Parrots take top perch in table tennis cup

There was an excellent nail-biting encounter between Brixham Sharks and NA Parrots in the final of the Challenge Cup (Team handicap singles) in the Torbay Table Tennis League.

The Sharks’ Joseph Edwards was undefeated but a fine all-round team performance from the Parrots’ team of Rhys Lush, Dan Webster-Hall and Ben Hoare prevailed to eventually win 19-17. The scores were level at 14-14 with two sets to play. A 3-1 win for the Parrots gave them a two-point advantage going into the final set, which they held on to, just, with the result being decided in the final game of the final set.

A slightly different Brixham Sharks’ team also made it to the final of the Handicap doubles shield. Issy Brown was recruited for the doubles team, alongside Chris Harper and Clive Banham, their opponents in this one were NA Harriers. It was very close in the first few sets, then a 4-0 win in the fifth set gave the Sharks control and they never let up, eventually winning 23-13.

The final few fixtures in the league were also played this week. With Division One and Four champions already decided, the focus was on the Second and Third divisions.

The leaders, Brixham Trawlers, went into their Second Division fixture against their closest rivals, Dawlish Aces, with a three-point advantage, which was maintained, as the sides played out a 5- 5 draw and the Brixham Trawlers team of Alan Maynard, Ian Saxby and Joseph Edwards were crowned champions.

In the Third Division, Torre Vikings had the impossible task of overhauling a 10-point deficit when they faced Brixham Gulls in their final match. The Gulls’ Nick Williamson was undefeated as the Vikings went down 3-7 leaving the Taverners clear at the top by seven points.

 An excellent campaign from the Taverners, who bounced back following their relegation from the Second Division last season.

The final Fourth Division match of the season saw NA Merlins defeat Brixham Seals 8-2, Derek Stratton with a maximum for the Merlins.

The final report of the season will follow next week as the end of season Closed Tournament wraps up what has been an excellent season. All divisions and cups have been extremely competitive with some top quality entertainment on show. It all starts again in the Autumn.