West Norfolk’s Table Tennis Stars Shine in Norwich League
In a display of remarkable talent and perseverance, West Norfolk’s table tennis players are making their presence felt in the highly competitive Norwich League. The formidable trio of Serafim “Magic” Melo, Wayne Mason, and Paul Rich have established themselves among the top ten players in the league standings before this week’s matches. Their consistent performance is particularly impressive considering the high standard of competition they face. Adding to West Norfolk’s growing reputation, Dale Parnell made an impactful debut in this season’s Norwich League, teaming up with Wayne Mason and Owen Turner to secure a victory for Foxwoods B against Foxwood C. Parnell’s immediate success has placed him in a commendable third position in the rankings, demonstrating the depth of talent coming from the West Norfolk area.
The recognition of West Norfolk’s players extends beyond local competitions, as Wayne Mason, Serafim Melo, and Paul Rich were all selected to represent Norfolk Veterans in a tournament held in Derby this weekend. Unfortunately, the team faced a setback when Paul Rich was unable to participate due to health issues, leaving his teammates at a numerical disadvantage. Despite this challenge, Mason and Melo displayed remarkable resilience and skill, managing to secure a respectable 5-5 draw against both Warwickshire and North Wales. Their efforts against Worcestershire, although resulting in an 8-2 defeat, showcased their determination and competitive spirit even when facing adversity. This representation at the county level highlights the quality of table tennis talent emerging from West Norfolk and their growing influence in the broader table tennis community.
The Wisbech League recently held its first round of the prestigious Sleight Doubles competition, a tournament steeped in local history and tradition. This unique contest features teams of three players, with each competitor participating in six doubles matches. Now operating as a handicap event, the competition honors the memory of Les Sleight, who served as a distinguished member of the League for many decades and held the position of honorary life president until his passing a few years ago. The tournament’s rich heritage dates back to the 1973/74 season when it was inaugurated with King’s Lynn YMCA claiming the first championship. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, King’s Lynn YMCA was a dominant force in both the King’s Lynn and Wisbech Leagues, boasting a championship-winning team that included notable players such as Nick Rains, Mike Futter, Jim Defty, Maurice Cooper, and Steve Barrett.
In a heartwarming testament to enduring skill and passion for the game, the Exiles team, composed of veterans Steve Barrett, Jim Defty, and Allan Nicholls, overcame their season-long struggles in League matches to defeat Pegg Scaffolding with a score of 6-3 in what observers described as a highly entertaining encounter. The Pegg side featured Peter Pegg and Jack Mason, alongside Martin Skipper who was making his season debut. This victory for the Exiles demonstrated that experience and tactical knowledge can still triumph in the face of younger competition, providing a moment of celebration for these dedicated veterans who continue to contribute to the vibrant table tennis community in the region. Their performance showcased not only technical skill but also the mental fortitude that comes with years of competitive play.
The Eagles team, currently enjoying considerable success in the Premier Division, experienced an unexpected setback in the Sleight Doubles competition. Despite their impressive league form, the combination of Owen Turner, Rob Rix, and Gedi Sumas found themselves outplayed by a well-coordinated Nets and Edges side. This upset result serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of doubles competition, where teamwork and understanding between partners often prove as important as individual skill. The defeat might provide a valuable learning experience for the Eagles as they continue their campaign for Premier Division honors, encouraging them to develop their doubles strategy alongside their singles prowess. The result also highlights the competitive balance within the Wisbech League, where any team is capable of achieving victory on their day.
In a positive turn of events for the struggling Batmen team, they managed to secure their first victory of the season in Division One by overcoming Spartans with a score of 6-3. This long-awaited win provides a glimmer of hope for a side that has faced numerous challenges throughout their campaign. For the Batmen players, this success offers not only a boost to their league position but also a significant improvement in morale and confidence as they approach the remainder of the season. Their triumph against Spartans demonstrates the resilience that defines many of the competitors in the local table tennis scene, with players continuing to strive for improvement regardless of previous results. As the season progresses, both the Norwich and Wisbech Leagues continue to showcase the depth of table tennis talent in Norfolk, with West Norfolk players particularly standing out for their contributions across multiple competitions and age categories.
