As part of the Leicestershire and Rutland Sport Super Series, table tennis competitions in all four age groups for both genders are held in each of the 10 districts, producing champions who play in finals.

The finals were held on five after-school sessions at either Judgemeadow College, Leicester, or Knighton Park Table Tennis Club, with seven under-11 boys’ teams, seven under-11 girls, eight under-13 boys, three under-13 girls, nine under-16 boys, four under-16 girls, seven under-19 boys and one under-19 girls’ teams actually playing – 46 in all, although there were also five withdrawals. All districts had at least one representative at a final for the first time.

The total number of teams playing in the district events was more than 150 – with a very memorable 20 under-11 teams playing in one district event. This makes over 600 youngsters playing in what for many is their first competitive event – an increase of about 100 on last year.

The champions were:
Under-11 Boys: Burbage Juniors (Hinckley and Bosworth)
Under-11 Girls: Burbage Juniors (Hinckley and Bosworth)
Under-13 Boys: South Wigston High School (Oadby and Wigston)
Under-13 Girls: Newbridge High School (North West Leicestershire)
Under-16 Boys: Bosworth Academy (Hinckley and Bosworth)
Under-16 Girls: Manor High School  (Oadby and Wigston)
Under-19 Boys: Ashby School (North West Leicestershire)
Under-19 Girls: Bosworth Academy (Hinckley and Bosworth)

All have been invited to represent Leicestershire in the Zone stage of the ESTTA National Team Competition at Grantham on January 31/February 1, funded by grants from Leicestershire and Rutland Sport.

Many thanks to colleagues from Leicestershire and Rutland Sport, the Schools Games Organisers in the districts, the local table tennis community – especially Tim Cawston, Shirley Pickering and David Morley – the sports leaders – who learned to score – and hosts Judgemeadow College and Knighton Park Table Tennis Club.

A truly excellent series of events which bodes well for the Individual Championships held at Leicester Grammar School on February 7 and 14 2015.

Mike Smith
December 19, 2014