Corby has proved itself a hotbed of table tennis with Corby Smash and Corby Town TTCs both honoured at the town’s recent sports awards – and Smash also picking up a prize at the Corby Business Awards.

Corby Smash were nominated and certificated in no fewer than five categories at the Corby Sports Awards, including Community Club of the Year, in which category Corby Town were also nominated and certificated.

The other four categories in which Corby Smash were successful were:

• Young Sportsperson of the Year – Alex Cochrane, who improved from complete beginner to Northamptonshire Schools Under-13 champion in 15 months.
• Get Active Award – Peter Hillery, who was a beginner and inactive in 2016 and now plays 10 hours a week and has an England Under-21 ranking already.
• Young Leader Award – Adam Wilson for acting as Junior Host at the club and looking after, and playing with, all newcomers.
• Team of the Year Award – Corby Smash C-team. One family, Jenny Hillery and three boys Pete Hillery (as above), Tyler Hillery, and Lewis Hillery had never picked up a bat before Corby Smash opened in February 2016. By September they were a team in Division Three of Kettering & District TTL and with practice, dedication and coaching won the division. They are now playing in Division One.

In addition, Corby Smash picked up second place at the Corby Business Awards in the Best Health and Leisure Business category.