Drumlough’s superb night

Drumlough’s superb night

15 March 2023

IN the Intermediate section of the East Down Churches Table Tennis League, Drumlough A earned a most important victory over St John’s B.

This was a match that St John’s had hopes of winning or, at worst, getting a draw.

The game that swung the match the way of Drumlough was the surprise runaway win by Harold Kerr 11-7, 11-5, 11-3 over Vincey Poland, who in his other game against 

Bobby Cairns just managed a total of 16 points.

Vincey never does well on the Drumlough table.

The other game that swung things the way of the home team was the singles between young Sophie Jordan and Ann Poland, with the least experienced Sophie winning 13-11, 11-9, 9-11, 10-12, 11-4.

Earlier Ann just managed to better Betty Jones 13-11, 11-8, 11-9.

Best for St John’s was Sean Poland, who beat Sophie 11-8, 4-11, 11-5, 12-10 and then Betty in smooth fashion.

Once again Harold Kerr just squeezed home against Michael Carey.

The doubles games were shared, with Drumlough winning the top doubles.

ANNAHILT B.......................30

ST JOHN’S B.......................50

THIS match was the last to take place in the intermediate section following postponements.

With nothing at stake, St John’s captain Vincey Poland decided to give super sub Frank McKeown another match and he also gave Ciaran Doran his first match in the league, in place of wife Ann.

Frank certainly can play and a first class display saw him just better none other than top lady player, Sandra Shaw 7-11, 

11-8, 7-11, 11-5 – a great performance.

He also put up a great display to better Brian Jennings in fine style 11-4, 11-3, 11-9, 7-11.

Full marks also to Ciaran as he didn’t look like a newcomer when recording an excellent 11-4, 11-7, 11-7, 7-11 win over Jennings.

His 24 points’ tally against Sandra Shaw is one he can feel proud of.

The second singles played between Jack Shaw and Sean Poland was a hard-hitting affair with Jack just winning 11-7, 11-7, 7-11, 9-11.

Annahilt B: 389 and 30 for 419.

St John’s B: 330 and 50 for 350.

The teams meet again in the Knockout Cup and in the league.

Player of the week: Frank McKeown.

Championships: Monday, March 20