Charles Stampe Report
Chatham “Cumberland” are the 2011 Charles Stampe Champions!
For the second year running, our “Cumberland” side had fought their way to the final of the 42 nd running of the Charles Stampe Handicap Trophy. Last year they were narrowly defeated by Sturdee 2 but last night’s final was a completely different story when they came up against a strong Invicta 2 side from Division 2. Despite having to concede points on each leg, our lads played superbly to win by 51 points. In front of a large crowd of spectators, the players of both teams put on a display of great table tennis with some terrific rallies.
Sean Weddell got us off to a good start with his close win (62/57) against Scott Whale. Captain Stuart Fritter added valuable points by defeating veteran Mick Forrester 62/43 followed by a “damage limitation” opener for Shaun Gutridge against Kevin Flannery 62/68. Stuart then got us further ahead with an impressive display against Scott by winning 62/47 to give us a lead of 33 points. The next 4 games saw Cumberland build upon that lead and going into the final match, Sean versus Mick, we were 66 points in front, a gap that made it realistically impossible for Invicta to take the title. Sportingly they agreed to play the final match and Mick gained the consolation of beating Sean 67/52.
Thanks must go to our Catering Officer Dennis Harrington who organised a terrific refreshment buffet that was provided free of charge at the expense of CTTC and to qualified umpire, Malcolm Kay who presided over all the 9 games in a most professional manner.
In conclusion, 2 excellent teams gave us an exciting evening of table tennis at its highest level and it is significant that both sides are destined to gain league promotion for next season. Cumberland will move up into the Premier and Invicta will move up to Division 1.
Well done all players!
Bernie Winter
Club Chairman.
For the second year running, our “Cumberland” side had fought their way to the final of the 42 nd running of the Charles Stampe Handicap Trophy. Last year they were narrowly defeated by Sturdee 2 but last night’s final was a completely different story when they came up against a strong Invicta 2 side from Division 2. Despite having to concede points on each leg, our lads played superbly to win by 51 points. In front of a large crowd of spectators, the players of both teams put on a display of great table tennis with some terrific rallies.
Sean Weddell got us off to a good start with his close win (62/57) against Scott Whale. Captain Stuart Fritter added valuable points by defeating veteran Mick Forrester 62/43 followed by a “damage limitation” opener for Shaun Gutridge against Kevin Flannery 62/68. Stuart then got us further ahead with an impressive display against Scott by winning 62/47 to give us a lead of 33 points. The next 4 games saw Cumberland build upon that lead and going into the final match, Sean versus Mick, we were 66 points in front, a gap that made it realistically impossible for Invicta to take the title. Sportingly they agreed to play the final match and Mick gained the consolation of beating Sean 67/52.
Thanks must go to our Catering Officer Dennis Harrington who organised a terrific refreshment buffet that was provided free of charge at the expense of CTTC and to qualified umpire, Malcolm Kay who presided over all the 9 games in a most professional manner.
In conclusion, 2 excellent teams gave us an exciting evening of table tennis at its highest level and it is significant that both sides are destined to gain league promotion for next season. Cumberland will move up into the Premier and Invicta will move up to Division 1.
Well done all players!
Bernie Winter
Club Chairman.
