Derby Week
Welcome back, it's been a while! Anyway, it's been derby week at Marine this week, with derby matches in Divisions 2, 3 and 5.
Before talking of the matches, allow me to introduce a couple of new people to you! The first is Matthew Wilson. Matt is a regular in the Southport League but this season has been able to fit in a few extra matches at Marine, mainly in Division 2. Good to see Matt with his club shirt already! The second is 19 year old David Lovelady. David is a Crosby local lad working in the family business (Eagle Containers) and is returning to table tennis after an absence due to a serious knee injury. We welcome both, they are both helping to bring down our age profile....and both are quality players!
Matt featured in the Division 2 derby between Bath Street Marine B and BSM A. The A team at the moment seem to be completely rejuvenated by the return to active play of former Club No.1 Ken Jackson. The B Team will perhaps have been slightly disappointed to find both Ken and Matt in the line up against them! B Team captain Dave Stoddern did his level best to try and balance things out with a great 5 set win over Fred Bainbridge and by taking Ken to 5 although this time it went the way of the A Team. But that was about it the A Team winning out 1:9.
In Division 3 Brian Crolley's C Team entertained Dave Noden's D Team. This was a much closer affair, with no man remaining unbeaten. It was however Dave's team who had the edge in the singles, winning 6 out of 9 to give them the match. Andy Cheung replied taking 2 for the C Team with captain Brian taking all 5 ends to just overcome by the odd 2 points Ted Cramsie. Mal kent for the C Team at least got something out of the match a fine doubles win with Andy after narrowly loosing to Dave in 5 sets in the singles. The result 4:6 in favour of the D Team. Good to see both teams in their club shirts!
The final derby match of the week involved Des Logan's G Team hosting close rivals Mary Delamere's F Team. Both teams have been struggling of late in Division 5, and are looking in danger of holding the two bottom places in the division. Difficult to see exactly why though. Des took a very bold decision in introducing two of the clubs juniors for this derby fixture, Euan & Finn Mason. Both have been playing in the L&DTTL Junior Development Division which has recently finished for the season, with the boys team finishing top of the U13 division - more of that another day. Des also had the luxury of being able to include club newcomer David Lovelady. David is a very good player and will soon be moving up divisions to fit better with his ability. Barbara Alcock formed the 4th member of the G Team with teammates Des and Billy Clayton amongst the many spectators for the match. Mary also looked to have a good side out with Tony Bramham, Jan Mort and Tom Bell joining her in the line up. On paper this looked like a draw. But some great play from the boys saw them win 5 out of 6 of their singles, and also combining to take both doubles leaving the G Team with a 7:3 winning margin. A singles each for Tony, Jan and Tom being the consolations for the F Team. This was a great effort particularly by Euan and Finn - Finn at just 12 winning both his singles. The many spectators also seemed to enjoy this great evening of sport.
