wardman reported that Ryedale D's Johann Voigt (3) was on devastating form against her E team in last night's meeting. The man of the match was assisted by Andy Paton (2) who lost to Paul Morse (2). John Ellis and Jean also beat the D team's Mike Shepherdson to give the E team two points in the 6-4 defeat. [29 Jan 2009]

Don't forget...

• To enter the President's Pairs - the closing date is Feb 9th - more info here.

• The RTTL fun Quiz night on Sat 28th Feb at Ryedale Sports Club - get your team entry in now! Entry form here.

• That 31st Jan is the deadline for signing new players (BTW, welcome to juniors Lawrie Williams, 13, and James Rule, 9, who have just joined Hutton C in Division 3)

• To arrange your next match if you are still in the Bower Trophy

• About sending in brief match reports! [26 Jan 2009]

John turns back the clock

Div 1: Ryedale B 5 Malton A 5

John Freeman gave a vintage performance of athletic defending and table tennis craft to win all three of his sets against a strong Malton side this week. The Pickering man rolled back the years as he dug deep in two titanic five-gamers against attackers Neil Raine and Ross Dransfield before enjoying a slightly more comfortable 3-1 victory over John Loftus.

Alec Hodgson also put in a strong showing for Ryedale, winning two, although unable to make headway against Dransfield's top quality serves. Ross also beat Titch Temple to gain two sets for Malton and then combined to take the doubles in another very long encounter which prevented Ryedale from gaining their first win of the season. [24 Jan 2009]

The still nimble John Freeman

• Div 2: at the top, Helmsley B and Amotherby B both closed the gap on leaders Malton B with max points wins. There were flying bats at Helmsley as Adam Ridley (3) survived two match points against Laundry's Andy Grayson. James Mayne was untroubled once again in an 8-2 win. Amotherby B took a strong team to Ryedale C and came away with a 9-1 result thanks to unbeaten performances from John Gascoyne and Andy Seed. The highlight was when Barry Todd blitzed a savage smash straight onto the league Chairman's forehead. Ouch!

• Div 3: Stephen Temple gained revenge for an early season defeat against John Mothersill as Ryedale F beat Amotherby F 7-3 in a game which had spectators and a high entertainment level judging from the frequent cheers and laughter. Both Stephen and his grandfather Mick were unbeaten.

• Bower KO: Andy Paton's Ryedale D are looking like strong contenders for this season's cup competition after trouncing third div Hutton B 5-0. Chris Parker put up a good show against Mike Shepherdson but otherwise it was a bit of a mauling - it's not surprising that Hutton called it a day after five...  [24 Jan 2009]

Eddie opens up title race

Div 1: Amotherby A 3 Helmsley A 7

Helmsley A polished up Ryedale's best player Eddie 'Fambers' Fambley and brought him on to peg back Amotherby A's lead at the top of the first division and open up the championship race with an impressive 7-3 win. Eddie was once again just too good for the opposition and in winning his three sets inflicted only the second defeat of the season on the home team's number one, Ian Stansfield.

Also in the line up for Helmsley was in-form Rebecca George, who pushed Stansfield close in five after edging out Paul Young, again in the fifth game, and beating Pat Swindell 3-0. Chris Londesborough also beat Pat but lost to Ian and Paul. Amotherby, missing the unavailable Tom Needham, will be disappointed with just a point, allowing Helmsley to draw level with them at the top of the table, although they do still have a game in hand.  [23 Jan 2009]

Eddie

Shock of the season

Div 3: Hutton A 6 Hutton B 4 - report from Andrew Chappell:

Quite a derby...

• Div 1: John Flintoft turned in a masterful unbeaten performance for Ryedale A against a strong Whitby side for whom Bernie Welford scored two, including an exceptional 3-0 win over the formidable Dave Burnham. The match finished 6-4 to Ryedale.

• Div 1: Coneysthorpe posted a rare win, 6-4 away to Swinton. Joe Suchecki (3) was their principle weapon, ably assisted by Malc Haswell (2). Once again it looks like both these sides will be involved in a relegation struggle.

• Div 3: Helmsley C hammered Amotherby E 9-1 to maintain their dogged pursuit of undefeated third division leaders Amotherby D. John Toll and Howard Mayne both scored three sets while Kris Waluk beat Phil Trevelyan for the opposition's only success.

• Div 3: 'Jumpin' Ray Chadwick was on sensational form against CSL B, laughing his way to three 3-0 wins in a 6-4 victory for the Drifters. Richard Budgey performed admirably to beat Mark Philips in four for the lab men.   [22 Jan 2009]

Pawel power too much for Hutton

Div 3: Hutton C 2 CSL B 8

Pole Pawel Plonczkier gave a dominant performance for CSL B last week, winning all three of his singles sets and helping his team to only their second victory of the season. He was ably assisted by the experienced Patrick Hough who also went unbeaten on the night against a Hutton team who always enjoy their table tennis, despite struggling for points.

Niki and Paul Hampson did give the moorland side hope, however, as both defeated CSL's Tom Nixon in close games. Niki held her nerve to win 13-11 in the fifth while Paul took four games to bag his set with the last two ends finishing 16-14 and 12-10. Barbara Johnson, still looking for her first win, pushed Patrick close in their second game, losing 13-11 but it was CSL's night.  [20 Jan 2009]

Pawel Plonczkier

• Div 3: at the top of the Division, leaders Amotherby D kept up the pace with a max points 8-2 win over Westow. James Harrison, playing with his old bat after the new one exploded last week, was on fine form, winning all three including a tasty five-gamer with John Clayton who had earlier seen off Jill Adams and Nick Knight.

• Div 2: Chinese scientist Li He (3) was in great shape for CSL A in a 5-5 draw at Amotherby C. Browns Richard and Kenny took two apiece while Janet Bailey, promoted from Amotherby F, scored an excellent win over the previously in-form Katha Heinrich.

• Bower KO: First division pacesetters Amotherby A booked a place in the quarter final of this season's team knockout comp by outgunning Ryedale C 5-2. Paul Young and Tom Needham each won two, with Ken Pidgeon and Chet Butler registering for the Pickering outfit.  [20 Jan 2009]

Apology: averages

There are database woes again here at RTTL HQ which mean that I am unable to currently update the averages for Div 2 and 3. Sorry about this - I'll update them as soon as the problem has been fixed. [18 Jan 2009]

Laundry rampant!

Div 2: Ryedale Laundry 7 Scarborians 3

It's almost enough to tempt a reporter into those cheesy 'Laundry clean up' and 'whitewash' headlines... After picking up just two points in a tough season following their promotion last year, Ryedale Laundry finally registered a win in the second division as the team's prodigal son, one Andrew Grayson, returned to bamboozle Scarborians.

Andy's awkward spinny lobs were too much for Steve Miller, Henry Peak and an off-colour Tim Penrose, although Steve had made a promising start, defeating a lively Adrian Voicu in five while septuagenarian Henry rolled back the years to play a blinder against hard bat meister George Davison. At this point Scarborians were 2-1 up but alas it was all downhill from then on as Adrian and George each won their next two and Andy dominated to make the score 7-2 to the Laundry.

Scarborians rescued a modicum of pride in a five-game doubles set but Laundry were already dreaming of escaping relegation, with the away team admitting that they were lucky to grab a point.  [17 Jan 2009]

Andy Grayson

• Div 1: Chris Londesborough writes: Ryedale B travelled to Helmsley A for an entertaining fixture in which 4 out of the 10 matches went the distance. Charlie Allott continued maturing with another maximum, equally backed up Chris Londesbrough. Titch Temple and Alec Hodgson picked up a good wins against higher ranked Ruth Purseglove. Ruth won against Gerald Cosens who's still hitting as hard as anyone. The doubles went to Helmsley in the tie break in the fifth and so ended 8-2.

• Div 3: Bernadette Billington and Mark Phillips each picked up impressive wins over Nick Knight despite their Drifters team losing 8-2 at home to Amotherby D. For the visitors, James Harrison won the lot (despite the black rubber falling off his bat!) and Jill Adams also chalked up a triple.

• Div 3: Improving junior Josh Garcia-Hall won two against Westow, as did team mates Kris Waluk and Ian Dawson as Amotherby E triumphed 7-3. Ian notched up an impressive win against John Clayton in five - not bad for a Leeds fan...  [17 Jan 2009]
  

League round up

• Div 1: Whitby's Stuart Brown picked up his second major scalp of the season, beating Paul Young 3-2 last night, but that was his team's only plus from a match which they lost 9-1 to leaders Amotherby A. Tom Needham and Pat Swindell were unbeaten.

• Div 2: The back of the CSL A v Ryedale D scorecard read 'The dark satanic Mills is back!' So that's why Ken Mill's has such an evil backhand... Anyway, his devilish power was insufficient to hold off Andy Paton (3) but CSL won the match 7-3, a fine result without Gareth Bryning on board.

• Div 3: Helmsley C continued their impressive run of form with an 8-2 win over Hutton A. Howard Mayne was unruffled but Andrew Chappell scored a creditable 5-game victory over Phil Trevelyan and Doug Annan beat John Toll in five for Hutton.

• Div 3: Hutton B scored an excellent 6-4 win over Ryedale F, mainly thanks to an outstanding unbeaten performance from Chris Parker, who beat both Mick Carter and Stephen Temple in two epic sets. The improving Sara Winn-Darley also picked up a very good 5-game win over Silvio Rusu.  [16 Jan 2009]

A reflective John Toll

James Keeps Helmsley on course

Div 2: Amotherby B 5 Helmsley B 5

With Adam Ridley sidelined with the lurgy and Joe Newton unavailable, Helmsley B's manager Howard Mayne was forced to tweak his rotation policy a little further than usual this week by bringing himself into play for this tasty promotion clash. But despite Howard's best efforts, including some ripping new serves, it was son James who once again demonstrated his outstanding talent and mettle against experienced opponents to ensure that Helmsley maintained their lead at the top of the second tier.

David Chugg was a late call up for Helmsley and the sporting teenager showed some great ability on the forehand, just losing out in close sets against Andy Seed and John Gascoyne. He then picked up a vital win for the visitors, outgunning veteran Ray Holroyd who chopped like a Trojan all night (did Trojans chop?), often gasping for air as he was pinned against Amotherby Village Hall's creaky walls.

Amotherby knew that they had a good chance of winning the match if James could be pegged back but he had little difficulty in disposing of Ray before baffling Andy with a series of great pimple blocks followed up by devastating forehand kills. John Gascoyne then stepped up to face the champion junior, with both players on 100%, and was unlucky not to win the first end after using his excellent backhand to stop his opponent attacking. But James stepped up a gear in the next game before finishing off the set with superb shot selection as he won the third 12-10.

Amotherby went into the doubles 5-4 up but James and David proved too good for John and Andy, confirming Helmsley as favourites to move into the top division.  [14 Jan 2009]

James Mayne

• Div 2: Malton B made the most of their rivals' draw by bouncing to the top of the table with two 9-1 wins. The first was a rearranged match with Scarborians played before Christmas and the second was a convincing home win over Amotherby C last night, with Trevor Teasdale and John Loftus unbeaten.

• Div 3: Helmsley D picked up a very good 6-4 away win over Amotherby F with Stuart Ellis (3) giving a man of the match performance and Tony Harrison (2) making a rare but valuable appearance. Linda Clarke (2) was the home team's mainstay. [14 Jan 2009]

Entry forms out now

Entries are now being taken for the RTTL President's Pairs competition (details here) and the RTTL fun Quiz Night (details here). There is one entry form for both events which can be downloaded for either page. The forms have also been emailed to players and posted to those who don't use the website. [13 Jan 2009]

Last year's quiz was mighty popular so get your entry in now!

In brief...

• Last night's poorly attended committee meeting discussed a number of issues although no major decisions were made. The date for the AGM was set as June 14th 2009 and the next committee meeting is 8th March. Dinner menus were chosen for the Presentation evening on 23rd May and the forthcoming quiz on 28th Feb was planned.

• Banned rubbers were also discussed at the meeting: from 1.7.08 the ITTF outlawed a number of frictionless long-pimpled rubbers. RTTL, in accordance with ETTA advice, is implementing this change. A full list of rubbers which are allowed can be found here: ITTF Authorised Racket Coverings (the green rubbers on the list are the banned ones).

• Steve Miller brought along the latest standing in the Handicap League competition, based on individual results adjusted by handicaps. Leading Div 1 are Whitby followed by Ryedale B while Ryedale E are top of Div with Ryedale C in second. In the third division, The Drifters are top and Westow second. The winners of this competition will be announced at the RTTL dinner in May.

• Bower Trophy: Titch Temple, hit by the dreaded lurgy, was sadly not well enough to face his son and father in law in the Ryedale B v F KO clash last week but in the event his team did not miss him as they ran out easy 7-2 winners. John Freeman was undefeated while Gerald Cosens and Alec Hodgson won two each (although both lost convincingly to Stephen Temple).  [12 Jan 2009]

Ryedale Sports Club over 60s happy

Thanks to John Ellis for this pic from the club's recent tournament:

L to R: John Freeman, John Ellis, Barry Todd, Jean Wardman, Ed Wardman, Alan Kirkwood and Mike Fenby (who won the main singles KO event) [10 Jan 2009]

Stansfield unstoppable

Bower Trophy: Amotherby A 5 Amotherby B 3

Sadly for local table tennis, Ryedale's number one player Ian Stansfield will soon be leaving us as he has finally received the go ahead for plans to emigrate to Canada in March. Until then he continues to mesmerise opponents with his lightning footwork and blistering speed/spin combination. 

Amotherby B played well in this hard-fought local derby but none of their players had any answer to Ian who, even on a -24 handicap, was unplayable. John Gascoyne gave the B team hope against Tom Needham early on, playing a series of sensational backhands and Andy Seed beat both Tom and Pat Swindell to put them 3-2 up before the A team dug in. John Stokes found the going particularly tough against quality first division opponents and Pat Swindell edged out John Gascoyne 42-40 in a key encounter to see the A team through. 

Vancouver TT League beware!

• Ryedale E picked up a rare Bower win for a Div 2 team, outplaying Amotherby E 6-3 with an unbeaten Jean Wardman masterminding the victory. The match featured two halved sets and a good performance from Ian Dawson against John Ellis and Alan Kirkwood.  [9 Jan 2009]

Whitby waste no time

Bower Trophy (round 2): Whitby 5 Helmsley D 4

Having both picked up a bye through the first round, Whitby and Helmsley D wasted no time in rattling through their second round tie with the home side booking an early place in the quarter finals after a cracking close match. Whitby's first div handicaps were -10, -12 and -14 against the rather higher Helmsley ratings of +20, +26 and +28 and yet almost every set went right down to the proverbial wire.

Stuart Ellis made a great start for the visitors, beating Stuart Brown 45-42 before Bernie Welford eased past young Andrew Cavanagh to square the match. John Hanson, unstoppable on the night, then beat Julie Cavanagh before Andrew just lost out to Stuart 44-43. Julie then put Helmsley back into the picture with a 43-42 victory over Bernie to make the score 3-2 to Whitby.

Stuart Ellis came close to levelling things in game six but went down 42-40, unable to find a way past the guile of John Hanson. But the match was not over and, amazingly, Julie then got the score back to 4-3 as she somehow held off Stuart Brown for yet another one point win by 43-42.

Stuart E had to beat Bernie to level the contest at 4-4 and he did so by the relatively huge margin of 45-42, leaving the final encounter to decide things: veteran John Hanson against junior Andrew Cavanagh. The Helmsley player needed to score 17 points for victory but just could not find a way past the Whitby's man's seawall-like defence. It finished 54-11 for a 42-37 net score which put the home side through after a gallant effort by the visitors.  [8 Jan 2009]

Helmsley's Stuart Ellis

• Malton B of Div 2 crashed out of the cup, losing 6-3 to third division Hutton B for whom Chris Parker, Sara Winn-Darley and Angela Parker won two each. Ken Darby bagged two for Malton and Tom Harrington one but Stuart Chadwick had a 'mare'. Hutton B face another second division side, Ryedale D, next. [8 Jan 2009]

Tournament news

The 2009 RTTL Closed Tournament will take place on Sunday March 22nd at the Northern Ryedale Leisure Centre, Pickering.  The main hall has been booked from 9am to 9pm to give us time to complete tall of the events. The tournament is being organised by Paul Stansfield - details to be released soon. [8 Jan 2009]

Close call in cup

Bower Trophy: Amotherby F 5 Westow 4

There was little between these two third division sides as the 2009 RTTL action kicked off with a tight cup match in which every player won at least one game. Both teams fielded juniors with big handicaps and it was Amotherby's improving Cameron Walker who came out on top against Westow's Matthew Shipley with a 70-61 aggregate win.

Linda Clarke was also on form for the home side, edging out both Roger Dunning and John Clayton but falling to Matthew in another close encounter. Amotherby captain Janet Bailey took the opposite approach, going down to both Roger and John but seeing off Matthew 70-66.

Roger Dunning

• Ryedale D's Andy Paton made the most of his very generous +10 handicap to leave Amotherby C struggling in their all-Div 2 KO match last night. Andy's compatriot Mike Shepherdson also won two very tight sets 53-52 and 50-48 before drawing 58-58 with Richard Brown to secure a 5½- 1½ win to see Ryedale D through.  [7 Jan 2009]

Committee Meeting

There is a RTTL management committee meeting on Sunday 11th Jan 2009 at Ryedale Sports Club at 7pm. As usual, all clubs should ensure that at least one representative attends. If you have any items you wish to discuss, please inform General Secretary Pat Swindell as soon as possible.

• The RTTL 2009 Quiz Night will be on Saturday 28th February in the bar at Ryedale Sports Club. The event is being organised by Social Secretary Mary Chappell. Put this date in your diary now as it was a popular evening last year - further details will be announced soon.   [1 Jan 2009]

Message from Adam Ridley

Hanson stars in match of the day

Div 1: Whitby 5 Helmsley A 5

It was the match of the day - actually the only match of the day (not surprising as it was played the night before Christmas Eve) and that man Hanson was on top form again, Whitby's John Hanson that is. The tricky defender won all three, denting Helmsley's title hopes and helping his side to graft out an honourable draw.

David Chugg was promoted from the B team for Helmsley and did exceptionally well to neutralise Dave Hildreth 3-1. Meanwhile the away side's Chris Londesborough and Ruth Purseglove bagged two apiece, each accounting for Hildreth and the unconventional Bernie Welford.

That looks like it for RTTL matches in 2008: have a fun New Year celebration and see you in 09!

Painful night for Scarborians

Div 2: Scarborians 1 Malton B 9 - report from Steve Miller:

[Match brought forward from Jan]

Scarborians' hopes of snatching a point from Malton 'B' were high when Steve Miller won the first end against Tom Harrington, as did Tim Penrose against John Loftus. However, the canny Maltonians adjusted their tactics to each take the next three games. The unfortunate Penrose also lost out over four ends to Harrington, after winning the first, again losing the last game 10-12. His set against Malton's 'rising star' Stuart Chadwick went to a decider with the youngster triumphant at 11-9. 

Scarborians' only score came from Miller who bamboozled Chadwick with the conventional side of his bat rather than the long pimples. The doubles was a close affair with Harrington and Loftus eventually beating Penrose and Peak in the deciding fifth game, after the 75 year old Peak 'shrugged off' a heavy crash to the floor. He's obviously made of sterner stuff than Miller, who, after hitting himself in the face with the bat attempting a rare forehand topspin shot, was looking round for the stretcher-bearers! Although the scoreline points to a rather one-sided contest, Scarborians had their chances but perhaps needed a bit more luck, or ability, to go with their spirited performance. [20 Dec 2008]

Thanks, Steve

Young immune to cold

Div 1: Coneysthorpe 2 Amotherby A 8

Two strong line-ups faced each other for this icy clash, with the home team importing Tim Smith and Joe Suchecki from York to bolster mainstay Malc Haswell, and Amotherby assembling a fearsome line up of Ian Stansfield, Paul Young and Tom Needham. Perhaps surprisingly, it was Coneysthorpe who landed the first punch: the crafty Tim Smith outmanoeuvring Tom Needham in four with the latter still adjusting to his new pips.

The league leaders then went up a gear and won the next six with Paul Young's punchy forehand doing the damage, along with Stan's irrepressible sidespin. Both Amotherby men went unbeaten with Tom helping to secure maximum points for the visitors by decisively stopping Malc in three. Joe then beat Tom in impressive style to restore some pride for Coneysthorpe. [16 Dec 2008]

Tom Needham

• Div 2: CSL A mauled Ryedale E 9-1 with new man Li He bagging a triple along with the dependable Gareth Bryning. Katha Heinrich also played a stormer to beat John Ellis and Alan Kirkwood before narrowly losing to the tricky Jean Warman 11-8 in the fifth end of a very lengthy encounter.

• Div 3: Amotherby E entertained Hutton A with the teams separated by just one point in the table (that is, when I get around to updating it). The result, unsurprisingly, was a draw: Doug Annan went unbeaten again, with Paul Stansfield (2) pushing him very close in five. Kris Waluk was edged out in five by the much improved Andrew Chappell who then lost in four to the much improved Ian Dawson. Mary Chappell was clearly too cold be at her best!  [16 Dec 2008]

Doug Annan wisely seeks a radiator

Update

• Div 2: Leaders Helmsley C kept up the pace at the top by matching their rivals' 8-2 wins this week, this time against Ryedale C. James Mayne comfortably maintained his exceptional unbeaten record, whilst David Chugg also won two for Helmsley, along with Howard Mayne who was playing up. Ken Pidgeon (2) was the only winner for Ryedale's who struggled with Jan Bryan still suffering from back problems.

• Div 2: Amotherby C picked up a rare max-points win over Ryedale Laundry as the bottom two met last night. Kenny Brown and Russ Grimshaw won three each and Richard Brown (2) enjoyed a rare victory over the resolute George Davison and his historical racquet.

• Div 3: Hutton B took an unexpected point off promotion hopefuls Helmsley C in a 7-3 defeat. Chris Parker won two but met his match in Howard Mayne, while Chris's wife Angela had a fine win over the experienced campaigner John Toll.

• There's been only one result from Div 1 this week - did anyone play? [13 Dec 2008]

Ryedale's pride earns draw

Div 1: Helmsley A 5 Ryedale A 5 - report from Chris Londesborough:

Pride was the order of the day for Ryedale as they travelled to Helmsley to avenge a previous defeat. It was a mammoth match in which five of the 10 went the distance.
Helmsley's twiddler Charlie Allott again kept his head to come away with all three with both John Flintoft and John Eastwood managing two for Ryedale.
Ed Wardman won one as did Chris Londesbrough despite playing fifteen ends.
Luke Lunn took games off everybody and was unlucky to not register.
Charlie's form continued in the doubles and the match ended a score draw. [12 Dec 2008]

Thanks, Chris

John Eastwood

• Div 3: Report from Colin Payne on Hutton A's 6-4 win over Westow: 

  This was a very close and hard-fought match, played with great sportsmanship, with the points only decided in the fifth game of the doubles which Hutton just scraped 12-10 after an epic struggle.

  Doug Annan won all his games, although Matthew Shipley fought hard before eventually being overpowered, and Roger Dunning took him to 5 games before succumbing. Colin Payne and Roger Dunning both beat Andrew and Mary Chappell after some some real battles. Thanks, Colin.

Tim down on his luck

Div 2: Amotherby B 8 Scarborians 2

Sometimes it's just not your night, and Scarborians' Tim Penrose definitely felt like that after suffering a spate of ludicrous nets, edges, mishits and flukes during yesterday's loss to Amotherby B. Twice at 9-10 down, Tim lost the game to an unreturnable dribbler but, to his credit, he fought on courageously and was rewarded by beating John Stokes in five after a phoenix-like recovery from 5-1 down in the deciding end.

Henry Peak showed typical flashes of attacking flair in all of his sets but couldn't maintain it enough for a win, and Steve Miller gave everything, including an entertaining running commentary on his performance during defeats to John Gascoyne and Andy Seed. he was quieter throughout his incisive win over John Stokes, however, as the Amotherby defender never quite got to grips with Steve's style, bat, serve or tactics!

John and Andy were unbeaten for Amotherby but gave a slipshod performance in the doubles, letting a 2-0 lead evaporate by each going for several preposterous shots before rallying for a 3-2 win against Henry and Tim by craftily employing the revolutionary tactic of getting the ball on the table. A very enjoyable match, if not for poor Tim. [10 Dec 2008]

John Stokes - always like to coordinate colours with his bat

Fixtures reminder

Please note that the RTTL rules state that all first half of the season fixtures must be played by Jan 1st. If teams still have postponed matches to rearrange, please fix dates for them urgently!

• Newsletters are being sent out to team secretaries this week - they contain the Bower Trophy draw, handicaps and rules etc. The newsletter can also be downloaded from this page.

• Div 1: Swinton hosted Helmsley A for the second time in a week and did well to take a point off a very strong team which featured the unbeaten ace Ed Fambely who again won three. Steve Oldfield picked up two for Swinton and Chris Londesbrough two for Helmsley. Paul Cuthbertson reversed his loss to Ruth Purseglove to ensure that it finished 7-3 to the visitors. [8 Dec 2008]

Bower Draw

The 2009 RTTL Team Handicap competition for the Bower Trophy has now been drawn (details here). First round matches are to be played w/c 5th Jan.

Full details of the draw, with handicaps and rules, will be sent out by post to all team secretaries in the next few days.  [7 Dec 2008]

Nothing in it

Div 2: Scarborians 5 Ryedale C 5 - report from Steve Miller:

Scarborians took advantage of a slow starting Ryedale SC 'C' and Jan Bryan's restricted mobility due to lower back pain. Tim Penrose overcame Barry Todd over four ends, the same as Steve Miller's surprise win over Ken Pidgeon. Scabs' Henry Peak had a stroke of luck when, at 10-10 in the deciding fifth game against Jan, two consecutive net chords won him the set. Barry's excellent defence wore down Steve's limited patience to win their set 14-12, 14-12, 13-15, 11-5 whilst Tim also recalled the good old 'up-to-21' days with an 18-16 fourth game win over Jan. 

The unfortunate Jan, (previously Janet Crossland), also lost out to Steve for the first time ever, proving just how much her injury was impairing her play! With Barry and Ken having won two sets each, Ryedale also needed to win the doubles to square the match. The pair didn't disappoint, thrashing Scarborians' previously unbeaten Tim and Steve in straight games.

Thanks, Steve  [5 Dec 2008]

Ryedale C's own Barry Todd

• Div 3: Andrew Chappell reports: 

  Rising star Stephen Temple gave man-flu victim Doug Annan not a sniff as he trounced him in 3-0 he then gave the same treatment to Mary and Andrew Chappell. Stephen's grandfather Mick Carter won all his too, in 5 against Andrew, 4 against Doug and 3 against Mary. John Boardman lost out to the Hutton trio but Mick and Stephen, unbeaten in the doubles this season, saw off Doug and Andrew in 3 to secure a 7-3 win for Ryedale F and to bring Hutton's 5 match winning streak to a grinding halt. Thanks Andrew [6 Dec 2008]

Swinton have a say

Div 1: Swinton played the top two teams this week, beginning with a rearranged match against Helmsley A. Main man Steve Oldfield was on song again, winning all three, and Ray Mitchell turned back the clock to chop Ruth Purseglove into submission. Chris Londesborough and Charlie Allott won two apiece, however, to give Helmsley a 6-4 win.

Swinton also took a point off close neighbours Amotherby A in what was described (over an excellent pint in the Blacksmith's Arms) as a great match. Amotherby might have been wary entering this contest without their talisman Ian 'Stan' Stansfield, but recent acquisition Paul Young stepped up to the mark in his place winning all three and inflicting a rare defeat on the canny Oldfield.

Tom Needham won two singles and then combined with Young to take part in what was described on the card as 'the best doubles for years' as they came from two games down against Mitchell and Oldfield to somehow snatch a 7-3 win for Amotherby.

• Div 2: Alan Kirkwood reports: Malton B could only field two players against Ryedale E but still had little difficulty in securing a 6-4 win. Ryedale's only set came from Alan Kirkwood whose steady and determined defence proved too much for Ken Darby. Trevor Teasedale won all three of his sets although he was taken to 4 ends by Jean Wardman and Paul Morse. Thanks Alan.  [5 Dec 2008]

Thanks, Andrew

'Jumpin' Ray Chadwick and Graham Izzard psych themselves up for doubles at Le Hole

• Div 1: Joel Wright blasted his way to three straight-game sets as Malton A beat Coneysthorpe 6-4. He was ably assisted by Neil Raine (2) although their young teammate Macaulay Youngson found the going tough. Malc Haswell scored two for Coneysthorpe and Eddie & Wendy Prest one apiece.

• Div 3: Old and young Pickering pair Mick Carter and Steve Temple did the business again for Ryedale F who beat CSL B 8-2. Their teammate Silvio Rusu beat Tom Nixon but lost to Phil Aldwinkle and Pawel Plonczkier.

• Div 3 leaders Amotherby D racked up another win but dropped a point to club rivals Amotherby F in a 7-3 win. Nick Night (3) was good for the Dees while John Mothersill (2) represented the Effs with honour. [4 Dec 2008]

Jo blow for Helmsley A

Div 1: Coneysthorpe 6 Helmsley A 4

A combination of sub-arctic temperatures and the ability of York Div 1 player Jo Suchecki accounted for the loss of Helmsley A's unbeaten record this season. Jo triumphed in straight games against Ruth Purseglove, Chris Londesborough and Luke Lunn, then partnered Malc Haswell to take the doubles.

Malc played his part in the shock win, with victories over Ruth and Luke, whilst Coneysthorpe's other veteran Eddie Prest just missed out in five to Luke. Chris won two for Helmsley and Ruth one in the world's coldest sports venue.

• Div 2: Amotherby B showed no mercy to the club's C team, winning 10-0 with John Gascoyne, Ray Holroyd and John Stokes seeing off Kenny Brown, Russ Grimshaw and Gill Thorp. [2 Dec 2008]

National finals beckon for James

Helmsley's star 13 year old James Mayne had another great result this weekend, qualifying for the national finals of the ETTA under-15 talent identification programme. James qualified at the regional trials in Leeds beating some of the area's finest cadet players along the way.

Read the full story of how James won through here. What a fantastic performance - well done from everyone at RTTL, James! [1 Dec 2008]

James Mayne at the regional trials

Summary

• Div 1: Defending champions Ryedale A entertained league leaders Amotherby A and found themselves on the end of a 9-1 beating for the second time this season. Paul Young found some form, winning all of his sets, alongside Ian Stansfield (3) and Pat Swindell (2). Dave Burnham was Ryedale's sole victor.

• Div 2: Helmsley B added some momentum to their impressive promotion push by whitewashing Scarborians 10-0, although Scabs' cap'n Steve Miller said that his team did give them a good run for their money.

• Div 2: Barry Todd unleashed his fearsome backhand against strugglers Amotherby C on Friday and found little resistance as Ryedale C won 7-3. Ken Pidgeon enjoyed three five-gamers and won two of them.

• Div 3: After seven successive defeats, CSL B were back among the points following a 5-5 draw away to Helmsley D. Mother and son Cavanagh combo Julie and Andrew showed a bit of form with two wins each whilst Philip Aldwinkle notched a brace for the scientists. [30 Nov 2008]

CSL basher Julie Cavanagh

Hutton C make a point

Div 3: Hutton C 3 Hutton A 7 - report from Barbara Johnson:

Thanks, Barbara

Jim Bailey

• Div 2: Ray Holroyd was on great form for Amotherby B last night, chopping his way to three wins against unlucky Ryedale D. John Gascoyne (3) also made a strong contribution to Amotherby's 9-1 win while Andy Paton registered Ryedale's only score, outplaying a lacklustre Andy Seed.

• Div 3: Amotherby E's Kris Waluk was at it again last night, winning his fifth set out of six over two consecutive nights as his side saw off club rivals Amotherby F 7-3. Josh Garcia-Hall (2) and Ian Dawson (2) were the E team's other winners and Ollie Grimshaw played a blinder to beat Josh in five for the 'F's.

• Div 2: Mircea Voicu (brother of Adrian, I think) made his debut for Ryedale Laundry against Ryedale Sports Club E but found the going tough in an 8-2 defeat. Paul Morse won three for RSC while Adrian defeated both Jean Wardman and Alan Kirkwood for the launderers. [26 Nov 2008]

Kris gives pacesetters a fright

Div 3: Amotherby D 7 Amotherby E 3 - report from James Harrison:

An excellent start by the E team saw them romp to a 3-0 lead.  Kris Waluk, despite very limited playing time forced by his work shift patterns played brilliantly.  He first beat Nick Knight in 5 despite a spirited come-back attempt by Nick who was 2 down and 7 points to 3 behind in the third before he got his eye in.  In the end he just left it too late.  Chris then beat James Harrison in three without any apparent difficulty.  Jill Adams brought him back down to earth with a ruthless display of hard hitting.  

Paul Stansfield was also on good form for the 'away' team beating Jill in 3.  Ian Dawson took both Jill and Nick to 4 before succumbing while he and Paul made Nick and James struggle initially in the doubles before the home pair got their tactics right to complete the D team's recovery to 7-3.  [25 Nov 2008]

Thanks, James

Kris Waluk - he looks friendly but don't make him angry...

• Div 1: Swinton 7 Ryedale B 3 - report from Ray Mitchell: In the first game of the night Titch Temple was magnificent beating Steve Oldfield but then he lost some momentum, eventually losing all three sets. The night produced some fantastic t/t with Ryedale out to avenge the 10-0 defeat earlier in the season which they did. Alec Hodgson was in fine form, 2 out of his 3 sets going to a decider. Thanks Ray!  [25 Nov 2008]

Charlie's pimples on rampage

Div 1: Helmsley A 7 Malton A 3 - report from Chris Londesbrough:

Charlie Allott followed the teaching of former guru Cliff Edens and went pimples for tonight's game against Malton A. He Bamboozled and Bewildered his way to win all three in a blistering performance. Two wins for Ruth Purseglove and Chris Londesbrough ensured victory but both fell to Ross Dransfield's adventurous attacking. Neil Raine was just a service away in most games and new boy Macauley Youngson showed enough to suggest he'll be looking for wins as his game develops. Malton took the doubles in five and it finished 7 - 3 to Helmsley.

Thanks, Chris

• Div 1: Coneysthorpe's Wendy Prest pulled off a sensational 3-0 win over former averages winner Tom Needham last night at Amotherby but couldn't prevent her team from going down 8-2. Coneysthorpe's other winner was Malc Haswell, against Pat Swindell. Ian Stansfield (3) was untroubled for Amotherby A.
• Div 2: Malton B beat CSL A 8-2 with crafty defender Trevor Teasdale denting Gareth Bryning's 100% record in the division. This means the top three each took maximum points in what is looking to be a tasty promotion race. [21 Nov 2008]

A quite remarkably poor image of Wendy Prest (sorry Wendy - please send a better one!)

Marathon winner Linda Clarke

• Div 2: Helmsley B and Amotherby B were both on red hot form this week, administering 10-0 muggings to Amotherby C and Ryedale E respectively. Ryedale E were, however, very unfortunate not to register a score in their match, with Paul Morse and Jean Wardman both being edged out in tight games with John Stokes. John Gascoyne made a fluent Div 2 debut, outhitting all three Ryedale players in style.

• Div 3: 'Where's our Harry Redknapp?' was the desperate call from CSL B as they suffered another heavy defeat, this time 9-1 to Hutton B for whom Parkers Angela and Chris were unruffled. Also max points victors were Amotherby D who cemented their place at the top of the division with an 8-2 win over Helmsley D with backhand maestro James Harrison (3) again showing no mercy.  [20 Nov 2008]

CSL B's Pawel Plonczkier

Dinner Date

This season's RTTL Dinner and Presentation Evening has been booked for Saturday 23rd May 2009 at the Forest & Vale Hotel, Pickering. Please add this date to your diary for next year. We are returning to the Forest & Vale again because of its excellent food and service - it's also in a good central location.

Menus are not yet out but will be posted up in due course and further details of the evening will be given early next year. The event is being organised by Mary Chappell, the new RTTL Social Secretary. [19 Nov 2008]

www.bw-forestandvalehotel.co.uk/gallery.htm

James out of reach

Div 3: Amotherby D 8 Helmsley D 2 - report from James Harrison:

Many of the games in this match were much closer than the actual scores and the result could easily have been much closer.  Nick Knight (who was still buzzing after rushing back from Hull) beat James Ellis but needed 5 sets to do so.  He was helped by a memorable serve at 12-12 in one game which hit the near edge of the table and went almost vertically upwards for about 20 feet before dropping just on the other side of the net where it was just beyond James's reach for a proper shot.  Amazingly enough, Nick tried this serve again against Stuart Ellis but Ellis the Father has a longer reach that Ellis the Son and dealt with it appropriately.  Stuart played well for the Helmsley side beating both Thomas Thorp and Nick.  

Thomas Thorp and James Ellis put on a great display of attacking forehand hitting with Thomas winning out.  James Harrison was on form for the home side winning all three but not before the much improved Julie Cavanagh had taken him to 12-14 and 16-14 in the first two games.  Thomas and Nick made light work of the doubles, winning in three to finish off a very enjoyable night.   [18 Nov 2008]

Thanks, James

Thomas Thorp: good initials

• Div 2: Across the hall from the above match another Amotherby v Helmsley clash saw a complete reversal as Helmsley B tonked Amotherby C 10-0. Adam Ridley, James Mayne and Dave Chugg did the damage for the away side. 

• About 80% of the content of this page seems to be about Amotherby and Helmsley teams at the moment - this is because they're the people sending in match reports. It would be good to read about a few other clubs for a change: Whitby? CSL? Swinton? Westow? Malton? Ryedale Sports Club even! Many thanks to those people who do send in reports. [18 Nov 2008]

Changes at Amotherby

Sadly for Amotherby TT Club, Roger Wang has had to return to China, which leaves the C team short of players as Gill Thorp is injured and Ian Johnson is unavailable due to work commitments. To prevent the team having to turn up with just two players (which has already happened this season), Kenny Brown has kindly agreed to drop down from Amotherby B to the C team.

John Gascoyne, now back after his minor operation, is replacing Kenny for Amotherby B, moving down from the A team who have new players this season. Apologies that this is all a bit confusing but it seemed to us to be the only solution to keep both Div 2 teams running so that postponements are avoided.

We're not sure whether Roger will be returning to RTTL or even to the UK - let's hope so as he has been great company and a real asset to the league. [16 Nov 2008]

Roger Wang

Russ top of class for 3'R's

Div 2: Scarborians 5 Amotherby C 5 - report from Steve Miller:

In the match between Scarborians and Amotherby 'C', Scabs' Steve Miller thought he was in 'Seventh Heaven' after beating both Roger Wang and Richard Brown in straight games but was brought back down to earth with a bump. Amotherby's Russ Grimshaw had already beaten Henry Peak and, in a thrilling five game set, Tim Penrose before taking on Miller. He sacrificed the first game whilst testing out Miller's defences before dominating the next two. Miller used all the tricks of the trade to steal the fourth end but had nothing left to offer in the decider. With both Brown and Wang just getting the better of the unfortunate Peak, Miller and Penrose had to win the doubles, against Grimshaw and Wang, to square the match. [15 Nov 2008]

Thanks, Steve

Russ show Richard and Roger how it's done

Thanks, Paul

• Div 2: Helmsley B thumped Ryedale D 9-1 with James Mayne and Joe Newton unbeaten. Andy Paton was Ryedale's solitary winner, over Adam Ridley.  [15 Nov 2008]

Joe Newton: adjusting well to Div 2

Quiz result

Extendable arms can't stop Nick

Div 3: CSL B 2 Amotherby D 8 - report from James Harrison:

A hard fought 8-2 win for Amotherby D last night at CSL B was much closer than the score line suggests.  Nick Knight won all three including playing a blinder in a very entertaining 5 sets against Patrick Hough who seems to have extendable arms when it comes to defending.  

Amotherby's James Harrison was 2 sets up against Patrick before succumbing to his superior concentration and perseverance.  Both Tom Nixon and Phil Aldwinkle displayed some good shots for the home side and showed potential that should see them improve quickly through the season.  Jill Adams started slowly as she got used to the table but improved throughout the night beating both Tom and Phil until she and Nick finished the night off with a devastating performance in the doubles.

Thanks, James

• Div 1: Coneysthorpe secured their first win of the season, 6-4 over Swinton who were perhaps lacking match sharpness after suffering consecutive postponements. Malc Haswell and Wendy Prest notched two sets each for Coneysthorpe and Steve Oldfield (3) was untroubled for Swinton.

• Div 1: Bernie Welford was on his game for Whitby, nearly bagging three out of three against champions Ryedale A in a 7-3 defeat. John Flintoft proved elusive, however, and dug deep to get the better of their five-end set and stay unbeaten himself.

• Div 3: Nikki Hampson won her first set of the season for Hutton C against Ryedale F, though it was Silvio Rusu who was the star of the show, winning three (as did the ever-improving son-of-Titch Steve Temple). Ryedale took the match 8-2.  [11 Nov 2008]

Adam on song again

Div 2: Ryedale E 2 Helmsley B 8 - report from Alan Kirkwood (possibly):

Ryedale E's promising start to the season was halted in style by Helmsley B. The 8-2 scoreline in favour of Helmsley was well deserved despite some hard-fought games which could have gone either way.

Helmsley's Adam Ridley was unbeaten on the night although only just came through in a five-game thriller against Paul Morse. David Chugg and Joe Newton each took two for Helmsley as well as overcoming Alan and Paul in a hard fought doubles which gave Helmsley maximum points.  [9 Nov 2008]

Thanks, Alan

Adam Ridley: form player in Div 2

Leaders checked by Eddie

Div 1: Helmsley A 7 Amotherby A 3 - report from Chris Londesbrough:

Friday night at Helmsley was the setting for the two highest placed clubs to meet and it didn't disappoint. Amotherby number one Ian Stansfield had it comfortably his own way until he met Eddie Fambely, with a power versus touch play clash. On this occasion pace won out as Eddie took it in three.
Chris Londesbrough came away with two after just edging out Paul Young in four. Paul was a winner against Ruth Purseglove with a confident attacking display. John Gascoyne was unlucky to lose all three but on his first game back this season was certainly not off the pace. Doubles went to home side in an entertaining clash and left them taking the honours 7-3.

Thanks, Chris

Chris Londesbrough

• Div 2: the same fate befell Amotherby's previously unbeaten B team, who went down 7-3 at CSL A. Gareth Bryning (3, as usual) was ably assisted by Li He and Ken Mills against the visitors who missed captain Andy Seed (well, I would say that).

• Div 3: The Drifters' Bernadette Billington was on zippy form against Hutton C, winning her three sets without dropping a game in yet another 10-0 rout. Liz and Ray Chadwick were understandably ecstatic, after years of being on the receiving end of the same scoreline...  [8 Nov 2008]

Ellis excellence tests Hutton

Chris pegs back leaders

Div 3: Amotherby D 6 Hutton B 4

Hutton-le-Hole's Chris Parker was unbeaten again last night, this time against third division pacesetters Amotherby D who 'rested' James Harrison as part of their Premier League-style rotation system. Or was he dropped? Anyway, Chris didn't have it easy as both Nick Knight and Jill Adams took him to five with Brawby student Tom Thorp also amongst the games.

Nick and Jill won their other two sets, against the improving Sara Winn-Darley and steady Angela Parker (who beat Thomas in four) before the two combined to pinch a very long doubles, 12-10 in the deciding end against Hutton's formidable husband and wife pairing. Once more it's good to see virtually all of the Div 3 teams taking points off each other this season, making for an enjoyable and competitive league. [4 Nov 2008]

Nick Knight checks the mirror before starting his match

• 10-0 seems to be the vogue score at the moment with Malton A, Ryedale A and Amotherby E all recording whitewashings over Ryedale B, Coneysthorpe and CSL B respectively. For Div 1 Malton A, Joel Wright, Gareth Olney and Neil Raine dished it out, while Ryedale A's unbeaten trio was composed of Mike Wheatley, John Flintoft and Dave Burnham. Meanwhile, in Div 3, Amotherby E's 3-set heroes were Kris Waluk, Paul Stansfield and Ian Dawson. [5 Nov 2008]

News in brief

• Helmsley TT Club's James Mayne had more success during the weekend, this time at the Yorkshire Trials where he qualified for the U15 regional finals - well done James! Read more about how he and the other young Ryedale players got along here.

• Div 1: Adam Ridley played up for Helmsley A against bottom of the table Ryedale B and had a stormer, winning all three including a tremendous 3-2 fightback against canny veteran defender John Freeman, during a 7-3 win. It's a pity this performance won't be mentioned in the papers this week as news of it arrived too late for the press report.

• Div 3: Ryedale F's John Boardman secured his first set of the season, beating Westow debutant Harry Kendall in a 6-4 win. Mick Carter was as usual unbeaten although his team dropped points with Stephen Temple absent. [3 Nov 2008]

James Mayne, representing Helmsley, Ryedale and Yorkshire

Scorecard masterclass

After the recent spate of shocking scorecards, I received this almost perfect one this morning and thought it might just help those people who are unsure how a scorecard should look. Many thanks to Helmsley D & C.

• Div 3: as you can see from the above card, Howard Mayne has transferred from Helmsley B to Helmsley C this season to help run the C team which is short of available players.  [1 Nov 2008]

Battle Royal finishes level

Div 2: Scarborians 5 Ryedale E 5 - report from Steve Miller:

Scarborians knew their match against Ryedale SC 'E' would be a 'battle royal' and so it turned out to be, with neither side able to achieve outright victory. Steve Miller started off well with hard fought wins over Jean Wardman and Paul Morse but was then brought down to earth by the excellent defensive, then sudden attack, strategy of Alan Kirkwood.

Tim Penrose made up for an early loss to Paul by beating both Alan and Jean whilst Henry Peak managed to beat Paul but, paired with Steve, lost to Alan and Jean in the doubles. A fair result on the night - any other score than a draw would have been a travesty of justice!   [1 Nov 2008]

Thanks, Steve

Scarborian Cap'n Steve Miller

Software fixed!

After weeks of frustration and having to compile tables 'by hand', the ETTA database programme I use is now up and running again so we now have averages and individual results. I have also entered all the scores from scorecards received so far.

To find the individual match scores go to the results page and click the grey link under the results for each division. I'm afraid I'm not arranging these under weekly headings any more as there are so many rearranged matches and the whole process is very time consuming.

The tables, averages and individual results will usually be updated Sunday afternoon/evening for those who like to keep up to date with who's doing what. Please let me know if you spot any typos, gaffes, errors or outright lies! [31 Oct 2008]

Ray stings Malton

Div 2: Amotherby B 6 Malton B 4

Two of the second tier's undefeated sides met last night in a tight, tense match which saw Amotherby B just edge out their promotion rivals Malton B. Ray Holroyd displayed top form for the home side, perplexing Malton's previously unbeaten Tom Harrington with a 3-0 win, using clever hardbat defence variation to outthink his opponent. Ray also beat another defender, Trevor Teasdale, in a lengthy encounter which had some spectators nodding off.

Amotherby started well, going 3-0 up before Malton determinedly pulled it back to 3-3 at the break with Scarborough teenager Stuart Chadwick showing great promise in his defeat of Ray Holroyd. He lost 3-2 to John Stokes, however, and couldn't handle Andy Seed's spin. Trevor then defeated John in a set which was even longer than his previous one! The watching players sat and prayed that it wouldn't go to five (it didn't but we all felt older afterwards).

Tom beat both John and Andy, playing some great shots off the backhand, to keep Malton in the game at 4-5 but Andy and Ray kept their concentration to take the doubles 3-2 against Stuart and Tom, who fell over twice going for monster winners.  [29 Oct 2008]

Stuart Chadwick - watch out for that cracking forehand

• Div 3: some more Chadwicks were in action across the hall at Amotherby last night as The Drifters went down 7-3 to Amotherby F for whom John Mothersill won three. The energetic Mark Phillips picked up two for the visitors.

• Div 3: Wendy Borass has signed for Hutton-le-Hole C - good to have you joining us, Wendy. [29 Oct 2008]

Postponements

There have recently been a number of postponements of RTTL matches which have brought cause for complaint. Teams must abide by the following league rules:

[13b]

• Matches should only be rearranged if circumstances make this necessary. 

• In cases of postponement, the reason must be given to the Match Secretary by the team requesting the postponement. 

• A team postponing a match must give at least twenty four hours notice to the opposing team. 

• Postponed matches must be played within three weeks. 

• The team not responsible for postponing the match shall offer three alternative match dates. If none of these is accepted, the team which made the postponement shall forfeit the match.

If these rules are broken then the Management Committee can take action against the club involved. Team secretaries are reminded that, in clubs where there is more than one team, players from lower ranked teams may be called upon to play. Please plan ahead to make sure that you can fulfil all of your fixtures.  [28 Oct 2008]

Hutton A back on track

• Div 2: Amotherby C registered their first win of the season, just nosing ahead of Ryedale D 6-4. Roger Wang, Russ Grimshaw, Andy Paton and Johann Voigt each took two sets.

Drifters come adrift

Div 3: Drifters 3 Ryedale F 7

After a great start to the season with impressive twin wins, The Drifters of Scarborough have come down to earth with a couple of weighty defeats. This time it was the rock-like consistency and defence of Ryedale F's Mick Carter along with his grandson Stephen's steady topspin ball placement which was their undoing.

Ray & Liz Chadwick and new Drifter Mark Philips all managed to see off Ryedale's Silvio Rusu, although the young Romanian did take Raymond to five. Mick and Stephen were a different matter, however, and neither dropped a game all night, in singles or doubles.

• Div 2: Another RTTL Romanian, Adrian Voicu, was on stunning form for Ryedale Laundry against Amotherby B last night, outplaying veteran Ray Holroyd and then mesmerising in-form Kenny Brown with lightning footwork and flat hitting attack. George Davison's ancient hard bat also baffled Ray and it was left to Amotherby's captain Andy Seed (3) to ensure a close win for the visitors.  [25 Oct 2008]

Adrian: nice guy and nice player

Matthew twice unlucky

Div 3: Westow 6 Helmsley D 4 - report from Colin Payne:

A very competitive match, with Westow just edging the final result in the doubles.

Matthew Shipley was desperately unlucky not to win a set, losing 9-11 to Andrew Cavanagh in the 5th game, and 10-12 in the 5th game to Julie Cavanagh!  He will undoubtedly continue to improve as the season progresses.

James Ellis played exceptionally well to beat both Colin Payne and Matthew Shipley, and fought hard against John Clayton, who won all of his sets.

Thanks, Colin

• Div 2: Helmsley B had a very comfortable 9-1 win at CSL with Dave Chugg (3) finally finding some form, assisted by James Mayne (3) and Joe Newton (2). CSL's Gareth Bryning missed his first match for some time, meaning that once more two of the division's unbeaten players didn't go face to face.

• Div 1: Joel Wright was unbeaten for Malton A who went down 6-4 to Ryedale A. Mike Wheatley, Ed Wardman and Mike Fenby scored two apiece for Ryedale. [24 Oct 2008]

Westow's ever-reliable John Clayton

• I often receive scorecards where the odd section such as the final score has not been filled in but never have I been sent one with no teams written down... until this week! This card truly broke the record: no division, no teams, no score, just one doubles pair named and no 'most sporting' marks! (in addition to missing codes and week). Please check cards before you send them! [Of course RTTL would never stoop so low as to name and shame anyone...]

• A green BHS cotton coat/jacket was left at Amotherby Village Hall on Mon night, following the notorious 'triple match', so it could belong to anyone from Amotherby A, D, E or Ryedale B, The Drifters or Hutton B. Please contact Andy Seed if it's yours or if you know whose it might be. [24 Oct 2008]

About this colour and style

Defenders' Day in Pickering

Div 2: Ryedale E 8 Amotherby C 2

After a frustrating start to the season beginning with two byes, Ryedale E have hit the floor running - following up last week's derby win with an 8-2 humbling of Amotherby C. Doughty defenders Alan Kirkwood and Paul Morse were the backbone of the team's performance, each securing three sets and only dropping two games in the process.

Amotherby C meanwhile, featuring a new line up of Richard Brown, Finn Needham and ex-Swinton man Ian Johnson, suffered their third consecutive defeat and will be looking to get mainstays Russ Grimshaw and Roger Wang back again as soon as possible.

John Ellis beat Richard Brown 3-1 but lost to Finn and Ian who must have been relieved that in-form Jean Wardman wasn't also in the Ryedale line up. The home side took the doubles 3-2 and with it all the points in a very promising start to the season following their relegation blues last time around.

Alan 'the wall' Kirkwood

• Div 3: Amotherby D grabbed their second 8-2 win of the week, this time against Hutton A, after the third of 18 Amotherby-Hutton clashes this season in division three. Andrew Chappell reported: 

  Hutton A came crashing down to earth with a comprehensive 8-2 home defeat to Amotherby D for whom James Harrison again starred with 3 wins and Jill Adams and Thomas Thorp each chipped in with 2. Doug Annan lost his unbeaten record for Hutton this season when James overcame him in 4. Andrew Chappell lost two 5 game sets to James and Jill - the latter continuing to live up to her nickname as the fastest grandma in RTTL - before capitulating completely to an excellent display by Thomas Thorp. Mary Chappell was unable to get going but promises it will be very different next time. [23 Oct 2008]

Andrew Chappell proves he's the tallest player in RTTL by taking this shot of Jill Adams v Doug Annan

• Special thanks to Andrew Chappell for his excellent regular match reports (sent by email so I don't have to type them), score updates and fine photos - it would be good to get some off a few other people too: come on, don't be shy!  [23 Oct 2008]

Tom maintains his record

Div 2: Malton B 7 Ryedale C 3

Malton's Tom Harrington maintained his unbeaten record last night against a handy Ryedale C side although his table-topping team did drop a point in their promotion push. Long-pimpleman Ken Pidgeon was the visitor's mainstay, his quickfire tactics and outrageous angles proving a mystery to John Loftus and Ken Darby.

John Loftus did manage to overcome the resistance of Barry Todd in five and Chet Butler in four but Ken Darby fell to Barry's destructive backhand before edging out Chet again in five. The doubles also went to Malton by a 3-2 margin with Tom Harrington starring once more - it's a shame he didn't play against Helmsley last week to face Div 2's other 100% junior James Mayne.

• Div 2: Andy Paton reports on last week's 6-4 win for Ryedale E against his Ryedale D side: Ryedale E showed strength of character to grind out a result against Ryedale D. Star of the show was Jean Wardman who excelled to win all three. Andy Paton was disappointing, failing to step up to the plate when it mattered both against Jean and Paul Morse. Johann Voigt had to swallow a 15-13 defeat in the fifth against Jean but triumphed in five against Paul. New signing Mike Shepherdson played some sweet shots but couldn't get a win. 'D's took the doubles in 5.  [22 Oct 2008]

Jean Wardman: another Div 2 form player

Three's a crowd but not for Amotherby

Due to a slight, er, mix up over communication, Amotherby village hall hosted no less than three rearranged RTTL matches last night but the noise and crowded conditions didn't seem to faze the three home teams who only dropped a single point between them.

In Div 1, Amotherby A moved forward their match against Ryedale B from Thursday and wheeled in Paul Young for his first Ryedale action at his new club. The Kirkby man cranked up his loopy forehand and had little trouble outgunning Alec Hodgson, Gerald Cosens and John Freeman. Ian Stansfield and Pat Swindell were also too strong for the Ryedale team as Amotherby ran out 10-0 winners.

In Div 3, Amotherby D undid The Drifters' 100% record with an 8-2 victory. Bernadettle Billington made her debut alongside the Chadwicks and performed well to win in the doubles but James Harrison (playing with a borrowed bat) and Nick Knight were unbeaten for the home side. Ray excelled himself 3-0 against Jill Adams for the Drifters' other set.

Also in Div 3, Amotherby E entertained Hutton-le-Hole B in a much closer match which finished 7-3 but saw most sets going to 3-1 or 3-2. Chris Parker was Hutton's ace once again, but he twice had to fight back to win 3-2 before securing three points. Kris Waluk, making a rare appearance, Paul Stansfield and the much-improved Ian Dawson each saw off Sara Winn-Darley and Angela Parker to rack up Amotherby's third win on the night.

• Div 2: Malton B have signed Phil Hattan - welcome to RTTL, Phil. [21 Oct 2008]

Remembering Reg

Cliff Edens has sent the wonderful photo of Reg Cammidge below, pictured with himself and John Gascoyne (taken some years ago judging by the quantity and colour of hair on show!). Reg sadly died earlier this year but is fondly remembered by many Ryedale players. Cliff said:

Reg was a diamond.  His humour and attitude to table tennis was such that it made evenings an absolute pleasure to play.  His comments included “Drop shot!  You didn’t see that coming,” when he hit the net and it dribbled over.  He usually dressed in 3 or 4 jumpers at the beginning of the night and then slowly took them off one at a time until he felt warm enough to just wear a T shirt, normally just before the doubles!  I have visions of him, both arms aloft in victory… not because he won the game, but because he got a lucky net or edge.  An absolutely wonderful man who will be missed by those who knew him.

Many thanks, Cliff  [19 Oct 2008]

Cliff, Reg and John

Workshop

Cliff Edens has sent details of the workshop below which is open to all - he says:

It isn’t just for coaches but also for those who want to hear a wealth of up to date coaching and playing methods from the man who knows; Ian Marshall, the voice of ping pong at the Olympics.  Ian spends a lot of time with the Chinese National Team and will be telling us how they train and how they teach their beginners and intermediate players how to train. [19 Oct 2008]

Results & Tables: a request

The league tables have been updated again today (Sunday) as usual and it is a shame that there are three results which haven't been included because they have not been sent to me - the matches involving Coneysthorpe, Malton A, Ryedale C, Laundry, Ryedale D and Ryedale E. 

A quick email of the score, sent by anybody involved in a match, can ensure that the website stays up to date and that the tables are meaningful. It also allows the press reports to cover the previous week's scores for those that don't use the internet.

I know it's not always easy to get scorecards to me by Sunday for matches played on Thurs or Friday but it's quite easy to send me a very brief email stating the score - you don't have to write a report. Lots of people use the website - it's just a pity more people don't help to keep it current! [19 Oct 2008]

Groundhog Day at Helmsley

Div 2: Helmsley B 4 Malton B 6 - report from Howard Mayne:

Helmsley B entertained another potential Div 2 'big player', Malton B, in week 3. Two weeks previously, Amotherby B were the visitors. These two teams are setting the standard the newly promoted Helmsley team need to attain to become a factor in this division. Amotherby edged the week one match 6-4, same again in week 3, same margin with the spoils to the visitors.
 
Each Helmsley player scored as a fortnight ago:
 
James Mayne claimed 3 victories, the toughest against Peter Lee (with an accent to suggest he originates from somewhere near the town of the same name!). An experienced campaigner, good all round game and wicked top spin forehand attack.
 
Adam Ridley claimed one win which could have been two, if he hadn't got bogged down against the defender Trevor Teasdale.
 
David 'Chuggy' Chugg drew a blank. After a year out from table tennis, the ball is just missing the end of the table from his many and varied attacking shots. The team are confident this will improve as the season progresses.
 
Two weeks ago Adam and James played the doubles with their team 5-4 down, and lost in 5, same again!!!
 
If it's the same score next home game, I'm on the phone to Bill Murray for advice.
Thanks, Howard

• Div 3: The Drifters continued their 100% start to the season with a 7-3 victory at Helmsley D. Ray Chadwick was on lethal form, winning all of his sets, while the improving Andrew Cavanagh won a pair for the home side, assisted by James Ellis with one. The Drifters will face a tougher challenge against Ryedale F next week...   [18 Oct 2008]

Another useful junior player: James Ellis of Helmsley D

Relief for 'B's

Div 1: Whitby 5 Ryedale B 5

After two painful 10-0 thrashings, Ryedale Sports Club B will be delighted to now have some points on the board following this week's creditable draw with a very useful Whitby side. John Freeman was the hero for Ryedale, outplaying Stuart Brown and then returning from the dead against Bernie Welford to grab a tasty 3-2 victory.

Titch Temple and Alec Hodgson also registered their first wins of the season, both over Stuart Brown, although neither could quite get the upper hand against the unconventional hitting of Bernie, nor Dave Hildreth who was unbeaten on the night. Alec was two games up against Dave but lost the last two 11-3, while Titch also failed to capitalise on a 2-0 advantage over Bernie.

The draw was settled after a ding-dong doubles encounter with Ryedale edging the final two ends 11-9 to make their trip to the seaside worthwhile.

• Div 3: CSL B's latest scorecard was accompanied by a plaintive note from team captain Richard Budgey: 'Our season has gone to pieces...'. The team's 8-2 loss to Westow on Monday following on from a similar defeat last week sadly seems to have snuffed out the blazing optimism generated by the side's sensational 10-0 start. Tom McAuley and Colin Payne each won three for Westow, with Will Pile getting the better of Tom Nixon. Philip Aldwinkle picked up a first win for CSL over Will. Don't despair, Richard!   [16 Oct 2008]

In-form Colin Payne

GET WELL SOON

A message from RTTL Chairman John Gascoyne:

The season has started and we are enjoying the stiff competition in all Divisions but there are three colleagues who, through illness will not be joining us.  So, through the website we can tell them that they are missed and we wish them well.

I’ll start with our oldest player, Ron Florey.  He had heart problems but is recovering well.  One of our few penholders, Ron made good use of the wrist spin that the grip facilitates and was always a strong competitor, and a lovely man to have in your team.  We miss you Ron.

Barry Rudd developed a back problem and has had surgery.  He is progressing well but could be some time before he takes up a table tennis bat again.  He was always at his best when battling; he enjoyed a good counterhit,  so I’m sure he will do whatever it takes to fight his way back to fitness.  We will be thinking of you Barry.

Charles Allenby has an undiagnosed problem, but it could be something to do with the middle ear.  He really misses being active.  Anybody who has been subjected to his whirlwind style of play will appreciate that.  Charles’ plan was to hit every ball as hard as he could, and if that didn’t work he hit it harder.  Keep happy Charles, we have great faith in your fighting spirit, you will win through.

All these men expressed doubts about publicising their illnesses, but they are important friends to so many of us.  I’m sure the strength of your good wishes will help them recover.

John Gascoyne

[And let's also wish John himself well as he recovers from a recent minor operation - Andy]  [15 Oct 2008]

Barry, Charles and Ron

Helmsley A put down a marker

Div 1: Ryedale A 1 Helmsley A 9

This must have been Ryedale A's heaviest defeat for a long while - brief report from Chris Londesbrough:

Helmsley took a strong squad to Ryedale and gave a polished performance to come away with victory. Rebecca George came away with all 3 after silencing the room and Eddie Fambely also got a maximum. Chris Londesbrough came away with 2 proving he wont have it all his own way this season when Mike Wheatley beat him in 4.
 
John Eastwood and Ed Wardman lost 3-1 in two of their contests showing that 9-1 score line wasn't quite that emphatic.  [15 Oct 2008]

Thanks, Chris

All square in three

Div 3: Amotherby D 5 Helmsley C 5

The third division looks like it's going to be quite a battle this season, with several strong teams taking points off each other and no runaway leaders like last time around. Two of the likely-looking contenders met last night as Amotherby D and Helmsley C fought out an honourable draw, with none of the players unbeaten on the night.

Helmsley have been strengthened by the phoenix-like return of former Div 1 Spaunton player Phil Trevelyan who began by taming Jill Adam's 200mph serve for a 3-0 win. The organic farmer didn't have things all his own way, however, and succumbed to the electrifying backhand of Amotherby's James Harrison, now fit and flying again after missing last season.

John Toll also won two for Helmsley, coming back from 2-1 down against Nick Knight and outgunning Harrison before falling to Jill Adams' speed and knowhow. Andrea Mayne, sister of Howard, took a game off Jill on her RTTL debut but didn't quite have enough to undo the Amotherby players on the night.

• Div 1: Amotherby A maintained their strong start to the season with an 8-2 win at neighbours Swinton. Ian Stansfield (3) was the main man once again, while Tom Needham (2) and Pat Swindell (2) were both undone by Steve Oldfield's shrewness and talent.

• Div 3: A third Amotherby side was in action last night with the F team losing 6-4 at Hutton B. Chris Parker was unbeaten with John Mothersill picking up two for the visitors.

• Hutton-le-Hole C of Div 3 have added Mary Lloyd to their squad - good to have you join us, Mary! This now takes the total of players registered in RTTL to over 160.  [14 Oct 2008]

Jill Adams: the fastest grandmother in the west

Coaching news

From Cliff Edens:

The bridging course between ETTA Level 2/3 and UKCC Level 2 is on the 16th November.  The CLOSING DATE IS THE 19TH OCTOBER.  This is a ‘must’ for anyone actively involved in coaching and this course is heavily subsidised.  See the ETTA website for details and an application form. 

Places are on a first come first served basis so be quick!! 

Secondly, coaches are invited to a ‘Workshop’ for your own continued professional development. 

The date is the 28th December at Richmond Hill, Leeds, the new Regional Training Centre.  

THE STAR GUEST IS IAN MARSHALL: THE VOICE BEHIND THE OLYMPIC TT COVERAGE (ALONGSIDE MATT SYED).  HE IS THE ITTF PUBLICATIONS OFFICER AND SPENDS A LOT OF HIS TIME ABROAD.  HE HAS A VAST KNOWLEDGE OF TRAINING AND COACHING TECHNIQUES INPARTICULAR, THOSE FROM THE ORIENT (NOT LEYTON, THE REAL ONE!).  A FORMER ENGLAND TEAM CAPTAIN AND SQUAD MANAGER, HE HAS EXPERIENCED THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF COACHING.

HE IS BOOKED FOR THE FULL DAY AND A FLYER WITH DETAILS OF BOOKING ETC ARE Here.

Please share this with anyone who wants some really up to date information on training and coaching and book your place on it as soon as possible.  COST IS £20 per person.  If people are considering coaching, this could be an opportunity to bring them along to encourage them to start

Cliff Edens www.tabletenniscoach.net [13 Oct 2008]

Helmsley TTC on the web

Helmsley Table Tennis Club has a new website created by Adam Ridley. It contains results, reports, player profiles and more - have a look at http://helmsleyttclub.webs.com/ and maybe leave a message on the forum. Well done, Adam!

• At the moment I'm still waiting for updated software from ETTA to process the results and unfortunately can't produce averages or individual results until it appears - sorry about this.

• Congratulations to Hutton A who head the third division table after two matches - the same team as finished bottom two seasons ago!

• Ian Johnson is joining Amotherby C in Div 2 after the team have struggled with injuries and non-availability of players.  [12 Oct 2008]

Cracker for Chris

Div 1: Helmsley A 6 Coneysthorpe 4 - report from Ruth P/Chris L:

Chris Londesbrough made his debut in the first div with a maximum. He had a very close game with Jo Suchecki who showed tremendous touch. Malc Haswell was too strong for Luke Lunn on this occasion, however, he came up against Ruth Purseglove who was on fire with every strike seeming not to miss.

Jo showed guile to defeat Ruth in 3. Luke came back against Eddie Prest to record a victory but the best of all was in the doubles. Two left-right combinations made for a great finale with Malc & Jo just having enough to edge out Chris and Ruth in the final game.

Thanks, you two

Chris Londesbrough - still in dreamland after Hull's sensational start in the footie

• Div 1: Amotherby A played their first match of the season after last week's cancellation and recorded a good 7-3 win over champions Ryedale A. Tom Needham, on his first start for Amotherby, found some of his old form to win all three including a titantic 5-game tussle with the previously unbeaten Dave Burnham. Ian Stansfield also bagged a triple and Pat Swindell accounted for Ed Wardman. Ryedale rescued a point when John Flintoft and Ed came back superbly from two games down to take the doubles.

• Div 2: After the euphoria of last week's 9-1 win, Scarborians plopped back down to earth last night having been trounced 9-1 by early promotion favourites Malton B for whom John Loftus (3) and Tom Harrington (3) were too tasty. Steve Miller outfoxed Stuart Chadwick for Scarbs' only set and Tim Penrose made a mental note not to forget his cigs again...

• Div 3: The Drifters played their first match last night and returned home with max points and faces of glee after 'owning' (as my son would say) CSL B 8-2. Bionic hip woman Liz Chadwick won all three while Ray 'Chopper' Chadwick and Mark Philips (who surely should be captain) scored a brace each, losing to the improving Richard Budgey.

• REMINDER: less than half of the scorecards sent to me this week had the 'Most Sporting' section filled in. Two didn't even have the score filled in and one arrived late from last week. Please check 'em before sending, ta!  [10 Oct 2008]

Doug does it again

• In Div 3, The Drifters from Scarborough have added to their squad by signing Bernadette Billington. Have an enjoyable first season in RTTL, Bernadette!

• Div 3 side Helmsley C have added Andrea (Andy) Mayne, sister of Howard to their squad. Welcome Andrea!

• Div 1: Dave Hildreth won all three but couldn't prevent his Whitby side from going down 7-3 to Malton A with Gareth Olney, Ross Dransfield and Neil Raine each notching a double.

• Div 3: Helmsley D recovered from last week's 9-1 reverse with a superb 10-0 whitewash of Hutton C. Juniors Andrew Cavanagh and James Ellis were on top form, accompanied by Andrew's mum Julie. [9 Oct 2008]

Swinton B withdraw

Sadly, with only two players available, Swinton B have had to withdraw from Division 2 two this season. Teams will now have an extra bye in each half of the season.

This is a blow but, on the positive side, Mike Shepherdson and John Smith can now join Ryedale D who have also been struggling to find players after suffering injuries and health problems this season.

Thanks to everyone who tried to find a replacement player for Swinton, especially Carole Harrington in Scarborough.  [8 Oct 2008]

Kenny switches on the turbo

Div 2: Amotherby B 9 Ryedale C 1

Mountain-biking Amotherby grandfather Kenny Brown put a year of creaky health problems behind him last night as he unleashed a devastating display of attacking ping pong against a Ryedale C team who had no answers. Jan Bryan was his first victim, facing a barrage of brilliant Brown backhands in a 3-1 defeat before Chet Butler and Ken Pigeon also succumbed, leaving the man who practised three times on Sunday (really) with a 100% average.

Andy Seed was also unbeaten, although he had his work cut out against Ken Pidgeon who hit three edges in the first game alone, laughing his head off as the Amotherby captain scrabbled onto the floor trying to stay in the rallies. John Stokes' serves mesmerized Chet and his defence was too sturdy for Jan although he discovered a suitable nemesis in Ken Pidgeon, describing the long-pimpled motorhome man as 'my worst possible opponent'. Ken polished him off 3-0 then went back to his headphones.

Kenny and Andy stepped up for the doubles and outmanoeuvred Jan and Ken with a series of nets, mishits and violent winners. Amotherby B's best performance for at least 500 years.

• Div 3: on the other (much quieter) table in Amotherby Village Hall last night, Ryedale F gave evidence that they will be one of the top teams this season by outgunning Amotherby F 7-3. Mick Carter was too doughty for the home side but Amotherby's new York man (as opposed to New York man) John Mothersill put an end to Stephen Temple's winning run with a 3-1 success. Cameron Walker beat Silvio Rusu, who in turn disposed of an off-form Janet Bailey. It finished 7-3 to Ryedale.

• CSL A have signed a new player, Li He (who sounds suspiciously like a very good Chinese exponent to me) - welcome Li!

• Not to be outdone, CSL B, in Div 3, have registered two new players: Andy Baxter and Philip Aldwinkle - welcome to the world of Ryedale TT, chaps!

• Div 3: report from last week's Scarborians v Laundry match from Steve Miller: 'Scarborians took full advantage of Laundry's admitted lack of match fitness with a 9-1 win. Tim Penrose and Henry Peak were on top form, winning all their singles. Steve Miller should have beaten his nemesis, George Davison, when two games to nil up and coasting but managed to lose over five ends, yet again, to give Laundry a glimmer. However, the set Miller should have lost, the last singles, he won when Adrian Voicu inexplicably went off the boil at the very last moment. Miller and Peak then won the doubles in straight games to compound Laundry's misery.'  [8 Oct 2008]

Kenny 'Ken' Brown

Stephen looking good

Div 3: Ryedale F 6 Hutton B 4

Pickering junior Stephen Temple is clearly going to be hard to beat in the third division this season. He began his 2008-09 campaign with three straight 3-0 wins against a handy Hutton B side and helped his Ryedale F team to a narrow victory in the process.

Particularly impressive was Steve's defeat of Hutton's leading player Chris Parker, not least after Chris had himself defeated Mick Carter 3-0 (a player who only lost 2 sets all season last year). Hutton's Sarah Winn-Darley and Angela Parker chipped in with a win apiece over John Boardman but neither could make any headway against Mick's ancient plywood.

Division three is looking very competitive this season, with improving players in many teams demonstrating the capacity to provide upsets. Good stuff!

[6 Oct 2008]

Stephen Temple

James demonstrates his quality

Helmsley B 4 Amotherby B 6

Nationally-ranked junior James Mayne demonstrated his ability on Friday night as his Helmsley B side played their first match in Division 2 after winning promotion last season. James won all three sets but couldn't stop his side suffering defeat at the hands of an experienced Amotherby team.

The Helmsley number one didn't have it all his own way, however, and had to twice come back from 10-8 down against hard bat veteran Ray Holroyd after pipping Andy Seed 11-9 in the fifth game of a very tight encounter.

Adam Ridley, using a long-pimpled bat to good effect, played very well against Amotherby's John Stokes to come back and win from a 2-1 deficit but ex-Malton man David Chugg, standing in for the injured Howard Mayne, was unlucky to end up winless after a trio of 3-1 defeats.

After an epic five-game doubles the match finished at quarter to 11 but there was enough entertainment to keep the spectators awake, just.

Dave Chugg, Helmsley's new signing

• Div 1: Champions Ryedale A wasted no time in confirming that they'll be the team to beat again this season after blitzing the club's B team 10-0. Dave Burnham, John Flintoft and Ed Wardman did the damage, with Alec Hodgson putting up the most resistance for the 'B's.

• Div 1: After struggling to get together a team for week 1, Amotherby A have made another big signing, this time talking Tom Needham out of his Ryedale retirement. How will the former averages winner manage following the ban on frictionless long pimples? We'll soon find out.. (Good to have you back, Tom!)

• Div 3: Amotherby F's Ollie Grimshaw, son of Russ, made a great start to his season, winning all three against a young Helmsley D side for who Guy Harris made a promising debut. Amotherby's John Mothersill was also unbeaten in a 9-1 win with Julie Cavanagh edging out Linda Clarke for Helmsley's set.

• There have been a disappointing number of postponements in week 1 this season. Please remember that games must only be rearranged for valid reasons - clubs with more than one team should call on players from a lower team if necessary (see rule 11 in the handbook for limitations).

• Swinton B in Division 2 are struggling to fulfil their fixtures after the withdrawal of a player. If anyone can suggest a player who could step in, please contact Andy Seed ASAP. We are in danger of losing a team unless we can find someone urgently. [4 Oct 2008]

Dream start for scientists

Div 3: CSL B 8 Hutton C 2

New team CSL B played their first ever match this week and came up trumps, bagging max points against another set of debutants in Hutton C. Richard Budgey and Patrick Hough were the stars, each scoring three wins, with new guy Tom Nixon weighing in with two.

Hutton's only singles victory came courtesy of Paul Hampson who saw off Tom in three straight games. The away side also won the doubles to add some respectability to the score. Let's have some photos of your team please Richard! [2 Oct 2008]

Rusty Phil can't stop Hutton

Thanks, Andrew

Phil Trevelyan (on the left - not sure who the other guy is)

• Div 1: Stuart Brown produced the season's first major shock beating Steve Oldfield as Whitby won 6-4 at Swinton. Ray Mitchell commented: 'For the first match, the standard was superb. Steve Milner, deputising for Paul Cuthbertson, played very well, winning 2 out of 3. The big surprise was Stuart Brown beating Steve Oldfield in 5, finding fantastic form.'

• If anyone is interested in gaining a tournament organiser's qualification, an ETTA course is being held in Leeds on Sun 19th October. Email here for more details.  [2 Oct 2008]

Paul means business

Div 3: Amotherby E 6 Westow 4

Paul Stansfield demonstrated that his season in Div 2 last year has given him some extra clout as he saw off all three Westow players, only dropping one game in the process. Particularly impressive was his 11-7, 11-4, 11-5 demolition of Westow's top man John Clayton.

Optimistic Leeds fan Ian Dawson, improving all the time, notched up two wins for Amotherby and local junior Josh Garcia-Hall beat Roger Dunning 3-0 to get the home side off to a strong start. Colin Payne beat Josh for Westow, as did John Clayton, who also accounted for Ian Dawson in four.

With Kris Waluk temporarily unavailable due to work commitments, Amotherby will be delighted to get off to a winning start in what promises to be a closer division this season. [1 Oct 2008]

Paul Stansfield - playing more like that other Stansfield (and I don't mean Lisa)

Malton off to winning start

Div 2: Amotherby C 2 Malton B 8

RTTL's 2008-09 season got underway last night in Division Two with a strong Malton B team demonstrating that they will be clear contenders for a swift return to Division One. Tom Harrington was the star for the away side, the left-handed junior with the curious but effective backhand push style winning all three against opponents who looked decidedly rusty.

Only Roger Wang registered any sets for Amotherby, beating first promising England-ranked youngster Macaulay Youngson 3-1 then overcoming experienced Scarborough man John Loftus whose powerful backhand gave all his opponents something to think about.

Russ Grimshaw displayed some impressive defending against the crisp attack of Youngson in a very tight game but Richard Brown huffed and puffed against both Loftus and Harrington before taking Youngson to five with some smart counter-attacking.  [30 Sept 2008]

Macaulay Youngson

John Loftus

• The 2008 Yorkshire Trials are being held at Scarborough TTC over the weekend of 1/2 November. Junior events include Under 11, 13, 15 and 18 girls and boys. Email andy@cannybooks.com for entry forms. Closing date is 17 Oct 2008.

Last chance to practice at Amotherby

Amotherby TTC's last 'summer' (ha!) practice session will be next week on Wed 24th Sept, 7-9pm - all are welcome. There will be no further practice sessions at the hall while the season is on but they will probably start again in April 2009.

Ben Seed's fish eye lens captures Ian Dawson and Andy Seed's lightning footwork. Another one here.

[17 Sept 2008]

Handbook out now

The 2008-09 RTTL handbook has just been received from the printers (Trailblazer in Pickering) and copies are being rushed to team secretaries as I type. Possibly. In it you'll find all the usual fascinating stuff and more stats from last season than you can shake a stick at.

Many thanks to Jean Wardman, John Gascoyne, Gerald Cosens and Howard Mayne for helping with checking, editing, collecting and distribution.

Please don't find any mistakes...

• David Chugg (ex Malton B) has joined Helmsley B this season to cover for the injured Howard Mayne - good to have you back playing, David. [17 Sept 2008]

New Publicity Officer springs to life

RTTL's new press chief Andrew Chappell has already posted his first report for the new season. It should appear in the local papers soon but you can get a sneak preview here.

Good work, Andrew - we look forward to reading more (your spelling's good too!).

Andrew Chappell

[11 Sept 2008]

Fixtures 2008-09

Here are the fixtures for this season - remember that Div 1 teams play each other three times while Div 2 and 3 will play each other twice, as usual. Apologies for the weird formatting - I've just pasted it in and haven't time to fiddle with!