Table Tennis Demonstration Event

[DaveR]

Come and watch table tennis played at the highest level by current and past Internationals for FREE at Westfield Table Tennis Club on Friday 20th June 2008, from 7.30pm (Doors open at 7pm).

Players include:

Andrew Rushton
· Double Commonwealth silver medallist
· National Championships silver medallist
· 3 x National U21 Champion

Tim Yarnall
· Senior National bronze medallist
· 8 x National Schools Champion
· Playing Professionally in Switzerland

Des Douglas
· 11 x National Champion
· Former European top 12 winner
· Commonwealth Champion
· Former European silver medallist

Chris Doran
· National Junior Masters Champion
· England Junior International
· England No 6 Junior

To book your place, please call or text 07734 10 40 60 or alternatively email:kevin.bird@westfieldttc.org

Click here (http://www.sportfocus.com/reguser/dynabizinfo/download.cfm?number=14028) for their leaflet.

[Mr Wilko]

Hey Mind You Have Under Sold Des There Mind Have You Forgot He Was 11 Times National Champion!!!

I Wonder Who Won This????

[DaveR]

Des is still a class act in my opinion ...........fast hands and a great guy too. Under sold is the word Wilko.

[MK Chris]

He should have top billing as well, no?

[DaveR]

http://www.sportfocus.com/newsimage/Westfield%20TTC%2008.jpg


On Friday 20th June 2008, Westfield TTC hosted a free ‘Exhibition of Table Tennis”, at Weavers Leisure Centre, in recognition of the efforts of Dave Marsh who has retired after more than 40 years involvement in local table tennis. Past and present associates representing all Dave’s extensive contacts were invited to attend.
The evening’s entertainment started with Kelly Sibley (England’s No. 1 Woman) playing against ‘Local Boy’ Chris Doran (England No. 6 Junior). A tight three-ender was played out with both Chris & Kelly demonstrating flowing, attacking table tennis.
Next up was Desmond Douglas (probably England’s best known table tennis player) against Andrew Rushton (current England No. 4 and East Midlands Regional Coach). Fast, close to the table action ensued with Des’ trademark block being used to good effect and Andrew’s youth and agility were tested.
http://www.sportfocus.com/images/dynabiz/ID3153/imggallery/7615.jpg
Chris Doran then played a challenge match against Sam Wildman (Westfield Junior member). Chris showed off his defensive skills and managed to retrieve whatever Sam threw at him.
Desmond Douglas was then challenged by young Josh Robinson (Bedford Modern School). Josh went ‘all-out’ from the off and hit a couple of sublime winners – which raised a few eyebrows, including Des’s – who had to turn on the style to keep the young man in check.
http://www.sportfocus.com/images/dynabiz/ID3153/imggallery/7616.jpg
During the interval Alex Murdoch (Chairman of the English Table Tennis Association [ETTA]) presented Dave Marsh with the ‘Maurice Goldstein’ Award. This is the highest award that the ETTA can bestow on an individual and is deserved recognition for his services to table tennis.
Following is an abbreviated list of Dave’s achievements: Dave started his administrative career in table tennis at Watford in 1967. He then founded H.W. Chapman’s Table Tennis Club in 1975. In 1985 he began Northants Schools TT Club, which became Westfield Table Tennis Club in 1986. Dave was the Development Officer at Northants Schools Table Tennis Association for 29 years. In 1996 he was appointed Northants County Development Officer and later that year started working towards a purpose-built table tennis centre. Ten years later Westfield moved to their purpose-built centre at Weavers Leisure Centre.
http://www.sportfocus.com/images/dynabiz/ID3153/imggallery/7622.jpg
A ‘Certificate of Appreciation’ was also presented to our outgoing Chairman Denis Lunney. After several years as Chairman, Denis has decided to step down. The certificate was presented to Denis as a thank you for his efforts and also for the generous sponsorship by his company (County Plumbing & Heating) during that period.
http://www.sportfocus.com/images/dynabiz/ID3153/imggallery/7613.jpg
After the break, Kelly & Chris demonstrated three different multi-ball routines with Andrew feeding. Ejaz Moghul & Ian Yarnall provided commentary to highlight the techniques being used and the benefits they provide.
http://www.sportfocus.com/images/dynabiz/ID3153/imggallery/7611.jpg
We then moved on to the last two Exhibition matches with Andrew and Kelly first up. Andrew used his experience to good effect but we were all impressed with Kelly’s power and agility around the table.
Last game of the night was Desmond Douglas against Chris Doran and what a cracker! Some of the rallies were extraordinary. Des standing up to the table and controlling the play while Chris just returned everything. Outstanding entertainment. The game was a fitting finish to a great event.
A good evening was had by all, and is one that will be remembered for a long time.

Images:
1. Desmond Douglas
2. Chris Doran
3. Dave Marsh being presented with the ‘Maurice Goldstein’ award by Alex Murdoch (Chairman ETTA)
4. Dave Marsh presenting Denis Lunney
5. Kelly Sibley
6. Andrew Rushton

[Annie]

Great pictures! :clap:

[Nunney]

great write up