Girl trio dominate podium at Norwich Table Tennis Junior Championships
Norwich Table Tennis League Junior Championships. Winners, from left, James Austen, Darcy Brewer, Billy Eccles, Ben Hawes, Eva Eccles, Ella Barnard and Ed Horton. Picture: Vuong Ngo - Credit: Archant
The girls dominated the podium at the Norwich Table Tennis League's Junior Championships this weekend, with Darcy Brewer, Ella Barnard and Eva Eccles taking home the lion's share of silverware.
The under 11s competition was perhaps the closest of the day, with Belle Watkins, Johan Iwanczk and Oliver McLean all making a habit of winning long matches, a trait that will serve them well going forward. However, it was Eva Eccles that emerged as the overall winner with Billy Eccles a close runner up; only their match separated them on the scoreboard.
In the under 13s Darcy Brewer quickly showed she meant business, demonstrating great match competence and attacking play to win her games without dropping a set.
Some great table tennis from Harrison Poole and Ben Hawes saw them finish in second and third respectively.
The next events saw a tougher test for Brewer as she faced Ella Barnard in the deciding matches of the Cadets and Junior Girls competitions. Barnard showed few nerves and even less mercy to take both titles in straight sets, testament to the hard work she has put in over the last year. Finlay Dures and Leigh Claxton were unlucky not to get more from their matches in the cadets after showing great composure at the table.
You may also want to watch:
The handicap event saw some of the younger athletes facing their older peers; Eva and Billy Eccles certainly weren't intimidated as they fought all the way to the semi-finals. In the final Ella Barnard once again faced Darcy Brewer, with Barnard confidently taking yet another title.
The Junior Boys event was another hard fought affair; James Austen produced some trademark marathon wins to finish second, notably against Alexander Bragg in the first match of the competition. However, it was Ed Horton who took the title, showing his class to win all his matches in straight sets.
Most Read
- 1 Escape to the Country names 'north Norfolk's seaside capital'
- 2 Anger as woodland used as 'playground and dustbin'
- 3 Pretty thatched cafe business on Broads for sale for £75,000
- 4 Report into woman's murder by jealous ex: 'Employers must do more'
- 5 Giant Victorian underground reservoir marks supplying city for 150 years
- 6 First look at five new homes released for sale at popular site in Taverham
- 7 Homes plan to be revealed for former infant school
- 8 Former village pub for sale as home
- 9 Before and after: How has Norwich changed over the years?
- 10 Norwich City star tipped to reject move to Tottenham
Austen was consoled as he took the doubles title alongside partner Ben Hawes, beating the combination of Ella Barnard and Eva Eccles.
A fantastic competition, the quality of table tennis only matched by the excellent attitude and sportsmanship displayed by all players.