On October 10th a group of players from the Ayrshire Clubs are heading out to Bernbach (nr Frankfurt).
In March 2006, two table tennis clubs from Germany (TTC Bernbach and TTC Hailer) visited Ayrshire and we had a superb week-end of table tennis and "bon amis" (or is that "gut freunde"). They were a great bunch of guys and most of them spoke really good English. We played a competitive match up at Inverclyde on the Friday evening (their standard of play ranged from D2 to Premier). James Weatherston hosted a superb soiree on the Saturday night. A few of us played a round of golf on the Sunday morning before they flew back on the 3pm flight from Prestwick.
A return visit to Germany has been booked this autumn on Friday 10th to Monday 13th October. So far there are 11 players making the trip. Anyone who is interested in joining us please contact James or Gary.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Division 1 - here we come!
After a long and close fought season. SATTC D2 team gain promotion to Division 1.
Roy Claxton describes the play-off match against Brunswick A:
S. Ayrshire won the toss and elected to be the away team, in order to dictate the order of play.
Un uncharacteristically nervous Pierre played first against Cameron who has been a “bogey” player in the past. He lost the first game easily, but after a tactical change and notwithstanding playing well below his best, he went 2-1 up. Then at 5-3 up in the 4th, he decided to take a short break for a drink. Which effectively used up his “time-out” allocation for the match in the 10 seconds it took to nervously take a swig of water! He then lost 6 out of the next 7 points Including 2 serves that didn’t touch either side of the table! He eventually lost 3-2. Not the start we wanted.
Jago then took on Robbie and played the best I have ever seen him play to cruise it 3-0.
Paul then went on against Ian. A stern, determined top spinner, who was obviously a class act. Paul quickly went 4-1 down in the first, but then began to vary his returns and Ian showed a vulnerability in spotting the float ball. There were some great rallies and Paul threw away several game points as well as saving a couple. At 17-16 all I called a time out as Paul seemed to be trying too hard to win the final point each time he went in front. Ignoring my advice, he went for a hit. 17-all. He eventually won it 19-17. Tough stuff. The next 2 games were equally exciting although nowhere near as long. Paul beat a very good player 3-0.
Pierre then took on Robbie and just hung in there. Fighting his nerves more than fighting his opponent to scrape it 3-1.
Paul was next up against Cameron. And just threw the first game away. After a tactical change however, he managed to go 2-1 up, before again losing the tactical battle to go down without a fight in the 4th. However, he switched back to the game plan and won the 5th set very easily.
Next Jago against Ian. A classic battle of 2 attackers. Some great rallies and Jago deservedly scraped the first set. The ding-dong continued and Jago went 2-1 up, before a verbal exchange at the end of the 3rd got to him and despite trying to put it out of his head, he was easily beaten in the 4th. He re-grouped in the 5th, but Ian’s confidence was up and he was consistently forcing Jago onto the backhand corner. Ian won the decider 11-8. Great game.
So at 4-2 and the last 2 of the 9 games looking form-wise as though they could possibly go Brunswick’s way, it was felt that Paul just had to beat Robbie, who’s style as a pusher with the odd flashy backhand overcame Paul in a recent Vets tournament. Robbie took the first set 11-4. So again, an obvious tactical change was applied and after 3 more quite gruelling sets, our President clinched promotion for the team. Both Pierre and I agreed that Paul’s 3rd match was the pivotal point. If he’d lost it, instead of a 5-2 win, it could well have been a 5-4 defeat.
In summary, an outstanding team performance where the strength in depth became evident when with one player playing well below his best, the others raised their game to compensate. Pierre sweat blood for his win and was clearly not enjoying the fact that he was unable to find his table tennis brain. Jago played extremely well and Paul was obviously man of the match.
Roy Claxton describes the play-off match against Brunswick A:
S. Ayrshire won the toss and elected to be the away team, in order to dictate the order of play.
Un uncharacteristically nervous Pierre played first against Cameron who has been a “bogey” player in the past. He lost the first game easily, but after a tactical change and notwithstanding playing well below his best, he went 2-1 up. Then at 5-3 up in the 4th, he decided to take a short break for a drink. Which effectively used up his “time-out” allocation for the match in the 10 seconds it took to nervously take a swig of water! He then lost 6 out of the next 7 points Including 2 serves that didn’t touch either side of the table! He eventually lost 3-2. Not the start we wanted.
Jago then took on Robbie and played the best I have ever seen him play to cruise it 3-0.
Paul then went on against Ian. A stern, determined top spinner, who was obviously a class act. Paul quickly went 4-1 down in the first, but then began to vary his returns and Ian showed a vulnerability in spotting the float ball. There were some great rallies and Paul threw away several game points as well as saving a couple. At 17-16 all I called a time out as Paul seemed to be trying too hard to win the final point each time he went in front. Ignoring my advice, he went for a hit. 17-all. He eventually won it 19-17. Tough stuff. The next 2 games were equally exciting although nowhere near as long. Paul beat a very good player 3-0.
Pierre then took on Robbie and just hung in there. Fighting his nerves more than fighting his opponent to scrape it 3-1.
Paul was next up against Cameron. And just threw the first game away. After a tactical change however, he managed to go 2-1 up, before again losing the tactical battle to go down without a fight in the 4th. However, he switched back to the game plan and won the 5th set very easily.
Next Jago against Ian. A classic battle of 2 attackers. Some great rallies and Jago deservedly scraped the first set. The ding-dong continued and Jago went 2-1 up, before a verbal exchange at the end of the 3rd got to him and despite trying to put it out of his head, he was easily beaten in the 4th. He re-grouped in the 5th, but Ian’s confidence was up and he was consistently forcing Jago onto the backhand corner. Ian won the decider 11-8. Great game.
So at 4-2 and the last 2 of the 9 games looking form-wise as though they could possibly go Brunswick’s way, it was felt that Paul just had to beat Robbie, who’s style as a pusher with the odd flashy backhand overcame Paul in a recent Vets tournament. Robbie took the first set 11-4. So again, an obvious tactical change was applied and after 3 more quite gruelling sets, our President clinched promotion for the team. Both Pierre and I agreed that Paul’s 3rd match was the pivotal point. If he’d lost it, instead of a 5-2 win, it could well have been a 5-4 defeat.
In summary, an outstanding team performance where the strength in depth became evident when with one player playing well below his best, the others raised their game to compensate. Pierre sweat blood for his win and was clearly not enjoying the fact that he was unable to find his table tennis brain. Jago played extremely well and Paul was obviously man of the match.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Celtic Challenge against York Road TT Club
On May 10th South Ayrshire Table Tennis Club hosted an event between an Ayrshire Select (with players from all the Ayrshire Clubs) and York Road Table Tennis Club from Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. The event was a resounding success. Over 40 players ranging from junior beginners to ex-internationals competed in a highly competitive but friendly atmosphere in St Matthews Academy, Saltcoats.
Whilst Ayrshire's top team of James Weatherston, Richie Main and Ian McPherson came out on top, York Road's overall strength in depth proved the decisive factor with the Irish convincingly winning the day.
The venue at St Matthews with 12 superb tables rivaled any top international event. Thanks to North Ayrshire Council and KA Leisure. Thanks also to Grants Haggis for donating the "Robert Burns" Haggis.
Après TT
Afterwards it was off to The Maharani in Troon (our shirt sponsors) for a superb curry and and some great craic with our new Irish friends. We hope to get over to Dublin for the return leg next year.
Visit our events page for a photo gallery of the day.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
League & Cup Double for Drumchapel E
Drum E worthy winners in the closest league table in years.
SATTC 14:4 Holy X (Double Header)
SATTC 8:1 Scottish Power
Divisional Cup Semi final - 44th BB 4:5 SATTC
SATTC 2:7 Drum E
SATTC 8:1 Kilwinning B
Divisional Cup Final - SATTC 2:5 Drum E
Well it went down to the last week of the league season, but congratulations go to the Drummy boys Phil, Davy and Nathan for a superb league and cup double.
Make no mistake - these guys will do well in D1 next season. In fact a D1 player (who shall remain anonymous) reckoned they would have come a close second to Nomads this season.
All that remains is a crucial play-off match on May 22nd against Brunswick A to determine our fate next season.
SATTC 14:4 Holy X (Double Header)
SATTC 8:1 Scottish Power
Divisional Cup Semi final - 44th BB 4:5 SATTC
SATTC 2:7 Drum E
SATTC 8:1 Kilwinning B
Divisional Cup Final - SATTC 2:5 Drum E
Well it went down to the last week of the league season, but congratulations go to the Drummy boys Phil, Davy and Nathan for a superb league and cup double.
Make no mistake - these guys will do well in D1 next season. In fact a D1 player (who shall remain anonymous) reckoned they would have come a close second to Nomads this season.
All that remains is a crucial play-off match on May 22nd against Brunswick A to determine our fate next season.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Hopes of promotion still alive
A few weeks since our last post. Results as follows:
44th BB 3:6 SATTC
Knightswood v SATTC in Handicap Cup - Knightswood win by 7 points
GSC C 5:4 SATTC
SATTC 9:0 Garn B
Bruns C 1:8 SATTC
Wed Feb 27th - 44th BB 3:6 SATTC
An ever improving Adam Gaffney, came close to a ha-trick of wins beating Gary and Jago and only losing to veteran Paul Morris 12:10 in a tense fifth end. Stand in Philip Houston beat Gary 3:1 to register a 3rd point for the youngsters. Paul's defensive play proved to be the most effective tactic against the fast, fit and attacking juniors.
Wed March 12th - Handicap Cup 2nd Round
Knightswood v SATTC - Knightswood win by 7 points
This was always going to be a difficult tie without SATTC's top player Pierre available, but Paul, Jago and Gary came so close and it all came down to the final game between Neil Dohery and Jago Brown. Jago took the initiative in the first game with some superb attacking play winning 21:17, but Neil stepped up a gear and improved his attacking play in the final game to win 21:11 and secure the victory.
Tues March 18th - GSC C 5:4 SATTC
An impressive Victor managed to win all 3 beating Pierre, Paul and Gary. Malaysian left hander Desmond beat Paul and Gary to secure a well deserved victory for the students and confirm SATTC's 2nd defeat of the season.
Thurs March 20th - SATTC 9:0 Garn B
2 days later and SATTC make up for this defeat with a clean sheet against Garnethill B. Lots of close matches against Vincent, Kevin and Paul Dowden, but Pierre, Paul and stand-in David McNair keep hopes of promotion alive for the Ayrshire team.
Thurs March 27th - Bruns C 1:8 SATTC
Pierre, Paul and Gary take the long hike up to Barlornock and despite a nervous start with Gary losing 0:3 against Brian, SATTC win all the remaining matches in a chillie Brunswick hall. Gary finally warming up in his final match to beat Salim 3:1.
So as SATTC prepare for the final series of games of the season, with Drum E stretching their lead at the top of the table, it's looking increasingly like a play off against Airdrie, Mearns, Maccabi or Brunswick A for SATTC to realise dreams of promotion this season.
44th BB 3:6 SATTC
Knightswood v SATTC in Handicap Cup - Knightswood win by 7 points
GSC C 5:4 SATTC
SATTC 9:0 Garn B
Bruns C 1:8 SATTC
Wed Feb 27th - 44th BB 3:6 SATTC
An ever improving Adam Gaffney, came close to a ha-trick of wins beating Gary and Jago and only losing to veteran Paul Morris 12:10 in a tense fifth end. Stand in Philip Houston beat Gary 3:1 to register a 3rd point for the youngsters. Paul's defensive play proved to be the most effective tactic against the fast, fit and attacking juniors.
Wed March 12th - Handicap Cup 2nd Round
Knightswood v SATTC - Knightswood win by 7 points
This was always going to be a difficult tie without SATTC's top player Pierre available, but Paul, Jago and Gary came so close and it all came down to the final game between Neil Dohery and Jago Brown. Jago took the initiative in the first game with some superb attacking play winning 21:17, but Neil stepped up a gear and improved his attacking play in the final game to win 21:11 and secure the victory.
Tues March 18th - GSC C 5:4 SATTC
An impressive Victor managed to win all 3 beating Pierre, Paul and Gary. Malaysian left hander Desmond beat Paul and Gary to secure a well deserved victory for the students and confirm SATTC's 2nd defeat of the season.
Thurs March 20th - SATTC 9:0 Garn B
2 days later and SATTC make up for this defeat with a clean sheet against Garnethill B. Lots of close matches against Vincent, Kevin and Paul Dowden, but Pierre, Paul and stand-in David McNair keep hopes of promotion alive for the Ayrshire team.
Thurs March 27th - Bruns C 1:8 SATTC
Pierre, Paul and Gary take the long hike up to Barlornock and despite a nervous start with Gary losing 0:3 against Brian, SATTC win all the remaining matches in a chillie Brunswick hall. Gary finally warming up in his final match to beat Salim 3:1.
So as SATTC prepare for the final series of games of the season, with Drum E stretching their lead at the top of the table, it's looking increasingly like a play off against Airdrie, Mearns, Maccabi or Brunswick A for SATTC to realise dreams of promotion this season.
Friday, February 22, 2008
A Busy Week in the League
Drumchapel F 2:7 SATTC
SATTC 5:4 Brunswick B
Tues Feb 19th - Drum F 2:7 SATTC
Much closer than the result would suggest. This was a potential "banana skin", so SATTC were delighted to come away with a 2:7 victory. Drum F new boy Basil is a class act and easily dispatched Gary and Jago without losing a set, however Pierre out-thought his opponent to win 3:1.
A much improved Connor proved a sterner test for the Ayrshire lads this time round managing to take a set off Jago.
Duncan must be one of the most improved players in the division and took 1 set off Jago. His match with Gary was a 5 set battle which could have gone either way with experience overcoming youth this time round.
Thurs Feb 21st - SATTC 5:4 Brunswick B
Brunswick started the match without losing a set in the first 2 games. Liam was in fine form against Jago as was Alister beating a below par Gary.
"El Presidenté" (aka Paul Morris) to the rescue with 3 fine wins, only losing 1 set to Liam. Jago steadied the ship with wins over Alister and Graham. But disappointment for Gary who failed maintain recent form and although coming close to taking Graham to a 5th, failed to register a point.
SATTC 5:4 Brunswick B
Tues Feb 19th - Drum F 2:7 SATTC
Much closer than the result would suggest. This was a potential "banana skin", so SATTC were delighted to come away with a 2:7 victory. Drum F new boy Basil is a class act and easily dispatched Gary and Jago without losing a set, however Pierre out-thought his opponent to win 3:1.
A much improved Connor proved a sterner test for the Ayrshire lads this time round managing to take a set off Jago.
Duncan must be one of the most improved players in the division and took 1 set off Jago. His match with Gary was a 5 set battle which could have gone either way with experience overcoming youth this time round.
Thurs Feb 21st - SATTC 5:4 Brunswick B
Brunswick started the match without losing a set in the first 2 games. Liam was in fine form against Jago as was Alister beating a below par Gary.
"El Presidenté" (aka Paul Morris) to the rescue with 3 fine wins, only losing 1 set to Liam. Jago steadied the ship with wins over Alister and Graham. But disappointment for Gary who failed maintain recent form and although coming close to taking Graham to a 5th, failed to register a point.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Junior Coaching Commences
Saturday morning coaching for juniors at Loans Scout Hall.
Following the arrival of some new table tennis equipment funded by Awards for All, we have transported 3 of our old tables to Loans Scout Hall, an excellent small venue for Junior Coaching and Development. On Monday 18th Feb we are giving a TT demonstration for the Scouts in order to attract potential new champions. A poster campaign will follow in and around Troon.
Saturday morning sessions are on most weeks 10am -12noon with an extra hour 'till 1pm for Adults/up and coming juniors.
Currently we have 3 members with TT Scotland Training Level 2 with more members undergoing training next month.
Following the arrival of some new table tennis equipment funded by Awards for All, we have transported 3 of our old tables to Loans Scout Hall, an excellent small venue for Junior Coaching and Development. On Monday 18th Feb we are giving a TT demonstration for the Scouts in order to attract potential new champions. A poster campaign will follow in and around Troon.
Saturday morning sessions are on most weeks 10am -12noon with an extra hour 'till 1pm for Adults/up and coming juniors.
Currently we have 3 members with TT Scotland Training Level 2 with more members undergoing training next month.
The Irish are coming !
York Road Table Tennis Club from Dun Laoghaire, Co.Dublin are coming over to Ayrshire on the 2nd weekend in May.
About 20 players will be making the short hop over the Irish Sea. The main event will take place on Saturday 10th with a tournament at St. Matthew's Saltcoats. We are all looking forward to a great week-end. Let the Guiness Flow!
About 20 players will be making the short hop over the Irish Sea. The main event will take place on Saturday 10th with a tournament at St. Matthew's Saltcoats. We are all looking forward to a great week-end. Let the Guiness Flow!
Busy week in 2 Cup Competitions
SATTC achieves 2 good wins in the Division 2 and Handicap Cup competitions.
On Tuesday 12th Feb, Pierre, Jago and Alan made the trip to Caley Uni to play GSC C. The first game between Jago and Victor Kagima was the game of the match, with Jago winning 11:9 in the 5th. This paved the way for a convincing 5:1 victory for the Ayrshire outfit. An exciting tie against Drumchapel E awaits.
2 days later and SATTC (Pierre, Jago and Gary) host Garnethill A in the Handicap Cup. Gary played his best of the season so far with convincing wins over Joe and Tony. Man of the match was John Melone who was too strong for all the SATTC players, but nonetheless this was a very convincing win against a team playing in a higher division and a good indicator as to how SATTC could fair in D1 should they gain promotion. Final score SATTC win by 42 points.
On Tuesday 12th Feb, Pierre, Jago and Alan made the trip to Caley Uni to play GSC C. The first game between Jago and Victor Kagima was the game of the match, with Jago winning 11:9 in the 5th. This paved the way for a convincing 5:1 victory for the Ayrshire outfit. An exciting tie against Drumchapel E awaits.
2 days later and SATTC (Pierre, Jago and Gary) host Garnethill A in the Handicap Cup. Gary played his best of the season so far with convincing wins over Joe and Tony. Man of the match was John Melone who was too strong for all the SATTC players, but nonetheless this was a very convincing win against a team playing in a higher division and a good indicator as to how SATTC could fair in D1 should they gain promotion. Final score SATTC win by 42 points.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Preparing for the 2nd Half of the Season
Lots in the pipeline as far as club development is concerned, so watch this space. A few results from tail the end of 2007 to report on:
Division 2 Team
29th Nov - Our D2 team visited Scottish Power and despite some well fought matches enjoyed a 0-9 win.
18th Dec - In this league every point is crucial especially since we suffered our first defeat of the season at the hands of the current league leaders Drumchapel E. Despite in form Pierre winning all his matches, Phil Dave and Nathan were all in impressive form. Jago managed to beat Nathan, however veteran Paul for the first time in 3 seasons did not manage any points. This was D1 standard competition and it's hard to see any of the other teams in D2 topping the table at the end of the season. Final result 5:4 to Drum E.
20th Dec - 2 days later, SATTC get back to winning ways with an impressive 5:1 victory over Holy X in the first round of the D2 Cup. The highlight of the match was Pierre's first victory over Michael Schoenhofen. Pierre is playing the best table tennis of his life and we expected a close one - so it was with surprise that he recorded a 3:0 win, beating (it has to be said) a below par Michael, but no less satisfying. Their next meeting in February will be one to look forward to.
Premier Team
13th Dec - With a big backlog of games due to Alan McCarry's injury, it was into the deep-end with a match against 2nd top team Drum A. James and Alan recorded a superb victory winning 3:2.
Division 2 Team
29th Nov - Our D2 team visited Scottish Power and despite some well fought matches enjoyed a 0-9 win.
18th Dec - In this league every point is crucial especially since we suffered our first defeat of the season at the hands of the current league leaders Drumchapel E. Despite in form Pierre winning all his matches, Phil Dave and Nathan were all in impressive form. Jago managed to beat Nathan, however veteran Paul for the first time in 3 seasons did not manage any points. This was D1 standard competition and it's hard to see any of the other teams in D2 topping the table at the end of the season. Final result 5:4 to Drum E.
20th Dec - 2 days later, SATTC get back to winning ways with an impressive 5:1 victory over Holy X in the first round of the D2 Cup. The highlight of the match was Pierre's first victory over Michael Schoenhofen. Pierre is playing the best table tennis of his life and we expected a close one - so it was with surprise that he recorded a 3:0 win, beating (it has to be said) a below par Michael, but no less satisfying. Their next meeting in February will be one to look forward to.
Premier Team
13th Dec - With a big backlog of games due to Alan McCarry's injury, it was into the deep-end with a match against 2nd top team Drum A. James and Alan recorded a superb victory winning 3:2.
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