With the addition of eight new teams and two new clubs, the Colchester & District Table Tennis League looks in rude health for the forthcoming season.

There is a warm welcome to the St James Club from Clacton that have added half of those new teams spread over the four divisions as well as a return to the League for the Gilberd School after a thirty year absence. Tollgate and Pegasus have entered two more teams apiece, meaning that most Divisions will have twelve in them.

St James’s A include Colin Webber, Gill Locke and James Denyer in their Division One team that should more than hold its own but look no further than current champions H20 Rowhedge A as favourites to retain their Division One title.

With reigning Men’s champion Antony Greenwood, previous holder Steve Joslin and Captain Michael Andrews they boast a formidable line-up and providing they are all regularly available will take some beating.

Last season’s runner’s-up Tollgate A will be without Gary Young who moves to Gt Horkesley C as the village team boast no fewer than three teams in the top flight. Tollgate will be hoping for more appearances from their Ipswich Veteran champion Andy Warner if they are to mount a serious challenge.

Pegasus A are the other newbies and have strengthened their squad with the addition of Rob Bozier from the Essex University, who has lost only once in his last sixty-three games in the lower divisions.

In Division Two things look far more open with the experience of Walton C looking ominous as well as new boys St James B, featuring the likes of John Hobson, Annabelle Rodriguez and hopefully John Barton and Andy Vincent. Relegated Lawford A will be keen to go back up and the newly formed Tollgate C team, which features former Chinese International Marcia Ma and recently crowned National Under 12 Girls champion Jane Li moving up two Divisions. St Peters will be desperate to lose their ‘boing-boing’ tag following nine seasons of continual promotion and relegation.

With the reforming of Divisions Three and Four it is impossible to gauge who will be the likely contenders but watch out once again for the new teams, which include four Chelmsford players playing for Tollgate D in Division Four and of course the Gilberd School, that will be looking to make an impact.

All Colchester League Players are reminded, if they have not already done so, to renew their Membership of the ETTA. For most League players the cost is £6 for Seniors and £3 for Juniors. All players who had membership last year should have received a letter from the ETTA together with a membership card. Players may also have received an e-mail reminder. Renewal is very straightforward either via the ETTA online system or by calling the membership department on 0845 0500388.

If you have any queries or renewing your membership or do not know your membership number please contact either John Andrews or David Jones.