Lillington Free Church impress in British Clubs League
Lillington Free Church table-tennis club sent a junior team to compete in the British Clubs League on Saturday.
Playing in Wellingborough they competed in Division 3 of 4 divisions. Sam Groom was tasked with guiding his far less experienced young team-mates, Tudor Draghici and Shivam Gupta and with the help of coach Radu Draghici, he delivered admirably winning all 10 of his singles.
The team began with a draw against Kidlington B, Groom two and Gupta one. This was followed by a 5-1 success against Warren Spring who hail from the village of Great Wymondly in North Hertfordshire. Gupta posted two and Draghici one to add to Groom’s maximum.
Next came Church’s only loss, 2-4 to Luton who finished the day as leaders. Another draw followed with Milton Keynes, Draghici adding one to Groom’s double and the day finished with a third draw Gupta supplying one in a close tussle. Church sit 4th of 6 teams and will look to retain their status on Day 2.
On the Sunday another Free Church team travelled to Wellingborough to compete in the British Clubs Cadet (under 15) League. Playing in Division 4 of 6 divisions, a different format was used with 3 players playing 9 rubbers.
Lillington got off to a flyer, beating Smash of Kettering 8-1. Otis Green and Anay Aroon grabbed hat-tricks and Thomas Pinnington won two. A very strong Highfield side from Wellingborough were next and Church fell 0-9 despite some close matches. In a squad rotation, Leon Hayward replaced Pinnington.
Finally, Church lost 4-5 to Blitz of Worksop, Green winning two and Pinnington and Hayward picking up good singles. Coach Owain Jones was very proud of his 4 young charges.Church sit 3rd of 4 and again will be looking to retain their status on Day 2.