Finals Night 2014

Desmond Douglas Guest of Honour on Finals Night

Around 100 Club members, their families and table tennis fans from around the County including some past Club members enjoyed an entertaining evening at the 60th Anniversary Finals Night held on Friday 25th April 2014 at Gambier Parry Hall, Highnam.

Desmond Douglas (MBE) was given a warm welcome by everyone before Master of Ceremonies and Club Chairman, Lee Bruton, introduced the first of three finals to be played during the evening. Desmond Douglas reached 7th in the World and 3rd in Europe in his long table tennis career spanning over 3 decades. He is still involved with the development of young table tennis players, using his wealth of knowledge and coaching abilities, and it was an absolute honour to have him present as Guest of Honour for this special occasion.

A special event organised for this year only, the Over 60's Singles, nick-named the "Pipe and Slippers" event was the first Final to be played. Gordon Shaw (with the pipe) of Division 1 played Division 2 player Ken Smith, who fought a strong battle, but Shaw came out on top 14-12, 11-6, 12-10.

The second Final was the Handicapped Doubles with Lee Bruton (Div 1) partnering Michael Pang (Div 5) against Phil Dixon of Div 4 and Trevor Seymour (Div 3). Bruton and Pang were victors winning 19/21, 21/13, 21/17.

Lee Bruton & Michael Pang Phil Dixon & Trevor Seymour

The last Final of the evening saw Shaw play fellow team member Darren Griffin in the Open Singles, where Griffin, the County Number 1, won convincingly 11/2, 11/3, 11/5.

Darren Griffin was presented with the cup as the Open Singles winner by Desmond Douglas

After the official matches were over, Desmond Douglas gave some of the Juniors who were present, the opportunity to have a practice session which the Juniors enjoyed immensely and learnt something about their game that they can go away and work on.

After a break for refreshments, which most of the Club members contributed something towards, Desmond and Darren Griffin played an Exhibition match for all to enjoy.

Other results from previously played events:

Handicapped Ladies Singles: Winner: Margaret Pang Runner-up: Ann Barnes

Margaret Pang

Ann Barnes

Handicapped Junior Singles: Winner: Max Benson-Bunch (right)Runner-up: Margaret Pang








Consolation Singles:

Winner: Agustin Romero Runner-up: Ken Smith

Handicapped Veteran Singles:

Winner: Alan Welsh Runner-up: Agustin Romero

Handicapped Singles:

Winner: Phil Dixon Runner-up: Ken Smith

The Quelch Awards given for the highest league average covering all divisions:

Bronze: Dave Vye (82.76% Division 4)

Silver: Paul Russom & Michael Pang (83.33% Division 5)

Gold: Darren Griffin (100% Division 1)

Glyn Lloyd Award (Services to the Club):

Ann Barnes & Stewart Jones

Ann Barnes Award (Junior of the Year):

Owen Berry (picture - Jonathon Berry).

This is a new award introduced this year and was awarded to Owen as he achieved 63% in his first year in Division 1 helping the "A" Team become Division 1 Champions. He was also winner of the Under 18 Boys singles in the Gloucester Closed tournament. Owen was unbeaten in the National Cadet League and represented Gloucestershire in the National Schools Finals.

(picture: Jonathon Berry on behalf of Owen).

To end the evening, our very own President, Richard Pepperd, was presented with a special medal to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Club which his Father, Alf helped set up all those years ago.

To show our appreciation to Desmond Douglas, he was presented with a cake which he seemed very pleased to receive - so pleased he sent us a photo of it alongside some of his other awards and trophies!

Thank you to all those that contributed to make this evening such a successful, enjoyable and memorable evening.