Busy Night At Owenbeg week Report for week commencing 26 October

 

Owenbeg A 9 v Strangford 1

 Owenbeg A and Strangford

League leaders Owenbeg A continued on their winning way with this comfortable win over Strangford. With Hugh Scott back in the team the home side were never going to be in trouble and as expected ran out comfortable winners. Peter Deeny got his team off to a good start with a straight game win over Joe 

Mc Conville Pat Mulholland made it two winning 4-1 in his match with Colin McKinty and Hugh Scott made it three with his 3 game winning margin with Rory Mc Swiggan and John McEvoy completed the first round of matches with a 4 game win against Peter Madine. Peter Deeny made it 5 wins for Owenbeg in his straight game win over Colin Mc Kinty. Joe Mc Conville got his team’s first win on the card with a 4 game victory over Pat Mulholland. The remainder of matches were all won by Owenbeg.

                                                   Owenbeg  C 2 Owenbeg B 8

Owenbeg B combination of youth and experience is making them a formidable force. This has been very evident in their opening matches and although the result of this game was never in doubt it was a match played in good spirits which is unusually the case when clubs team meet competitively. Jason Gill started well for the C team and quickly and raced in a 2 game lead against Manus McEvoy and looked good to win this opening match. But Manus won the next 3 games to win 12.10 a great opening match with only 3 points winning margin. Paul Phillips regular practice routine is certainly paying off in his 3 game win over Alex McEvoy to even the score. The 3^rd member of the McEvoy family this time Dan made it 2-1 with his 3 game victories over Geraldine Mc Gill and Cairan Fitzpatrick completed the first round of singles matches with his 3 game win over Lynne Blaker for 3.1 for the B team. Jason Gill added another win on the card in a close 4 game match with Alex McEvoy but despite scoring well in the final round matches it was a comfortable victory for the B team.

                                                         Ardglass A 8  Banbridge 2

Banbridge A were always going to be too strong for their visitors  and despite the score line Ardglass can made the journey home satisfied with the over performance. Gareth Heaney has been in excellent form in recent matches and the opening match with Brain Morrow was a nip and tuck affair. Brian won the first game to 4 Gareth took the next second and all in the hall sensed this looked like a 5 game contest and they were not wrong. Brain squared the match for 2 games all. The final game was close all the way before Gareth got home 11.9. Geoff Smith made it one all his straight games win over Brandy McEvoy who stayed at the table against Vignesh losing in 4 games.  Aleyah made it 3 for Banbridge in his match with Jennifer Braniff quickly followed up with another win for the home team with Brian Morrow’s 4 game victory over Barry Mc Evoy. Gareth put his team’s second win on the card in another cracker of a 5 game match with Geoff Smith before getting home 14-12 in the 5^th. The remainder of matches were won by Banbridge to round of an evening of excellent table tennis from both teams.

 

Ardglass A 7 v Banbridge B 3

In the second contest this week between the two Leagues teams Ardglass A recorded a win over an improving Banbridge who made their more experienced opponents work for their wins with 7 matches of 5 and 4 game contests. John Magee got Ardglass off to a good start winning in straight games against Jim Keery. Barry Montgomery made it two in his match with Lorraine Smith who has started the season in excellent form. Don McEvoy added a 3^rd win in his 4 game with Tom Neilly with Paddy Cahir completing the first round of singles matches with a similar winning margin against Mick Dancey. The first doubles match was won by Banbridge won 11.6 in the 5^th game with the second doubles going the way of Ardglass in another tight scoring 5 game. The winning line was in sight. John Magee ensured a win for Ardglass with his a 5 match victory over Lorraine Smith who continues to improve with every match she plays. The remainder of games went the way of Ardglass who despite a comfortable result knew that they had been in a tough contest.

 

 

  

 

New Season Gets Under Way

                            Owenbeg A  10 v Banbridge B 0

Owenbeg A were always going to be too strong for Banbridge B who despite the result made their more experienced opponents work for their win and can be pleased with their overall performance against last season's League champions. Peter Deeny got Owenbeg on their way with his 3 game win over Gary Smith Pat Mulholland made it two with a similar winning margin against Tom Neilly and Lorraine Smith also scored well in her match with John Mc Evoy before losing in straight games  In the second round of singles matches Jim Keery got Banbridge first win on the card against Sankton in the team for Hugh Scott the remainder of matches all went the way of Owenbeg. 

Ardglass B  3 v Strangford 7

With a big squad to choose from you can be sure of a rotational quad from the Ardglass club during the season.  To nights line up had plenty of experience in the team and with a number of five game matches on the card could have snatched a draw. The first match of the evening saw Gareth Heaney and Joe Mc Conville play out a nip and tuck 5 setter before Joe got home 11-5 9 in the 5^th set. Colin Mc Kinty made it two for Strangford with his 4 game win over  Barry McEvoy and Peter Madine completed a hat trick of wins for visitors  with his 4 game win over Brendan McEvoy. Jennifer Braniff now back in her home town got Ardglass first wins on the card in a four match victory of Rory McSwiggan. Gareth Heaney and Barry Mc Evoy made it two all coming from 2 games down to win the first doubles match 11.9 in the 5^th for a 3-2 score line. The second double was another close 5 setter with the Strangford combination of Colin Mc Kinty and Rory Mc Swiggan got home 11.7 in the final game. Heaney kept his team in the match with straight game win over Mc Kinty but Strangford won the final matches to ensure both points. Very entertaining match from both teams.

                                         Banbridge A 9 Owenbeg B 1

Despite the score line Owenbeg B can be pleased with their individual and team performance against a strong visiting team. Brian Morrow got Banbridge on their way with a 4 game win over Manus McEvoy who can be pleased with taking a game from this experienced player. Vignesh made it 2 with another 4 game victory over Alex McEvoy a young player making his depute with a big future in the sport and Aleyah made it a hat trick of wins in his 4 game victory over Dan McEvoy. The next 2 games also went the way of Banbridge before Manus McEvoy got his side their first win on the cards against Vignesh in 4 games. To their credit Owenbeg never gave up and continued to put 4 and 5 game results on the card on this performance Owenbeg B will soon see a win on the card.   

Ardglass A 9  v Owenbeg C 1

John Magee returned to the Ardglass where he began his career and no doubt his experience and skill alongside a list of season veterans will make this outfit a force to be reckoned with this season.  Despite the result the Owenbeg team showed they were no pushovers and recorded two wins singles wins and an excellent collective range of good scores on the card. included two wins. John Magee got his team off to a good start with in his 4 game victory of over Jason Gill who regular practice is paying off. Barry Mongomery found Paul Phillips and Jason Gill in top form losing form losing in straight games. Don McEvoy was always going to be too good for Geraldine Magill who to her credit never gave up and was pleased with her points total as was Lynn Blaker in match with Paddy Cahir.  The doubles matches were won by Ardglass. 

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.