Table Tennis: Rule of law in club competition (From Gazette & Herald)

Table Tennis: Rule of law in club competition

3:26pm Wednesday 9th January 2013 in Sport

JAMES RULE won the double of main event and handicap competition at Ryedale Sports Club’s annual tournament over the festive period.

Youngster Rule beat the experienced Mick Fenby 11-2 11-7 11-3 in an enthralling final. The power of his flat hit forehand was the deciding factor, as Fenby twiddled his combination bat to use both long pimpled and conventional rubbers to good effect.

The final and semi-finals had counted towards both competitions as the draws in the last four in both had paired the same opponents.

In the semis, Rule beat Pat Swindell 11-5 11-7 6-11 11-6 and Fenby beat Derek Elliott 11-6 11-8 11-8.

Eighteen members had taken part, initially being split into four groups.

In group ‘A’, Fenby, playing off scratch, saw off John Gascoyne (+4 handicap), Alan Kirkwood (16), Peter Lee (6) and Ray Mitchell (12). Lee was hot on his heels.

In group ‘B’, Rule (scratch) beat Stephen Temple (4), Ed Wardman (2), Linda Scott (20) and Jean Wardman (16). Wardman’s 11-7 9-11 11-8 win over Temple was a highlight.

Elliott (2) made short work of group ‘C’ against Gerald Cosens (14), Titch Temple (12) and Adrian Greaves (20). Greaves played a stormer to beat Cosens without needing his handicap.

Group ‘D’ was won by Swindell (2), ahead of Josh Greaves (22), Mick Carter (16) and youngster Russ Scott (18), who played well to beat Carter.