ADTTA Handbook 2003-2004
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At the first meeting, prior to the start of the season, the Committee decided that the league should comprise of two divisions instead of three as only 22 teams had registered. Sadly Ellon Ospreys and one of the McClymont teams did not re-enter, however there was a welcome addition in Crown Terrace Methodists who have proved to be very enthusiastic in their first season. Terry has been particularly impressed with the excellent management of the team by their secretary, Nigel Herbert, and we hope that they continue in the league for many more years.
McClymont A (Nick Baxter, Lewis Wilson, Nicol Craig, Calum Findlater, Ross Martin), with the loss of only one match, claimed the first division championship although the runners-up spot is still unclear as the main contenders, University Eagles and Triangle Pumas, still have fixtures outstanding. Indeed, the only team in this division to complete their fixtures at the time of writing is Seaton Seniors. In a highly competitive second division where the lead changed regularly, Triangle Swifts (George Keith, Robert Tanner, Jim Milne, Doug Farquharson, Graham McHugh) snatched the title from the grasp of second placed Hall & Tawse. With only two matches to play, Swifts recorded 9-1 and 10-0 victories to overhaul their nearest rivals. It is pleasing to be able to report that only a handful of matches remain unplayed and the teams in this division are congratulated on their efforts.
Once again a large vote of thanks goes to our sponsors - the Hawthorn Bar, Aberdeen Control and TDC Aberdeen Ltd.
Cup Competitions
The KO Cup final was an all Triangle affair with Swifts taking on Pumas in what proved to be a closely fought match. Once again the importance of every point was vital as, although Pumas actually won by five games to four, Robert Tanner’s unbeaten outing for Swifts helped them clinch victory by a mere five points. It was third time lucky for Banchory Pipistrelles in the final of the Grampian Trophy. Having been runners-up in the previous two seasons, they recorded a comfortable defeat over Triangle Swifts earlier this week to take the honours. CS Surfers will meet Triangle Pumas in the final of the North of Scotland Shield.
North Open
Thanks to sponsorship from The Ashvale Fish Restaurant and support from The Pecten Club, who provided Woodbank as the venue, The North Open returned to Aberdeen in October, with players from the McClymont in sparkling form. David Low, Stuart Matthew, Lewis Wilson and Nick Baxter reached the quarter-finals of the Men’s Singles although only Stuart progressed to the semi’s where he lost out to the top seed and eventual winner, Perth’s Gavin Rumgay. Nicol Craig was a double winner on the day, capturing the Junior Boys and teaming up with Gavin Rumgay to win the Men’s Doubles. The Ladies Singles title went to Aberdeen University’s Claire Bentley with the Ladies Doubles event won by Stephanie Matthew and Gillian Edwards. Stephanie narrowly lost out in a thrilling five set Junior Girls final against Laura Rumgay while Jonathon Milne also went down in the final of the Cadet Boys. Although the entry was lower than that of recent years, most of the top seeds in the eleven events were in attendance and both players and spectators agreed that it was an excellent tournament.
North Confined
Due to the poor entry over recent years, which consisted mainly of players from the McClymont and University, the Committee decided not to hold a North Confined this season. Hopefully, with a bit more support from all players in the league, we may be able to hold this again in the near future.
Festival Weekend
A strong squad of 13 players plus NPC’s Max Singer, Charlie Matthew and Derek Milne made the long journey down to Largs for the annual Festival Weekend. Once again our teams performed exceptionally well in the Interleague event with the Men’s team successfully regaining their title following some tense and exciting matches. The Junior Boys team were runners-up to Edinburgh while the Ladies and Cadet Boys teams were placed third in their respective events. Congratulations go to all the players involved who are as follows:
Men – Lewis Wilson, Ross Martin, Stuart Matthew, Nick Baxter
Ladies – Gillian Edwards, Stephanie Matthew, Natalie Gallan
Junior Boys – Nicol Craig, Calum Findlater, Kris Stuart, Philip Adams
Cadet Boys – Jonathon Milne, Greig Matthew
At the Scottish Closed Championships, Nicol Craig completed his hat-trick by adding the Junior Boys title to that of the Minor and Cadet ones won in earlier years, while Lewis Wilson and Stephanie Matthew teamed up to triumph in the Mixed Doubles.
And Finally
It is sad to report that Derek Murison, a valued member of the CS Mariners team for many years right up until December, passed away after a short illness earlier this year. I had the pleasure of playing against Derek in the league several times and always found him courteous, sporting and good-natured - a true gentleman amongst sportsmen.
Thanks go, as always, to my fellow Committee members for their continued hard work, enthusiasm and help throughout the season and to the coaches who have again done sterling work to ensure that table tennis in Aberdeen continues to flourish.