Our over-40 men beat Scots, but Kay excels

GUERNSEY has had its best ever Six Nations Veterans Tournament. The host team held its own at the Guernsey Table Tennis Centre, in the company of England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the Isle of Man.

It was the English, though, who showed their dominance by walking away with all of team prizes and most of the individual awards.

Captain of the Guernsey over-40s team Phil Hunkin was happy with the weekend, especially with his team's victory over Scotland.

'I think it's the highest we've finished in the six nations,' said the 42-year-old customs officer.

'We've never been in the top three of an age group, we've never got so far in the individuals and we've never beaten a home nation before. We don't expect to beat them.

'To beat Scotland was brilliant. I was so pleased with that.'

The clash between Guernsey and Scotland started in the Sarnians' favour as Mark Pipet beat Pat Duffy 3-1. The Guernseyman lost the first game 10-12 but bounced back to take the next three comfortably.

Hunkin up next against Gerry Campbell was defeated in straight games. Pipet also struggled against the strong Campbell, but he did manage to take the second game. Hunkin's match with Duffy was a close one that went the Sarnian's way 3-2.

With the scores level, it was all to play for in the doubles and the hosts handled the pressure to win 3-1.

Guernsey's over-40 women, Dawn Morgan and Kay Chivers, had an easier victory over their Scottish opponents, Carol McLean and Shona Morton, not dropping a game and winning 5-0.

Overall, Guernsey finished third in the over-40s' contest behind Ireland and champions England, while the Guernsey B team finished last. In the other age groups, Guernsey finished fourth in the over-50s, fifth in the over-60s and last in the over-70s.

Guernsey's most impressive performer in the individual competitions was Chivers in the over-40s women's singles. The Guernseywoman came up against the strong English player, Shu Huang, in the final.

Chivers lost the first game 3-11 but rallied in the second to win 11-8. However, her opponent's superiority shone threw as she won the third and fourth.

'For Kay to get to the final was brilliant,' said her captain, Hunkin.

'Huang was very strong and Kay competed very well but the Englishwoman was much too powerful.'

Chivers also reached the final of the doubles event for her age group with Morgan but Huang proved to be too good again with her partner, Kim Mudge, and they won the title in three straight games.

Hunkin saw the tournament as a great success that was enjoyed by all the competitors.

'There was a very good atmosphere all weekend,' he said.

'Overall we thought we had a very good tournament and we acquitted ourselves well.

'It was done in a good spirit and was very enjoyable.'