Week 13 saw Team 3 catch up on an outstanding Division 2 fixture as they hosted Haddington 4 at a warm and cosy Ladywood (the Heating’s fixed!). This week’s team saw James Wighton join forces with Julian Taylor and Ian Hislop. Ian was first up for the home side and when he lost the opening match in straight sets Team Captain James looked a little worried. The scores were levelled as Julian won his first match and then an important five set win for James gave the hosts the advantage. Further wins then followed for Julian and Ian before James lost match 6 – 4-2 entering the doubles and a point was secured when James and Julian combined for a 3-0 victory. When the final three matches all went the way of the hosts (another tight five ender for James) the Penicuik trio had recorded a bit of a flattering 8-2 victory – the match seemed a lot closer than that. A great end to the first half of the season for Team 3 – 11 matches played, 9 wins, one draw and one defeat sees them top of the Division 2 table – but it’s tight - Murrayfield have games in hand and if those are won they’ll lead by a point. Edinburgh Uni are also in the hunt 2 points behind the Penicuik side – should be an interesting second half of the season.
The Club also hosted two 2nd round Handicap Cup matches. After their opening round win v Gullane back in October, Jim Jack and Aidan Craig were joined by Colin Green replacing Greig McDonell. Colin’s first match saw him start at 0-16 in a race to 24 and after the loss of the first end, he showed great concentration to win the next three. Aidan then gave a three point start to his opponent in match 2 and also recorded a 3-1 win. Jim then rounded off the first set of singles with an excellent 3-0 win over his opponent (Jim receiving a 2 point start). In a straight fight to 11, Aidan fell in four ends in his second match but another 4 end victory for Colin put the hosts on the verge of victory and that was confirmed when Jim (giving a one point start to his opponent) won in straight sets – an excellent 5-1 win for the Penicuik side.
The other match saw Penicuik take on Murrayfield at Ladywood. Maybe if we could have fielded a full side this would have been close, as it was only Krzysztof Laszkiewicz and Charlie Brindley were able to turn out for the hosts and this was always going to be an uphill battle. Of the 6 matches played the Penicuik pair won 2 good games but obviously starting at 3-0 down that was never going to be enough. 3 of the 6 matches went to five ends but ultimately the hosts were never going to be able to avoid a defeat as Murrayfield progressed with a 4-2 win on the night (7-2 in reality).
And so to our player of the week award for Week 13. Julian was undefeated in league play for Team 3 whilst Colin and Jim were undefeated in the Handicap Cup. It’s handicap Cup week so we can’t really give the award to someone who played a league match – sorry Julian. Colin was giving mammoth starts to his two opponents - -13 v +3 on both occasions – 16 of a start to 24 and is due great credit for winning both matches in four ends. Jim, on the other hand got a 2 point start in one of his matches and gave a 1 point advantage away in the other. Jim’s tactics of having an awful start to his team’s League campaign was brilliant though – his rating has fallen but means that his handicap is a great one! For that and two straightforward wins to take the pressure of his teammates, this week’s award goes to Jim – well done!
Controversies this week?? Don’t be silly – it’s Christmas at the weekend. We wish all our table tennis friends all the best for the festive period.
The Club also hosted two 2nd round Handicap Cup matches. After their opening round win v Gullane back in October, Jim Jack and Aidan Craig were joined by Colin Green replacing Greig McDonell. Colin’s first match saw him start at 0-16 in a race to 24 and after the loss of the first end, he showed great concentration to win the next three. Aidan then gave a three point start to his opponent in match 2 and also recorded a 3-1 win. Jim then rounded off the first set of singles with an excellent 3-0 win over his opponent (Jim receiving a 2 point start). In a straight fight to 11, Aidan fell in four ends in his second match but another 4 end victory for Colin put the hosts on the verge of victory and that was confirmed when Jim (giving a one point start to his opponent) won in straight sets – an excellent 5-1 win for the Penicuik side.
The other match saw Penicuik take on Murrayfield at Ladywood. Maybe if we could have fielded a full side this would have been close, as it was only Krzysztof Laszkiewicz and Charlie Brindley were able to turn out for the hosts and this was always going to be an uphill battle. Of the 6 matches played the Penicuik pair won 2 good games but obviously starting at 3-0 down that was never going to be enough. 3 of the 6 matches went to five ends but ultimately the hosts were never going to be able to avoid a defeat as Murrayfield progressed with a 4-2 win on the night (7-2 in reality).
And so to our player of the week award for Week 13. Julian was undefeated in league play for Team 3 whilst Colin and Jim were undefeated in the Handicap Cup. It’s handicap Cup week so we can’t really give the award to someone who played a league match – sorry Julian. Colin was giving mammoth starts to his two opponents - -13 v +3 on both occasions – 16 of a start to 24 and is due great credit for winning both matches in four ends. Jim, on the other hand got a 2 point start in one of his matches and gave a 1 point advantage away in the other. Jim’s tactics of having an awful start to his team’s League campaign was brilliant though – his rating has fallen but means that his handicap is a great one! For that and two straightforward wins to take the pressure of his teammates, this week’s award goes to Jim – well done!
Controversies this week?? Don’t be silly – it’s Christmas at the weekend. We wish all our table tennis friends all the best for the festive period.
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