THE final of the Okehampton and District Table Tennis League Bill Fogerty Cup certainly lived up to all pre-match expectations.
It proved a tense and tight match that swung first one way and then the other. Despite another fine maximum from The Young Ones George Haskell, locked at four games apiece, the match finally came down to the last game between experienced Tavistock A player Fred Phillips, and George's younger brother Edward.
In a hotly contested and nervous match, Fred just edged the first game 21-19 and then used all his experience to take the second 21-18 to win the cup. Tavistock left The Young Ones (who have now lost the final for the second year running 5-4) once again contemplating what might have been. Scorers for Tavistock A were Fred Phillips (2), Peter Hicks (2), Roger Bowkett (1) and for The Young Ones, George Haskell (3), Edward Haskell (1) and Andy Moppett (0).
Tavistock A once again look as though they will be in the running for the Division One title which promises to be a very open contest this year.
In the Bill Fogerty Consolation the current holders Okehampton A proved too strong for Bridestowe and ran out 7 – 2 winners.
Bridestowe were missing Mark Fogerty and despite two games from Mark Tancock and a strong performance by Francis Griffiths they were unable to match a determined Okehampton team.
Barry Vaughan scored a fine maximum although taken to three games by Francis before winning out 21-16, 20-22, 21-13.
Scorers for Okehampton A were Barry Denner (2), Barry Vaughan (3), John Squire (2) and for Bridestowe, Mark Tancock (2), Francis Griffiths (0), Phil Down (0).
Both these teams also look to be in strong contention for the league title this coming season.