Singles and Doubles Wins for Andrew

New Milton’s Andrew Stainton shone at the recent Finals Night of the Bournemouth and District Table Tennis Association, as he picked up a Singles and Doubles title.

But first up, the club’s new chairman Brian Vibert took on Winton YMCA’s Ian Johnstone in the Vets Over 60’s final.  It was expected to be quite a tight match, considering the players’ similar winning averages in the Premier, i.e. Vibert on 70% and Johnstone on 61%.

However, Vibert got straight into his stride and imperiously took the first two sets 11-2 and 11-4.  Johnstone gradually began to work Vibert out, and floated the balls back with no spin, and took the third 11-8.  This was only a temporary set-back for Vibert, who reversed the 11-8 scoreline in the fourth set to win the Over 60’s title.

It was a very interesting combination of players in the Mixed Doubles final.  New Milton’s Andrew Stainton from the Premier, teamed up with Merton’s Gaynor Fisher, who plays in Division 3.  They were mirrored by former Milton player Helena Holland (a team mate of Gaynor’s) and the Premier’s Simon Fox from the Bournemouth Sports club.

It was a bit “nip and tuck” in the first set, as Helena and Simon won it 11-7.  However, Andrew’s powerful forehand drives, and very tricky serves, came to the fore, to help win the next two sets 11-9.  Andrew’s partner Gaynor did exactly what was required from her in the fourth set to help win the match 11-5, and share in the Mixed Doubles title.

The New Milton club were very proud to have two of their players, Andrew Stainton and Max Bannon in the final of the prestigious Bournemouth & District Closed event.  Andrew could be said to have the advantage over his Premier team mate, with a superior winning average in the league.  It is also fair to say that Andrew was fully fired up after his Doubles victory, and that Max hadn’t had much of a chance to warm up.  Max therefore found it very difficult to get into the game, with Andrew showing no mercy once again with his powerful forehand drives and very tricky serves.  There were some excellent exchanges, but Andrew won the title 11-4, 11-4, 11-4.

The New Milton Club is hoping to go from strength to strength, having moved to the New Milton Memorial Centre, after being away from New Milton for many years.  Currently the Memorial Centre is only used for practice nights (Thursdays), with league matches – and Sunday club nights – continuing to be played at the Mudeford Wood Community Centre for now.

The Club is always on the lookout for new members, from experienced players to absolute beginners.  Anybody wishing to find out more about our very friendly club should look on our website (www.newmiltonttc.com) or contact Chairman Brian Vibert on 07952 974657, or Secretary Bev Scott-Johns on 01425 619552.

Reported by Malcolm Floyd.

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