Posts in category: Masters

The Over 40s groups stage provided fireworks immediately! Allen Robson prevailed over Dave Pemberton and Norman Nabney in one close fought  group. Paul Dilger lost out by the minimum margin in five sets to both Rory Scott and Paul Norgrove. At the knockout stage, Allen beat Kevin Mackey 11-9 in the fifth, while Phil Wallace had good wins over Pemberton and Scott. However, Daryl Strong continued his fine start to the season with an emphatic display in the final, beating clubmate Phil in straight sets.

The Ladies event was dominated by Annemarie, without dropping a set in a flawless display. However, Paula and Ikuko can take satisfaction from the marked improvement in their challenge to Gillian and Sharon. Coming events will be approached with an enhanced level of expectation…

Dave Pemberton beat Kevin Mackey in the final of the 50s, accounting for Pat McCloughan in the semi-final. Kevin continues to improve his performance level since his return to tournament play. “Really getting to like this new blade, with a softer Tenergy on the backhand” gives a hint of his future intent. Pat had two gruelling five set matches with Mark McAlister and Allen Robson. His allcourt topspin attack against Robson’s long pimple defensive wiles was a fabulous encounter for those fortunate to see it. Also, Dave Cunningham can be pleased with his performance here.

Maestro Tommy Caffrey beat Finn in the 60s final. Jim Storey was most unfortunate to lose to Brian in the early knockout stage. However, a regrettable administration error meant that Norman Nabney’s entry never made it to the table at all!! Lessons have been learned.

An Old Firm 70s final saw Tommy triumph over Martin. This event produced several five setters, the most notable being Ken Peare’s victory over Liam.

We must thank all those who helped set up the hall, and who umpired matches so readily. Special mention must go to Denis, Jimmy Fleming, and Jim Storey in this regard. The efforts of Stephen and Anthony at Pobalscoil Iosolde, and Henrik of TT Leinster, are greatly appreciated. Apologies are due to those affected by any errors on the Entry Form. Corrective measures will be put in place. Dave and Sharon are commended for running the tournament and providing access to refreshments. Best wishes to Ger and Sharon for a good recovery from challenging physical ailments.

Some superb table tennis was on display at the recent Championships at Wayside TTC. In the Over 40s, Tibor Pofok overcame Philip Wallace in the group stage. This upset heralded a quarter final meeting between Philip and Ormeau clubmate Daryl Strong. An engaging five setter saw Daryl emerge on a scoreline of 5,-8,-7,6,7. Subsequently, Dave Pemberton ousted Tibor in five sets also. Leading 2-1, but 5-9 down in the fourth in his semi-final against Daryl, Rory Scott displayed great defensive skills and a really aggressive forehand to set up match point at 10-9. With a long, wily rally from the back stanchion, Daryl  weathered the storm, and ultimately went on to win the match 8,-8,-9,10,3. Rory was very disappointed with his strangely subdued form in the final set. Daryl emerged as champion beating Dave Pemberton 3-0 in the final to retain the Harry O’Prey Trophy.

Former champion Jean Wyse made a welcome return to compete for  the Luke Murray Perpetual Trophy along with seven other contestants. The round robin format produce unexpected results, with all contestants losing at least one match each. Paula O’Neill scored a great win over Ger, -7,-5,10,15,9. Paula also lost narrowly to Gillian in the fifth. Jean beat Ger 4,9,11. Annemarie lost to Ger 0-3. However, her 3-1 win over Jean was the critical result, which meant Annemarie won the title. This was a very good competition enjoyed by all of the contestants. “The trip from Ennis was well worth it! Happy that I came” was Jean’s verdict. 

Match of the day was the final of the 50s with Pat McCloughan and Dave Pemberton vying for the David Addy Trophy. An absorbing topspin duel, with both players covering the court, left nothing to choose between them, and a fifth set was always on the cards. Trailing 1-4, Dave levelled at 5 all,…”Time out”. On Dave’s serve, Pat won tight exchanges at the net to lead 7-5. Dave levelled again at 9-9. Pat hit a superb backhand return winner off Dave’s serve. Dave saved the match point, and emerged victorious on a scoreline -9,11,-9,13,11. Another colossal match between these rivals!

Maestro Tommy Caffrey prevailed in both the 60s and 70s events. However, he had to withstand a tremendous challenge from Philip Shaw in the 60s final. Reading the spin well, Philip killed some fabulous winners on both wings to win the first 11-7. Tommy made some subtle tactical changes and some tremendous returns to frustrate Philip subsequently. The fifth set opened in a concentrated, cautious fashion, both players reluctant to force matters. At 5-5, Philip became a little impatient or perhaps determined to force the issue. However, he failed to breach the “wall” which Tommy constructed, lost his focus somewhat, and played some loose shots. Tommy won on a scoreline of -7,7,-6,5,7. “I’ve learned a lot from that particular match! First time in a final against Tommy” was Philip’s assessment. In the 70s, Tommy beat old rival Martin Pickles in four sets at the end of a long day.

Congratulations to all of the victors. Our thanks to members of Wayside TTC, treasurer Sharon, referee Dave, and all who helped set up the hall and umpire matches during the event.

Best wishes to all of our members who are coping with illness at this time.

Please see for full results from the event  here

A high quality field provided some enthralling encounters in the Over 40s event. In the first knockout round, the defensive wiles of Rory Scott prevailed over the spin attack of Tibor Pofok on a scoreline of 12,-7,-10,8,10. However, Rory had no answer for the power game of debutant Philip Wallace in the semi- final.

Philip Shaw used his committed forehand drives to great effect against Daryl Strong in the  other semi-final. Several long rallies presented a great spectacle, but the players may not have thought so. Daryl was fortunate to win in the fifth. Team mates Phil and Daryl played a tremendous match in the final. However, Phil always had the edge in the final game, winning it 11-6.

The Ladies event provided a nail-biting countback at the group stage. Paula O’Neill scored a tremendous early win over Sharon. However, when Irene McNevin beat Paula later, Paula slipped from third place to fourth! Sharon went on to test Teresa to the max in the semi-final, just missing out in the critical exchanges at the close. In the final, Teresa was progressing favourably, leading 8-3 in the third. An innocuous edge ball seemed to disrupt Teresa’s concentration. Ger gained momentum, hitting forceful winners to both wings. Eventually, Ger ran out as a worthy winner on a scoreline of -6,7,9,4. Doubtless, Paula, Irene and Sharon will gain much confidence from their performances here. Let’s hope this heralds a sustained increase in the numbers of ladies playing in our events!

In the 50s, Pat McCloughan’s consistent top spin game from both wings proved too good on the day, beating Dave Pemberton to claim the title,-7,-9,7,8,7. Maestro Tommy Caffrey reigned supreme in the 60s and 70s. He beat Philip Shaw 3-1 in the 60s semi -final.Then, trailing 5-8 in the first, he skewered our bemused Secretary with a devastating burst of ten points from eleven to win 9,6,9 in the final. Subsequently, in a depleted 70s event, he beat Martin Pickles 4,7,-10,-9,4 to claim the spoils. It must be said that a flickering oil gauge indicator light disrupted Kieran Burke’s mindset for the entire day, coming, trying to play, and going. “Things can only get better, Kieran!”

We are most grateful to all at Wayside TTC for their contribution to a successful day. The efforts of all who helped with catering, umpiring, setting up, taking down tables and barriers, are greatly appreciated. Sharon, Dave and Brian should be pleased with the outcome overall!

Our best wishes go to our members who are coping with illness at this time.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The well appointed interiors of Wayside Celtic Clubhouse were a haven of refuge for the 40 competitors at the IVTTS Masters Classification tournament. The heavens truly were open for business outside! This first event of our season provided some memorable encounters. The efforts of the intrepid Rory Scott to reach the venue paid a handsome dividend. Using his long pimples with some audacious counter attack, he secured a hard fought triumph over Dave Pemberton in the fifth. This set up a repeat of the final at our National Championships with Daryl Strong. On this occasion, Rory emerged the winner from an absorbing contest on a scoreline of -5,7,-8,5,8. Rory’s recent training regimen has been well rewarded indeed! Paul Gallagher’s progress to the semi-final was also noted.

The Ladies event provided some good matches, without any major upsets. Sharon Brien’s efforts at the World Championships in Alicante have honed an edge to her game, and she extended Teresa in five close sets. Engaging performances here from Susan and Ger augur well for the Six Nations and British League next month.

Paul Gallagher continued the upward trend in his recent performances in the Over 50s. Victories over Dave Pemberton and Jim Storey to win his group were most impressive. Both matches went to five sets, and he saved two match points against Jim. Dave went on to beat Pat McCloughan in a high octane semi-final in five sets. Old rivalry with Kariem Sabir was rekindled in the final, but Dave was always in control of the exchanges.

The Over 60s saw some notable performances, especially with a reinvigorated Ollie Adamson. Eyebrows were raised at some backhand winners from Denis Kelly in a strong showing against Kieran Burke! Denis obviously benefits from his new committee status. Norman Nabney put in another sterling effort against Tommy Caffrey, but two committed forehand winners towards the end saw the maestro prevail 11-8 in the fifth. Umpire Jim Fleming is to be commended. Caffrey then overcame Adamson by a similar margin in the semi-final, before beating Kieran Burke in the final.

There was unstinting effort from all concerned in the Over 70s event. Warming to his task, Ollie took Tommy Caffrey to five sets in the group stage; beat Martin Pickles in the semi-final and succumbed to Caffrey again in the final. An impressive performance, not having touched a bat in eighteen months! However, Tommy just continued on from where he left off last season… Great to see Ron Drain, Ted, and Neil back in contention.

The withdrawal of several entrants was disappointing for the organisers and those competitors who did play. Travelling conditions may have been a mitigating factor, however. Ger, Sharon and Dave, supported by Jim and Brian, did a very able job in running things. The catering was greatly appreciated by all. We are grateful to Wayside TTC, Terenure TTC and Table Tennis Ireland for their support.

Our best wishes go to Willie Cherry for a speedy recovery!

Good Luck to all of our teams at the Six Nations in Ellesmere Port!

The Masters Leinster Open is on 22 October, venue to be confirmed.

A quality entry of 53 competitors contributed to an enjoyable day of TT commitment, angst, distraction, disappointment and considerable skill at the Masters National Championships at Dundrum TTC.

Proceedings were enhanced with a social visit from the Brothers Greene, rekindling memories of great Glenalbyn days of yore!! A plethora of wildcard entrants, coupled with some disappointing no­shows, delivered a skewed knockout draw in the Over 40s. After several close encounters in earlier rounds, the final could not but be a close affair.

Daryl Strong produced a controlled tactical plan to go 2­-1 up in games, and seemed to be well in control in the fourth. Rory Scott called a time­out at 4­-7, regathered his composure, and with a surprising level of aggression, he won that game to set up the decider. Again, Daryl reached a commanding position, leading comfortably, three points from victory. A combination of nerve and a spirit of nothing to lose saw Rory recover to a position of 9­-10, whereupon Daryl called a time­out. On the next point, Daryl engineered the winner with some deft but aggressive placements, capturing the Harry O’Prey Trophy at his first attempt. An excellent final was thoroughly appreciated by the spectators. 

Marius Berende and Brian McRandal can be pleased with their performances here.

The ladies were determined to put on a fine display, and did they ever deliver! Beginning in early afternoon, their round robin produced several quality encounters. In the standout match, Sharon just had the edge to beat Gillian 17­-15 in a gripping fifth game. When all the glitter had settled, Teresa had emerged victorious with the McKee Trophy, while Anne Marie finished as the worthy runner up.

Concluding after 7pm, exhausted but happy contestants were left to reflect on a good day’s play. Nobody dared to suggest a little retail therapy at Harvey Nichols nearby!

Pat McCloughan put in a resolute performance to win the David Addy Trophy for the Over 50 event at the first time of asking. Norman Nabney put in a remarkable effort just to reach the final here. Keld Jaksland simply ran out of match­point saving strokes eventually. 0.973, 0.96, 0.935 were the fine margins which decided the outcome of one closely contested 60s preliminary group in favour of Liam Perris… (there has to be a song in there somewhere.)

It was marvellous to see Ted Mahaffy and Des Ryan Senior competing in the Over 70s event. Sadly, late withdrawals disrupted proceedings here. However the trend for the season prevailed in both 60 and 70 domains. Maestro Tommy Caffrey beat Martin Pickles in both ​finals. After a recent triumphant performance for the Belfast League team, a bemused Pickles was nonplussed after his matches with Il Serenissimo!! “ It was just like playing against the wall; he kept on getting everything back.” Which, of course, is where Tommy started way, way back when…

During the 60s final, the proprietor was concerned when matters reached 8-­8 in a dogged, dour opening game. Looking at his watch, he opined that the hall would be closed before the second match between the pair could be completed. To assuage his anxiety, the referee suggested that the second match could be postponed until the next tournament in Galway, if needed. Preparations were made for expedite. Of course, to great relief, thereafter both matches seemed to whizz by!

Alan Lyons, Michael Ussher and Ken Peare were the winners of the consolation events.

Our thanks to Roman and PingZone for hosting the tournament! Most competitors expressed satisfaction with the equipment and the refreshments. Sharon, Dave, Denis and so many willing umpires enabled most things to run smoothly, and to a conclusion. Sadly, doubles did not come on stream!

Our best wishes to all of our members heading to Alicante for the Veterans World Championships, with a special mention for Des Ryan, pére et fils!!

Now, if intrepid Ulster folk could be prevailed upon to follow travel instructions reasonably, they could avoid seeing Hollywood en route to Stillorgan…