THE Ipswich Table Tennis Championships once again proved to be a success for the level of play and excellent games seen at Maidenhall Sports Centre.
It was once again the star quality of 17 year old Ryan Collins which shone through, he could dominate the event for many years to come if he stays in the area as he won the men’s, junior singles and men’s doubles. Also doing really well from the other end of the age bracket was super veteran Graham Mortimer, now playing in Division Two. He was runner up in the Division Two and Super Veterans Singles and sensationally winner of the restricted singles title.
Colin Bennet had a good run in the Men’s Singles and very nearly beat four times champion Richard Hutchinson, going down by eight in the deciding game.
Colin lost to Graham Mortimer in the final of the Restricted Singles but beat Nick Anthony in the final of the Division One Singles.
In the Premier Singles it was Claydon’s Michael Wright that edged a tight game over Wherstead's Ashley Phillips in four sets.
Paul Cannon won the Division Two singles in a round robin event, while in the Division Three singles final Ben Maindstone beat James Maidstone 3-1. In the mixed doubles final in was Martin Bozier and Sonja Talbot that beat Jake Collins and Sian Cook 3-1.
Andrew Warner had a particularly good event as he and partner Nitan Shrivastava got to the final of the Man’s Doubles before losing 3-1 to the Collins brothers, en route they beat ex-champions Gary Bloomfield and Richard Hutchinson.
In the veterans final he met old adversary Andrew Dosher, and it proved to be an exciting final. Dosher led in the third set but was punished for letting slip a lead, Warner eventually running out a comfortable winner in the forth set.
Dosher had been more than fortunate to even get to the final, as Jimmy Farrow had taken big leads in the third and fifth sets before he lost in an earlier round. Unfortunately there was a poor turnout for the women. However, the final did not disappoint, as Sian Cooke took the title beating Sonja Talbot 3-2.
In the Men’s Singles, Richard Goodhand prevented Michael Wright from getting to the quarter finals, winning 3-1.
The top four seeds all came through to the semis, and in a seeding upset it was the in-form Warner that got the better of Jake Collins in five sets.
In the other semi Ryan Collins was only really tested in the first set by Dosher before showing his full array of shots to win 3-0.
The final was a classic as Warner totally eclipsed his younger opponent for all of the first set and most of the second, at 8-3 down Ryan appeared to be breaking. However he pumped himself up and started to rally better and began to claw his way back before in a breathtaking display of power and maturity saved a game point to win the second set 12-10.
This signalled the change in the game and try as he might Warner couldn't get back in the game as Ryan threw everything at Warner to win his second successive Ipswich singles title.

Baylham TTC have existed with 3 players for 2 seasons and this season we could only field 2 players on 7 or 8 occasions and we have been relegated to Division 3.
Therefore, we have come to the conclusion we will not enter a team next season with the likelihood all 3 of us will not play at all UNLESS we can find another couple of players to join us.
Is there someone who would like to join us for next season?
The contact at Baylham TTC is Alan Emsden on 01473 830940.

Thank you for sending your entries. Currently I have 10 names entered with two or three more promised.
For the Inaugaral Event I would like to see at least 20 names in the hat so please get your entry in soon and if you can ask a guest or two - that would be of considerable help.
PLEASE FORWARD ANY FURTHER ENTRIES TO ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Either by E-Mail to "rosamar@talktalk.net or telephoning me on 01473-823895.

(See below for main item...IDTTL "GOLF DAY")
I have again spoken to Carol (Newton Green Secretary) and she has agreed a small reduction for Students and others up to age 18 years.
Instead of £26.00 - including meal and coffee(s) the charge will be £22.50 for the same/ or £16.50 without the meal and coffee(s).
It would be preferable for everyone to have a sit down meal and the end of the Golf but it's not compulsory and the Bar is always open for Food / Soft drinks etc.
Looking forward to your entries - I just need names at present and any monies can be paid in the day.
IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO PLAY PLEASE LET ME KNOW
Thanks, Ken (Organiser)

If any clubs have Rule Chamges they wish to propose at the AGM, they must be received by the Secretary within 21 days of the AGM (before Mon 28th April).

Outstanding results to be sent to Divisional Secretaries as soon as possible so that
tables can be up-dated and a further reminder that all matches must be completed by 26th April 2008.

The IDTTL "GOLF DAY" has been arranged for Friday 30th May 2008 at the Newton Green Golf Club - tee-times starting approx. 10.30am.
Full cost incl. meal and coffees will be £26.00 which is reasonable as many local Clubs would be £30.00 upwards.
Without the meal it is just £20.00.
No handicap certificate required - if you don't have a recognised Club Handicap one will be allocated on the day relevant to your playing ability.
Further details from Ken Rodwell (Hadleigh) either by contacting on e-mail 'rosamar@talktalk.net' or by telephone 01473-823895.
Please contact as soon as possible.

Are you aware of anyone wishing to run an after school club for table tennis (approx 3.30 - up to 6pm) at Gorseland Primary School?
They have all the equipment or funds to obtain further kit if needed.

Could be a paid post for the person with the right level of training (level 2 + CRB etc) (BUT would prefer a volunteer).
Regards
Andrew Down
Extended Schools Development Officer
Woodbridge & Kesgrave Cluster
Andrew.Down@educ.suffolkcc.gov.uk

The 2008 IDTTL AGM will be held on Tuesday 20th May, 7:30pm, at Capel Village Library. I am told there is a bar available!
The change in venue is due to no response from Norbridge Social Club.

Having recently spoken to members of my own Club - Hadleigh - and members at Capel St. Mary there could be a possibility of staging a "Golf Day" this Summer open to "registered League players (and guests).
Before making any definite plans I would need to know if there is sufficient interest from members of other League Clubs to make such an event viable.
Whether or not you are a current member of a Golf Club or just play socially - if the idea of a "Golf Day" appeals please let me know as soon as possible by either a telephone call to my home number - 01473-823895 or E-Mailing me on 'rosamar@talktalk.net'
Many thanks
Ken Rodwell, Hadleigh Secretary.

Match Tales. Memories.

Here.

Since September 2007, IDTTL has been running a new Table Tennis club at the new Sports Hall on Grange Farm Kesgrave. The club had been promoted in the local village magazines prior to opening and interest in a club appeared to be promising. Purchasing two tables and borrowing two more, four tables were available for the first night's play. A total of 30 people attended that first night, with a good mixture of juniors and adults.
Further investment from the league and generosity from Claydon TT club, now means we have eight tables out every Friday night, played within two badminton courts, and an average attendance of between 25 - 32 players. The majority of players are social players, with 3 or 4 league players mixed in.
Looking to the future we hope to obtain surrounds to separate the tables and due to the increase in interest over recent weeks, book an additional badminton court with space for four more tables.
We are also having to restrict new start juniors to 1 hour sessions so not to turn people away.
Current fees are £3 per adult session and £1 per junior hour. Club night is every Friday from 7 - 9pm.

Here.

Here.

Derek Gilson of Holbrook died on Monday 12th November in Norwich Hospital. He was an active player with the Sidegate Lane Club during the 1970/80/ and early 90's where he played with his late brother Keith Gilson and the late Bernie Cobbold. Derek, Keith and Bernie will of course have been known to many of the older players in the league.

Teams are reminded that all players must have completed and returned the ETTA Player Registration Form (PDF). Players yet to do so are listed here. Completed forms should be sent to the League Player Registration Sec'.

Here.

You may now email Fixture Postponements from this website. See the Teams menu.

• Premier Divisional Sec Address: Hall House, 14 Crowe St, Stowmarket IP14 1DL
• Premier, Team 1, Sec's mobile 07910 696070(M)
• Premier, Team 3, Sec's mobile 07738 915646(M)
• Premier, Team 10, Sec's mobile 07884 032430(M)
• Premier, Team 6, Norbridge Sidegate have withdrawn
• Division 1, Team 5, Secretary: Basim Majeed Tel 605320, 07903 118896(M)
• Division 2, Team 14, Capel Saints 'A', Home night Tuesday, Burstall Village Hall.
• Division 3, Team 13, 07905 831075(M)
• Division 3, Team 7, Capel Saints 'B', Home night Tuesday.
• Division 3, Team 12, Secretary: Mike Armstrong Tel 612763(H), 607534(B)
• Car Parking at Wherstead. The Staff car park is now closed by barrier in the early evening. Visiting teams should now park in the car park in front of the new building the entrance to which is straight ahead of you as you drive down the village street. It is well lit and fairly spacious.

It was with great sadness that the league learnt of the passing of Bert Newman on Tuesday 14th August.
Bert had been involved with the Ipswich League for many years since the early 1970s, holding a number of prominent positions on the Committee until his death. Geoff Brook, Suffolk County TT Chairman has written a fitting tribute to Bert which is posted on the forum.
The league's thoughts are with Bert's family and friends at this time.

The IDDTL have issued guidance notes relating to player conduct. Copies of this have been sent to Club Secretaries to circulate amongst their players. It will also be found within the new seasons handbook. You may view the Code of Conduct Here.

The Ipswich League requires all players to be registered before they can play league matches. This entails the name of the player and remittance being sent to the Registartion Secretary, at which point the player will be issued with a registration number. This number must be included on the match results card.
For this season (07-08), players need not fill out the ETTA form if they completed one last season. You only need to fill out the form if you have changed address etc, or haven't completed one previously.
The ETTA requires ALL players to complete the 'Individual Player Registration' form. This form should be sent in at the same time as their other details.
Additional forms can be downloaded here...
ETTA Player Registration Form (PDF)
List of Players who have yet to submit the ETTA form

Dear Players,
Having been in post as Regional Development Officer now for over a year I am encouraged by many of the activities that are taking place across the region. Many clubs are excelling in the work they are carrying out as volunteers, with minimal time and resources. My thanks go to all of these people that are doing a brilliant job at promoting and developing table tennis in the region, whether as a coach, treasurer, chairman or in any volunteering capacity.
I am writing to all players across the region as a plea for help and assistance in developing table tennis and increasing our participation rates. Table tennis as you will all agree is a great sport to take up when you are young, you are also able to actively take part and compete to a very late age.
Over the past few years in the capacity as a volunteer at my own club and during my time as Regional Development Officer I have found that many people are playing 2/3/4 league matches each week. As a player myself I understand those players that want to improve their game and get as much practice /playing time as possible. However, it is also very important for the future of our game for players to lend their hand in some volunteering work, so our fantastic game can continue with high levels of participation and support. The young people coming into our sport in some areas are very low and some, not all-local league numbers are dwindling. This is a chance for all those players that are currently not doing any coaching/volunteering within their club/league to step forward to help increase the numbers playing table tennis and to also play their part in beating the obesity crisis in Britain by providing physical activity.
As Regional Development Officer I am happy to work with a group of people/one person within a league /club to set up coaching activities for young people, set up coaching in schools, set up O'50's sessions during the day to bring back those players which used to play. Even if you are a player that would like to get involved in a club/league coaching set up that already exists. The top junior players are in desperate need for practice partners/feeders (no coaching required) from players in the top divisions, whilst the beginners are in need of feeders and coaches at a basic level so they can move into the league. For all the years of enjoyment you have received from table tennis here is a chance to give something back. You can be at any level or age to introduce/re-introduce people to table tennis. Try not to presume that other people will do these jobs for everyone else, the volunteers who are currently involved are very stretched and there are more activities, which need to be set up.
If you would like to get involved in some volunteering work then please contact:
Greg Yarnall on 07889152342 or
greg.yarnall@englishtabletennis.org.uk or let your local league/club/county know.
Greg Yarnall
East Regional Development Officer
English Table Tennis Association

The AGM was held on Tuesday 29th May at Norbridge Social Club.

President and Chairman Malcolm Fenn opened the AGM with the minutes of the previous AGM passed with no amendments.
Malcolm also presented Trophy winners with their trophies.

• The Jim Kenworthy Trophy was awarded to Ryan Collins, the first time this has been awarded to an individual twice.
• The Doris Fox Award (Services to the League) was presented to John Watson.

There were no rule changes to discuss nor vote for.
Alan Pearce (Treasurer) recommended no increase of the current Team and Player registration fees, and informed those present he would be stepping down after 10 years in post after the forth coming season.
Steve Branton (Handbook Sec') reported that the new printer had done a good job with the seasons handbooks and he was looking to correct any omissions in the new handbook. Team Sec's were also requested to be aware that they didn't play players up from lower divisions to more than one team in any one partucular division.
With John Watson stepping down as League Secretary, Richard Goodhand was voted into post togeather with existing Officers.
The AOB covered points relating to the New Sports Hall at Grange Farm, Kesgrave where the League is attempting to start a new TT club this summer, and the threat to the Britannia Dome which appears to have lessened.
The meeting closed at 8pm.

Points which were discussed at the meeting which players should be aware of:

• Threat to Britannia Dome - Proposed development work at Thurleston School may result in the Dome being demolished. The League agreed to support Britannia in trying to make sure the town doesn't lose what are key facilities.
  
• Cancelled and Postponed Matches - A number of teams have been cancelling matches for one reason or another, some more than others. When this has been debated at the AGM in previous seasons, the answering reply has always been 'Well, the matches are always played by the end of the season!'
  The main problem with a cancellation is that they are a major inconvenience to the opposing team. Everyone prefers regular matches i.e once a week, and having to later fit in two or even three matches a week to complete the fixture list is annoying to say the least.
  Ok, teams do have problems getting a team together perhaps due to illness, work commitments etc, but again most teams have four or more players and players they can call upon from lower divisions.
  Would you prefer to play a team with two players and be guaranteed a match each week, or do you want to wait to play a three-player team later in the season?
  Many leagues do not allow any matches to be cancelled - should we?
  If we do impose a restriction on cancelling matches how should we enforce it?
  The League Registration Sec's thoughts are as follows (if it's agreed to clamp down on this matter):
  Teams are allowed a maximum of 1 match cancellation per season half.
  Cancelling a match (over and above the 2 match limit) will invoke a 5 point fine for the offending team.
  Have your say at....Discuss IDTTL - Postponed Matches
• Hanicap KO Cup - Due to only two teams entering the Competition this year, the KO Cup has been cancelled.
• Ipswich Championships - Junior Comp's - The age grouping the Junior and Cadets is being brought into line with the ETTA competitions. This includes the introduction of an Under 13 competition. Clubs are reminded that players are eligable to play in the competitions if they are actively involved with affiliated clubs coaching schemes (they do not have to be league players)
  Age restriction for Season 2006-2007
  Under 13 - born on or after 1 Jan 1994
  Under 15 (Cadet) - born on or after 1 Jan 1992
  Under 18 (Junior) - born on or after 1 Jan 1989

Don't forget to use the new Email Results form which can be found under the Teams menu above. You can of course still use the existing postcard method.

• The following waiver of ETTA Rule (2003/4) 57.1 is to allow the staging of handicap competitions, hard bat tournaments etc. The waiver is not intended to cover the normal league competition, only an "additional competition". Under ETTA Rule (2003/4) 57.1 all Competitive Table Tennis must, subject to any waiver granted, be played under the ETTA Approved Laws of Table Tennis, which are at present as set out in this leaflet.

  National Council resolution dated 9th July 1994 under Rule (1994/5) 42.7.1, to remain in force until further resolution, states: "Any County Association, Local League or club may, without specific permission, organise and conduct an additional competition or competitions solely among its own members and players on a knock-out basis , wherein the normal provisions of the Approved Laws are varied in one or more of the following ways:

  (1) by reducing or increasing the number of points required to win a game, either for all players or differentially under a system of handicaps

  (2) by restricting the type of racket covering or by otherwise diverging from the normal requirements as to equipment."
  
  To answer Adrian Clarke's suggestion of finding a method to allow people to play 21pt matches without breaching the ETTA regulations, we find the above WAIVER quite restrictive:
  
  

  • We cannot run a 'league' type event, it must be knock-out.
    
  • The event must come second to the main 11 pt league - this effectively means that players must be registered and involved in the main league.