Table Tennis Club

The local Wembley and Harrow Schools League, in its second year, again proved very popular, and we achieved not a little success. Two teams were entered in the Open (Under 19) Competition. Our 1st team won Division 1 undefeated and were awarded a certificate and medals. The winning team was V. Griffiths, P. Tora and D. Dury, with S. O'Malley playing on two occasions, and all players showing consistent form throughout the season.

In Division 2, our 2nd team finished second, losing only to Harrow Technical College. Team members were P. O'Malley, S. O'Malley. M. Augier, J. Sugrue and B. Mulcahy.

In the Junior (Under 15) Competition, we entered two teams, with our 1st team winning the competition and our 2nd team finishing runners-up. The winning team players, P. Tora, D. Dury and S. O'Malley, were awarded a certificate and individual medals. The second team, J. Sugrue, B. Mulcahy and M. Augier, played well throughout the season, losing only to the 1st team. Many younger players made their debut in the junior teams, including A. Coburn. D. Brendish, M. Clements and M. Ryan, with all showing promise for next season.

Several friendly matches were arranged with other schools and we emerged triumphant in all encounters. Opponents included Merchant Taylors School and Copeland School.

Many school players again entered the Junior Singles of the Wembley and Harrow League Closed Tournament, which was held at Kodak. Each year sees further progress towards the Final and V. Griffiths, S. O'Malley. D. Dury and P. Tora did well before succumbing to older, more experienced players. While all first team players maintained consistent form and progress, special mention should perhaps be made of S. O'Malley, who changed from a defensive to an attacking style with success. He has been chosen to represent Wembley and Harrow in the under-17 team, with P. Tora as reserve. Our congratulations go to both on being the first school players to gain local representative honours at table tennis.

Several other league and county closed championships were entered, and while no successes ensued against very stiff opposition from all over the country, progress into further rounds of the competitions than last year, was effected, and valuable experience gained.

Many school players and others took advantage or the European Table Tennis Championships being held at Wembley Empire Pool this year to see Europe's best players in action. Apart from Chester Barnes, British players disappointed, (many of our own thinking they could do better!) while the Swedish players were universal favourites. Free tickets were available for the opening rounds and a School group attended the Finals' Night.

A coaching day arranged by Mr. J. Carrington, the national coach, was held during the holidays at Stanmore Sportsdrome and proved very enjoyable and instructive to the many players, especially younger ones, who attended.

The Wembley and Harrow Schools League is to continue on the same basis again next season and a Knockout Cup Competition is to be introduced. With many younger players showing promise and challenging for team places we can again hope for another highly enjoyable and successful season.

In conclusion all team players would like to express a deep vote of gratitude to Mr. P. Hartin, who on innumerable occasions and perhaps to his inconvenience, arranged their transport to away matches, encouraged their hopes, and played a far from small part in their success.

"TOPSPIN"