The coming 1977/78 season should prove to be very interesting, probably more so than usual. In April we witnessed in Birmingham table tennis of the highest standard imaginable - the World Championships, which as most of you will probably know were monopolised in the final stages by the Oriental players.

Many memorable games were played, all of which will have promoted a keen interest not only to those already involved but to those who, as a result of seeing some of the play, are now endeavouring to take an interest in this much under-rated sport. Many of the skills will have been watched with the thought in mind "I'll have a go at that myself next season."

The Eastern players of course tend to favour the 'pen hold' grip (hope you were watching Paul!) however, this is not the case in this country where we tend to adopt the orthodox 'tennis' grip. We also saw the now infamous 'high throw service' - very disconcerting for the receiving player. Gone are the days when the service was just a means of setting the game in motion. During the World Championships we often saw five points won on the service ball and not only by the Orientals.

Watching some of the Orientals and top-class Europeans you begin to realise that it is the understanding of the various spins on the ball which largely accounts for the big difference between a good player and a beginner.

Our winter season is due to start towards the end of September and hopefully all interested parties will have had plenty of practice by that time.

The Individual summer League has proved to be a success, with fourteen players contesting this new competition. Malcolm Glenn has won this new league with comparative ease, losing only three games in the thirteen matches. Ron Moll tried hard to upset Malcolm but finished the season having lost only one match – to Malcolm, of course. Two matches are still to be played but the table at present stands thus:

(*One point awarded to each player for void match.)

Of the three games that Malcolm lost (to Ron Moll, Paul Bumford and Chriss Watson) perhaps the one lost to Chriss Watson points to how unfortunate it was that Chris, for social reasons, was unable to fulfil his commitments, as seven of his games were forfeited.

A special word must be given to Mark Rust and Bob Linley who, as you see, did not enjoy a very successful programme. Both entered the competition as new faces in the table tennis section and have improved in standard and confidence as the competition has progressed.

Soon we shall be arranging our annual Knock-cut tournament, which was won last year by Malcolm Glenn, who defeated Paul Bumford in the final. We may also have a doubles tournament this year if sufficient interest is shown.

J.W.Hoccom Challenge Trophy 1977

The Preliminary and First rounds should be completed by the middle of August, and in fact the first result of the competition is already in, with the holders, Yorks. & Lincs. T.S.B. 'A' defeating North East T.S.B. 'A' in Darlington by 8-2.

Our own two teams have been drawn as follows:

Preliminary Round

B.M.T.S.B. 'B’   v   Leics. & Notts. T.S.B. 'A'

First Round

Leics. & Notts. T.S.B. 'B'     v          B.M.T.S.B. ‘A’

B.M.T.S.B. 'B, or Leics. &

     Notts. T.S.B. 'A'                v         Altrincham Comp. Services ‘A’

This year's final will be staged in York on a Sunday in November. Keep watching the Newsletter for the latest results.

John Hall, Hon. Secretary.

CONTACT: Christmas 1977