THE new Weymouth & District Table Tennis League season kicks off with an increased entry of 30 teams – including eight youth sides – in what promises to be three very competitive divisions.

Last season’s Division One title was determined by a dramatic last-match decider which went in Land Registry’s favour against Wyke A.

The new fixture list has paired the two teams together in the very first game of the season this time around, though the Land Registry have now reverted to being Springfield A.

There are now three Budmouth sides competing in the first division, all of which are likely to battle for the top places under the guidance of Matt Ware.

Park District also enter their first side in the league and with some experienced players will be one of the teams to beat.

Budmouth D and All Saints, promoted from Division Three, meet in the first game in Division Two and both will be keen to impress and secure back-to-back promotions.

Due to the increased number of teams this season, Wyke D also secured a promotion spot to the second division and will have a tough opener away to Springfield B.

Two new sides are taking their place in Division Three, Shipton Gorge Youth and Springfield D. Three teams have represented Shipton Gorge in the league and now Dan Corren is mentoring a youth side from the village for the first time.

They join the other youth sides in the division from Steps and the all-girls team, Budmouth E.

Springfield Club now hosts the most teams across the divisions as a new Division Three side has been formed to help the venue cater for all abilities.

In all, six teams play at the Frank Reynolds Institute, including four Springfield sides and two Pilgrims sides on a Tuesday.

Training for players from all divisions has started again at All Saints every Monday (7.30pm) with Matt Ware.

Please contact Andy Millar via a.millar@gmail.com for further details.