Stockport double runners up
Posted by on 23 March 2014
Stockport Table Tennis Academy: runners up the 2013-14 NCL in both the 1st and 2nd Divisions.
Stockport Table Tennis Academy, in just its second season in the National Cadet League, saw both its teams finishing runners up. The first team: Reuben Holliday, Ahab Isaac and William Gregson impressed all season, finishing behind league champions Halton. And it's second team: Edward Doyle, Shonal Kapoor, Matthew Gibbs and William Hoyle pipped rivals Warrington to finish runners up in the second division.
Stockport Table Tennis Academy U15s 1st Team: William
Gregson, Ahab Issac, Reuben Holliday
Stockport Table Tennis Academy U15s 2nd Team: Matthew Gibbs,
William Hoyle, Edward Doyle, Shonal Kapoor
In both divisions, Stockport found itself in a season-long battle with rivals Warrington. Reuben, William, Ahab, Edward, Shonal and Matthew traded victories and defeats and a series of intense five-game matches, across all four match days. "In truth it was hard to separate the teams, but in the end it was experience that won through. While Warrington struggled with key absences and found itself 'playing players up', Stockport was able to field two unchanged teams from start to finish," explained head coach David Hulme.
"2013-14 has been a landmark season for Stockport Table Tennis Academy. Both our teams have performed well in the league and have shown what's possible through dedication and committment."
"One year ago we increased the academy's training options, establishing a regular advanced session at Stockport College and increasing the intensity of training for our top players. They've trained hard right across the season," added Hulme.
William Hoyle also made his debut for the academy this weekend, one of the youngest players to play for Stockport, gaining valuable experience ahead of the 2014-15 season.
Halton proved the strongest club this season, winning the first division title for the first time in several years and winning the second division title, in both cases by some distance. And with three further teams coming through, Halton will likely remain the ones to beat next season.
Stockport Table Tennis Academy is currently looking to recruit beginner players, aged 7 up, who would like to try table tennis. Beginners training takes place on Tuesdays 5.15 pm to 6.45 pm and Thursdays 6 pm to 7 pm. Apply online and one of our team will be in touch.
