The first weekend of the English Table Tennis Associations (ETTA), premier junior event, “Junior British League” took place at Loughborough University on the 13th and 14th of October 2007.
37 tables in 2 halls needed to be used continuously throughout the weekend. A number of juniors playing are part of the BTTF Olympic squads, so the Welsh continent (some of whom were playing JBL for the first time), certainly had their work cut out.
Toughest task fell to Patrick Thomas playing in a “Waterside” team in Boys Division 1. Patrick finished the weekend with 8 wins, an excellent performance.
Patrick’s sister Chloe, played for Waterside B, another difficult set of matches in girls division 1. Chloe has played with Waterside in previous seasons in JBL and recorded wins over 3 other players.
“North Gwent” fielded a new look team for this season, previous players Ceri James and Daniel O’Connell were joined by Johnathan Evans of Hampshire. Johnathan is well known to Carmarthen players as his father David grew up in the town, and Johnathan has played a few games with them on visits to Wales.
Boys Division 2 of JBL was never going to be easy, memories of last seasons battles and losses were still fresh in everyone’s minds, however 2 hard fought victories and a draw on the Saturday saw North Gwent top of division 2B at the end of the first days play. Sunday’s first match was a draw, the last match of the weekend (Barnet) was “the big one”, as far as the division was concerned with North Gwent and Barnet first and second at this point. Sadly Barnet won 4-2, leaving North Gwent second in the division, however players and parents from North Gwent are looking forward to a re-match at the next weekend in February. Ceri, Daniel, and Johnathan, all gave their best, (results below).
It was encouraging to see a new “All Wales” girl’s team make their debut in JBL, Natasha Rees, Megan Phillips, Angharad Phillips, and Amy Palin forming Batts Racquetsports in girls division 2. Usually a new team must play a qualifying event in August where they must prove their playing ability (and several teams are always disappointed), before being allowed into JBL, however the standard of these players meant that organisers were content to allow them direct entry. This decision was proved correct and at the end of the weekend, they top Girls Division 2! They are separated from their nearest rivals (Peniel A) only by “ends for” and “ends against” so the Batts Racquetsports match against Peniel A on the final weekend in February is going to be “one to watch!” Well done players, parents, and coaches!
The next (and final) weekend will be held at Aldersley Leisure Village Wolverhampton on the 9th and 10th of February 2008.
Averages of all Welsh Players;
Player.................... Div .... Played .. Won .. Lost .. Average (%)
Patrick Thomas ........ 1 ....... 10 ....... 8 ..... 2 ....... 80
Chloe Thomas .......... 1 ....... 10 ....... 3 ..... 7 ....... 30
Natasha Rees .......... 2 ....... 8 ......... 8 ..... 0 ...... 100
Megan Phillips .......... 2 ....... 8 ......... 6 ..... 2 ...... 80
Amy Palin ................ 2 ....... 6 ......... 4 ..... 2 ...... 66.66
Angharad Phillips ....... 2 ....... 8 ......... 4 ..... 4 ...... 50
Daniel O’Connell ........ 2 ....... 10 ........ 9 ..... 1 ...... 90
Ceri James .............. 2 ....... 10 ........ 5 ..... 5 ...... 50
Johnathan Evans ...... 2 ....... 10 ........ 2 ..... 8 ...... 20