DYNAMIC DORSET DELIVERS

With the Olympic flames’ arrival in Bournemouth on Friday 13^th July what a better day to host Dorset’s largest ever School Games Level 3 Table Tennis Tournament.

With 24 match tables, 144 Competitors (from twenty different schools), 48 female players, 24 newly trained table tennis Young Officials and four County Umpires. The scene was set for a fantastic competition.

On arrival into the arena, the young players were wowed by local internationals Matt Ware and Hannah Hicks. Both Hannah and Matt demonstrated why they were at the top of the national game displaying some exhilarating attacking and defensive rallies. At the conclusion of their match, each player shared a few pearls of wisdom and some of the wonderful experiences which competitive sport had made possible.

Following the exhibition match, a few tips of guidance were given to the players, the Players Oath was proclaimed and matches commenced.

For this Level 3 School Games Tournament it was decided to run competitions for the U12 and U14 age groups. With the desire to encourage new schools to participate, the boys’ competition was also banded into two. Each School team comprised of two players, of which, both would play a singles and a doubles against the other teams in their group.  The winner of each group would then progress to the semi-finals.

Spectators and teachers alike were entertained by some incredible matches with both players and volunteers epitomising the Olympic values. As the final stages of the tournament emerged the matches got closer and closer.

Final Results

U12 Girls
Gold:  Allenbourne School
Silver:  Highcliffe School
Bronze: Bournemouth School for Girls

U12s Boys (Band 2)
Gold Cranborne 2
Silver Harewood 2
Bronze Bethany

U12s Boys (Band 1)
Gold Cranborne 1
Silver Ferndown Middle School
Allenbourne Middle School

U14 Girls
Gold Budmouth College, Weymouth
Silver Queen Elizabeth
Bronze Glenmoor 1

U14 Boys Band 2
Gold Cranbourne 3
Silver Bournemouth School for Boys 2
Bronze Bishop of Winchester 1

U14 Boys Band 1
Gold Harewood College
Silver Cranborne 1
Bronze Poole Grammar

Many thanks as always to the dedicated and tireless extraordinary volunteers from Bournemouth. Let’s hope the legacy of the Olympics continues to inspire Dorset to greatness.

James Lewis (ETTA Dorset Development Coach)