All is set for the ELCC finals which are being played at Westfield Table Tennis Club, Weavers Leisure Centre, Wellingborough, Northants this weekend.
The Wilmott Cup (Men) and J M Rose Bowl (Women) matches are on Saturday with play starting at 10am. The Wilmott Cup holders, Sheffield, are the No 1 seeds with their team comprising Harry Dai, Michael Fraser and Warren Li Kam Wa. Reading take the second spot.
The J M Rose Bowl sees a strong Leicester ladies team, Jessica Birbeck, Lois Peake and Karen Smith, in pole position with Warrington, second seeds. Leicester League last won the trophy in 2009 and Karen was a member of the team then too. With one current international and one former international Leicester must be favourites, although the strength of the other teams promises some close matches.
Sunday sees the Junior events with Crawley and Horsham being the No 1 seeds in both the Carter Cup (Junior Boys) and Bromfield Trophy (Junior Girls). Josh Bennett, George Hazell and Ryszard Pelc make up the boys’ team and Kate Cheer, Alice Hazell, Holly Holder and Isabelle Joubeily the girls.
The holders of the Carter Cup, Wembley & Harrow are also competing but Eren Gozcu is the only survivor from their team last season. Similarly, Derby, last year’s Bromfield Trophy holders, have all their players out of the junior age group so a new name will be added to this cup this year.
There are several youngsters competing who have represented England in different age groups, which augers well for the quality of play.
We wish all teams a good and competitive weekend’s play. Spectators are welcome and there is no admission charge.