Wandsworth League bounces back into action with new line up and new scoring system

   This season in the Wandsworth & District Table Tennis League there are a number of changes to its usual format. The first is that after 35 years the league has decided to go back to the original “one season” rather than having the promotion and relegation at Christmas. It means that we now start the league matches in the first week of October and there will be a couple of breaks during the season for each team. This season there are 2 divisions each with 7 teams. There is a new line up for the 1st Division which looks like it could be the most competitive for many years. St Pauls, Vale and York Gardens each have 2 teams with Wilton (who are finally back in the top division) have 1.  In Division 2, St Pauls and XXIV Club both have 2 teams each, with 1 team from York Gardens, Heathfield and Wilton. The point scoring system has also been changed to make things more even with 6 points for a maximum 10 – 0, 9 – 1 or 8 – 2 victory, 5 points for a 7 – 3 victory, 4 points for a 6 – 4 victory and 3 points for a draw (5 – 5), 2 points are given for losing 6 – 4, and 1 point for losing 7 - 3.  

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CUP NEWS:   New line up makes this the most open cup competition for many years

  With the withdrawal of the all conquering York Gardens “A” team who won last season’s Presidents Cup (straight knock out Cup) it looks like this season could be one of the most open cup competitions we have seen. Vale “A” are at home against St Pauls “A”, York Gardens “C” take on the new team of St Pauls “D”  and York Gardens “A” (the old “C” team) take on St Pauls “C”. Wilton “A”, St Pauls “B”, and York Gardens “B” all have byes into the next round.  In the Chairmans Cup (the handicap cup where lower ranked teams get a head start) XXIV Club “A” have a healthy 6+ start against York Gardens “A”, and York Gardens “B” have drawn Vale “A” who are both on level scores as they are in the same division. Wilton “A” are at home against St Pauls “B” again on level points, St Pauls “D” have +3 against XXIV Club “B, St Pauls “A” are giving away 6 points start to York Gardens “C” (although this match may be rescheduled to later in the season). Wilton “B”, Vale “B”, and St Pauls “C” all have byes into the next round.

Division 1  PREVIEW:                   All Change in Division 1 with exciting new line up

   This season the 1st division title is up for grabs but as to which team will be “grabbing it” is open to debate. York Gardens have gone through major changes with Phil Sangchin’s old “A” team off to fight for promotion in the Central League. York Gardens “B” have been given a huge blow with Musa Farquharson injured meant the team had to pull out completely, leaving the old “C” team run by Ismai’l Miller (pictured) to take the mantle of their “A” team and maintain the glory of York Gardens. Leo Veinsreider the reining league champion has joined them but it is unknown how many matches he will make, there is also rumour that the Philipsz Brothers Simon and Mark will be part of the team as well which make them likely title contenders. York Gardens also have another team in the 1st Division with Joe Leone, Krzys Brzezinski, Philip Marlow, Robert Campbell and the dangerous Dave Wareham having been registered for the “B” team.  Vale “A” are also potential winners led by the skillful Andy Sanders, with Ron Brown, Doug Taucher, and Wojet Czubek they are a strong team who will be difficult to beat especially on home ground. Vale “B” are also back in the 1st division with team Captain Tom Caody, Peter Fenner, Don Stevens and the legendary Roy Holmes. Tom Higgs who has starred for Vale over the last two seasons has gone off to University and will be greatly missed. St Pauls, have two teams as well with the reigning Division 2 champions St Pauls “A” led by John Llewellyn, Mike Nash and the talented Rob Knifton. Their “B” team could be very dangerous if they get their full squad out with Paul Rowley, Sean Clowry, Rob Barr and simon Kempton although both Rob and Simon will have limited availability during the season. Finally Wilton are back in the top division and complete the seven team line up. Richard Evans will lead the team with Eric Jeanpierre, Emiliano Laghi and Paul Couper in the line up  

Division 2   PREVEIW:    York Gardens “C” and XXIV Club “A” looking like title xcontenders

    York Gardens “C” and XXIV Club “A” are looking like the most likely title contenders this season in Division 2, York Gardens especially have strength in depth with players like Richard Gayle, Sajid Patel and Linford Akoto, but their difficulty in getting their best squad out for away matches could prove decisive. The XXIV Club “A” with Steve Sin, Tom O’Malley (pictured L - R Steve Sin, Tom O’Malley) and Peter Klocek will be hard to beat. St Pauls “C”  squad of Peter Lyall, Luke Pomaro, Clark Geddes and new signing Josh Blagden, are also one of those teams who can beat anyone on their day but again it always revolves around getting their best team out. Wilton “B” are back but this time the young Baig Brothers Hassan, Hamza and Zain will have gained experience from last year and will be all the more dangerous because of it. XXIV Club “B” with Beatnik Rubane leading them could also cause a surprise or two. St Pauls “D” are a completely new team not just to this league but also table tennis! They are run by Paul Dracup and his two sons Felix and Alex with a forth player Felix Whitechaple, they have been stuck in at the deep end but it could a case of  kill or cure for them. Heathfield are back in the fold with Bob Tidbury, Andy Brooks, Harry Greatwood and Ken Burgess, I think they will be quite competitive and possibly challenge for a top 4 finish.

If you are interested in playing Table Tennis look up one of the many clubs in Wandsworth where you can join in. Players of all skill levels are welcome for coaching, practice or match play, from beginner to national level. Click this link to see clubs in Wandsworth.