Week Commencing 17th January 2005

The Wiltshire Closed

Roofe takes Wiltshire Veterans title

In the absence of Kevin Satchell, Eddie Roofe (Swindon) was seeded No1 and duly took the Men’s Veterans singles title in three straight games against Gary Baldwin (West Wilts), the No.3 seed, with scores of 11-9, 11-8 and 11-8. Rallies were impressive with both players on fine form and exchanges at high speed, often twelve feet back from the table. Baldwin was never in front in any game except the third, when Roofe made a major effort to recover a three-point deficit.

At the semi-final stage Roofe had eliminated Tony Mileham of the Bradford Club 11-9, 11-9, 8-11 and 11-6, whilst Baldwin defeated Trevor Lloyd, the No.2 seed, 11-4, 11-6, 5-11, 11-13 and 11-2.

Chris Manson (Swindon) retained the Veteran’s Ladies title beating Sue Stone (Devizes) 11-5, 11-6, 9-11 and 11-6.

The Doubles final was won by the powerful combination of No.1 seeds, Roofe and Baldwin, but they needed a fifth game to beat the talented and determined pairing of Trevor Lloyd and Terry Parkins, the No.2 seeds, 12-10, 9-11, 11-6, 9-11 and 11-8. This clash was followed intently by the spectators, who were treated to a first class display of table tennis.

A new event this year was the Masters Singles, an event for players over the age of 60. There were nine entrants with ages ranging from 60 to 74. Basil Thompson (Swindon) was the eventual winner over Brian Rayment (Kennet Vale) in another five game final, with scores of 11-8, 8-11, 13-11, 9-11 and 11-5. An interesting entrant was Dick Clode, once a big name in Wiltshire and who was the RAF singles champion for some years. Clode was beaten by Ray Cordery (Hullavington), the oldest player on the day, with scores of 11-9, 10-12, 11-7, 5-11 and 11-7 after some very impressive exchanges. The West Wilts Table Tennis League, who were hosts for this year, donated a fine trophy for this Masters Championship, which will now become an annual event.

The Senior and Junior Championships will take place at the West Wilts Table Tennis Centre, Trowbridge on Sunday, 20th March when International Umpire, Andy Seward, will again be the senior official as Tournament Referee.

Noel Sewell
County Press Officer,
Wiltshire Table Tennis Association