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BVTTC News Release |
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READY, STEADY GO! The new table tennis season is due to kick-off today and Baddow Village are once more set to face the challenge. With 8 teams in the main league and 5 teams in the introductory league, CLICK, it looks like being a very busy season. This is the first time ever that Baddow have had this number of teams, reflecting the very considerable development in junior table tennis at the club. But how will they fare? The top team will again play in Division 2, but will struggle to maintain the 3rd position they achieved last season. The loss of Richard Jennings from the line up could have a big impact and will need the very best from Club Secretary Adrian Pitt to balance out the loss. But with just 3 players signed on it is going to be tough. The Club's B & C teams have both been placed in Division 3. Which looks as if it could be a very tough and competitive division with some very strong players. None more so than the C team captain Neil Gooday who will be very hard to beat at this level. John Patman gets his chance to play alongside Neil at this higher level, and could cause a few surprises. The B team under the captaincy of Robin Armstrong, look to have their work cut out. But with Duncan Elloy back in the line-up they have a proven No.1 to help. Both teams should therefore be just about able to hold mid-table places. Baddow are represented in Division 4 this year by the D side under captain Frank Neill. Historically over the last 10 years the Club have done very well in this division, so Frank's side have a fair tradition to maintain. Expect to see them in the top half, and if Nick Wool can copy his success of last season in 5 this year in 4, then they could finish in the top 3. Two Baddow teams in Division 5, E&F, will both be teams to watch. Rob Wigley leads a new E team line up, featuring Colin Gooday and David Gatheral. They could be very hard to beat. Whilst Richard Upson again leads the F side, with Mark Patman, new boy Gareth Joice and ever improving Ryan Pitt. They too could be tough nuts to crack. So expect to see both sides in the top half. A blend of youth and experience make up Baddow's teams in Division 6. Diane Pitt has a new look to her G team line up. Martyn Chattey returns and she will be joined by Chris High, Bob Francis and Tom Webb. Both Bob and Tom will be coming into Chelmsford League play for the first time. The 'Old Boys' under Peter Revell make up the H team and they will need to deploy all of their vast experience if they are to make an impression. It is interesting here to note that Baddow have both the oldest and youngest registered players in the League. Fred Henwood taking one end of the spectrum and granddaughter Hannah Pitt, 9 in just a few weeks time, taking the other. It says something both about the nature of table tennis and the inclusiveness of the Club. It is the area of juniors where the Club has seen exceptional growth in recent times. And this year for the first time will be operating 5 teams in the Introductory League - CLICK. this is a tremendous contribution to introducing new players to table tennis. The development being fuelled by the Club's coaching programme at the Cathedral School which recommenced last week with a full complement of attendees at both sessions. It is also encouraging that each of these new teams has separate volunteer adult helpers to manage the team. The top two teams are likely to be Sam Pitt and Phil Twite, as the J Team, and Haydn Upson and Rykki Vansertima as the K Team. Look out for both this year as they each have a real chance of challenging for honours in the competition. All that remains is to wish all teams the very best for the new season. If you want to see full details of the make up of each team follow the link below.
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