TABLE TENNIS: Defending champs beat Evergreens

4th August 2006

Defending champions Napier, found form at the business end of the Hawke's Bay interclub table tennis season, bursting previously unbeaten Evergreens' bubble with an 8-4 win in their division one clash on Tuesday night.

Napier will play bottom placed Hastings in next week's second semifinal, while Evergreens will play Taradale, who had a 9-3 win over Hastings in the other contest. Napier's strong all-round team were unbeaten in doubles play, and the consistent Robin Gwynn and Helen Codlin won two out of three singles.

For Evergreens, Russ Winkley was again unbeaten in his three singles matches, while the other win came from Kevin Bird who had an upset win over Elly Govers.

The Taradale team of Tim Keogh, Kee Wah Chiu and Richard Ye won two singles each and all three were unbeaten in doubles matches.

Hastings' Jason Ho won his three singles in a welcomed return after several weeks absence. The highlight of this contest was Ho's seven set win over in-form Keogh.

In division two, Waipawa RATZ defeated previously unbeaten Napier Gold in a 9-3 upset.

Napier Gold were without Adriaane Lotter who has been a huge influence in Napier Gold's success this season. Waipawa RATZ again had the services of Alan Sutherland who is the key to their return to winning form.

Napier Tryhards certainly lived up to their name after a battle royal with Taradale Two produced a 6-all draw, but a countback on sets gave the win to Tryhards 32-29.

Honours were shared between both teams, with the result in doubt until the last singles between Barry Jane and Hayden Wong, with Wong winning in the sixth set.

In division 3, Napier Blue had a surprising and tough 7-5 win over Hastings One. Jayne Powis excelled with a brilliant singles win over Daniel Brider in seven sets, plus a doubles win with husband Norm.

Taradale One thrashed St John's Moana Pacific One 12-0 and Hastings Two were ruthless in their 10-2 win over St John's Moana Pacific Two.

Next week features the second semifinal matches in all three divisions.