AWE have made a great start to their Basingstoke and District Table Tennis League Division 2 campaign with a convincing 9-1 win against Queens K, writes PAUL MYERS.

Robin Treadwell, Jules Cheongvee and Jamie Rivers all recorded maximums, with a doubles win from Queens’ Mike Buley and Paul Gilbey preventing the whitewash.

Queens I beat their J side 8-2 with Bill Bavister and Lorainne Mortimer both trebling up. OMI won 7-3 against Queens J with Steve Redstall claiming man of the match honours with a full house, ably assisted by Steve Blunden (2). Ron Powell chipping in with a pair for Queens.

In the Premier, Hannington A beat St Peters A 8-2 in what was a great match. Peter Matthews commented: “Some quality table tennis with closely fought matches (13 games won at deuce), yet a convincing victory.”

Sam Ricks and Richard Fettes both recorded maximums for Hannington with Malcolm Cummins supporting with a double.

Queens A maintained their good start to the season with a 9-1 thrashing of Hannington B. Fantastic news for the league and the Queens Club was the return of the classy and true gentleman of the game, Tony Palaczky, who won all three along with Callum Coombs. Richard Rosinski saved Hannington’s blushes with a win against Steve Murgatroyd (two wins) to prevent the drubbing.

Queen B’s Mike Jones and Ian Parkin grabbed trebles and Jon Clarke a brace beating Aldworth A 8-2. Aldworth’s Captain, Jamie Cole’s side suffered a heavy defeat but said: “A great evenings table tennis.”

St Peters B beat Queens C 7-3 with Praveen Pant undefeated on the night. St Peter’s Clive Welsman doubled up but was thwarted by Fallon Thompson with two wins 7-11,11-9,11-7,9-11,9-11 in a five set thriller.

Welsman commented on the evening: “There was some very close games, which made it an enjoyable evening with a great bunch of people.”

These comments from the captains make refreshing reading and sums up the reason why most of us play this fantastic game in the competitive and friendly Basingstoke and District Table Tennis Association.