WEYMOUTH finished a superb second in Division One of the National Cadet League table tennis competition.

Clear winners were Reading’s Kingfisher A but Weymouth finished above a very good Southampton A side to claim the runners-up spot.

Jed Brackenridge had an impressive 85 per cent win average and was well supported by Jess Moggeridge with 60 per cent and Sophie Storey on 40 per cent.

Weymouth B and C competed in Division Two, finishing in third and sixth respectively.

The highlight for Weymouth B was a 4-2 win over Bournemouth B, with George Ackerley finishing on a 60 per cent win average.

Weymouth C took an early 2-0 lead against the eventual Division Two winners, Southampton B, before losing out 4-2.

In a division where win averages were close, Joe Bingham ended up with a 50 per cent record for Weymouth C.

Most impressive was the Dorchester team, which only formed this season as the sport gains popularity in the county town.

Dorchester played the final rounds in Division Three and were runners-up after a close finish with both Southampton B and Weymouth D.

Daniel Scotchmer won both of his matches against Southampton B to earn a 3-3 draw against the eventual winners.

Josh White edged out Dan Howe 3-2 to give Dorchester the perfect start against Weymouth D, for whom the impressive Ashleigh Browne hit back with two wins to claim another 3-3 draw.

Dorchester’s Adam Bishop finished with an 80 per cent win average, with great support from Scotchmer on 68 per cent, Josh White on 60 per cent and Alfie Wade on 55 per cent.

In a tense finish to Division Three, Weymouth D won their last match 6-0 to draw level with Dorchester, but the latter won the runners-up medal courtesy of a better head-to-head record.

Weymouth D can be proud of a great effort on the final day with Browne finishing on a fantastic 90 per cent win average.

Also in Division Three, Weymouth E finished fifth after a strong finish saw them overtake Generation II with a 4-2 win against the Fareham-based side, therefore avoiding bottom spot.

Louis Stoker finished with a 50 per cent win average as the younger players showed great promise for future seasons.

Weymouth coach Andy Millar was delighted with the squad’s progress over the season.

He said: “This year we entered a record six teams and gave 25 players the opportunity to play competitive table tennis at a good standard.

“The squad train hard and are well prepared to compete against some of the best players and sides in the south of England.

“The players really enjoy the competition and the medals are always a great bonus and motivation to try and do even better next season.”

New players aged eight and upwards are welcome to join the squads for next season.

There are free table tennis practice sessions on Wednesdays and Thursdays at Budmouth throughout the summer term.

Contact Andy Millar on a.millar212@gmail.com or 07710 507075 for further details.

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