From past experience, we knew this would be a difficult fixture, but we could only do our best. Like John Terry, we would be playing away, although the pleasures would only involve ball and bat. Our opponents would have the advantage of knowing the table well and would know their way to the venue, always a tricky assignment for city dwellers. Most of the snow had gone as we approached this attractive village, fighting our way through unruly herds of cows, sheep all over the place and crowds of drunken locals outside the pub munching Yorkshire pudding.

John Mitchell commenced against Derek Williamson, who briefly revealed a tanned, honed torso as he removed his track suit top. He started well as Derek adjusted to his serve, but Derek recovered well to take G1 11-9. John started talking to himself, always a sign of frustration, as more of Derek’s back hand smashes worked, taking him to 11- 4. John pulled himself together in G3, with some effective fore hand smashes, to win 11-5. At various amusing moments, Sue’s deep, slightly croaky laugh rang out, like a solitary crow on a hillside. G4 started evenly, but Derek played with care, and with the help of one fluke, won 11-5, to take the set.

Robin couldn’t cope with Don Cameron’s tricky spin serve and returned a large number into the net. He achieved some good back hand returns, but lost G1 11-6. G2 was a little closer, but Don edged to 11- 8. G3 had some exciting rallies, but the result was around the same at 11-6.

By this time, Terry had arrived after another Magical Mystery Tour of the Pennines. He needed to get warmed up quickly, so a massage was arranged with a local 25 stone milk maid, Hortense. In the warm up, a stray shot from Terry nearly turned your correspondent into the Lord Nelson of TT writers. After a tentative start, Sue Allen surged to an 11-5 win. Wearing what looked like cheap moccasins from Asda, she used her spin serve to cause Terry some problems and executed a high proportion of successful smashes to win G2 11-5. In what turned out to be the final game, things were much closer, Terry kept in touch with his usual mixture of breathtaking winners and gut-wrenching failed smashes. Sue performed a spectacularly bad serve and let out a huge roar of disapproval. It reached 11-11, but Sue produced a couple of good shots to win 13-11.

Exhorting himself to wake up, John started with more confidence against Don, using Billy Cotton’s old catch phrase, ‘Wakey, Wakey’, and moved to win G1 11-9, after Don missed the table with a crucial serve. John was now dealing with Don’s serve, and although he missed a couple of smashes, John won G2 11-7. Don fought back well in G3, steadying his game down and executing some effective forehand smashes. John started talking to himself as Don won 11-4. It seemed to work, as did more shouting as John tied up the set 11-6.

Robin then took on Sue who won G1 11-8 with some accurate returns. Robin replied to win 11-9 after some great shots, but in the remaining games could not keep the ball away from Sue’s effective forehand and she won them 11-8 & 11-7. There were some fast encounters, but Sue was too accurate overall.

I couldn’t help but notice that John seemed to be using a grotty old towel he could have stolen from a rabid tramp, but I digress. By this time, Terry and Derek were squaring up for what turned out to be a well fought encounter. Terry’s back hand flick was starting to work, but not all the time and Derek won G1 11-5. Terry smashed well in G2 and Derek was on the wrong end of a couple of flukes which dented his concentration. Terry was having regular drinks of what could have been holy water and won G2 11-6. By this time, your TT correspondent had noticed that Derek played mainly back hand with a strange oriental grip. It worked quite well, but not quite well enough and in G3, Terry edged to 12-10. Derek’s BH deteriorated in G4, while Terry stared to improve the success of his attacks. Derek told himself to wake up, but to no avail and Terry won 11-9, to take the set 3-1.

Sue started well against John, but he fought back to level at 5-5. At this stage John described his game as ‘Tripe’. Sue squealed, John howled and the game eventually went to Sue at 16-14. The match confirmed how effective TT would be on Digital Radio. John surged to 11-6 in G2 helped by some good returns (his) and some bad serves (hers). G3 started with a powerful shriek from John as he continued to play to her strong forehand and she prevailed at 11-6. In G4, we heard Sue crying out ‘Aah!’, while John admonished himself with ‘Nasty!’ It was like hearing two demented hyenas. Though winning 11-9, John denounced his performance with ‘John, you stood there like a prune!’ Sue started well in the decider, but again John fought back to get level. At 8-8, John was beginning to breathe heavily like a veteran film actor in a dimly lit love scene and ran out of steam for Sue to win 11-8 and the set.

The match had been lost by the time Terry met Don, but both continued to play competitive TT. Terry’s smashes started to work as he won G1 11-9. He further went for his shots in G2, but Don also won some good forehand smashes. However, Terry moved to 11-6. By this time, Terry was glugging water every couple of shots, like a marathon runner and Don was able to get back a game, 11-9. In G4, Don missed some smashes while Terry’s percentage improved and he won 11-7. Don had the consolation of winning the best dressed player award, with his expensive trainers, neat blue track suit, matching blue tank top, the outfit completed with an attractive blue and red bat. They are all using them these days.

Finally, Derek beat Robin 11-6, 11-4 and 11-4 using his trademark back hand and a very strange looking serve as he crouched almost below the table to impart some fiendish spin which bamboozled your Team Sec.

As usual, the match was played with good humour and sportsmanship as successful shots were applauded. The team then sped back to civilisation, having lost 3-6.

Having been told their “No.1″ , Neil Coneron had to go home early to feed the cat (or was it the wife?) we agreed to let him play his sets early.

With PeterMc beating Neil, Alan Wood doing extremely well in beating No 2 Phil Ward in a hard fought 5 setter, and Terry Allington beating both of them, Popps raced into a 4-2 lead. However we then found that we had been lulled into a false sense of security.

They brought on their resident professional, Clive Edens, who quickly disposed of Peter and Alan. Even then he nearly stumbled against our resident brick wall, Terry, who returned smash after smash from Clive, just loosing out in the 4th after some brilliant rallies.
With their Nos 1 & 2 each winning a set this gave them their 5-4 victory.

Still, this was more improvement from the Popps, having lost the first half fixture at home 7-2.

We expected Oakland Raiders, being favorites for promotion to the 1st Division, would hammer us.

So Peter started the proceedings and gave a creditable performance (he said) narrowly loosing the 2nd game (2 games to 21), total score 31-42.
The irrepressible Terry A then played Dave Whiteley and won the 2nd and total score 40-33. A great performance.

Derek G then lost against Robert Wright 16-42.

Peter’s turn again, against DW but could not cope with Dave’s spin service and was well beaten 19-42.

Derek, not on top form, then lost to SH 16-42. But Terry again turned the match around by winning his second game against RW 21-12 and achieved set score of 41-33, aother tremendous achievement.

Derek pulled himself together in his 3rd set and scored 20-42 against DW.
Peter also rallied himself against RW winning the 2nd game and achieving a 35-40 score.

Leaving the best to last Terry then had a wonderful 2 game win against Steve Horrocks, total score a magnificent 42-32 victory.

Result: Popps A 258 Oakland Raiders 348 but with our Handicap allowance of 171, this meant we won by 81 points and now go into the Quarter Finals. (Or should we quit whilst ahead ?)

PM PS Maybe in future we could save on expenses by sending Terry in on his own !

Terry’s first set, against Phil, was altogether more predicable and very much quicker with very few rallies of more than 4 strokes. Of the three Hare’s players Phil probably had the trickiest serve of all. He hardly won any points against Phil’s serve with his returns flying off the sides of the table to left or right or, to break the monotony, occasionally into the net. If and when a rally got going, usually on Terry’s serve, a few points were salvaged but the final game scores were 8 – 11, 6 – 11, 1 -11, evidence of Phil’s domination and Terry’s frustration and lack of patience.

John’s first match was against Neil. The first game showed some promise with John getting in some very good backhand drives but, like Terry before, missing too many forehand ‘winners’. He also tended to be the first to make a mistake in the longer pushing rallies. However, despite losing 7 – 11, John was settling in, finding his range and looked like he was beginning to raise his game. This was confirmed in the second game which remained close throughout with John winning 12 – 10. This may have taken it out of the old war horse though and with his forehand continuing to let him down and Neil prolonging the rallies as much as possible, the next 2 games were both lost 5 – 11. losing the set 1 game to 3.

Terry’s second set was against Simon who, chastened by his 5 game loss to Alan, started with determination and confidence. His confidence  was undoubtedly boosted by Terry’s previous less than impressive showing. And, as contenders for the Division champions in a very tight competition, every game lost could be crucial in the final reckoning. Simon made no mistake and won 7 -11, 1 -11 and 8 -11. Terry played his usual occasional dramatic backhand and forehand winners, one crashing backhand smash made from 3 feet to the side of the table with the ball at shoulder height. It could have gone anywhere and normally it would have. Fortunately on this occasion it hit the right end of the right table.

Alan’s second set against Neil was the highlight of the evening. To cut a long story short Alan won 3 games to 2 but not before losing the first two games 5 -11 and 9 -11. The key lesson to be taken from watching Alan is that he learns from the early stages of a match, sharpens up what are the vulnerable aspects of his game, and modifies his strategy to nullify his opponent’s strengths. Alan has gained a reputation from previous matches of winning 5 game sets and coming from behind. (No doubt the latter is a characteristic Yorkshire trait). His winning of the 3rd game 11 – 4 may perhaps be partly due to Neil losing a little concentration being 2 games up, but if this is the case it was his undoing. Alan went on the win the remaining 2 games 11 – 7 and 11 – 9. Neil tried to dig in and eliminate errors but Alan’s relentless concentration and consistency proved too much to resist.

Your reporter would like to draw a veil over the next 3 sets, all won comfortably by the Hares. John lost to Phil and Simon in 3 straight games. Terry played his remaining set against Neil and, as John had done earlier, managed to take a game from him. So John’s and Terry’s haul for the night was 1 game each. I suppose we shouldn’t be too disappointed given the quality of the team we were playing. And who knows, in the Greater Scheme of Things, these 2 games taken from the Hares may help the cause of the POPPs A team who are one of the contenders, with Hares, to win the Division and be promoted.

The last set was Alan against Phil and, by Alan’s standards, was a rather routine victory. He lost the first game (as usual!) 5 – 11 but in the process sussed out Phil’s demon serves and his quick fire aggressive block returns. The second game was very close as Alan developed his game strategy, winning 13 – 11 (after being 0 – 4 down). The next 2 games went Alan’s way 11 – 7 and 11 – 2. In the final game Phil’s frustration led him to go for too many winners, in contrast to how he had been playing throughout the evening, but to no avail.

The final outcome was a loss for POPPS B, 3 sets to 6. This may prove to be a crucial result as the struggle to avoid being bottom of the Division is just as close as the battle to be top so every set and game won could be vital.

Barbara was next opponent for Peter who was dispensed with in the same manner as Terry.
Score 2-2.

Terry reversed his first score by beating Josh 3-0, but then John lost to Rob.
Score 3-3.

Peter wins in 3 against Josh. John after coming back from 2 down against Barbara and leading in the 5th falls at the final hurdle (the net in this case). Score 4-4.

However,Terry, waiting patiently at the starting gate takes on Rob, gallops away in 3 straight and wins us the match, 5 sets to 4.

After a 3-6 defeat in the last encounter with the G’s this was a most satisfactory reversal in our favour.
Although we have slipped off the top spot in the Division, we still have an outside chance of a Top 2 placing, depending of course on how other results go.

A great way to celebrate being at the top of Div 3 (albeit having played more matches than the nearest challengers). Terry A lead the way with another flawless display of getting everything back —- an excellent example to all of us on how to win games.

Alan Wood gave us the most exciting match of the night to come back from 5-9 down in the 5th to win it 11-9 despite an unbelievable number of edges and nets which went in favour of his opponent. He proceeded to win his other 2 games as well.

Peter Mc also had 3 wins to make it a whitewash for Senior Citizens.

All in all very satisfactory considering that last year they beat us in both matches. A good measure on how our coach Alan Dickinson has improved our games in the last 12 months. Many thanks Alan.

Set 1 saw the 2 Terries in action with Terry A’s trademark steady returns tempting Terry w to attack, attack and attack. TW tried to tempt TA by tossing the ball up, but Terry was not to be tempted, winning G1 11-7. TW attacked hard in G2 and it worked, enabling him to level at 11-9. But the strategy did not work in G3 as TA’s defence prevailed against some wild smashes. 11-3 to TA. A mix of smashes but more misses helped Terry A to steam to 11-4 to win the first set for the ‘A’ Team,

Alan then took to the limelight, determined to stave off the lively Peter, who is capable of sensible defence and scintillating attack. However, Alan proved a harder nut to crack and played with skill and determination. He won G1 11-8, in a fast game peppered with some exciting attacking play. Peter stamped his authority on G2 during an even game, to win 11-8. At this point, I noticed that Alan’s socks appeared to be sponsored by Umbro, while his shorts seem to have come from Oxfam. Alan started well in G3, but allowed Peter to creep ahead to win 11-6. Alan took G4 by 11-5 after some good rallies, setting the scene for a decider which inched gingerly to 10 all, neither player wishing to squander a win. Alan prevailed to win 12-10 and the set.

Robin then met Derek whose body seems to be holding together quite well these days, despite numerous injections, potions and for all I know a vigorous massage by a lady of doubtful repute. From his comfortable position of superiority, Derek was able to attempt some ambitious smashes and many of them worked. Coupled with his spin serve and generally steadier play, Derek was able to wind up the set, 13-11, 11-5 & 11-7. Robin produced some useful forehand smashes as Derek tossed them back, so it was reasonably close in G1, but Derek wound up the set comfortably.

It was now time for Terry A to meet Alan. Would Terry’s relentless returns lead to long rallies while both waited for opportunities? To a point that happened, but eventually. Alan’s attacking nature came to the surface and he threw away a few points to allow the legendary consistent Terry to prevail: 11-3, 11-5, 11-8. Alan did not seem comfortable at the slower pace and his attacks did not connect as well as before. Tossing it up, a well known technique for player like Terry did not work. Derek, that keen observer of human movement, remarked on Terry’s excellent foot work, almost balletic, as his feet constantly sought the optimum location to exercise each shot. Terry even managed a couple of smashes, although the ball seemed to sit up in the air, pleading to be clobbered. Which he did.

At this point, two tables came into use to facilitate a swifter exit to then Old Shears and your correspondent had to observe two games, whilst attempting to win one of them. Terry W against Derek resulted in an 11-4, 11-7 and 11-6 victory to Derek. Both missed smashes but Derek played the more accurate game.

Meanwhile, Peter was demolishing Robin 11-3, 11-7 & 11-8, with Peter’s overall game being to much for the younger player, who has, of course, got time on his side to improve.

Could Terry W take any games off Peter? Could he recall his blistering form from his days as a bus driver when long breaks between shifts were spent on the TT table, while other bus employees were reading Jean Paul Sartre or doing OU degrees? Well, only to a point and Peter’s accuracy won through as he picked his winners well. Terry produced some vigorous back flips (with his bat, you understand, not his body) but to no avail. Peter won 11-,7 11-5 & 11-9.

Alan then took on Derek, who seemed at times to be running out of energy. Alan won G2 11-3, Derek executed some suicidal shots to go down 11-5 in G2, but recovered some composure in G3. He did not work out a way of playing Alan, but showed the occasional flash of skill to stay in the game. However, Alan moved ahead steadily to win 11-8 and the set.

In the final game, Terry A showed a rare streak of human weakness to allow Robin to take G3 11-8, with some quite useful forehand smashes, but Terry won the first 2 games 11-4 & 11-5. In G4 he wrapped it up to win 11-6,

The group then departed to the Old Shears to down a few pints and to discuss long term strategy. We had not ordered pies after the failure of delivery last time. We believe the delivery man was economical with the truth, something of an occupational hazard in that line of business. On a more optimistic note, our party was invited to take part in the quiz and we performed extremely well, to win the prize, 4 Sunday lunches, which will be taken up in due course. Terry A then had to leave to catch the last stagecoach to Bradford and to avoid being locked out by matron. So, overall, a successful evening of table tennis and sociability, with Alan’s presence giving the ‘B’ Team a bit more respectability with 2 wins. The final score was 7-2 to the ‘A’ Team

Alan.