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.
Darcy Brewer, Eva Eccles and Ella Barnard with their trophies from the Junior Championships. Picture: Vuong Ngo - Credit: Archant
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.
Action from Eva Eccles' match with Billy Eccles. Picture: Vuong Ngo - Credit: Archant
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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.
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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.
Action from Darcy Brewer's match against Ed Horton. Picture: Vuong Ngo - Credit: Archant
