Strangford A edge closer to league crown

12 February 2025

STRANGFORD A.............................7

BANBRIDGE A................................3

STRANGFORD placed one hand on the league title with victory over Banbridge in a tightly contested affair.

They went into the match with an unbeaten record, but it was Banbridge that started on top, putting the first point on the board when Brian Morrow claimed a four-set win against Colin McKinty.

Vignesh Muthsamy followed up with success over John McCusker, rallying round from two sets down to win the next three.

Joe McConville pulled one back with his straight set win over Ala AL J, before McCusker squared the tie against Morrow.

Strangford pulled ahead with victory in the doubles and with McConville getting the better of Muthsamy over four games, they looked to be on course for an overall triumph.

However, Muthsamy responded to beat McKinty and leave it all to play for heading into the final games.

Morrow started well against McConville, winning the first game, but the next two sets were shared and the Strangford man claimed the decider.

McConville’s victory was the inspiration Strangford needed and with McCusker and McKinty winning the last two games to ensure the overall win, it will take something monumental to stop Strangford from claiming the title.

STRANGFORD B.............................0

BANBRIDGE B..............................10

STRANGFORD B and Banbridge B mirrored the game that was played out by their clubs’ A teams, producing an entertaining contest.

Marion Rooney got the game underway for Strangford and while she scored well, Banbridge’s Gary Smith took the point in straight sets.

Nuala Hynds, who is now a regular in the team, equally recorded excellent scores against Derek Reay, while the evergreen Cormac Reilly gave a good account of himself and showed he is always ready to step into competitive play when required.

The remainder of matches where played in good humour and despite falling to repeat, Strangford B can be pleased with their overall team performance.

ST JOHN’S B...................................7

OWENBEG A...................................3

OWENBEG A always knew St John’s B were going to be tough opponents and the resulting games proved just how strong the hosts can be.

Sean Poland got St John’s off to a good start with a four-set win against Hugh Scott, but Owenbeg were not to be written off and immediately replied when Pat Mulholland saw off Terry Murphy to level the scores.

Jim Mills restored the home advantage with his win over Jason Gill and although Owenbeg won the next two matches, they ran out of gas in the closing games and St John’s sprinted to a comfortable finish.

ST JOHN’S A.................................10

OWENBEG B...................................0

OWENBEG B were aware that they were unlikely to get anything from their clash with St John’s B but, to their credit, they made their opponents work hard for their wins.

John Magee found John McEvoy to be a tough nut to crack, but a couple of points here and there proved to be the decider as he edged to a nine-point winning margin.

Manus McEvoy enjoyed his match against stalwart Vincey Poland as St John’s made it two from two, while Brian McGrillen completed the first round of wins for St John’s when he got the better of Geraldie Magill.

Owenbeg never gave up in the remainder of games and despite losing, they can be pleased with their team performance overall.

BANBRIDGE A................................9

BANBRIDGE B................................1

HOME matches between club mates always provide members with the opportunity to face each other in a competitive setting and this fixture was a perfect example of that.

With many of the ‘Bat and Chat’ players in action, it was a night of social table tennis and Gary Smith was the man to get the ball rolling, seeing off Ryan Cairns in four sets.

Vignesh Muthusamy evened the scoring, despite being made to work for his straight set win over Lorraine Smith.

Ala Al J gave the A team a 2-1 lead in a high scoring match when the second set of games got underway.

The remainder of the matches where equally well contested and the evening drew to a close when the B team put their first point on the board.

Well done to both teams.

The first session of the Lecale League’s ‘Bat and Chat’ coaching programme took place in Drumaness on Friday, February 7.

Members from the host club and Ballymote Community Centre, Downpatrick, were given expert tuition from Irish Table Tennis Association coach Aleks Bartusik.

The programme is rolling out throughout district and if you would like further information, please contact Lecale League secretary Jim Ritchie at jimritchie1@yahoo.co.uk.

For information on all Lecale League matches and latest league news, you can access the Lecale Table Tennis League blog via your usual search engine.

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