This was a great chance for the Hollingbury team (the next generation as I call them) to show what they can do at this prestigious event.

This year, as last year, we had two teams but unusually all the team members had probably been playing for under 2 years and this was a baptism of fire.  

After last year’s team made it to the British Junior League, it was perhaps expecting too much from this year’s team to do the same. But in truth they played their hearts out and earned a solid reputation as a team to watch in the future.

The first team was composed of Elliott Jeffery, Emma Sheen and Jack Taylor. Emma has recently been chosen to play for the county cadet team and will be a player to watch in the future. All the players gave a brave performance against more experienced teams and were commended by other teams on their youthful nature. This team was playing against players in the top division that were either potentially Band 6 players on the Grand Prix circuit or British Junior League Div 4. There were moments when they could have despaired but they picked themselves up and fought on. Valuable lessons were learnt for the next encounter on the 28/11/09.

The second team was composed of Hai Dwong (8yrs old), Viral Varsani (9yrs old) & old man Bart (age 11 yrs). This was by far the youngest team but in ability and quality table tennis there was much to admire. Again they played against more seasoned players and got close to winning some games, but the experience of the other players told in the end.

It was an enjoyable event, with extra support provided by the parents of the players, who provided lifts for those who had none and support during crucial moments

I would like to extend thanks to all those who participated in this event and look forward to the next event on the 28/11/09

Ade Akinboyewa, Hollingbury Table Tennis Coach

Prakash Varsani, Hollingbury Table Tennis Coach