CERI WINS IN LONDON GP

With five players competing in Band 4, making it through to the next round was always going to be hard, but enjoyable work for them.<br /><br />Scott Cundy sailed through his group in first place and managed to get through to the second round but his opponent there proved too strong. Matt Lancey came 2nd in his group, secured his 1st round match win, following which he was very unlucky to lose 11-9 in the 5th in round two.<br />Dean Cundy, Josh Jenkins and Lee Morgan all advanced successfully through their groups but found opponents in the 1st round too strong. Ceri James, in Band 2, came 1st in his group, and advanced to the 2nd round where he lost a close fought game in the 5th. In the afternoon session Matt Lancey his won his Band 5 group comfortably, but found his opponent just too strong losing in the 5th set. Scott finished 1st in his band 3 group and successfully advanced to the 2nd round, where he found number 3 seed Ping Ho too powerful. Lee Morgan also got through his group picking up a good win over Daniel Keenan of Ireland, however, his next opponent proved too much.<br /><br />Dean had a difficult group and, despite beating number 4 seed Billy Pegg, he failed to progress. It was a similar story for Josh Jenkins where despite beating Jersey number 1, Josh Band, he lost two tight games 3-2, and so failed to get through. Ceri was in fine form and advanced through his band 3 group in 1st position. He then disposed of John McBeath, Sullivan Morais, Wayne Mason and Damiola Thomas to reach the final. There he met Jared Patel, who he had previously met in the group stages, and again won 3-1, to take home the Band 3 title. <br /><br />On the Sunday only Ceri and Dean took part. Dean enjoyed a fine run of form to defeat Emran Hussain, who was ranked nearly 2000 points higher than Dean, to reach a preliminary round where he had a close fought victory over Lukasz Janisiewicz. In the first round proper, Dean played highly ranked Gavin Maguire where Dean lost out 3-1, however he competed very well and was very close to taking the first two ends which could have meant a different result. Ceri failed to reach the knockout stages after losing out to Sherwin Remata 3-2 despite having match points.<br /><br />In the Under 21s, Dean and Ceri both got through their groups, where they both met higher ranked opposition in Paul McCreery and Ashley Willetts respectively. Unfortunately, both players proved too strong for the Welsh boys.<br />Well done all!

CERI WINS IN LONDON GP

With five players competing in Band 4, making it through to the next round was always going to be hard, but enjoyable work for them. Scott C...

Dragon Tounament Cardiff

<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Congratulations</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Aliln</span></span> State, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Maxime</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Cros</span></span> from Q.E. High and Sophie Richards, James Nash and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Gethin</span></span> Jones from Bro <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Myrddin</span></span> in the recent Dragon event held in Cardiff. In their first ever table tennis tournament they excelled with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Alin</span></span> finishing 14<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">th</span></span>, Sophie playing extremely well and finishing 20<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">th</span></span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Maxime</span></span> 23rd, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Gethin</span></span>, 25<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">th</span></span> and James 26<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">th</span></span>. Well done!!<br /><br />Despite being just 2 weekends before Christmas the December Dragon Tournament was contested by 56 players spread between the 3 age groups.<br /><br />There has now been an incredible 89 young players who have sampled competitive table tennis via the Dragon Tournaments. Indeed such is now the clamour for entries that the organisers advise players to get their entry forms off early, as the competition is full before the closing date!<br />The under 11 event saw <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Jac</span></span> Jenkins in fine form winning his 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">nd</span></span> under 11 Dragon, runner up was Matthew Francis. Mathew also played out of his skin and some of the best table tennis I have seen him play to beat Caitlin Williams from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Nantymoel</span>. Player of the under 11 event however, must be North <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Gwent</span></span>’s Lewis Jones, who playing in his 1st Dragon managed 3rd place.<br /><br />In the under 15 event ace defender Ethan Lewis finally managed a well deserved win after being close in the last 2 Dragons, Jamie Davies was runner up for the 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">nd</span></span> time. Surprise of this event was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">TTK</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Tonypandy</span></span>’s <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Callum</span></span> Thomas who finished in 3rd place to spoil the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Ferndale</span></span> party. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">TTK</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Tonypandy</span></span>’s new coach Alan Monks has certainly done a good job on this young man.<br /><br />The under 13s event also held some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">suprises</span></span>, this time in the form of the eventual winner Alex Francis from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Penlan</span></span> club and member of the Swansea Centre of Excellence, and a brilliant 3rd place by Caitlin Williams of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Nantymoel</span></span>. Runner up was Ethan Lewis who collected his second trophy of the day.<br /><br />The next Dragon will be 17<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">th</span></span> of January 2010, organisers advise entries are sent in early to avoid disappointment.

Dragon Tounament Cardiff

Congratulations to Aliln State, Maxime Cros from Q.E. High and Sophie Richards, James Nash and Gethin Jones from Bro Myrddin in the re...

Visit from North Wales Development Coach

I have had the opportunity to come down and see the good work being done by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Aled</span> in the South West area. It has been great to see the enthusiasm in the schools he is currently working in as well as the higher performance of the Swansea Centre of Excellence. I will hopefully get the chance to bring down some players from the North soon to compete with the players <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Aled</span> is bringing through. Keep up the good work!

Visit from North Wales Development Coach

I have had the opportunity to come down and see the good work being done by Aled in the South West area. It has been great to see the enth...

LEE MORGAN WINS AGAIN!!

Lee Morgan produced some his best table tennis to win the Newport Cadet Open. After winning his group he went on to meet number 1 seed Lewis Williams from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Blaenavon</span>. Lee played some of his best table tennis here and beat Lewis in a close match 3-2.<br /><br />This has been a great weekend for the Swansea Junior players and keep up the good work.

LEE MORGAN WINS AGAIN!!

Lee Morgan produced some his best table tennis to win the Newport Cadet Open. After winning his group he went on to meet number 1 seed Lewi...

Matt Lancey dos the job!!!

Congratulations to Matt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lancey</span> from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Penlan</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">tt</span> club on winning both the junior and Band 'B' event at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Lemington</span> Spa Tournament. He achieved this without dropping a set throughout the day. Congratulations and keep up the good work!!

Matt Lancey dos the job!!!

Congratulations to Matt Lancey from Penlan tt club on winning both the junior and Band 'B' event at the Lemington Spa Tournament...

SWANSEA vs Cardiff Test Match

A travelling team from Cardiff proved to strong for our young Swansea side. First <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">team</span> to play <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">consisted</span> of Alex Francis, Thomas <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Heydon</span> and Michael Johns. Each player gave a 100% and had some very close matches and the score line does not show how close some of the matches were. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Cardiff's</span> team <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">consisted</span> of Ryan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Oyler</span>, Laure Edwards and Liam Winder. With Ryan and Laura ranked number 1 in their age group and Liam on top form the travelling team were just to strong.<br /><br />The second matches on were James Lewis who proved our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">strongest</span> player with 2 wins under his belt. This team consisted of Max Clews who played some great table tennis and 8 year old Mathew Francis who gained some great experience. This game was a bit closer but the Cardiff side won with some great wins from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Jac</span> Jenkins, Steve Fawkes and Naomi James.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Congratulations</span> to those players who took part and we look forward to our visit to Cardiff for the return fixture.

SWANSEA vs Cardiff Test Match

A travelling team from Cardiff proved to strong for our young Swansea side. First team to play consisted of Alex Francis, Thomas Heydon ...

Josh Succeeds in England

<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Penlans</span> Josh Jenkins played the banded and the open at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Westfield</span>, in the banded final he played Sam <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Wildman</span> (number 2 seed) 11-4 in the fifth, these were the only two sets Josh dropped as he went on to beet H <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Rupal</span> (fourth seed) 11-3,11-4, 11-6 in the junior open.

Josh Succeeds in England

Penlans Josh Jenkins played the banded and the open at Westfield , in the banded final he played Sam Wildman (number 2 seed) 11-4 in the f...

Stockton 4*

Congratulations to both Matt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lancey</span> and Josh Jenkins for representing Wales in the Stockton Junior 4* event.<br /><br />Well done to Charlotte Carey at a tournament where Welsh players made some excellent results. Charlotte lost in the cadet girl’s singles final to Jess Dawson of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ormesby</span>. Josh Jenkins and Matt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lancey</span> both won their first round match in the junior team before exiting at round 2 to Lewis Gray and Ping Ho. Chloe Thomas and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Angharad</span> Phillips lost in the girls team Q-finals. Charlotte and Megan Phillips also lost at this stage to Melissa Wright and Natalie Slater.<br />Lewis Williams and Dan O’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Connell</span> lost at the semi final stage to Greenhouse London. Lewis also had a great win over Scottish number 1 Scott Barton in the Q-finals of the cadet singles to reach the semis where he lost against Igor <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Morais</span> 0-3.<br />In the junior singles Lewis fell at the first round to the inform Luca Mariano. Josh lost in the same round to Scotland’s Barton. Dan lost to one of the top seeds, Daniel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Basterfield</span>, 2-3 in round 2. Matt sadly failed to progress through the group, but it <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">wasn</span>’t without trying.<br />In the junior girl’s singles, Chloe and Megan lost in round 2. Charlotte lost again to Jess Dawson in the first round. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Angharad</span> lost to Abbie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Milwain</span> [who also defeated Chloe] in round 3.<br /><br />Well done to all the Welsh players for great results and great effort over the weekend.<br /><br />Coaches: Neil Powell, Simon <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Oyler</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Emmaleigh</span> Newman & Claire Ford

Stockton 4*

Congratulations to both Matt Lancey and Josh Jenkins for representing Wales in the Stockton Junior 4* event. Well done to Charlotte Carey a...