Another Cheque For Marie Curie Hospice

 The Lecale League committee would like to thank the competitors at the recent fund raising table tennis competition and  the Bat & Chat clubs of Drumaness and Ballymote clubs for their generous donations.

Its Owenbeg A at the Double

 

                         

                  Ardglass and Owenbeg A 

St Johns B V Ardglass

Ardglass won by 36 points.

In a match attended by the League Secretary Ardglass with a 115 point advantage against a St John’s team with home advantage and League runners up was still a formidable task but they were determined to have a go and to their credit got home with a 36 point advantage and a place in the final against League winners Owenbeg A. John Magee the League championship runner got St John’s off to a good start with a 24 point winning advantage over Gareth Heaney. Brendan McGrillen found Paddy Chair in defiant mood losing by 10 points and Vincey Poland conceded another 10 points in his match with Don McEvoy which after the first round of games St John’s had only managed to recover 4 points. St John’s knew that they needed to start putting good scores on the card in the next round of matches and won all their matches collecting 44 points on the card against 79 for Ardglass. With Ardglass going into the final round of matches with a 7O point lead. The remainder of with close with every point won needed by both teams but when the final calculation was made Ardglass got home by 36 points.  Congratulations both teams on a very enjoyable match.

Handicap Final

Ardglass V Owenbeg A

Owenbeg won by 35 points

Owenbeg A chasing the double knew that Ardglass their 115 advantage and buoyant from their won over St John’s B a few nights earlier would need to be at their best. Gareth Heaney got the ball rolling for Ardglass against the League Champion Peter Deeny who despite his absence from the game last season is back to his best finishing 35 ahead. Paddy Cahir who was in excellent form throughout their match held John McEvoy to a 3 point advantage but Hugh Scott’s 24 winning margin over Barry Montgomery had taken the Owenbeg point total to 62 points but still all to play for.  The next round of  resulted in 43 point advantage but to their credit Ardglass never given up and Owenbeg needed every point to get home in the final round but the visitors knew what was needed and big scores from Peter Deeny and John McEvoy ensured a winning margin of 35 for Owenbeg A and the double. Congratulation Owenbeg and well done Ardglass reaching the final of the Handicap Shield competition in their first season back in the League.  

This now concludes the Lecale table tennis programme for this season. I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the League committee to thank the clubs who have supported us throughout the season and to the regular visitors to this Blog very much appreciated

Footnote although the League programme had concluded there are a number of clubs who are running summer programme if you’re interested in finding a club to join contact Jim Ritchie on 0754461181 or email jimritchie1@yahoo.co.uk.

    

Deeny & McEvoy are Lecale table tennis League Champions

Peter Deeny League Champion

Manus McEvoy Consolation Event Winner 

  Peter Deeny finally achieved his ambition of winning the W.F. Magee Cup which each season is presented to the Individual League champion. The cup was first presented by his late father Bernard Deeny the Secretary of the Lecale League in 1958 won by his brother Kieran in 1972 and has finally made it back to a Deeny home. The consolation singles was won by the talent young player Manus McEvoy.

 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.

 The preliminary group matches produced excellent table tennis, good sportsmanship and the usual banter especially when competitors are drawn against each other from the same clubs but all with the same objective of reaching the final rounds.

 Consolation Semi-Final

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 3^rd game was point for point before Manus got home 12-10 to book his final place.

2^nd 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.

 Main Event

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 3^rd 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.

2^nd 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.

Competitors officials and spectators 

Jim Ritchie Lecale League Secretary received donations

 from Drumaness and Ballymote Bat and Chat Group.

Footnote: Due to page restriction it wasn't possible unable to include a full transcript of all rounds and matches.

Owenbeg A on tract for the Double

 

Owenbeg V St John’s A

St John’s A V Owenbeg A

Owenbeg A moved into the semi –final for the handicap competition with this win over St John’s A. By 51 points. This was a match when Owenbeg who were conceding 40 points and after the first round of matches had conceded 57 points. Terry Murphy got things underway for St John’s and Pat Mulholland had finished with 15 points advantage Sean Poland in his match with John McEvoy lost 22 points and Jim Mills did well to restrict Peter Deeny to 20 points. With Owenbeg going into the second round of matches with a 17 point St John’s to get some points advantage from the next round. But Owenbeg increased their lead by 24 points over the next 3 games going into the final round of matches and although St John’s kept up the pressure on the visitors  the point advantage  was too much of an ask for them to prevent Owenbeg from winning the match.  

Handicap competition reaches the final stages

 

Strangford A v St John’s A

 Win for St John’s

Both teams started on equal points but despite home advantage Strangford didn't start well
losing 21 and after the first 3 matches against a determined St Johns team. Terry Murphy got
St Johns off to a good start in his match with Colin McKinty with a 9 point advantage. Sean
Poland added another two points in his match with Marty Tranior and Jim Mills 12 point total
over Joe Mc Conville gave them a 21 point advantage going into the second round. It wasn’t
a big lead but perhaps more than they expected and would be crucial when the points were
added up at the end of the night But Strangford were determined to get something from the
season, with the trio winning the second round of matches and with a 36 point winning score
with a 15 point lead going into the final round but will it be enough. The final round was nip
and tuck close matches but when the final scores were counted and recounted St John’s got home by 12 point to book their semi-final place.

Owenbeg A and St John's B in playoff for the League title.

 

St Johns B Team

Owenbeg Team

Owenbeg 4 St John’s B 6

 The home spectators had assembled to congratulate Owenbeg on what was expected to be a comfortable win and with it the League title  but St John’s with probably their best performance of  were determined to go down fighting and in the end fully deserved the win that kept their title hopes alive. Peter Deeny got Owenbeg off to a good start with a straight game win over Vincey Poland Pat Mulholland made it two with another 3.0 win over Brendan Mc Grillen but John Magee 4 game win over made it 2-1 and in a close 5 game doubles St John’s came from 2.0 down even the score at 2-2  which was to prove crucial at the end .Peter Deeny’s second win of the night over Brendan extended the Owenbeg lead to 3-2 but the next match between John Magee and Pat Mulholland ended in a win for the St John’s man three all, this match was far from over. Vincey Poland 3.0 win put St John’s into a 4-3 lead for the first time in the match but Peter Deeny’s 3rd win of the night against John Magee evened the score the match was now at a crucial stage a draw would be enough for Owenbeg to claim the League title with St John’s needing a win in the remaining two matches to stay in the title race. Pressure was now on Vincey Poland against Pat Mulholland; it was a cracker, over a 5 game 97 point match Vincey seldom played better all season and got home 12-10 in the 5^th. This win gave Brendan McGrillen the motivation needed to win the match which he duly obliged with a 3.0 over Hugh Scott for a 6-4 score. The stage now moves to Strangford in 3 days time when St John’s needs a win to be crowned League Champions or a draw for a playoff with Owenbeg on this showing don’t rule them out

 

                                                  Strangford A and St Johns B team

Strangford A 5 St John’s B 5

 St John’s arrived at Strangford buoyant from their win over Owenbeg 3 nights previously with the League title at stake. However Strangford last season’s champions had nothing but pride to play for and fielded the strongest time available which earned them a draw. St John’s got off to a good start with John Magee’s with a 4 game win over Colin Mc Kinty. Brendan McGrillen made it 2  with his 3 game victory over John MC Cusker but Joe Mc Conville got his team’s first score on the card in a close 5 setter with Vincey Poland which was to prove crucial at the end of the night. St John’s made it 3-1 with winning the doubles match but Colin Mc Kinty win in another 5 game contest with Brendan Mc Grillen closed the gap again 3-2. But perhaps the result that wasn’t expected with John Mc Cusker’s win over Vincey Poland this match was going to the wire. The remainder of matches were all close and could have gone either but in the end of the night a draw was perhaps a fair result although St John’s will look back thinking if only they had won a few more points in three of the 5 game matches they would seen them League Champions as it is they must do battle again with Owenbeg A to decide the top team of the season.

 

Title Race Reaches its Finale

   St Johns B v Strangford C.

 Win for St Johns.

 Strangford knew that they were no match for a St John’s team riding high in the League table but the experience they gained from playing against senior players will be of considerable benefit going forward. John Magee kicked off for St John’s with a straight game victory over Rory McSwiggan Brendan McGrillen lost the first game to Peter Madine before winning in 4 and Vincey Poland completed the first round of singles matches with Michael Deery who also lost in 3 games. Throughout the remainder of matches Strangford continued to put good scores on the card and made the journey home pleased with their overall performance.

 

                                                  Owenbeg B v Strangford A

 Win for Strangford.

 Owenbeg B have been in good form recently and probably were hoping for a better result against Strangford A who have struggled in recent matches but in this match they were always in control and ran out comfortable winners. Colin McKinty got Strangford on its way with a straight game win over Dan McEvoy. Manus McEvoy will benefit from playing the current League No Joe Mc Conville before also losing in 3 games but Cairan Fitzpatrick pulled one back with his 3-0 win over Tim Fold in the team for Marty Tranior, Strangford made it 3-1 winning the doubles match. Joe made it 4 wins in his match and although O put another win on the Strangford secured the points needed for the win.

 

                                                   Owenbeg C  Banbridge B

 

Win for Banbridge B

 Another contest where the result was never in doubt but the ladies of Owenbeg really enjoyed playing this Banbridge team that included two ladies players. Jenny Murray started for Owenbeg against Brain Morrow and although losing in straight games can feel pleased with her performance against a very experienced player. Aleyah made it two with her 4 game victory over Jennifer Braniff to complete the first round of matches Geraldine Magill also took a game of Charlotte Sterling before also losing in 4 games. The remainder of matches were won by Banbridge but there were no real losers in this match enjoyed by both teams.

 

Strangford A v Strangford B

 Win for Strangford A

 In matches between home teams there is the usual banter with the B team gave the ladies of the squad the opportunity of competitive play. Marty Trainor playing his last match form a few weeks before going on his holidays got the A teams first win on the card against Ann Mc Bridge John Mc Cusker made two in his high scoring win over Ann Rooney and Joe Mc Conville completed the first round of singles matches with another straight game victory over Rory Mc Swiggan. The remainder of matches were completed continued as expected with both teams enjoying a final league match of the season against their home club.

 Ardglass v Banbridge

 Win for Ardglass.

 The home team recorded their best performance of the season with a convincing win although Banbridge B who despite the score line put a number of 4 and 5 game results on the card. Don McEvoy got Ardglass off to a good start with his 3.0 win over Gary Smith Barry Montgomery made it two with a similar winning score result against Lorriane Smith and Gareth Henvey made it 3 but in his match with Tom Neilly in a high scoring 5 game encounter. The seasiders made in 4 love winning a close 5 game doubles match and although Banbridge continue score well in the remainder of matches they were to put a score of the card.

 

 Banbridge B v Owenbeg A

 Win for Owenbeg

 Owenbeg A took a strong team to Banbridge and as expected run out comfortable winners. Tom Neilly started for Banbridge against John McEvoy and can be pleased taking a game in his 4 defeat. Lorraine Smith can also be pleased in her points score against Pat Mulholland and Paddy Duddy up against the League best win ratio player in Peter Deeny also lost in straight games. The remainder of game as expected all went the way of Owenbeg.