Table tennis: Crawford finally turns tables at third attempt

Mar 12 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

A MIXTURE of innovation and new programmes have captured the imagination of West Lothian table tennis players, who have joined the local association in burgeoning numbers.

After a trial run of a league made up of two-man teams, the new system has been adopted and is proving effective at boosting the sport’s popularity.

As the curtain came down on week four Bathgate, represented by old hands such as Drew McLaren, led the way in Division One with three wins from four, and remain undefeated with fewer matches played.

Their nearest rivals include Polbeth and Linlithgow, represented by Barry Hills and Zbigniew Strzyzewski, and Lewis Hills and Graham Chambers, respectively.

Early league leaders in the Second Division are the young duo of Luke Marris and Jason Farquhar, who represent Faucheldean.

Another junior player, Ryan Whyte, is the division’s only player with a 100% record.

On January 25 the club hosted its third annual Lothians Open Championship at Bathgate Academy, with top players flocking to 15 tables on which a dozen competitions were played.

It was third time lucky for Scotland No.3, Stewart Crawford from Falkirk, who had lost in the two previous finals.

However, this year in the final he beat team-mate Gerry Campbell, current national veterans champion, in four sets by 11-7, 11-7, 9-11, 11-9 in an entertaining and match.

Stewart then teamed up with returning international player Brian Wright to win the doubles in straight sets against Edinburgh’s Willie Mabon and Stewart Armitage, 11-5, 11-8, 11-5.

The Ladies Singles also found a new champion in Drumchapel’s Jenny Weiss, who beat Perth’s evergreen Elaine Forbes in straight sets.

Again, the singles champion found a partner to conquer the doubles event, as Weiss was joined by clubmate Josie Bruce to defeat Linda Powell and Rhian Williams from Dumfries.

The encounter fluctuated before going to a deciding set, the eventual score being 8-11, 11-9, 11-7, 6-11, 11-4.

The Veterans’ event was won by yet another Falkirk player, as James Russell beat Willie Mabon 11-8, 11-8, 6-11, 11-8 in the latter’s second final loss of the day.

The surprise of the day was the defeat of national champion Campbell in an earlier round.

The Junior Boys’ (under-17) title went to Sean Docherty, who beat Scott Barton in three straight sets in an all-Drumchapel affair.

However, young Barton went on to earn the compensation of the Cadet Boys’ (under-15) title.

In the Junior Girls competition Rhian Williams made up for her doubles loss by beating Bethany Ross in the final 11-6, 7-11, 11-8, 11-8.

The Cadet Girl’s title went to yet another Dumfries player when Renee Ho defeated Roxanna Milne in convincing fashion.

Club Chairman Drew McLaren expressed his thanks to tournament referees Stewart McGowan (Perth), Ken Cadogan (Edinburgh) and Charlie Flint (Aberdeen).

A final tribute was paid to two-time world champion Helen Elliot Hamilton for coming along to present the Ladies Trophy named in her honour.

SOON after this event, on February 6, the West Lothian Secondary Schools Championships were held at Bathgate Academy.

In the final of the over-16 competition Luke Marris (of St Margaret’s) retained his title by defeating Jason Farquhar (St Kentigern’s).

In the under-16 competition Scotland-ranked Robbie Fairley again defeated his regular final opponent Daniel Mackay (St Margaret’s), but on this occasion in straight sets.

In the under-14 event Kieran Boyle (St Kentigern’s), also Scotland ranked, defeated the younger Farquhar, Darren (St Kentigern’s).

These players were among a contingent of West Lothian pupils to go forward to the National Finals in Bell’s Sports Centre in Perth, where the two Scotland-ranked players lived up to their reputations, with Robbie reaching the last eight only to lose to the eventual runner-up.

However, despite a poor draw Kieran went on to win his event with ease.

Both players have been invited to attend national squad training in their age groups – in Kieran’s case for the first time. West Lothian officials are delighted at the progress being made by the young players and plan to provide intense coaching to all junior members over the summer.

AT the other end of the age spectrum the Scottish Veterans Table Tennis Association held a ranking tournament at Bathgate Academy in mid-February.

In the over-60 group West Lothian’s Barry Hills continues to impress and finished runner-up to lie in second place in the rankings.

IN early February a party of nine West Lothian players headed for a five-day training camp at Grenzau, near Koblenz, Germany.

Attached to a four-star hotel in the village of Grenzau is the training complex of the German national team, which is also used by the local club to coach its members under Chinese and European players.

While living in the lap of luxury the Scots enjoyed the disciplined practice and returned to West Lothian extolling the virtues of the set-up.

Last year West Lothian entered into an alliance with Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Falkirk and Penicuik to establish an Inter Area Development League based at Bathgate.

With the season now over, it has been judged a great success and if established for another campaign West Lothian should be able to increase its teams from three to five.

IN the Edinburgh league both First Division teams are well placed, with the A team lying third, with 15 points from 15 games, and the second team right behind with 14 points from 12 games.

In the Second Division the third team lies mid-table with little chance of either promotion or relegation.

In other exciting news for the club, former Scottish international Brian Kean and former European Champion John Hilton are to drop in over the weekend of March 14-15 to hold a coaching course at Bathgate Academy Sports Hall. Juniors will attend a full day Saturday session and seniors will attend the Sunday session.

On the Saturday evening there will be an exhibition match featuring both star players and a couple of locals, starting at 5.45pm with tickets priced £3, which can be purchased at the door on the night.

Bathgate will again host the National Championships, in Bathgate Academy, on Sunday, March 29.