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TABLE TENNIS NEWSTable Tennis Records by Derek Harwood If you have any queries about the pictures or discriptions please e-mail me at: derek@harwoodonline.com | ||||
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| LEAMINGTON & DISTRICT CLOSED CHAMPIONSHIPS - 2007 DEREK - 'VETERAN OVER 60s' CHAMPION |  | ||||
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Derek wins the John Harwood Memorial Cup Thursday 15th March 2007 Derek beats Reg Warnes 11/9 11/8 11/5 at Radford Headquarters to become the Veteran Over 60 Singles Champion. Due to the poor turn out in this category this year (2007), with only two players entering the competition, Reg requested that the trophy was decided at Sydenham Sports Centre during the Preliminary Rounds. Rather than the Finals Night at WCC Staff Club. I preferred to play during the 'Finals Night' to catch the atmosphere of the evening. However, because I was completely shattered from playing table tennis most of the day at Sydenham and Reg was relatively fresh, we agreed, as a compromise, to play the final at the Headquarters during the afternoon of Thursday 15th March 2007, with Malcolm Macfarlane (the Association Chairman) as umpire. I was very nervous, as I knew this was my big chance to lift the cup and as each year passed, the opportunity would be more difficult as more players became eligable. Also, I knew that John would be delighted if I were to put the Harwood name on the winners side of the Harwood Cup. Unfortunately we will never know his delight until we also reach that great tournament in the sky. John was a former Treasurer and Chairman of the Association, so his interest was total. The game was very tense and I played very tentatively for the first couple of games. As a team mate of Reg's for the last 30 odd years I knew how 'awkward' a player he could be, so I was very cautious. Over the years we were doubles partners at the Championships and 'League Team' players in the Leamington & Coventry Leagues. So I never played Reg in a serious game. Only during a casual 'knock up' at practise sessions. I was delighted wben I gradually gained momentum and won the game. The score looks one sided, but I have seen Reg recover so many times from a hopeless position. Thanks to Reg and Malcolm for the opportunity to lift the cup and show the family the fruits of my efforts. I have left the family at home on so many cold winter nights, to play a league table tennis match with Reg, it is great to be able to tell everyone that I can play the game a little. I was disappointed not to play at the 'Finals Night' again, as I enjoyed the experience temendously last time. On that occassion I lifted the 'Veterans Over 50' Trophy. Beating Bert Banks after a long gruelling match which totally knocked the time schedules for the evening for six. Bert and I were both shattered. This was in the days of, best of three games up to 21. Happy memories. It's always great when you win. Unfortunately someone has to lose. Keep up the fighting spirit. Can't wait for the over 70s competition to be formed. For a comprehensive list of the event entries and winners click here http://leamingtontt.tripod.com/2006/Tourn.htm - then click on 'Results and Finals Night Schedule'. For more Leamington & District Table Tennis information and league positions see the Association webpages http://leamingtontt.tripod.com | |||||
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Derek Harwood: Copyright 2007 Devised: August 2007 | |||||