News & Views from the Colchester Table Tennis League
with Press Officer Martyn Green

8th September-2009
H20 ROWHEDGE STRENGTHEN SQUAD

Reigning Colchester & District Table Tennis League Division One Champions H20 Rowhedge B have a new name - now taking over the ‘A’ team status and a new player- former Chelmsford men’s champion Steve Joslin. Despite losing current Junior champion Mike Shore, off to study at Newcastle University they will be bolstered by the full time return of Antony Greenwood who was unbeaten in the few games he played last season. Brentwood’s Mark Mulley returns for a second season whilst he completes his degree at Essex University . Michael Andrews skippers the team but will miss at least two matches in September, which is where Joslin’s contribution could prove crucial.

Their main rivals Gt Horkesley A, who drove them so close last season will surely be weakened by the loss of Veteran’s champion Jimmy Farrow and have signed Suffolk county player Jake Collins, although unlikely to play regularly. There is a welcome return from Colin Bennett, formerly of Dedham. Their ‘B’ team may once again struggle without the vastly experienced Ian Brown.

With Dave Cole’s continued absence, abroad on a business engagement, H20 Rowhedge B will rely on Kevin Gowlett who joins Dave Moss and John Andrews in effect an amalgam of last years ‘A’ and ‘C’ teams, albeit without Alan Burgess surprisingly dropping down a division.

St Mary’s A will hope to improve on fifth place considering they boast reigning Men’s champion Greg Green and runner up Gary Young as well as Ladies champion Sue Welham.

Rayne are always a danger with Steve Kerns taking on the captaincy from Ian Whiteside, who remains as a player and are once again supported by a host of top Braintree players although they will miss the services of Andrew McEwan, returning to Warwick University for most of their campaign.

Walton, like Rowhedge feature three teams in the top flight and feature Clacton Men’s champion Colin Stallwood and Veteran’s champion Martin Hogg in their ‘A’ team but will need more commitment if they are to mount a serious challenge.

Newly promoted H20 Rowhedge C have two quality players in Fred Button and Phil Smith and if Smith’s son Mark can continue his promise, should stay up.

Division Two unfortunately will not feature Jobserve this term who have withdrawn, replaced at the eleventh hour by H20 Rowhedge I, immediately installed as favourites. Their line-up includes Division One stalwarts Alan Burgess and Dave Harrison as well as up-and-coming Cadet champion Andrew Harvey. They will be challenged by a strong Walton D line-up that just missed out on promotion last year as well at the three Peter’s from their ‘D’ team.

The two teams promoted from Division Four will cause much interest in the higher echelon with the dangerous Colin Powell playing more regularly and the return of former league player Nigel Claydon joining the talented Brett Angel at H20 Rowhedge F. Look out to for the ladies from Gt Horkesley D who will hope to consolidate Division Three status.

Division Four welcomes back the University of Essex after an absence of over thirty years!

Any youngsters interested in playing or being coached should contact Alan Burgess on 01206 843106. For more information about Table Tennis in Colchester visit colchestertabletennis.org.uk