Category: Senior League

Here is the Stone League Tables as things stand:

League:

Handicap League:

The senior A Team captained by Mark Turner are in a good position so far after 8 games having won 3 lost 3 drawn 2 and, for a change at this point in the season, are well clear of the drop zone.  Craig Preece is playing particularly well and an important hat trick from the captain against MESC A recently gave Penkhull all three points away.

The B team playing in Division 1 have started really well and are on course to bounce back to the Prem despite a minor setback, losing to Bradwell D who top the league by 2 points. Phil Barnish has settled the team and has got the consistency flowing. Penkhull C on the other hand are missing their regular Mario Toth and are currently 2nd bottom but it is very tight indeed with several teams above them on the same points or just only a win away. This will be a close battle for the team in the 2nd half I feel.

The D Team playing in Division 2 is mid table – players are winning games but not able to win as many of the close matches as they would like. The blend of juniors and new members is helping to form a strong base for this team which I’m sure will pick up some good results in the 2nd half of the season.

Keep it up all players/teams. Good work, stay positive and enjoy your table tennis (even you too Rob!!!)

Mixed fortunes for the A and B team this season. With the B team out performing the A team in silverware. The A team had to relinquish the title which they have held for the past two years and where pipped by St Michs by 1 point.  They lost only 1 game all season but drawing home and away with their own B team cost them the title as St Michs lost 1 game and drew only once. The B team finished 3rd place (their best ever finish) and also won the handicap K.O. comp beating Tennis A 5-4 in the final after trailing 4-1 a tremendous effort by captain Mario and the Willoughby brothers. In the end of season champs further success was greeted with a runner up spot for Craig Preece as he lost out to Chris Bailey in the main final after knocking out Rob Rhodes 3-2 in the semi-final. Will Pugh made it to the semi-finals of the handicap comp losing out to Alan Marchant who was beaten in the final by Tennis A’s Barbara Capper who won the final by 2 points.  She also had a close encounter with Penkhull’s Rhodes in the Quarter finals winning by 4 points. A great season again in this relaxed league with some success once again for the club. Thanks to all players who played during the season and we look forward to another successful season next year.

The two Prem teams had mixed fortunes this season. The A team managed to take points from every team bar 2 (Norton A and Norton C) and finished in the mid pack. The same again next year would be nice. James Ward remained unbeaten for the season – that’s two out of the last 3 seasons he’s managed that, a great achievement. The B team finished bottom and will play next year alongside another Penkhull team as the C team consolidated their place for the first season in Div 1 with a mid-table finish. Should be good to watch these two teams scrap it out next season! The D team, which was made up of mainly juniors and new players to the club also had a mid-table finish. Some notable performances came in the past few weeks, junior Kingsley Barber winning a few of his senior matches alongside with Andy Willoughby and Matt Willoughby taking a good few scalps in Div 1 in the latter games. Thanks to all who have played this season which at times has proved challenging but all the same the teams look in good shape to progress and improve next season.

Potteries:

Penkhull A capped off what was always going to be a tough season with a mid table finish. Mark Turner and Rob Rhodes were the backbone of the team with James Ward (losing 1 game in two years) adding vital fire power to the team. In the end the A team were safe just after Christmas with some huge wins over rival teams early in the 2nd half of the season. Next season will be another tough season.

Penkhull B were tipped to have a tough season, and it proved too much. Phil Barnish and Teano Cato were the backbone of the team but without a settled third player they where unable to put their best three players out a regular basis which cost them in the end. Despite registering 2 wins it did not reflect how close they came to several more points with many 6-4 losses. Hopefully they will have the fire power to bounce back next season.

Penkhull C managed to push hard all season long and never went out the top three all season long. Towards the end of the season they topped the division for several weeks thanks to efforts from Mario Toth, Pavel Craig Stott and Ash Turner. In the end they were piped by Norton J thanks to a interesting team selection in the top of the table clash. Division 1 will be a tough challenge next season but the team should be good enough to hold its own.

Stone:

Penkhull A capped off a terrific second year in the Stone League and retained its title from last year. The A Team pipped Tittensor and St Micheals to the 20010/11 title in a close and tense finish to the season. Throughout the season it was tight. At half way stage there was a 4 way tie including that of the B team. But Penkhull A’s fire power proved too much second half as they edged away from their rivals. Alan Malpass’ captaincy skills maybe needed in other leagues after two seasons of titles.

Penkhull B finished 5th and were not far off a top 3 finish, next season I’m sure they will challenge for top spot with Mario Toth at the helm. At the half way point Penkhull B were level at the top after drawing with Penkhull A and Tittensor A in the first half. Unfortunately they could not get their best three players for the crunch games in the second half.

In the Handicap K.O Team Comp both A and B teams drew each other in the Quarter finals. Unlike last year the A team edged out the B team. They played St Michs in the final and lost 6-3. In the end of season Individual K.O. Comp Penkhull provided 9 of the 21 players in attendance. Alan Malpass, Mario Toth, Rob Rhodes and Pavel made it through the group stages. Rhodes made it through to the semi final stages but lost out to the eventual winner Chris Bailey from Tittensor A. In the Handicap K.O Penkhull Senior Pavel Leonav made it through to the final but lost out to the all conquering Chris Bailey of Tittensor who won his 2nd title of the night.

Overall, a fantastic season for Penkhull which will add to the expectations of next year’s Stone League again.