Week 18 of the Edinburgh & Lothians Table Tennis League saw three of our four Teams in action.
In the Premier division Colin Green, David Melrose and David Simpson hosted West Lothian 1 at Ladywood. There was drama in this one even before a ball had been struck by the visitors as Brian Hunter in attempting to stretch over from his seat to recover a ball which had come his way somehow managed to injure himself badly, causing cruciate ligament damage. The home side therefore started the match 3-0 up and they took full advantage as they secured an 8-2 win, Dariusz Szymczak providing the two wins for the visitors with victories over the two David’s.
On the same night Team 3 faced Murrayfield 7 and true to form, despite voting Greig as player of the week in Week 17, Team Captain James Wighton dropped him as he was joined by Abby Wighton and Hannah McDonell. The Murrayfield side were unchanged from the first half outing where they had convincingly defeated the Penicuik side 9-1. This match was a lot closer – a full report can be found on Murrayfield’s FB and Twitter pages. Although a 7-3 defeat, the hosts lost two five enders at deuce in the fifth – if those matches had gone the other way…...
Finally in Division 3, Team 4 travelled to Edinburgh Sports Club. Craig Linton hit some good form, winning his three matches and for the first time this season, Team 4 were in the running for a victory. This match also contained two epically close games. Jim Jack and Rachel Petrie thought they had the upper hand against Elena Genova but to her credit she came back to win both matches in five ends. The doubles kept the visitors in the match as Craig and Rachel combined for a good 4 end win. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, Team 4 fell just short of the win as ESC secured a 6-4 victory.
And so, to our player of the week award. Colin was undefeated for Team 1 but one of those wins was a walkover so he’s out the running. For the first time this season the award goes to a Team 4 player – undefeated in singles play and a doubles win – well done to Craig for his excellent effort.
And finally, our controversy of the week section. A friendly (or was it unfriendly) exchange took place in Team 3’s match with Murrayfield. James v Lynn taking place. James struggling a little with Lynn’s long pimples, NPC Greig from the sidelines gave some guidance and advice to James. Suddenly Anna showed her feisty side by telling Greig to stop doing what he was doing. At the change of ends Anna pointed out that the rules only allowed coaching / advice to be given at the change of ends. Greig said that rule had changed a while ago and advice could now be given during games. The rule from the ITTF Rules of Table Tennis is in the following terms:
“Players may receive advice at any time except during rallies provided play is not thereby delayed”
But does that apply in the ELTTL? Murrayfield were on their phones and looking out their handbooks. The handbook rules do say that coaching can only be given at change of ends – Greig almost apologised for getting it wrong – just as Anna almost apologised because she now understood that the rule had been changed but the handbook not updated (according to teammate Graham). In the end both antagonists smiled and neither of them had to admit they were wrong! But what is the actual position in the ELTTL? Do we ignore this rule – we ignore others – for example there are no timeouts allowed in the league whereas in tournaments and national league they are allowed. Maybe we shouldn’t have any different rules in the League. Why, for example, aren’t timeouts allowed? Answers on a postcard please……
In the Premier division Colin Green, David Melrose and David Simpson hosted West Lothian 1 at Ladywood. There was drama in this one even before a ball had been struck by the visitors as Brian Hunter in attempting to stretch over from his seat to recover a ball which had come his way somehow managed to injure himself badly, causing cruciate ligament damage. The home side therefore started the match 3-0 up and they took full advantage as they secured an 8-2 win, Dariusz Szymczak providing the two wins for the visitors with victories over the two David’s.
On the same night Team 3 faced Murrayfield 7 and true to form, despite voting Greig as player of the week in Week 17, Team Captain James Wighton dropped him as he was joined by Abby Wighton and Hannah McDonell. The Murrayfield side were unchanged from the first half outing where they had convincingly defeated the Penicuik side 9-1. This match was a lot closer – a full report can be found on Murrayfield’s FB and Twitter pages. Although a 7-3 defeat, the hosts lost two five enders at deuce in the fifth – if those matches had gone the other way…...
Finally in Division 3, Team 4 travelled to Edinburgh Sports Club. Craig Linton hit some good form, winning his three matches and for the first time this season, Team 4 were in the running for a victory. This match also contained two epically close games. Jim Jack and Rachel Petrie thought they had the upper hand against Elena Genova but to her credit she came back to win both matches in five ends. The doubles kept the visitors in the match as Craig and Rachel combined for a good 4 end win. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, Team 4 fell just short of the win as ESC secured a 6-4 victory.
And so, to our player of the week award. Colin was undefeated for Team 1 but one of those wins was a walkover so he’s out the running. For the first time this season the award goes to a Team 4 player – undefeated in singles play and a doubles win – well done to Craig for his excellent effort.
And finally, our controversy of the week section. A friendly (or was it unfriendly) exchange took place in Team 3’s match with Murrayfield. James v Lynn taking place. James struggling a little with Lynn’s long pimples, NPC Greig from the sidelines gave some guidance and advice to James. Suddenly Anna showed her feisty side by telling Greig to stop doing what he was doing. At the change of ends Anna pointed out that the rules only allowed coaching / advice to be given at the change of ends. Greig said that rule had changed a while ago and advice could now be given during games. The rule from the ITTF Rules of Table Tennis is in the following terms:
“Players may receive advice at any time except during rallies provided play is not thereby delayed”
But does that apply in the ELTTL? Murrayfield were on their phones and looking out their handbooks. The handbook rules do say that coaching can only be given at change of ends – Greig almost apologised for getting it wrong – just as Anna almost apologised because she now understood that the rule had been changed but the handbook not updated (according to teammate Graham). In the end both antagonists smiled and neither of them had to admit they were wrong! But what is the actual position in the ELTTL? Do we ignore this rule – we ignore others – for example there are no timeouts allowed in the league whereas in tournaments and national league they are allowed. Maybe we shouldn’t have any different rules in the League. Why, for example, aren’t timeouts allowed? Answers on a postcard please……
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