IN a dramatic final nights play in division one of the Okehampton and District Table Tennis League, The Young Ones clinched their first title despite some last night jitters.

Up against a determined Okehampton A side The Young Ones slipped to only their second defeat of the season going down at home 4-6. Barry Denner threw down the gauntlet beating George Haskell in four sets in a close fought opening game and then going on to secure a fine maximum on the night by beating both Edward Haskell in the five sets and Andy Moppet in the fourth. George and Edward both won their matches against Barry Vaughan and Tony Howick and Andy Moppett did well to take Barry Vaughan to the fifth set. However, at 4-5 down and with a close eye on Tavistock A's match against Bridestowe Andy and George faced Tony Howick and Barry Denner in the doubles in what proved to be another close game. Tony and Barry finally came through to win the game 9-11, 11-9, 3-11, 11-9, 10-12 to take the match 6-4. The Young Ones scores were George Haskell (2), Edward Haskell (2), Andy Moppett (0). Okehampton A scores were Barry Denner (3), Barry Vaughan (1), Tony Howick (1).

Tavistock A's chances of catching The Young Ones were scuppered by a strong Bridestowe side who won the match 6-4. Bridestowe's Mark Fogerty secured a fine maximum on the night although Roger Bowkett caused an upset by beating Mark Tancock in four sets (only his second defeat of the season). At 5-4 up Mark Fogerty and Francis Griffiths sealed the win for Bridestowe by beating Tavistock's Fred Phillips and Roger Bowkett in the doubles in five. Bridestowe scores were Mark Fogerty (3), Mark Tancock (2), Francis Griffiths (0). Tavistock A scores were Fred Phillips (1), Roger Bowkett (2), Peter Hicks (1).

Anchorage A took on Academy A and ran out winners 8-2. Tom Pearce was unfortunate to lose two of his games in the fifth just losing out to Martin Fowler 11-4, 8-11, 10-12, 11-9, 11-9, but Ben Hill turned in a solid performance beating both Bob Vella and Colin Brooker in four sets. Martin Fowler and Colin Brooker took the doubles against Tom Pengelly and Ben Hill. Anchorage A scores were Martin Fowler (3), Bob Vella (2), Colin Brooker (2). Academy A scores were Tom Pengelly (0), Tom Pearce (0), Ben Hill (2).

Karen Stephenson played her first match of the season and won all three singles as The J Team beat Anchorage B 9-1. John Watson put in a strong performance for the Anchorage side narrowly losing to Frank Cockburn in five sets before going on to beat Sarah Jackson in an extremely close final singles 13-15, 11-7, 14-12, 9-11, 10-12. Frank and Sarah just pipped John and Jenny Gilbert in the doubles also in five. The J Team scores were Sarah Jackson (2), Frank Cockburn (3), Karen Stephenson (3). Anchorage B scores were Roger Gilbert (0), John Watson (1), Jenny Gilbert (0).

In division two, Milton Abbot secured the runners up spot after completing two matches in one night. Milton's Mark Cousins, Theo Cousins and Michael Blatchford faced Oke Young Ones B who could only raise two players. Harry Bryant turned in another great performance to come from two down to take the opening game against Mark Cousins in fives sets. Harry later teamed up with Kieran Coyle to take the doubles against Mark Cousins and Michael Blatchford in five sets giving Milton an 8-2 win. Milton scores were Mark Cousins (2), Theo Cousins (3), Michael Blatchford (3). Oke Young Ones B scores were Harry Bryant (1), Kieran Coyle (0). In the other game, Milton faced Oke B and ran out 9-1 winners. Dick Randell saved the whitewash by beating Milton's Tim Westcott but Theo Cousins scored another maximum for Milton which sees him end his season in second place in the individual averages with 10 wins out of 11. Milton Abbot scores were Theo Cousins (3), Tim Westcott (2), Ian Osborne (3). Okehampton B scores were Dick Randell (1), June Randell (0), John Howick (0).