TABLE tennis player Fred Phillips from Tavistock has netted his first major trophy in the Exeter and district league. At a tournament played at Okehampton Table Tennis Club, Fred played Max Schnider from Exeter's first division in the final and won by two sets to one. Fred, 68, who is chairman of the Okehampton club, said he hopes more players from the Tavistock area would join in playing at Okehampton. Lorraine Robinson, the coaching officer at the club, was full of praise for Fred's efforts: She said: 'Fred said that playing table tennis has helped keep him in his best health for many years. Table tennis is a great game for getting people fit and we have some players in their 80s. It really is a game for all ages.' The club now has 10 tables in permanent use at their hall in the former BT building in Castle Street, Okehampton, which is used for most of the major tournaments in the South West. It also has a full time coach for all ages that requires coaching, from beginner to advanced. There are sessions on Tuesday evenings, Wednesday afternoons and coaching for all ages on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Tavistock has two teams in the Okehampton league and if anyone wishes for more information about joining contact Fred on 0771 5143271 or Lorraine on 07976 604563.
