The end of season individual closed championship which was held at Owenbeg table tennis club on Monday the 30th of March attracted a large entry for the two championship titles to raise money for the leagues nominated charity Marie Curie Hospice Belfast. The competition was organised in a 4 group and knockout format with 2 from each group proceeding to a consolation and main final rounds.
First match
Manus McEvoy V Rory Mc Swiggan
Both players were delighted to arrived at this stage and having done so were determined to book their place in the final. Manus won the first game 11-8 But Rory raised his game to take the second 14-12 the 3rd game was point for point before Manus got home 12-10 to book his final place.
2nd Match
Tim Ford V Barry Montgomery
Tim Ford who only recently joined the Strangford club couldn’t have imagined that he would find himself in the semi-final of a major competition. He has been in excellent throughout the League campaign and was in no mood to bow out now. But he was up against an experienced player in Barry Mongomery. Barry won the first 11-7 Tim the second by a similar score before Barry held on to win 11.7 and a place in the final.
Consolation Final
Barry Montgomery v Manus McEvoy
Both players had earned their placed coming through tough matches. Barry returned to the sport this season with Ardglass and his experience has helped his club to reach the semi-final of the handicap competition. Manus has also been in excellent form for Owenbeg B so another close match was anticipated. The first game was close throughout which Manus won 11.8. He stated well in the second game and quickly established a comfortable lead with his forehand finding winners and although Barry made him to work for his points Manus got home 11.4 with a very proud father looking on.
First Semi Joe Mc Conville V John Magee
Spectators assembled on the stage setting area to watch what they believed would be a close match and they weren’t disappointed. Mc Conville with two Championships titles to his name may have stared favourite but in League matches this season there has been little to separate them. Joe won the first game 11.7 with his mixture of careful ball placement and accurate forehand winners but John knew that playing a patient game against this legend of the local game is not likely to success and went on the attack to secure the second game 11-3 the early exchange in the 3rd game was point for point with Mc Conville always ahead. But John knew that had to go on the attack and take risks with his forehand loop which contributed to a 11.7 victory to secure a final place.
2nd Semi –Final Peter Deeny V Donald Campbell.
Donald knew that he was up against one of the League top players and although Peter had been out of the game for a year he still has every shot in his extensive repertoire throughout this championship. The first game was all Peter with a mixture of attack and careful ball placement that prevented his opponent from getting his big forehand into play. It was a tactic that won Deeny the first game and although Campbell did everything he could to get into the match the result was never in doubt with Peter securing his final place.
Championship final
Peter Deeny v John Magee
As spectators assembled around table one they knew this would be excellent match from two attack minded players. Peter may have started favourite but John has shown throughout the season he can raise his game when required and was determined to put on a show. Equally Peter has also had a brilliant season and with well placed forehands winners took the first game 11.3. But John decided he had nothing to lose and with a mixture of accurate ball placement and forehand loop drives took the second game to dunce. The next few points would be crucial for both players as they probed for the opening to attack the ball but at championship point a Deeny forehand winner secured victory and with it the title.
The Lecale League committee would like to take this opportunity to thank all participants for attending the event and their generous donations to the League’s nominated charity we would also like to thank the donations received from Drumaness and Ballymote table tennis clubs and to Owenbeg table tennis club for hosting the event and providing the refreshments. Finally a big thank you to Jimmy Stirling for another brilliant job as Championship referee.
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