Season is brought to a finish

Season is brought to a finish

28 June 2017

THE East Down Churches Table Tennis League brought another busy and successful season to a conclusion on Saturday evening when a large attendance of players and supporters attended the annual presentation and dinner in French’s, Clough. 

Following the superb meal, league secretary Michael Carey, prior to announcing the awards, informed those present that league legend Alistair Cairns is ill at present and everyone sent their best wishes for a speedy recovery. 

The choice of player of the year was a popular one with Banbridge's Rodney Simmons being acclaimed the winner. Also popular was the choice of St John’s star Marek Shotkevitch as sportsman of the year. 

As expected, Banbridge were named club of the year. Alan Cairns, of Drumlough, was surprised to receive a prize as the season’s outstanding captain. Sadly, Alan is due to relocate to Scotland. 

The Bright players and supporters were delighted to be presented with the outstanding achievement trophy, having managed to get a player to travel from Ballyclare to play for them. They also won all the titles at the close championships. 

Full roll of honour: senior section champions, Banbridge A; intermediate section, Banbridge D; senior handicap, St John’s A; intermediate handicap, Banbridge D; Knockout Cup, St John’s A; open singles winner, Brian McCandless; subsidary singles, Arnold Ennis; doubles, Brian McCandless and Victor Edgar; JW Clarke Cup, Banbridge.

The new Sterling Cup went to St John’s, winners of the senior handicap. All trophies were presented by the league champion Derek McCann who welcomed everyone to the successful evening. 

Money raised at the charity event will be donated to a leukaemia charity.