The Worcestershire Schools Individual Table Tennis Competition was held at St Egwin’s School in Evesham and the players provided some fantastic table tennis.

In the U11 boys, Daniel Reynolds of St Egwin’s was dominant in his semi-final against Michael Campion of St George’s (Worcester), winning 3-0.

The other semi-final produced a titanic struggle between Johnny Blakely of Blackminster (Evesham) and Luc Chevailer of St George’s, Blakely triumphing 3-2. Reynolds powered through in the final, beating Blakely 3-1.

Lucy Siket (left) and Annelie Fidoe with John McKay
Lucy Siket (left) and Annelie Fidoe with John McKay

In the U11 girls, St George’s entered a very strong team with all four of its girls reaching the semi-finals. Lucy Siket beat Grace Lewis 3-0, while Annelie Fidoe beat Hannah Harding 3-1. The final was a repeat of an earlier round match between Fidoe and Siket, however, the result was just the same, Annelie winning both matches 3-2.

Ben Robinson of St Egwin’s was a worthy winner of the U13 boys’ competition with Jack Witheford of Blackminster claiming the runners-up spot, Robinson defeating Witheford 3-0.

Lucy Rose of Blackminster claimed a walkover in the U13 girls’ competition.

The U16 boys’ competition drew some very talented players from across the county. The semi-finals pitched brothers Craig and Ali Witheford of Prince Henry’s (Evesham) against each other – Craig winning 3-0. The other semi-final saw school friends Dominic Weston and Ben Meredith of the Chase School (Malvern) go head to head, Dominic winning in straight games 3-0. Craig and Dominic are also training partners and Craig showed the superb form he is in winning the final 3-0.

The U16 girls’ final was a straight match between Charlotte Bardsley of Heathfield School (Kidderminster) and Holly Bilsborrow of Prince Henry’s. Charlotte, who is the current No 2 English cadet, winning 3-0 in a super confident display.

Jack Witheford (left) and Ben Robinson with John McKay
Jack Witheford (left) and Ben Robinson with John McKay

The U19 boys was competed in a round-robin format with George Carroll of Hagley High (Kidderminster), the county No 1, the worthy favourite. However, he was to come up against Kenneth Li, playing penhold style, from St Michael’s College (Tenbury) in what turned out to be the decisive match losing 3-2.

The tournament was completed when Kenneth Li (U19 champion) took on Craig Witheford (U16 champion) and produced some of the finest table tennis Worcestershire schools have ever seen. Kenneth won 3-0 and his superb displays earned him the trophy for Player of the Tournament.

John McKay, WSTTA representative, presented the trophies.