The county vets opened their season with a trip to John O'Gaunts School Trowbridge to play Kent 4ths. There were several changes from the side that won promotion last season. Nick Collins is out for the season with a damaged ankle, Rob Willsher was suffering more than usual. Into the team came Dave (the net) Adamson and David Lloyd to accompany Gordon Shaw and Jacqui Carver.
In a close match Glos won by 6 games to 4. The two Daves winning both their singles matches, Jacqui winning her ladies singles match and Dave Adamson and Gordon winning the mens doubles.
The afternoon match was against Kent 5ths, for this match Jacqui was unavailable Janie Kirby taking her place.
In another close match Glos again ran out winners by 6 games to 4. Dave Lloyd winning two as did Dave Adamson, Gordon contributing with one. With Glos infront by 5 games to 4 the last match was the second mixed doubles. The partnership of Dave Adamson and Janie Kirby doing well to come out on top winning 12-10 in the fifth for a Glos win.
The next group of matches were played at Milton Keynes Table Tennis Center on the 21st of November.
The team (men) met up at Birdlip and travelled to the venue taking in the scenic route courtesy of gordons sat nav skills, assisted by Roy (Foxy) Fowler who came into the side with Rob Willsher, the two Daves being unavailable (protecting their averages). Meeting up with Jacqui at Milton Keynes.
The morning match against Wiltshire 2nds was tough going losing 9-1 Jacqui playing well to win her singles.
In the afternoon the team took on a strong Berkshire side losing 8-2 Jacqui again playing well to win; Rob Willsher overcame Ramesh Geholt the Berkshire no 1 in a tough five setter.
The next match was played at Forest Green Table Tennis Club on the 12th of December against the current leaders Buckingshire 1sts.
The selected team being 1 Dave Adamson 2 Dave Lloyd 3 Rob Willsher lady Jacqui Carver.
Glos started well leading 4-1. However Bucks came back strongly to take the next 5 games to win a high quality match 6-4.
Dave Lloyd however remains unbeaten again winning his two singles and a mixed doubles with Jacqui. Rob winning one.
Thanks to umpires Brian Karn and Alan Giles.
Article by Rob Willsher