Waring sees Lions B over the finishing line

LIONS B are the First Division table tennis champions for this season. Going into the last round of Doric Insurance League matches all three teams were in with a shout of winning the title.

But Lions B only had to win against Whistlers C to confirm the title and led by Lucas Waring they stormed into a 5-0 lead.

Waring beat Phil Hunkin and Ben Brouard and combined with Martin Sarre to win the doubles.

There was no way back for Whistlers C, for whom Martin Gaudion was playing as reserve.

Hunkin won two games against Sarre and Scott Romeril, but a Sarre win over Gaudion gave Lions B the two points and the championship.

Waring, Sarre and Romeril played in every game this season and Lions B were the only team who did not have to call upon a reserve at any stage.

These deserving winners include rising star Scott Romeril who has completed a very impressive first season in the top flight.

Lions A took the runners-up position on game difference from Whistlers B, both teams finishing up one point behind the winners.

Lions A beat two-man Whistlers A 9-1 and the performance of the night was James Lesbirel's win over Mark Pipet by three sets to one.

Whistlers B capped an excellent season with a 6-4 win over the competitive Lions C, who were missing Jez Powell.

Dawn Morgan continued her impressive return to form with a fine win over Island player Peter Bretel.

Morgan also won her other two games and Richard Veale also won two.

But Helen Fooks still had to beat Mark Fenwick to ensure Whistlers got the two points they needed.

Phil Ogier finished the season heading the First Division averages, suffering only two defeats to record an average of 96.61%.

Second was Pipet with 84.21% and Bretel was an excellent third with 80%.

Forty players contested the individual handicap tournament at the Guernsey Bowls Stadium.

The entry played off in eight groups of five with the top two in each pool going through to the main draw.

The old scoring system of games up to 21 was used and there was an excellent showing from local juniors and notable performances from Gary Dodd, Paul Hainsworth and Bethany Pipet.

However none of them was a match on the night for Jez Powell, who came through some tough matches to reach the final against young Gary Dodd.

Powell's strength is the variety and the amount of spin he imparts on his serves and despite a valiant attempt by the youngster, Powell was just too strong and won the final by two sets to one.