Two young Furness table tennis stars grabbed the chance to play for England with vigour at the Schools International 2010.

Former Dowdales pupil Scott Crawford and current pupil Emily Bolton showed their worth at the event in Limerick, Ireland.

Taking on teams from the rest of the UK and Ireland, Scott came away with a gold medal from the team event and a bronze in the singles at under-18s level.

Emily, meanwhile, was playing her first international tournament at the age of 12, coming up against opponents up to two years her senior in the under-14s event.

She also came home with a medal, taking a bronze in the team event, having been eliminated from the individual competition at the quarter-final stage.

Playing at the National Arena, at the University of Limerick, Crawford teamed up to great effect with fellow Bristol Academy of Sport student Tom Maynard in the team event to make up England A.

The format of the competition saw both team members play singles matches and then team up for a doubles contest.

They came through a tough final against favourites and hosts Ireland 3-1 to claim the crown.

In the individuals, Scott won bronze, losing in the semi-finals to eventual winner Paul McCreery, from Ireland.

The medal haul for Scott followed two silvers for his elder brother Jonathan at the same event six years ago.

Dad Duncan, a coach at the Barrow Table Tennis Centre, where both Scott and Emily have honed their skills, said: “It’s fantastic. The whole family went to watch and it was a really fantastic weekend.

“They played really well together in the doubles, they beat Ireland 3-1 together, which was a good result.

“It’s another gold medal for Barrow, and isn’t that fantastic?”

Emily came up against players from Scotland, Ireland, Wales, the Isle of Man and Jersey in the team competition.

Her team were knocked out in the semi-finals to earn her a bronze medal, while she reached the last-eight of the individual event.

On Emily, Duncan said: “She played under-14s and she’s only 12.

“Every player at that tournament will have been ranked above, so for her to be picked is great.

“We are all chuffed to bits that she was selected to take part and she will certainly go on to play for England again. With the right guidance she will definitely keep performing at this level.”

Last year’s Barrow Junior Sportsperson of the Year Emily – who is coached by former Parkview pupil Tristran Swan at Barrow Table Tennis Centre, as well as ex-England coach Denis Neale – has also been selected to play for the North West of England in the UK School Games in Sunderland at the start of September.

She impressed while playing in the National Championships in Doncaster in the under-12s, under-13s and under-14s events, and has had trials to represent England in the Euro Mini Championship later this year in France.

As of yet the team has not been selected.

Barrow Table Tennis Club is pleased and proud to announce a new kit sponsorship for next seasons British League Teams.

The Barrow British League Teams are to be sponsored by the global and world renowned Swedish-based table tennis manufacturer Stiga. Stiga, has been a world leader and innovator in the sport of table tennis for over 60 years. Using the finest materials and maintaining the highest of standards, Stiga is particularly renowned for its blades – regarded as the world’s best.

Stiga’s sponsorship is in coordination with Stiga’s UK distributor Thornton’s Sport and Leisure. Thornton’s Sport and Leisure has a long history of supporting table tennis in the Barrow area. At the grass roots level, the table tennis retailer supports St Columba’s Primary School, recent England Schools finalists St Bernard’s Secondary School as well as sponsoring England Girls U12 No. 2 Emily Bolton and top Junior and Barrow British League player Scott Crawford. Further up the chain, Thornton’s Sport and Leisure has sponsored the Barrow Super League from its inception. The Barrow Super League features Cumbria’s best table tennis players as well as Barrow Table Tennis Club coach and former England International Denis Neale.

Further Information about Stiga:

STIGA Sports AB, a global company with partners in over 100 countries, has been a world leader in the sport of table tennis for over 60 years. For more than half a century STIGA blades have been world renowned as the best. During this time, STIGA has continued to reinforce its position as the innovative leader in table tennis blade production.

STIGA has done this by starting with the finest raw materials, maintaining the highest standard of quality, and by continuously investing in research and development of new blades and new manufacturing technologies.

Throughout the years that STIGA has been manufacturing table tennis blades, our company has accumulated an enormous amount of skill, expertise and knowledge. Through our close cooperation with several world class players and coaches, STIGA has always identified players evolving needs. With our years of experience, STIGA’s wood technicians have always been able to produce blades to meet these needs.

In the past few years alone, STIGA has introduced many new blade technologies:WRB, CR, Oversize, 13 layer Carbo,TUBE, Crystal, Nano Composite Technology etc.

The proficiency of STIGA’s R & D department, combined with state of the art manufacturing procedures, makes it possible for STIGA to constantly provide new, innovative and
unsurpassed products. The combination of the finest wood and craftsmanship make STIGA’s blades the best that nature can offer.

This past weekend (8th and 9th May 2010) Barrow played in the British League play-offs at Cippenham Table Tennis Centre, Berkshire. The award for the top two teams in the round-robin event would be a place in the coveted British League Premier Division where the top 8 British table tennis teams compete.

Like every other sports team going into a major event, Barrow had analysed the opposition and identified the dangers. On paper, it looked like three teams would be vying for the two places available: Fusion, Pavilion Brighton and Barrow (in that order).

On the Saturday, Barrow played three teams: TTK Greenhouse (London), Elgre Nottingham and Fusion (London).

On the Sunday, Barrow would play two teams: Pavilion Brighton and OLOP Impact (Reading).

Barrow I vs TTK Greenhouse I

Despite not making it onto Barrow’s pre-drawn list of threats, with England number 12 playing for them, TTK Greenhouse weren’t going to be a pushover. Indeed, Barrow knew they had a fight on their hands as they went 3-2 down.

As expected, two of TTK Greenhouse’s wins came from Herbert, the former England Number 2 who was once considered to be blessed with the ‘best serves in the world’. He beat, or should that be ‘served off’, Barrow players Jakov Krivić and Bradley Evans. TTK Greenhouse’s other win came in the form of a five-set thriller with Jide Owalabi edging out Barrow player Scott Crawford. For Barrow, the wins came from Krivić over Chris Lewis and Jonathan Crawford over Fatium Sadiku.

The next three games were straight-forward three-set affairs all going Barrow’s way. Jonathan Crawford comfortably beat Lewis to level the score. He was backed up by Evans who beat Owalabi and younger brother Scott Crawford who beat Sadiku.

Given the strength of TTK Greenhouse’s number 1 Gareth Herbert, in Barrow’s eyes this was a satisfactory result and a solid start. Each Barrow team member, without exception, played well and showed good form.

Final Score: Barrow I 5 – 3 TTK Greenhouse I
Barrow I: Jakov Krivić (1), Bradley Evans (1), Jonathan Crawford (2), Scott Crawford (1)
TTK Greenhouse I: Gareth Herbert (2), Chris Lewis (0), Jide Owalabi (1), Fatium Sadiku (0)

Barrow I vs Elgre Nottingham I

Elgre Nottingham are well known to Barrow as they are the other team from Division 1 North to make the play-offs. Indeed, they finished above Barrow. However, with world ranked Croatian Krivić on display for Barrow, Elgre Nottingham were more of a ‘banana skin’ than a real threat.

Thankfully, this ‘banana skin’ didn’t find its way under Barrow’s feet as they won comfortably 7-1. Jonathan Crawford maintained his 100% record beating Sophie Neil and David Arrowsmith. Krivić beat Arrowsmith and Chris Rogers while Scott Crawford beat Sophie Neil and Emma Vickers – a player who had been a thorn in Barrow’s side in the two teams’ last encounter. Evans on the other hand had mixed fortunes as he suffered a five-set defeat to Rogers, but beat Vickers.

Barrow’s 7-1 victory over Elgre Nottingham was deserved and pushed them to joined first place with Fusion, the team they were to face next.

Final Score: Barrow I 7 – 1 Elgre Nottingham I
Barrow I: Jakov Krivić (2), Bradley Evans (1), Jonathan Crawford (2), Scott Crawford (2)
Elgre Nottingham I: Chris Rogers (1), David Arrowsmith (0), Emma Vickers (1), Sophie Neil (0)

Barrow I vs Fusion I

This was a big match for Barrow; any points picked up would be a big bonus and put the team on track for a dream British League Premier Division place.

The danger presented by Fusion doesn’t lie with any one individual, but the strength and depth of the team. That said, the team does boast former Olympian and Nigerian International Sule Olaleye as its number 1.

The first match saw Evans line up against Olaleye, but despite Evans just losing the first set in deuce game 11, Olaleye was just too strong taking the next two sets comfortably.

For the next few games Barrow were always playing catch-up. Firstly Krivić comfortably beat Tom Cutler before Mark Smith beat Scott Crawford in an intense match to give Fusion the lead once more. Jonathan Crawford then beat John Dennison to draw the match 2-2 at the halfway point.

In a truly world class match that caught the attention and imagination of everyone in the room, Krivić faced Olaleye. After some incredible off-the-table attacking rallies interspersed with delicate touch play, it looked like Krivić was going to take the match as he led 9-7 in the deciding fifth set. However, Olaleye managed to tighten his game over the last crucial points and used his immense experience to edge out Krivić and sneak a win.

Fusion’s ever dependable Smith then went on to beat Evans to give Fusion a 4-2 lead with 2 games remaining.

It was now up to the two Crawford brother’s backed up by former England Team Coach Denis Neale and travelling supporters to pull something out of the bag and gain Barrow a valuable point. On the Barrow supporters side things were tense, but on the Fusion side there was an air of contemplation.

First up England number 59 Jonathan Crawford played superbly to beat England number 42 Tom Cutler. Jonathan then passed on the baton to younger brother Scott Crawford who faced Dennison.

The first set went Scott Crawford’s way as he won game 7. This was then matched by Dennison to bring the match to 1 set apiece.

The next set was to be decisive. It was a marathon containing long attacking rallies as both players chased the ball and gave nothing away. At crucial points both players used their time-outs before the set was eventually settled 23-21 in the favour of Barrow player Scott Crawford.

Dennison found it hard to recover from the disappointment of losing the set and Scott Crawford went on to win the match taking the fourth set game 7, thus earning Barrow a valuable draw.

Going into the match, Barrow would have been delighted with a draw. However, as is so often the case, after achieving what would have been a dream result you can’t help look back and think what could have been had Krivić managed to finish off Olaleye.

At the end of day 1, Barrow had won 2 and drawn 1 against Fusion, the team they shared the top spot with in the play-off table. On top of that, Jonathan Crawford had managed to maintain a 100% record.

Final Score: Barrow I 4 – 4 Fusion I
Barrow I: Jakov Krivić (1), Bradley Evans (0), Jonathan Crawford (2), Scott Crawford (1)
Fusion I: Sule Olaleye (2), Tom Cutler (0), Mark Smith (2), John Dennison (0)

Barrow I vs Pavilion Brighton I

Beating Pavilion Brighton would guarantee Barrow promotion to the British League Premier Division with one game to spare. Barrow approached the game with respect for Pavilion Brighton and knew it would take a good performance by everyone to dispose of them.

The match started out like a dream for Barrow as they stormed ahead to a 3-0 lead. Krivić easily beat Ashley Stokes, Evans easily beat Hans Pillards finishing off with what has to be the shot of the weekend and Jonathan Crawford scraped through against Eli Baraty. Scott Crawford then lost a hugely entertaining match against fellow junior Da Shuai Zhang to leave the match 3-1 to Barrow at the halfway mark.

Going into the second half of the match Barrow were brimming with confidence, whilst with the exception of Zhang, Pavilion Brighton looked to have lost confidence and fight.

Krivić took the next game comfortably beating Pillards to guarantee Barrow at least a draw. However, to guarantee promotion, Barrow needed one more win.

Barrow didn’t have to wait long as Jonathan Crawford continued his unbeaten run beating Stokes. Evans then lost to inform Zhang before Scott Crawford beat Baraty to earn Barrow a 6-2 victory and a place in the British League Premier Division.

After 4 games, Barrow alongside Fusion had gained promotion to the British League Premier Division. However, with both teams tied on seven points and twenty two games won, there was still the honour of been champions to fight for.

Final Score: Barrow I 6 – 2 Pavilion Brighton I
Barrow I: Jakov Krivić (2), Bradley Evans (1), Jonathan Crawford (2), Scott Crawford (1)
Fusion I: Hans Pillards (0), Ashley Stokes (0), Da Shuai Zhang (2), Eli Baraty (0)

Barrow I vs OLOP Impact I

Barrow, buoyed by the morning’s performance wanted to finish the weekend on a high and win the competition out right. As Barrow were on equal points and game difference with Fusion, this meant trying to beat OLOP Impact (who sat at the foot of the table) by as big a margin as possible. At the same time, Barrow had to rely on Gareth Herbert’s TTK Greenhouse to inflict some damage on Fusion.

Maintaining the morning’s momentum, Barrow were fast out of the blocks. They steam rolled a startled OLOP Impact taking the match score to 4-0 at the halfway mark. Evans beat David Barr, Krivić beat Chris Bush, Scott Crawford beat Hari Gehlot and Jonathan Crawford beat Liam McTiernan.

Meanwhile, on the other table, Fusion had dropped a game against TTK Greenhouse, but still held a convincing 3-1 lead.

It would be nice to be able to write that there was a dramatic conclusion as to who the winners of the British League Play-Offs would be, but Barrow were simply coasting. The next four games went the same as the first four and with the exception of Brad’s very tired victory over Gehlot, each victory was easily obtained. Krivić comfortably beat Barr, Jonathan Crawford finished the weekend with a 100% record easily beating Bush and Scott Crawford proved that he could hold his own at this level by beating McTiernan.

With the final score 8–0 to Barrow and Fusion only beating TTK Greenhouse 6–2, Barrow had not only gained promotion to the British Premier League, but had done so in style by been crowned the 2010 British League Play-Off Champions. This is truly a great result and arguably the best result of any Cumbrian table tennis team ever!

Final Score: Barrow I 8 – 0 OLOP Impact I
Barrow I: Jakov Krivić (2), Bradley Evans (2), Jonathan Crawford (2), Scott Crawford (2)
Fusion I: David Barr (0), Chris Bush (0), Hari Gehlot (0), Liam McTiernan (0)

This weekend, Barrow I will compete against Elgre Nottingham, TTK Greenhouse, OLOP Impact I, Fusion I and Pavilion Brighton in the British League Play-Offs. The round-robin style event is to be played at Cippenham Table Tennis Centre and the award for the top two teams is a place in the British League Premier Division.

Barrow I qualified for last season’s British League Play-Offs and finished in fourth position. The team could have done better had then team number 1 Gavin Rumgay been available to play (Gavin was playing in the Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships).

This time around, despite the loss of current team number 1 Darius Knight (Spanish League commitments), the team hopes to do better. With the addition of top Croatian Jakov Krivić to the team and Jonathan and Scott Crawford improving vastly over the last year, promotion is a strong possibility.

Over the weekend, the team will be coached by former England team coach Denis Neale.

Team: Jakov Krivić, Bradley Evans, Jonathan Crawford, Scott Crawford

St Bernards’ talented table tennis stars will be taking on the best in England in the national championships this weekend.

The Barrow school has three teams in the English Schools Table Tennis Association finals after a remarkable year of success.

The under-13s girls, under-13s boys and under-16s girls teams will all be eager to claim the silverware after coming through county, area and regional events to reach the national finals in Hinckley, Leicestershire.

Under the guidance of teacher Karen Griffiths and former England coach Denis Neale, the three teams have all excelled this year.

“We’re absolutely delighted for the kids,” said Griffiths, herself a table tennis player.

“They have been training and working really hard.

“Last year we managed to get two teams through to the national finals, but to get three teams through this year is a fantastic achievement.”

Neale, too, has been impressed with the success of St Bernard’s against bigger schools from larger catchment areas.

“I think it’s fantastic for a school like St Bernard’s to have three teams reach the national finals when they have been playing teams from Manchester, Liverpool and the like – where there are more than 300 schools to choose from,” he said.

“For them to have three teams there on finals day is fantastic.

“I’ve been working with them for about the past 10 weeks and Karen, being a table tennis player herself, is a big thing in bringing the kids on.

“You can’t tell the team now from 12 weeks ago. They are all really keen and they really want to do well – they have developed a lot from the beginning.”

The under-16s girls team is made up of Shannon Trainor, Emily Edwards, Adele Bassett and Anna Donohue, the under-13s girls consists of Emily Cotton, Robyn Holden, Louise Kenneally and Katie Linton, while the under-13s boys quartet is James Coward, Ross Ahern, Anton Vacca and Brendan Trainor.

The teams have all had weekly sessions with Neale at the Barrow Table Tennis Centre, and in the school, with top local coaches Mike Yardley and Duncan Crawford both also lending their expertise.

“The coaching sessions and the extra practice have been really helpful,” added Griffiths.

“The combination of the practice they are getting in and out of school is a big thing and a lot of the kids are playing four or five times a week, which is what we need to compete with the other schools.”

Neale is hopeful the strength-in-depth of the St Bernard’s teams will hold them in good stead this weekend.

“The key to success at the nationals is having good depth,” he said. “You can have the best two players in England, but if your other two are no good you can’t win.

“With the St Bernard’s teams, they can all play at the same level, which gives them every chance.”

Six Furness teams, largely coached by Barrow Table Tennis Club’s coaches Duncan Crawford, Mike Yardley, Denis Neale and Tristran Swan, made it through to the northern finals of the English Schools Table Tennis Association Championships after strong showings in the county and regional events.

South Cumbrian teams won six of the seven events at the county finals, held at the Barrow Table Tennis Centre, while there were three champions and three runners-up at the North West event.

The Cumbria finals saw Holy Family, Dane Ghyll and Storth in the under-11s girls qualifying group.

Dane Ghyll and Holy Family had a close match, which just swung in the former’s favour, 5-3.

Ife Bamigboye and Megan Turnough were unbeaten, while Jessica Livesey featured strongly for Holy Family with two wins.

Holy Family went down 6-2 against Storth, Livesey winning twice.

The decider between Dane Ghyll and Storth was as close as possible.

Two wins each for Caitlyn Walker and Bamigboye secured a draw for Dane Ghyll. The teams were level on countback, but Dane Ghyll won on points, 288-287.

This put them into a final group against Askam and St Columba’s.

Despite some close matches, and a win each for Walker and Bamigboye, Dane Ghyll were unable to prevent their opponents facing off in the final once more.

Wins from Mia Gwynne and Tyra Rushton put the Walney team 2-0 up, before Sophie Ridgway edged Jasmine Halcrow in a real tight affair, coming from two games behind to win for St Columba’s.

Another win for Gwynne made it 4-0, before Askam staged a fightback with wins from Katie Moncrief, Jasmine Halcrow and Robyn Halcrow.

The title was secured for St Columba’s when Rushton came to the table and beat Robyn Halcrow in three games.

In the under-11s boys event, the same two schools reached the final.

Askam knocked out last season’s champions, Holy Family, with a 6-2 win, Brandon Corrie and Luke Greenway winning for Holy Family.

Askam also defeated a St Columba’s B team by the same score, Columba’s winners Louis Rourke and Ryan Cotton.

Luke Reid won all four games played for Askam, with Keir Shepherd winning three from three, Lee Irving and James Wallis two each, and Lian Knowles one.

On the other table, St Columba’s were comfortable winners against Dane Ghyll and beat Storth 7-1. Dane Ghyll lost 5-3 against Storth, Luke Maddox, Aaron Solsby and Cameron Bell all winning.

St Columba’s top pairing of Harry Mellen and Ben O’Flynn started the final against Askam powerfully and recorded straight-game wins against Reid and Shepherd respectively. Morgan Gwynne added to the total with a four-game success against Wallis.

The next three games saw the match hanging in the balance.

Knowles gained Askam’s first win, beating Lashmar.

Then Reid and O’Flynn showed some top-quality table tennis. The St Columba’s player took a two-game lead, but the Askam number one showed his fighting qualities and drew level.

Only at the end of the decider did O’Flynn find enough to take the win.

Gwynne still needed to hold on against Shepherd, before Mellen confirmed St Columba’s as champions.

One of the most keenly-awaited finals came in the under-13s girls, where both St Bernard’s and Dowdales had reached the national finals last year.

However, while the St Bernard’s line-up had stayed the same, Dowdales had been strengthened by the addition of England Schools’ player Emily Bolton, who has moved to Year 7 from Askam School. She soon demonstrated her class with two straight-game wins.

Robyn Holden pulled one back for St Bernard’s against Ebony Miles after a close battle.

Despite this win, and Louise Keneally’s victory against Hannah Grimes, it was Dowdales who looked to have victory in sight when they led 4-2, Amy Moncrief and Miles both contributing.

But there were two further twists in the match.

Emily Cotton started a St Bernard’s revival by beating Moncrief.

In the final match, Grimes held a 2-1 lead after taking two deuce games. Katie Linton then suddenly found her touch and, with her own deuce-winning game took a 3-2 win.

This left the match score at 4-4, however, Dowdales took the Cumbria title with a superior games ratio of 16-12.

The rivalry continued in the under-13s boys event.

Both teams had comfortable victories against Dallam School to reach the final, where the strength in depth of St Bernard’s took them to the title.

Anton Vacca won both of his matches, while Ross Ahern beat Adam Brown and Brendan Trainor defeated Chris Lloyd.

St Bernard’s number one James Coward defeated Dowdales number two Jack Walker in four games.

Walker did make his mark with a straight games win over Ahern.

The star of the Dowdales team was number one Luke Walker, who finished undefeated with wins against Trainor and Coward, without dropping any games.

The final event of the Cumbria championships was the under-16s boys.

Here, St Bernard’s gained another win against Dowdales, 6-2.

Stefan Weatherburn and Dien Curtis won both their matches, while Tom Clements and Oliver Shipley both won one. The Dowdales wins came from Daniel Armstrong and Aaron Murray.

However, neither team could match the strength of the visitors from Dallam School, who only lost two matches in the three rubbers they played.

James Turner, of Millom, won one of those and proved the top Furness player, winning five of his six matches.

It was Cumbria girl power that led the way at the North West Finals against the best teams from Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Shropshire.

The under-13 girls teams from Dowdales and St Bernard’s gained wins against Sir Thomas Boteler High School, from Warrington, and, in very close matches, also defeated Bramhall High School.

The two teams then met for the second time this season, St Bernard’s reversing the result from the Cumbria finals to beat Dowdales.

Bolton was again the pick of the Dowdales players, while Holden showed she has returned to form with good attacking displays.

St Columba’s under-11s girls also enjoyed a good day.

They started their group with a draw against St Mary’s Preparatory School, Blundellsands.

Rushton and Gwynne both won their two matches, while Ridgway and Jenny Williams took games to give the Saints the count-back advantage.

They won their next match against Bradley Primary, from Nelson. Again Rushton and Gwynne won their matches, but there was a notable win for Williams, who is two years younger than her team-mates.

This put them into the semi-finals against Nevill Road, from Stockport, a team who always do well in the North West Finals.

Rushton and Gwynne continued their good form, however Neville Road led 4-3.

Williams played Rana Rofifah in the last match and, although she lost, she won two vital games, enough to take St Columba’s into the final on count-back.

Cumbria’s other representatives, Askam, also made progress from the group but were narrowly defeated by Bradley in the semi-finals.

This meant a replay for Bradley and St Columba’s, and in this match the school from Nelson played with more confidence.

Gwynne and Rushton remained unbeaten, but not before both players had dropped games against Aminah Daar.

Although Ridgway and Williams did not win their matches, they both won important games that meant the score was tied after count-back.

The organisers then had to calculate the total points won and St Columba’s took the title, having won four points more than their opponents.

St Bernard’s under-16s girls beat Lancashire representatives, Garstang, but then met a team they have been keen rivals with since their under-13s days, Bramhall High School.

On this occasion, the Stockport team took the win, but St Bernard’s still qualified for the regional heats.

Perhaps the most impressive performance of the day from a Cumbrian team came in the under-13s boys.

There were 10 teams from as far as Ludlow competing, with the two Cumbria representatives in different groups.

Dowdales finished as group runners-up and progressed to the semi-finals, while St Bernard’s eased through their group and gained impressive wins in both the semi-finals and final to beat Garstang and Calday Grange, West Kirby.

In the under-11s boys, the result went against the form book. Cumbria champions St Columba’s topped their group with victories against Buildwas Primary, from Shropshire, and Oldham Hulme Grammar School, O’Flynn winning all his games.

Askam also made good progress.

Although beaten by Garstang Community Primary, they won against St Mary’s Preparatory School to put them into a semi-final with St Columba’s.

This match was a completely different story to the county final.

Askam’s top two, Reid and Shepherd, showed the improvement they have made in recent weeks, while the top two players for St Columba’s showed nerves on the big occasion.

Askam raced into a 2-0 lead as Shepherd beat O’Flynn and Reid defeated Mellen.

Gwynne pulled a match back by beating Irvine, but the Askam lead was stretched with wins from Knowles and Reid, in a five-game battle against O’Flynn.

Saints rallied as both Mellen and Gwynne posted wins, but it was Irvine who won the decisive match against Lashmar in another gruelling five-game battle. The win meant Askam qualified for the regional heats despite losing for a second time against Garstang when the two met in the final.

CUMBRIA ROLL OF HONOUR

Under-19s Boys Champions (not played for): Barrow Sixth Form.

Under-16s Boys: Champions – Dallam School. Runners-up – St Bernard’s.

Under-16s Girls: Champions (Not played for) – St Bernard’s.

Under-13s Boys: Champions – St Bernard’s. Runners-up – Dowdales.

Under-13s Girls: Champions – Dowdales. Runners-up – St Bernard’s.

Under-11s Boys: Champions – St Columba’s. Runners-up – Askam.

Under-11s Girls: Champions – St Columba’s. Runners-up – Askam.

NORTH WEST ROLL OF HONOUR

Under-16s Girls: Runners-up – St Bernard’s.

Under-13s Boys: Champions – St Bernard’s.

Under-13s Girls: Champions – St Bernard’s. Runners-up – Dowdales.

Under-11s Boys: Runners-up – Askam.

Under-11s Girls: Champions – St Columba’s.

Barrow vs. Sycamore

Barrow, who were without their top player – Scottish international Gavin Rumgay did well to hold runaway Division One South & Midlands Champions Sycamore to a draw. Sycamore’s Sam Perry played his part by beating Jonathan Crawford (11-5, 11-9, 11-6) as well as Bradley Evans (11-5, 11-7, 13-11) whilst the old Warrior himself – Denis Neale showed all the experience you would expect from a former England number one. He beat both Sean Cullen (13-11, 7-11, 8- 11, 11-9, 11-9) and Adam Frost (3-11, 11-5, 11-7,13-11).

Barrow vs. Derwent I

Derwent, having previously beaten Brighton decisively 7-1, continued on their winning ways by getting the better of Barrow 5-3. Barrow led 3-2 after Bradley Evans had recorded his second win, a hard-fought 11-9,11-6, 4-11, 5-11, 11-9 success against Mark Simpson but Derwent weren’t finished. Simon Noutch came through in five ends against Denis Neale whilst a battling Stephen Horsfield came up trumps in the fifth game against Jonathan Crawford. Richard Smith eventually sealed his side’s victory after a marathon match 11-7, 6-11, 5-11, 11-9, 11-9 against Scott Crawford.

Barrow vs. Brighton I

Round three produced some of the best play of the weekend and Brighton started well against Barrow, taking a 2-0 lead. Jack Boult scored an outstanding 13-11, 9-11, 13-11, 4-11, 11-9 win over Bradley Evans and Dov Katz did well to get the better of Jonathan Crawford 8-11, 11-6, 4-11, 11-5, 11-8.
However, the fast-improving Scott Crawford (certainly one of the most improved players over the course of the season) won twice to lead the Barrow fight-back. He showed real determination to beat Reece Tan 7-11, 12-10, 4-11, 11-7, 11-9 and he sealed his side’s victory by getting the better of Jon Clarke 11-8, 12- 14, 11-7, 11-8.

Barrow vs. Urban Progress I

Urban Progress I overcome Barrow 6-2 in a match which was marred by one controversial incident. Denis Neale and Zoltan Hosszu were locked in a spell-binding encounter at one game all and at 10-10 in the second game Denis was faulted for a foul service. He was understandably very annoyed at the decision (you have to question if it had to be made at such an important stage of the game – and there was a lot of sympathy for Denis with this). The all-action William Maybanks gave another demonstration that he was the outstanding player of the weekend beating Bradley Evans 11-6, 11-5, 13-11.

Barrow vs. Elgre Nottingham I

The match between Barrow and Elgre Nottingham ended in a draw. Bradley Evans won twice for Barrow whilst Scott Crawford beat Emma Vickers over five ends and Jonathan Crawford got the better of Stewart Mudie 11-5, 12-10, 11-9.

Barrow vs Sycamore

Barrow vs Derwent I

Brighton I vs Barrow

Barrow vs Urban Progress I

Elgre Nottingham I vs Barrow

Click here to see the British League Play-Off tables and averages.

Six teams will battle it out at the Draycott & Long Eaton Table Tennis Centre in Derbyshire over the weekend of Saturday/Sunday 23rd and 24th May, for two places in next year’s British League Premier Division.

If the competition is as fiercely fought as it was last year, then the matches should be very exciting indeed. The three teams who were crowned Champions in their respective Divisions were: Derwent in Division One North, Urban Progress in Division One South and Sycamore in Division One South and Midlands. These will undoubtedly be amongst the teams to watch out for, but don’t write off the three other sides either.

Division One South runners-up Brighton cannot be discounted. They have real depth in their team with the fast-improving Cadets Zak Zilesnick and Reece Tan in the numbers three and four positions. Similarly, you can’t discount Elgre Nottingham either. They may have finished a massive ten points behind an outstanding Sycamore side of Kevin Dolder, Sam Perry, Adam Frost, Jason Ramage, Sean Cullen and Danny Lowe but their team has a nice blend of experience and youthful promise. The Elgre squad of Chris Rogers, Lee Neil, Stewart Mudie, Mark Green, David Arrowsmith and Emma Vickers will relish the prospect of going into this weekend as under-dogs.

Barrow’s fortunes will depend to a great extent whether Scottish number one Gavin Rumgay is available. However, this looks extremely doubtful because of the clash with the Commonwealth Championships in Glasgow. However, the hard-hitting and improving brothers Jonathan and Scott Crawford will still be a force to be reckoned with and with former English number one Denis Neale in their squad, as well as England no. 36 Bradley Evans no one will take them too lightly.

Likely squads are as follows:
Derwent: Simon Noutch, Mark Simpson, Stephen Horsfield, Richard Smith, Trevor Williams, Richard Moss.
Barrow: Gavin Rumgay, Bradley Evans, Jonathan Crawford, Scott Crawford, Denis Neale, Tristran Swan, Steve Dixon.
Urban Progress: Tibor Kadar, William Maybanks, Costas Papantoniou, Laszlo Varga, Zoltan Hosszu.
Brighton: Alexander Ioannou, Dov Katz, Jack Boult, Zak Zilesnick, Reece Tan.
Sycamore: Kevin Dolder, Sam Perry, Adam Frost, Jason Ramage, Sean Cullen, Danny Lowe.
Elgre Nottingham: Chris Rogers, Lee Neil, Stewart Mudie, Mark Green, David Arrowsmith, Emma Vickers.

Click here to see the British League Play-Off results.

This season was Barrow Table Tennis Clubs first in the 1st Division of the British League, and in typical Barrow style, we didn’t make things easy for ourselves!

Going into the first weekend, Barrow had a motley crew of just three players (Steve Dixon, Tristran Swan and Scott Crawford). Given the “step up” in quality from the 2nd Division to the 1st, there was little surprise when the team came away scoring exactly 0 points. It was a tough weekend, things were looking bleak and all thoughts were on survival.

The second weekend saw the return of much needed Jonathan Crawford (England top 90 player – though should be much higher) and new signing Bradley Evans (England top 20 player) joining Tristran Swan and Scott Crawford. There was little surprise when things proved to be much better than the first weekend with the team notching up two wins (Halton and Fastbats) and two draws (including high flying Ormesby II and Rotherham Scorpions). The team had caught the eye of some, but what was to follow was to surprise all, Barrow included.

Coming into the third weekend (which only includes two matches as opposed to the normal four), Barrow secured the signings of Gavin Rumgay (Scotland number 1) and the controversial legend that is Denis Neale (former World top 15 player). So with, Gavin Rumgay, Bradley Evans, Jonathan Crawford and Denis Neale, Barrow led out the strongest team ever to play for Barrow Table Tennis Club. Needless to say, with Gavin and Denis untested, the team won comfortably securing maximum points (against Grantham and Drumchapel Glasgow II). This meant going into the final weekend to quote the ETTA website, “They (Barrow Table Tennis Club) won’t be able to make the play-offs as they only have 10 points, but expect them to cause the leading teams all kinds of problems”.

Well, with Gavin Rumgay, Jonathan Crawford, Bradley Evans, Denis Neale, Tristran Swan and Scott Crawford turning out for Barrow the final weekend. They did indeed “cause the leading teams all kinds of problems”. On top of that, they secured a maximum 8 points (against Halton, Derwent, Rotherham and Fastbats) and managed the seemingly impossible by gaining a place in the play-offs to be held at Draycott on the 23rd and 24th of May. So, congratulations to all those that represented Barrow Table Tennis Club and a big thank you to club coach and manager, Duncan Crawford.