It occurred to me this month that I am slowly becoming Neville Singh. In table tennis terms at least, the metamorphosis has begun. The parlous state of my game – although not littered by 3-set destruction – is in a firm downward spiral. Continue reading Becoming Neville Singh →

This week’s column writes itself courtesy of the cerebral scribe and Premier table tennis player, Paul Cicchelli. For technical insight, story-telling and a great willingness to engage with the journalistic fraternity there are few better people. Continue reading Table Tennis’s Best Fights →

“In a twist of fate, I need to carry on playing,” team member, Roger Bertrand told me recently. There had been concerns back in October 2015 that he might have to quit the beautiful game due to scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and spondylitis (inflammation of the backbone joints). Continue reading The Montpellier Man →

Given the BBC iPlayer’s recent showing of The Rack Pack – a fond salute to snooker in the Seventies and Eighties (following the advent of colour TV) – it seemed fitting that table tennis should have its own crew; a collection of individuals from the local scene who, largely through their talent, are distinctly recognisable, controversial or quite simply big characters. Continue reading The Bat Pack →

Here goes, Dave. Sorry it’s later than planned. Been on Jury Service in Preston so out of my normal pattern!

1)      I see that you (age 61) are currently 67% win percentage and your son, Benjamin (age 20) 81%. What qualities would you say each of you bring to the table? Continue reading Unedited and Unabridged Interview with David Wyatt of Farnworth Social Circle ‘D’ →

The race is on. Two teams from three will, in all likelihood, take the divine leap from Division Four to Division Three. The others may as well down tools. There is no trap door from this division, no Conference equivalent, no Division Five. They are stuck – set to play out another season in the bottom rung, guests of Jackie Smith who is surprisingly anchored to the foot of the table as captain of Meadow Hill ‘B’. Continue reading Sheriff and Gambler? →

Division Two: Harper Brass ‘B’ 3 Hilton ‘E’ 6

‘Who is Nayem Alam?’ Farnworth Social Circle’s John Rothwell asked me on 12^th December. At this crucial time of the season promotion candidates keep an eye on their rivals and likewise so do those fearing relegation. Continue reading A Different Kind of Loan Market →