Scott Crawford continues to top the Division 2 North averages.
The 2007/08 British League Division 2 North winning team of Jonathan Crawford, Scott Crawford, Tristran Swan and Steve Dixon were re-united for the first time this season at the weekend.
With only 5 sets dropped over 2 matches – Tristran Swan not dropping any – the proven winning combination demonstrated they haven’t lost their touch. Indeed, such was the convincing nature of the wins, it leaves very little to write about.
Barrow II vs. Derwent II
Barrow II’s first opponents were Derwent II. A team with only 1 point and almost certain to be relegated.
In the first half of the season, Barrow II beat Derwent II 7-1. This time around the team went 1 better and scored a crushing 8-0 victory. Jonathan Crawford beat Nathan Horsley (11-3, 11-4, 11-6) and Mick Wilcockson (11-7, 11-7, 11-6), Scott Crawford beat Mick Wilcockson (11-8, 11-9, 9-11, 12-10) and Richard Crowther (12-10, 18-16, 11-7), Tristran Swan beat Doug Bartle (11-6, 11-4, 11-6) and Nathan Horsley (11-4, 11-4, 11-5) and Steve Dixon beat Richard Crowther (10-12, 11-4, 11-5, 11-5) and Doug Bartle (8-11, 13-11, 11-9, 11-1).
Final Score: Barrow II 8-0 Derwent II
Barrow II: Jonathan Crawford (2), Scott Crawford (2), Tristran Swan (2), Steve Dixon (2)
Derwent II: Mick Wilcockson (0), Nathan Horsley (0), Richard Crowther (0), Doug Bartle (0)
Tristran Swan finished the day not dropping a set.
Barrow II vs. Halton II
Barrow II’s afternoon opponents were Halton II. A team sitting comfortably mid-table.
In the first half of the season, Barrow II narrowly beat Halton II 5-3. With Halton missing the experienced Chris Ford, it was a much more comfortable affair this time for Barrow II as they romped home with an 8-0 win. Jonathan Crawford beat Pawel Orzechowski (11-5, 7-11, 13-11, 11-5) and Jake Shaw (11-5, 11-8, 11-8), Scott Crawford beat Jake Shaw (11-3, 12-10, 11-7) and Ernest Mpundu (11-4, 9-11, 11-6, 11-2), Tristran Swan beat Khamal Hussain (11-6, 11-5, 11-8) and Pawel Orzechowski (11-4, 11-8, 11-2) and Steve Dixon beat Ernest Mpundu (11-5, 11-8, 11-9) and Khamal Hussain (11-9, 11-2, 11-8).
Final Score: Barrow II 8-0 Halton II
Barrow II: Jonathan Crawford (2), Scott Crawford (2), Tristran Swan (2), Steve Dixon (2)
Halton II: Jake Shaw (0), Pawel Orzechowski (0), Ernest Mpundu (0), Khamal Hussain (0)
Scott Crawford - British League Division 2 North Average Leader
Barrow II will be looking to carry forward 2010′s momentum into 2011 this Sunday at Halton Table Tennis Centre. Sitting 2 points clear at the top of the British League Division 2 North table, Barrow II will be looking to maintain their 100% record as they complete their opening fixtures of 2011. On a personal level, Barrow player Scott Crawford will be looking to keep hold of the top spot in the individual averages.
On the Sunday, Barrow II will face relegation-threatened Derwent II, who they beat 7-1 at the start of the season, as well as mid-table-but-dangerous Halton II, who Barrow II beat 5-3 in their previous encounter.
Barrow II: Jonathan Crawford, Scott Crawford, Tristran Swan, Steve Dixon
It is the start of a new year. A time to reflect and a time to look ahead and think about what we want to achieve.
With this in mind, I asked a few Barrow TTC players the following questions (as well as answered them myself). Please leave your answers to the questions in the comments section below.
Questions:
- What is your table tennis target for 2011?
- What is your personal goal for 2011?
- To win Division 2 North of the British League with Barrow II and to help Barrow I win the British League Premier Division. Going into the new season, I’d like to take everything I’ve learnt running the Barrow teams this season and make things even better.
- To adapt to a new life as a father and find the right balance that allows me to do everything I want and keep those important to me happy.
- To qualify for the U21 Pro-Tour Finals – it is my last year.
- To be ranked in the World top 150 ahead of the Olympics next year.
- To win the British League Premier Division with Barrow and maintain the outstanding team-spirit.
- To enjoy the last half of my stay in England.
- To practice and compete more and help Barrow win matches in the British League.
- To successfully complete my degree (BSc. (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science) achieving a 2.1. Also, manage my time effectively so I can still practice and compete in table tennis.
- To reach the top 40 men in England.
- To get into University and achieve an A in Business Studies (A-Level).
- To reach 2000 ranking points by mid-year to get me up into Band 3 for the Grand Prix events the following season. Then hopefully build on this total during the 2011/2012 season.
- Try and get more organise and a bit more tidy!
Eric Cantona's Infamous Kung Fu Kick
Not since Eric Cantona’s infamous Kung Fu kick on a Crystal Palace fan have I heard of such a sporting spectator assault.
It is being reported on the table tennis talk forum that an assault took place on a spectator at the Western Masters VETTS tournament at the weekend. You can see an account below (taken from this thread on the table tennis talk forum). When first reading it I was dumbstruck. I hope the ETTA acts swiftly and appropriately, but what would an appropriate disciplinary action be?
“I’m not going to give names in this question as it may affect the objectivity of responses. If anyone responds to this and is aware of the individuals, I think it would provide a more objective discussion if you also avoided using names.
I played the Western Master this weekend and there was an incident resulting in a player being ejected from the tournament. I’ll give you my approximation of events. I am satisfied that they are fairly correct, but there may be some small details that are not exactly accurate.
‘Player’ refers to the competing player in this story and ‘Spectator’ refers to the non-playing person.
A fairly significant match is being played towards the latter end of one of the main competitions. It’s 2-2 in legs, and I believe the score was 5-3 in favour of the Player’s opponent. The Player claimed that the Spectator was coaching his opponent and obviously got annoyed. The player decided to resolve the issue by going to his kit bag, taking out a spare bat and physically attacking the Spectator about the head with it, until being physically restrained.
The outcome of all of this was a Spectator that had been physically assaulted (not really any other way to put this) and the Player was ejected from the competition and the premises.”
Stigaboy's New Year Table Tennis Video (2011) Aged 7 3/4
He isn’t a super hero, but self-styled ‘Stigaboy’ is shaping up to be England’s next table tennis child prodigy and possible future champion. The 7-year-old son of James Brown (no, not the “Godfather of Soul”, but he of luminous trainer fame) is improving fast and I’ll definitely be following his progress through his YouTube videos.
Good luck Stigaboy!
Lexi (my girlfriend) & Chief Elf Rory (my nephew)
Firstly, I hope everyone had a nice illness free Christmas and New Year (for those abroad, there are a lot of nasty flu varieties circulating around these parts). Personally, I had a very enjoyable Christmas with family and spent a ‘chilled’ New Years with some good friends. My spare time was largely spent relaxing with my girlfriend and thinking about our new baby whom is baking away (i.e. lots of pram shopping). So, all in all, a very nice break.
Now the festive holiday is over, it is back to reality and January is shaping up to be a very busy month for Barrow TTC and its players. So far, it is looking something like this:
- Jan 16th – British League Division 2 North (Halton Table Tennis Centre, Widnes, WA8 7DZ)
- Jan 18th to Jan 22nd – Slovenian Open (Gavin Rumgay & Darius Knight playing)
- Jan 22nd – Training Camp for kids (tbc)
- Jan 23rd – British League Premier Division (Halton Table Tennis Centre, Widnes, WA8 7DZ)
- Jan 26th to Jan 30th – English Open (Paul Drinkhall, Gavin Rumgay & Darius Knight playing)
Paul Drinkhall Celebrating
Prior to Paul Drinkhall and Darius Knight joining Barrow TTC I had little interest in following the England team. Now I have an association with the players, I love it. Watching England vs. India at the Commonwealths was intense and seeing Paul’s dramatic comeback against Sharath Kamal Achanta was something special.
During that match, in my eyes, Paul demonstrated unbelievable fight, visible for all to see as he punched the air in triumph. However, for some other England fans this demonstration was a little too much. What do you think? (leave your comments below)
Comment published by a British League player:
“Having said this, I feel I must comment on the atrocious behaviour of our no 1 ranked player, whose antics at the end of each point by shouting, raising a fist in the air and often parading around in what I can at best only describe as ungentlemanly behaviour, in my view, serves to bring the game into ridicule & disrepute.”
“I detest this sort of behaviour, as everyone else that I have spoken to, agrees with as well and goodness knows what sort of example this sets for other aspiring young players we are trying to attract to our sport.”
“I believe that the umpires should stamp out such intolerable, provocative behaviour/bad sportsmanship, as this should not feature in table tennis as I know it.”
Sometimes, you think you know someone. Then bang! Out of the blue they pull something out from their history which takes you by surprise. Well, this could be one of those instances.
Check out the picture below and tell me which person is a current Barrow TTC player and who that player is.
Who is the BarrowTTC player?
I really enjoyed last weekend for a number of reasons, but there is one highlight that really stands out.
It isn’t that Barrow II retained their 100% record beating division leaders Chesterfield in the process. It isn’t that it was so good to see so many of the first team present supporting the second team. It isn’t even laughing, as Denis Neale got so wound-up when Duncan Crawford suggested Bradley Billington had beaten Jan-Ove Waldner. Lastly, it isn’t how well Graham Coupe played against Peter Morgan on the Sunday afternoon. Infact, it wasn’t even a table tennis match. Though it did involve Sheffield player Peter Morgan.
Kane Chuck Mathews
Saturday night we all stayed over at Darius Knight’s and what a nice night it was too. Darius’ next door neighbour also came to join us, Barrow TTC fan Kane Chuck Mathews.
It was only a matter of time before the PS3 came out. With Peter Morgan boasting a 3-year unbeaten FIFA spell, the gauntlet was laid. It was Kane that took up the challenge.
Whilst Pete enjoyed most of the possession, he simply couldn’t convert in the last third. Kane on the other hand possessed unpredictable flashes of brilliance, which were deadly. So deadly, they ended Pete’s 3-year FIFA unbeaten spell in the most entertaining of fashion. It was brilliant, compelling on the edge of the seat stuff and my highlight of the weekend.
Happy days and massive thanks to Darius for putting us up.
Relaxing at Darius' (from left to right: Steve Dixon, Peter Morgan, Darius Knight, Jonathan Crawford)
The weather was kind as the Barrow II squad of Bradley Evans, Jonathan Crawford, Scott Crawford, Tristran Swan, Steve Dixon and Graham Coupe travelled over the Pennines to the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield. Joining them for a weekend of British League Division 2 North action were supporters Paul Drinkhall, Darius Knight, Sebastian Laux, Tom Smith and coach Denis Neale.
Barrow II vs. Drumchapel Glasgow III
Steve Dixon
Barrow II’s first opponents were Drumchapel Glasgow III. Sitting third in the table, only one place behind Barrow II, a tough match was expected.
However, the forecasted stormy waters didn’t materialise as Barrow gave Drumchapel a drumming, winning 8-0.
Barrow’s Bradley Evans beat Scott Barton (11-9, 11-8, 11-6) and Calum Main (10-12, 11-9, 11-7, 7-11, 11-2), Jonathan Crawford beat Calum Main (11-8, 11-8, 11-4) and Nathan Courtney (11-7, 11-8, 11-1), Scott Crawford beat Andrew McFadyen (11-7, 13-11, 11-6) and Scott Barton (11-5, 6-11, 11-5, 11-7) and Steve Dixon made his season’s debut beating Nathan Courtney (9-11, 11-9, 11-5, 11-8) and Andrew McFadyen (12-10, 11-9, 11-8).
Final Score: Barrow II 8-0 Drumchapel Glasgow III
Barrow II: Bradley Evans (2), Jonathan Crawford (2), Scott Crawford (2), Steve Dixon (2)
Drumchapel Glasgow III: Calum Main (0), Scott Barton (0), Nathan Courtney (0), Andrew McFadyen (0)
Chesterfield vs. Barrow II
Bradley Evans
Saturday afternoon’s opponents were Chesterfield. A team disappointed not to have been promoted last season and this season’s league leaders. On paper, Chesterfield’s game difference over Barrow suggested they might be favourites, but Barrow were boosted by the presence of England Number 37 Bradley Evans.
Jonathan Crawford got the match underway for Barrow against Chesterfield’s Will Cooney. Sets were traded as Jonathan took the first 11-6, Cooney the second 9-11 and Jonathan the third 11-5. The fourth set looked to be breaking the pattern as Jonathan took a 10-4 lead. However, Cooney had other ideas as he fought back to make it 10 apiece. Cooney couldn’t maintain the momentum though as he failed to set-up what would have been a very nervous fifth set as Jonathan won the fourth 12-10. Bradley Evans followed and scored a comfortable win over Andy Henry (11-6, 11-7, 11-6) to give Barrow an early 2-0 lead.
Chesterfield’s Andrew Horsefield proved too sharp for Barrow’s Steve Dixon. Despite his best efforts, Dixon just couldn’t keep Horsefield’s aggressive attacking at bay as he went down 5-11, 13-15, 6-11. Scott Crawford then stepped forward and beat the impressive-looking Mark Short (11-5, 6-11, 11-5, 13-11) to earn Barrow a 3-1 lead at the halfway point.
The second half got underway with Bradley Evans winning a 5 set thriller against William Cooney to guarantee Barrow at least a draw. Barrow expected to win the next game to seal the victory. Andrew Horsefield, however, was determined not to be beaten and defeated Jonathan Crawford (11-7, 8-11, 5-11, 7-11) to keep Chesterfield’s chances of a draw alive. Chesterfield’s hopes were soon dashed as the younger Crawford (Scott) stepped in to seal an important victory for Barrow with a win over Andy Henry (11-7, 8-11, 11-9, 11-9). Consolation for Chesterfield came in the form of a Mark Short victory over Steve Dixon (3-11, 9-11, 4-11) to leave the score line of a very important match 5-3 to Barrow.
Final Score: Chesterfield 3-5 Barrow II
Barrow II: Bradley Evans (2), Jonathan Crawford (1), Scott Crawford (2), Steve Dixon (0)
Chesterfield: William Cooney (0), Andy Henry (0), Andrew Horsefield (2), Mark Short (1)
Barrow II vs. Ormesby III
Jonathan Crawford
Sunday wasn’t a day of rest for Barrow II as they got the day underway playing fourth placed Ormesby III. A strong start it was, too, as Jonathan Crawford beat Martin Rutter (13-15, 11-5, 11-5, 12-10), Scott Crawford beat Edward Fambely (7-11, 11-3, 11-8, 13-11) and Tristran Swan beat Karl Shaw (11-5, 11-7, 11-8) to give Barrow an early 3-0 lead. It was nearly a perfect start, but Graham Coupe was just edged out by Michael Young (7-11, 14-12, 10-12, 9-11) to make the score 3-1 at the halfway mark.
Barrow’s winning ways returned as Jonathan Crawford beat Edward Fambely (11-4, 11-7, 11-6). Tristran Swan then went down to Martin Rutter by the closest of margins (12-14, 8-11, 11-9, 13-15). Scott Crawford beat Michael Young (12-10, 9-11, 11-8, 11-5) and Graham Coupe won his first match of the season in a tactical exchange against Karl Shaw (3-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-9) to give Barrow a comfortable 6-2 win.
Final Score: Barrow II 6-2 Ormesby III
Barrow II: Jonathan Crawford (2), Scott Crawford (2), Tristran Swan (1), Graham Coupe (1)
Ormesby III: Edward Fambely (0), Martin Rutter (1), Michael Young (1), Karl Shaw (0)
Barrow II vs. Sheffield
Barrow II overcame Sheffield 5-3 at the start of the season. A far from convincing margin and a game Sheffield felt they could have come away from with a little bit more.
The match got under way with Jonathan Crawford overcoming the improved Jack Grant (12-10, 11-4, 8-11, 11-7) and Scott Crawford beating Jack’s father, the experienced Bill Grant (11-7, 11-8, 4-11, 11-9).
With Barrow expecting the Crawford brothers to win four games, a fifth game had to come from somewhere for Barrow to win the fixture. For Barrow, the most likely fifth win would come in the next match, Tristran Swan versus Liam Carson.
Consistently getting in first, Carson put Swan under pressure. Carson gave nothing away, but Swan managed to keep the ball on the table and won 11-8, 14-12, 11-8.
Graham Coupe
It was then the turn of Graham Coupe who stepped into the court to face the much higher-ranked Peter Morgan. Coupe always gives 100%, but on this occasion he was visibly fired up for the game. A defender by trade, Coupe played some ferocious forehands away from the table and on occasion they were just a little too crazy. The match was without doubt the most entertaining of the weekend as Coupe played some of his best table tennis. Despite his best efforts though, Coupe eventually went down to a relieved Morgan 11-7, 6-11, 11-8, 6-11, 8-11.
With the score 3-1 to Barrow at the halfway point, Jonathan Crawford faced up to Bill Grant and came away the victor (11-9, 9-11, 11-6, 11-7). Helped by a dose of good luck, Tristran Swan scored a good win over Jack Grant (11-5, 11-9, 11-13, 4-11, 11-6) and Scott Crawford maintained his weekend’s 100% record with a battling loop-to-loop encounter with Peter Morgan (11-9, 9-11, 13-15, 11-3, 11-6). Liam Carson was too consistent against Graham Coupe’s defense, winning 10-12, 4-11, 11-9, 8-11. It was Barrow though that walked away with a better-than-anticipated 6-2 victory.
Final Score: Barrow II 6-2 Sheffield
Barrow II: Jonathan Crawford (2), Scott Crawford (2), Tristran Swan (2), Graham Coupe (0)
Sheffield: Bill Grant (0), Jack Grant (0), Peter Morgan (1), Liam Carson (1)
