West London Ping Takes a Big Step Forward

Jon Kaufmann – 16th March 2017

There were some great results for the WLP teams last weekend, winning four out of the seven divisions being contested in the third round of the National Junior League.

The various Chelsea Academy students performed admirably in the third round of the National Junior League being held as always in the London Academy in Edgware. Shahinur, along with teammates Ed and Marco, led the team back to Division 2, whilst Adam, Russell and Ayyub cleaned up in style in Division 6.

In division 5 it was a close run affair, where Chelsea boys, Theo, Sky and Jibreel had to settle for second place as fellow West London Pingers, Mo, Francesco and William won promotion with relative ease. Francesco, still only in Year 4, looks to be following in his sister’s footsteps and heading for some great playing days ahead. As for William and Mohammed from Ashburnham, they just get better and better each week. Their coming clash with the Barnes boys in the ESTTA National Championships should be a sporting classic.

In Division 2, the Derecki brothers, Charlie and Harry, along with Brandon Cann, made a brave attempt to get back to Division 1 but will have to settle for an extremely hard-won second place on this occasion.

Ex Fox girls, Nadia, Valentina and Louise, continue to impress in Division 3 and should be knocking on the door of the higher divisions in the very near future.

Also in Division 3 were four members of the rapidly improving Barnes Primary team, whose excellent performances should give them great confidence for the up and coming National Schools Championships in ten days time.

There was a particularly encouraging moment in Division 6B, where the young William Hogarth A team won their first tournament at NJL level. Led by the impressive Aungkrit and ably supported by John, Sam and Rio, these four lads sent a quiet warning to all the London Primary Schools that they mean business when it comes to next season’s ESTTA Championships. And watch out too for Year 3 Sacha and Year 4 Toby, both of whom look like they are soon going to make their mark on London table tennis.

Once again its time to thank our growing team of coaches, parents and volunteers, particularly Eamon, Maggie and Natasha. With a squad of fifty plus players, support from coaches and parents is essential. And of course they add greatly to the atmosphere of the event.

Many Thanks to all concerned JK