The future looks bright for the Stamford and Rutland Table Tennis League
The success of teams and individuals was reflected on as the thriving Stamford and Rutland League held its annual meeting.
The league's president, Steve Smith, and chairman Richard Henry looked back on another strong season.
Leigh Ware (March To The Grave) and Chase Burgess (Langtoft) had earned success in Rotterdam at the Racketlon World Championships, Denise Jacobi won the Northamptonshire ladies singles championship and the league's junior side of Burgess, Jothen Parker and Ramone Vara whitewashed all other teams to retain the inter-town Butcher Cup.
Steve Williams, the coaching secretary, informed the meeting of his work with young players and his success in finding and hiring Ufford Village Hall for future coaching and development work.
Steve Smith, the county secretary, spoke of the strong participation of the league in the inter-town competitions, held this year in Lincoln.
Nick McDowall, the match secretary, reported on a successful league season and tournaments and the positive response to the scoring system used in matches this year.
Much of the discussion during the 'proposals for change' agenda item focused on the possible league formats for next season.
For some seasons, the wish has been to re-introduce the Ketco (team handicap) Cup, and perhaps a second handicap competition.
Much will depend on the number of teams who play and whether to divide them into two divisions. A survey will be sent to team-captains during the close-season to verify preferences.
The trophies were presented at the end of the evening and the Fred Fenton Trophy was awarded to Bourne's Dariusz Kwiatkowski, not just for his improvement during recent seasons, but also for the energy, enthusiasm and effervescent support of his club.
The Dave Needham Trophy was awarded to Ziggy Poberezniuk – another player from the Bourne club – whose time and effort with the organisation and running of year-round sessions at Northborough has introduced new players to the game and enabled all to practice and improve.
The evening was concluded with individual and group photographs of the winners taken by the league's secretary Emily Turner.
The President’s Cup competition was played at Langtoft between Uffington Archway and MTTG, respectively the winners of Tier One and Tier Two this season.
Graham Cooper of Braunston A guested for MTTG to ensure a full night of competitive table tennis.
The MTTG trio each won twice while Steve Williams won two important matches for Uffington.
The match prompted a discussion regarding inter-club affiliation at the annual meeting as Cooper’s two wins on the night – as the rules stand – could not count towards the match result.
The annual meeting was held again at Burghley Park Golf Club and the trophies were presented by former chairman Rob Elliott, who has been actively involved in the league for more than 50 years.