Enthusiastic table tennis players from across Gloucestershire and Herefordshire met at Goodrich Village Hall for another friendly table tennis tournament on Wednesday, June 12th.

The morning was a test of stamina and organisation as well as skill, with 201 sets played on four tables in just over four hours. Everyone then enjoyed a well earned lunch and delicious cake at the hall. 

Unlike most competitions where losing players are eliminated from later rounds, Goodrich Challenge tournaments are restricted to just 12 players who all play each other, giving everyone plenty of opportunity to practise their match play. As players were all of similar standard, competition was tight.  Over a quarter of all sets played went to deuce, making for an extra long morning. The winner was Nigel Cullis, who dropped just six sets in 11 matches. 

Entries for the tournaments are drawn from local league teams as well as  recreational groups in Gloucester and Goodrich. If you are a league standard player interested in taking on the next Goodrich Challenge in the autumn, contact the organiser, Rosemary Chatterton,  on 07756 823538 for more information.

If you would like to try more gentle practice, players of all ages and standards are welcome at the weekly table tennis social sessions at Goodrich Village Hall, Monday mornings from 10-12.  Over 50s sessions at Robin Greaves Sports Centre in Gloucester run on Friday mornings during term time from 9.30-12 and are also open to players of all standards.