Jets shot down in statement victory
THE Stratford Table Tennis League sprung into action delivering an exciting week of competitive and spirited matches across all three divisions showing why it is one of the most vibrant in the region, reports Kevin Taylor.
Division One kicked off with a statement performance by Bengeworth, who secured an impressive 14-5 victory over Stratford Jets. Richard Bishop was the standout player, remaining undefeated throughout the evening. However, the match of the night belonged to John Mackay and Phil Patrick, whose intense five-set duel had spectators on the edge of their seats with the latter finally edging out his opponent in a showcase of the league’s incredible standard of play.
Returning to Division One after their triumphant promotion, Stratford Paddles made an emphatic start by defeating stablemates Stratford Tigers 12-9. Nello Mauri was the star of the evening, maintaining a flawless record and defeating the in-form Jack Ganderton in style. While the Tigers battled hard, they faced another tough outing against Shottery, who triumphed 13-5 thanks to a dazzling performance by Gary Stewart, whose form looks unstoppable.
Division Two delivered drama and excitement with an incredibly rare 9-9 draw between Stratford MND and Willersey A. Robert Pitt shone brightly, achieving an unbeaten record on the night and earning his team vital points in what could be a key result as the season unfolds.
Willersey B started their campaign strongly with a 13-6 win over Ilmington. Rick Burgess, known for his consistency, clung to his undefeated streak, but not without a fight – he was pushed to five sets in both his matches.
Meanwhile, Henley continued to assert their dominance in the division with a solid 11-8 win over FISSC. Barry Quirke was the hero of the night, delivering a standout performance to keep Henley at the top of the table.
Division Three showcased the growing talent within Stratford’s junior ranks, despite a challenging week for the young players. Stratford Junior Boys A took on the seasoned Ashorne team but couldn’t quite match their experience, with Ashorne claiming a 15-1 victory. Brian Marston and Steve Bolton displayed their class, offering the juniors invaluable lessons as they continue to develop their skills.
Stratford Junior Boys B also faced a tough challenge against their local rivals, Littleton Panthers, who secured a commanding 15-3 win. The Panthers’ experience shone through, but the juniors showed incredible determination and resilience, setting a strong foundation for future matches.
The opening week of the spring season delivered everything supporters and players could hope for—competitive matches, outstanding individual performances, and an inspiring display of sportsmanship.
